The Kidney Stone Prevention Course
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“I received very little nutritional advice from my urologist— a single sheet listing from a drug company—and told to greatly increase my water intake. Spinach was listed on the sheet but I wish it had been highlighted in some way.
I increased my hydration and somehow got the idea that as long as my urine stayed clear, I would be fine.
I was wrong.
I began researching the nutrition of stone formation via the internet and found the info from Dr. Coe and Jill Harris. I began to learn more specific details about stone prevention and started to feel more confident and less stressed.
Then I took Jill’s 5 Step Course and all the pieces fell into place.
I returned to my urologist’s office and asked them about a 24 hour urine collection. The resulting Litholink test results were fantastic! All risk factors were LOW. I am so much happier and healthier. Thank you, Jill, for your dedication to stone prevention and for filling a huge need in healthcare.
If you are new to living with kidney stone disease, do yourself a favor and learn from Jill. If a picky eater, meat-bread-potatoes guy like myself can change to low salt, low sugar, limited oxalate, and measured protein and fiber, anyone can.
YOU are in charge of your health—dedicate yourself to Jill’s recommendations and you will be healthier and happier!”
—Sandy
“The Course is exceptionally helpful. The information was well presented and the time allowed for personal, specific, questions was particularly helpful. The complexity of the issues means that I am developing questions now I never considered prior to taking the Course. I think that will continue as I begin working a prevention program and have additional urine analysis testing done over the next few months. I appreciate Jill’s willingness to answer questions and the Facebook groups’ online presence to continue my “education” on how to avoid future stone formation. My many thanks to Jill and Dr. Coe for the tremendous efforts they are putting into finding ways to help more stone formers understand their disease and how to manage it.”
“I loved Jill’s course! I learned so much and realized that I did not need to feel overwhelmed. Taking the course helped me to understand what was best for me according to my 24 hr urine collection and what type of stones I was forming.”
—Joe
“Outstanding Class. Take it. You will not regret it.”
—Anne V.
“Before I took the course I was pulling my hair out with confusion. There is so much misinformation throughout the internet. I was scared to death to eat anything and didn’t understand so many things like the balance between enough dietary calcium, the importance of limiting sodium, sugar, high oxalate foods, animal protein and getting citrate sources. I thought I was always drinking enough water, but I wasn’t. I didn’t know about supersaturation and how important that is. I learned so much in just 5 videos of the course. To me it was a godsend.“
—Karen S.
“Best class! Helped me understand what the doctor was not explaining when it came to prevention. What I really liked was all the detail as well as the passion!”
—Terri E
“Today I watched part 2 of the video course. I thought I had learned all i could about fluids. Nope. I learned much more and even got some chuckles because she is so real and so funny. It’s almost as if you know her. I highly recommend this course.”
—Gail
“Thank you Jill! As I’ve said to you before, you have provided hope for many. I have learned so much from you and Dr. Coe.”
—Carolyn
“Jill and her class have taught me so much about kidney stones and my health. She provides a wealth of information and was helpful when I had questions. It is well worth the time and money to know more about my health and kidney stones.”
—Debbie
“When I was diagnosed with a kidney stone that required back-to-back ER visits and surgery, I knew I had to figure out what to do avoid having another stone. I never want to experience that pain and trauma again. I make my living as a researcher, so I did what I do best and started searching for information. I was confused and frustrated by all the conflicting information I found on the Internet about kidney stones and stone prevention. Luckily, I found Dr. Fredric Coe’s website through the University of Chicago, which led me to Jill Harris. I read every word of Jill’s website and knew that she would be able to help me; and, when I met with my urologist not only did he know of Dr. Coe and Jill’s work, he was thrilled that I wanted to work with her. I have coached privately with Jill, and I have taken her online course. These have made all the difference for me and were some of the best money I have ever spent on my health. In addition, Jill doesn’t leave you hanging after the video course is over. It can take some time to integrate the knowledge you gain into your day-to-day life. Her 6-Month Accountability Group has been and continues to be a tremendous tool for me as I continue to take charge of my own health. Being able to touch base regularly with Jill, as well as with others who have experienced what I have experienced has been just as important to me as the course was. I cannot recommend Jill highly enough. If you really want to know how to prevent another stone, Jill can help you.”
—Adrienne R.
