Ronnie's Got Stones: Jersey Shore Actor Hospitalized in Florida, Suffering From Kidney Stones
Ronnie of the MTV show "Jersey Shore" was admitted to an Orlando, Florida area hospital late Saturday night, according to his representative. He is being treated for possible kidney stones and is expected to remain in the hospital for several days.
In the United States, 8.8 percent of the population, or one in 11 people, have had a kidney stone.
Kidney stones (renal lithiasis) are small, hard deposits made of mineral and acid salts that form inside a person's kidneys. Patients may need nothing more than to take pain medication and drink lots of water to pass a kidney stone, but in some cases, surgery may be required. Although they usually cause no permanent damage, passing kidney stones can be quite painful.
Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, an original cast member of the MTV production, rose to fame in 2009. He was in Orlando to promote Smush Cocktails, his new alcohol line. While promoting the cocktails at the convention for Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, his rep says he "started feeling uncomfortable."
Later, upon arrival at the medical center, he tweeted a concise message: "Hospital"
His rep supplemented the simple though evocative tweet with an explanatory communication: "He's in a lot of pain."
Later, Ronnie tweeted: "Wouldn't wish this feeling on anyone! #KidneysFML"
Kidney stones can form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together. People who do not drink enough fluids may also be at higher risk for kidney stones, as their urine is more concentrated. Certain foods may promote stone formation in people who are susceptible, but scientists do not believe that specific foods cause stones.
Those at increased risk of kidney stones include people with a family history of kidney stones and people with hypercalciuria, in which urine contains unusually large amounts of calcium; this is the most common condition found in those who form calcium stones.
The reality TV star's 26-year-old girlfriend, Sammi Giancola, is said to be on her way to the hospital.
Kidney stones are most common in men, non-Hispanic white people, and overweight or obese people.