FINALLY, some good news for a change!

I just got the call from the FAA saying I'm cleared to fly again! Thanks for all the help and support from everyone.

The surgery went off well (at least I think...I was knocked out). It's called a Lithotropsy and it's basically highly focused sound waves to break apart the stone. Afterwords I had about one day of pain and discomfort (and peeing a lot of sand). then it's been good ever since. The followup x-ray showed that I was clear.

The Doc says that the majority of stones are created by dehydration. Some are calcium, some are uric acid. Mine were calcium and they tend to be harder than the others. He also recommended keeping my pH balance up. I kinda lost him there for a minute but basically the higher the pH, the more the stone can be disolved into your system (or at least keep them from forming). With this in mind, he sayed to drink juices like Cranberry and Black Cherry. I hope this helps everyone in the future....I am now a firm believer in water and hydration.

Details:
Total days off without pay - 2 months (almost to the day)
Total medical bills - $13,000 (insurance wont cover because the policy started two days after the initial E-Room visit)
Time it took the FAA to review my case once all paperwork was in - 15 Days
Water Drank - Lets just say ABQ is now in a drought

Cheers!
DD