“I too was going crazy with all of the conflicting information I was finding and frustrated by my urologist’s lack of knowledge and interest in consulting on my prevention diet. I decided to book an appointment with a nutritionist. She wasn’t able to answer all the question I had, but she did some research and found Jill’s site. The rest is history! I’m so much less frustrated and despondent now, as I have a clear set of principles to follow, and techniques for coping in situations where I don’t have complete information. As an added bonus, I’ve lost a lot of the weight I put on over the last couple of decades. The best health decision I’ve made hands down!”
—Mike O
“I am more determined to get the stones under control with what I learned from your course. Thank you!”
—Lennie
“Jill Harris is expert in this subject but more important, truly cares about each and every person in the class. She made herself completely available off-line to me, through email and even a personal phone call. The class was a good morale boost and helped me feel better about my situation. I wish her the absolute best with her own health challenges and hope to engage with her again someday.”
“I am so glad I participated in this course! The information will definitely help me with my prevention plan. Jill is a wonderful and compassionate instructor and I sure a leader in the field of kidney stone prevention education. I will review the taped classes again soon.”
“This course gave me the information I needed to deal with my kidney stone prevention. It’s much more than limiting oxalates. I can now eat a healthier diet with the knowledge I gained. Thank you Jill!”
“The course exceeded my expectations! It corrected misinformation I received from my urologist and gave me 5 weeks to digest critical information and learn from other’s experiences. After the course I felt empowered and hopeful I can manage this condition and make other healthy lifestyle changes. It would be helpful to have a session with a nutritionist because I am finding it hard to get enough potassium and calcium and maintain low oxalate. I have shared both Jill’s and Univ Chicago kidney stone sites with the Healthworks Center health coach at my work. I would highly recommend this course to anyone with kidney stones. I think a one-on-one follow-up call 1 month after the course will be helpful to address questions that come up implementing recommendation/actions from the course. I would pay an additional fee for the follow-up one-on-one. Thanks Jill! This course has made a big difference!”
“This was a great course. I learned so much. Just wish I had this education 50 years ago. I can’t wait until I get the results from a 24 hr that I am doing today. I hope my values have improved. My diet have changed in many ways, low sodium, increased calcium and avoiding high oxalate food.”
“There must be a special place on earth and in heaven for medical professionals who are so determined to share their knowledge & expertise with bewildered suffering patients. It’s a rare occurrence if my anecdotal evidence means anything. Jewels/Gems among rocks (stones being in a class by themselves..)!”
—Margaret C
“I love the FB groups which are serving as my community right now. Jill, thank you so much. You are delightful and definitely know your stuff! I am so grateful that you & Dr. Coe are doing this important work. I will definitely keep in touch.”
—Linda
“It was a fabulous course and am still learning as I implement everything. I wish everyone who ever had kidney stones could find their way to this.”
—Diana K.
“You’re amazing. I’ve been in the advertising/film industry, as an art director/writer, for many years and have produced many training/coaching videos, as well. I’ve worked with so many speakers and have always thought that the best way to inspire any group is to be natural, have a sense of humor and, of course, be informing. Your are very, very good.”
“I was raised surrounded by the medical community, with my mom being an RN and relatives and friends as varying types of physicians and specialties. I am accustomed to speaking with medical professionals and listening to them, so I must say that you are exceptional in your presentation. Thank you so much for this service. You empower people with education. So important.”
—Karen
“Your course was excellent, and I am down about 15 pounds since it’s completion due to lowering of my sodium intake and following your excellent tips.”
“At this time last year while I was under the care of a Urologist I was still somewhat lost, overwhelmed and confused over the amount of information regarding Kidney stones and more importantly I thought I was already under a good diet and maintenance plan, however I was still developing stones and I really needed help to understand much more about Kidney stones and the root causes. Having searched all over I finally found Jill & Dr. Coe’s website and read about the course. I reviewed the content and discussed with my PCP and she confirmed that it would be a great idea. I enrolled immediately and never looked back, the course has been a blessing. The course content is very understandable as Jill does an outstanding job delivering the content in each session. The idea of having several other participants taking the course together and sharing their experiences was fantastic. Jill was always available for any follow-up questions and guidance. Taking this course has really helped to restore my sanity. It’s also helped me understand exactly how both my diet and my lifestyle needed to be changed and managed. All of my tests have all now headed to the right direction since I started the course. The course has helped me to integrate all of the content, materials, technique’s and principles into my daily living. This was easily the best healthcare investment I have ever made, I’m forever grateful to both Jill and Dr. Coe”
—Mike K.
