This topic is about dealing with dehydration-related kidney and salivary gland stones after living with an ileostomy for a long time. The person sharing their experience has had an ileostomy for over 30 years and faces recurring kidney stones, which doctors believe are due to chronic dehydration. Recently, they also developed painful calcium-based stones in a salivary gland, and surgery has been recommended. They are seeking advice from others who might have faced similar issues and are looking for ways to prevent these stones.

Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. **Hydration Volume**
- Aim for 90-100 oz of fluid per day. Some manage this with four 24 oz bottles of water.
- Others find 72-80 oz sufficient when electrolytes are added.

2. **Add Electrolytes**
- Plain water alone might not be enough; consider using Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) powders or liquids.
- DripDrop is a popular choice, with a typical dose of 1–1.5 pouches per 24 oz bottle, totaling 72-96 oz/day.
- Sugar-free options like "Instant Hydration" are available for those limiting sugar.
- Supplement with magnesium and potassium, and some may need extra salt.
- Alternatives like coconut water, bone broth, vegetable juice, buttermilk, and diluted Gatorade can provide electrolytes. Avoid full-strength Gatorade due to high sugar content.
- Be mindful of sugar, caffeine, and alcohol as they can increase fluid loss.

3. **Medications & Supplements for Stone Prevention**
- Allopurinol has helped some with uric-acid kidney stones; inquire about similar options for salivary stones.
- CleanseDrops by Rejuvica have been used for gallbladder stones.
- Potassium tablets have helped with chronic fatigue linked to low potassium.

4. **Dietary Adjustments**
- Keep a food log to identify and moderate foods that might trigger stones.
- Citric acid from lemonade or orange juice may help reduce calcium-based stones.

5. **Output-Control Aids**
- Products like MetaMucil, Tincture of Opium, or Paregoric can thicken effluent and slow transit, allowing more time for fluid and electrolyte absorption.

6. **Practical Routines**
- Keep electrolyte water by your bedside and drink during the night. Start each morning with 2 cups of ORS.
- Carry an ORS bottle during the day and track your intake until it becomes a habit.

7. **Monitoring & Red Flags**
- Watch for signs like dizziness, fatigue, or frequent stones, which may indicate dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. Regular blood tests for sodium, potassium, magnesium, and kidney function are recommended.
- Severe dehydration might require IV fluids. Statistics show that 47% of ileostomates are rehospitalized within a month post-surgery for dehydration, and 20% develop kidney disease within two years.

8. **Community Resources**
- Ostomy association websites, YouTube videos on "ostomy dehydration," and Amazon reviews of ORS products can offer additional tips and real-world experiences.