Stone Season, Summer Heat and Your Health

The alarm sounded as the sun was breaking over the horizon. Just another workday, two inspections ahead of me. Or so I thought. 

The mid-June forecast warned of a heat advisory with temps in the upper 90s and a heat index of 120. The morning inspection started smoothly, but I was relieved when I finished the exterior so I could get indoors. Then I remembered the attic. When I removed the scuttle, the heat blast reminded me of the brutal exterior temperature. After inspecting this attic oven, I was drenched in sweat, ready to be done. I talked with the buyers and let them know I’d send the full report by the next morning. 

Back in the SUV, the air conditioning felt great, except I was pretty sure that I’d just strained my lower back. It was uncomfortable but I figured ibuprofen would take care of it. I was eager to get to my next inspection—for the son and daughter-in-law of two of my lifelong friends Mike and Carol. All four of them were planning to meet me for the inspection, and it felt good knowing that I’d get to provide my services to these friends and have them see me at work. 

Since I arrived early for our 1 pm appointment, I inspected the outside of the house (in the high-90s heat under the blazing sun). My back discomfort was a bit worse, but I told myself to push forward and get the job done. There was a low deck behind the house, so I got down and scooted under it to check the framing. That’s when I realized that I had more than just a sprained back muscle. I got out from under the deck and headed indoors. I thought if I could just sit down and cool off, I’d be all right. It didn’t work, though; the pain got stronger. 

I was standing at the sink splashing water on my face when Mike and Carol arrived. Mike started checking out the house, but Carol immediately noticed that something was wrong with me. I told her that I’d just lie on the living room floor for a few minutes before getting back to work. But it was clear that I was in extreme pain. Carol announced, “We are going to the hospital—now!” She also called my wife who explained, “He has a kidney stone that hasn’t passed. I’ll meet you at the hospital.” 

This might be a good time to mention that my wife has been riding me about “staying hydrated” every summer for years. I wish I would have listened. I knew that having and passing a kidney stone could hurt, but this pain was unbelievable. And I probably could have prevented it if I had taken better care of myself over the years. 

At the ER, the results of a CT scan confirmed that I had a stone that was “too large to pass.” The next thing I knew, I was listening to a urologist explain my impending surgery and welcome me to Stone Season. I laughed, but the surgeon explained that that is really what they call it. Apparently, increased summer heat coupled with a person’s lack of hydration can put kidney stones on the move. 

So, now that I’m on the mend, what can you do in response to this cautionary tale? 

Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated. In fact, drink at least two liters of water in the morning and two liters in the afternoon. Notice that I said WATER…not soda or iced tea. Water, water and more water. 

Also, please take away this lesson: None of us are exempt from health issues just because we work hard. Take care of yourself, especially on hot summer days, and no matter what the “season,” keep yourself safe on the job…and maybe listen to your spouse once in a while, too.