“Thank you so much for all of the information that you provided. I learned more in 5 weeks than over the course of 20 years in dealing with Kidney Stones.”
—Susan B.
“I love the classes! So thankful for you and Dr. Coe right now. I was dreading going in to see my urologist afraid he would yell at me or something. But, now I am looking forward to my appointment armed with more confidence and knowledge. It’s a good feeling. Thank you.”
—Kath
“I thoroughly enjoyed it and am more prepared than ever before to battle this. Thanks for everything.”
—Mike M.
“Jill,
Thank you. The research you and Dr. Coe present, and your course have given me hope that I can manage kidney stones through diet.
I worked super hard to find a career that I truly love – and rest easy knowing that I’m satisfied with my professional life.
After having my first kidney stone just before Christmas this peace was ripped away from me. If I continue to suffer from stones over and over again – there is a chance the FAA will not re-issue my medical certificate and I would lose my ability to fly. It’s my passion, my career, and how I support my family.
Rather than complaining about the limitations of the health care system – you created a format to work around the shortcomings. I had a boss that once said to me – “don’t come to me with problems, come to me with solutions”. That advice has stuck with me through life and you embody it. Kudos.
A heartfelt thank you for your efforts.”
“You and Dr. Coe come across as a great team in your writing, as well as your Facebook videos. I was immediately drawn into your caring and compassionate personalities that shine through. Your humor actually made me laugh and cry. I hollered, “yes? Jill, how did you know what i was thinking?? You answered my questions and you crack me up!!!” I even showed my husband who was making me smile…it was YOU!!!” I love how real you are and practical too!
—Bethany
The course and its effect on weight loss
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“I have lost 38 pounds since January 2017. I drank more water, moved more, ate better and then worked on portions. Taking Jill’s course showed me the value of having a fun coach with weekly sessions.”
—Emily
“So far, 25 pounds since March. And still going!”
—Mike O.
“I’m down seven pounds since starting in September. Mostly from just diet changes. I started walking a few days a week too. Decided to use it as an opportunity to make just a overall lifestyle change. I feel better in general and have more energy.”
—Karen G.
“Jill Harris is life transforming and spiritually enriching. From the first minutes of meeting her and sharing my food-life experience with her, I had a breakthrough that became the beacon for the months to come with her.
She held my hand, scolded me when needed and, the whole time, kept me in her bosoms. So when at Wholefoods for weekly grocery shopping trips I would hear Jill say to me, “girl, buy this one. you know you don’t need that one.” Through our scheduled check-ins, which were once every two weeks, daily food journals, the water apps…I’ve never had such a comprehensive care from anything. She made me get-on-my-game with my doctor and other medical experts.
Team Jill is a winner. And I lost the weight I wanted. “That’s easy,” as she said. Moreover, I changed my mindset about me and food and life.”
—Bridgett A.
The Accountability Group
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“Has been absolutely perfect, I feel it’s a great extension of the course and has helped me tremendously in keeping on the path to recovery and more importantly the integration and management of everything I have learned. The facilitation by Jill along with the sharing and experiences by the other participants has helped so much these past several months.”
—Mike K.
“I came upon the University of Chicago website after much searching. I was desperate after a stone blocked my one kidney and sent me into sepsis a year ago last July. Doctors instructed me to go on a low oxalate diet. There were too many websites with too much conflicting information. I called many nutritionists who couldn’t help me because I’m also diabetic and the diets conflict. Finally, I found a nutritionist who suggested I go to the University of Chicago website because she remembered Dr. Coe from her early training. What a discovery! That’s when I found Jill Harris’s course, took it, and became so informed and so less stressed.
I joined the Accountability Group months later when I felt like I wanted a refresher. In this group, Jill continues to guide me on my path to better health. I learn something new each time I go to the meeting.
Jill is compassionate and knowledgeable in her field. She is down-to-earth and explains everything clearly and often entertainingly. I am so thankful! I feel in control of my situation now as I am armed with knowledge. In addition, Jill has linked me to Dr. Coe, who recommended a kidney specialist in my area. What a resource!”
—Jeannette H.
Private Coaching
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“In my family, we thank God for Jill Harris every day. Our youngest daughter developed a kidney stone at just two years old, and through two surgeries and much testing, we discovered that she has a metabolic kidney condition. We needed more support than we were able to get from our pediatric nephrologist and their nutritionist, so we took to the internet looking for answers about how exactly to modify her diet to prevent future stones. After days of searches and a lot of conflicting information about what to do, we found an article that was co-written by Jill. It was so well-written, and it spoke to us – in words that we could understand, and with real-life strategies that we could implement that day with our little one. I emailed Jill directly that day, and she has been in our corner ever since.
From those initial phone calls, when she listened to me cry and empathized with how difficult all of this is to manage, to telling her that our six-year old daughter has the same diagnosis, to calls and texts and emails when we’ve celebrated how well our girls are doing, she continues to be our most trusted advisor and a true friend in this process. When you’re a parent, and you’re scared, and you want to do what’s best for your kids while you’re learning about this whole new world of kidney health, you need an advocate who talks to you like a real person, and comforts you, and is so very knowledgeable. She’s given us the best advice we’ve had to date, and we just completely love her. Jill is the expert you want in your corner, too.”
—Sara
“I would like to thank the members of this page for directing me to Jill Harris. I chose to have a one on one conference with her via phone and it was money most well spent! I have an unusual situation where I do not make enough Citrate in my urine which allows stones to grow. I have been under the care of a Urologist for over 7 years and he NEVER discussed any of the specifics with me at all or put me on any medication even though it was right there in my Litholink report recommending that. Just think about what could have been prevented if I had known about Jill 7 years ago! But, I have her counsel now and it is never to late to turn things around. Needless to say I am ditching that urologist and seeking better medical care. Thank you again Jill!”
—Patty A.
“The best way to describe Jill Harris is PASSIONATE! I have been battling calcium oxalate kidney stones since 2003. After receiving the same general advice from a highly respectable urologist on avoiding oxalates and drinking more fluids I needed more direction because I keep forming stones. The last one resulted in surgery.
While the Internet provides a wealth of information on oxalates, I found the more research I did the more confusing and conflicting these lists were.
If you are seeking more guidance than the general direction of a urologist I would highly recommend doing a 24 hour urine collection and schedule an appointment with a true professional that has dedicated her life to helping people.
Jill’s passion and deep knowledge on this topic jumped out within the first 5 minutes we met, and it continues each day through emails and her Facebook page.
Jill, thank you for all your effort, dedication to your profession, but more importantly truly caring about my well being.”
—Mike L.
“I have suffered the pain and agony of calcium oxalate kidney stones for over 10 years. I have had multiple procedures including lithotripsy and ureteroscopy to remove the stones. Every time, I have been told to reduce the amount of sodium and oxalates in my diet, and I always ended up with another stone. Trying to navigate my way through food labels for sodium and a list of high oxalate foods, was exhausting and confusing. I tried my best to eat the right foods and change my diet, but the stones kept coming back. I was so frustrated and tired of having kidney stones even though I thought I was eating right. After switching to a new urologist and having him perform my last procedure to remove 7 stones, I asked him what more could I do to prevent these stones. He told me the same thing, to reduce the sodium and oxalates in my diet. However, he also said he knew of someone who could help me make sense of all of this. That was when he referred me to Jill Harris Coaching. I emailed Jill and she responded right away, scheduling my initial consultation. When I spoke to her the first time, I knew she was going to make a big difference in how I went about changing my lifestyle to prevent more stones. She was so knowledgeable and encouraging every time we talked, that I truly believed I could do this. I worked with Jill for several weeks and after each session I felt better about what I needed to do. She continued to encourage and support me while arming me with the knowledge and resources I needed to be successful.
I just visited my urologist and am happy to report I am stone free!
Jill was amazing to work with. She was a wealth of information! She worked with me as an individual, not just another kidney stone patient. She gave me so many different resources and ideas to help me through the confusing and intimidating maze of a low sodium, low oxalate diet. I would not have been able to do this without her.”
—Jill G
“I have had Jill for several private consult sessions and she really saved my life!”
—Carolyn
“As a 29 year old with three bouts of kidney stones and multiple health challenges, I literally and figuratively threw my hands up in the air; I thought there were no options and I was destine to a live a life in pain and full of prescription medicines. Doctor after doctor told me that this was going to be my new way of life.
After searching on the internet I found multiple educational and informative articles by Jill and decided to reach out.
Jill was my ally, advocate, greatest champion, and harshest critic when I needed it the most. She made the medical world understandable and digestible. Patiently, Jill deciphered each of my test results with me and displayed an empathy and bedside manner that I’ve never experienced in the medical world. She empowered me to take control of my health and make manageable changes in my lifestyle. Through our work together, I improved my health outcomes, advocated for myself with physicians, and became educated about the multiple variables that influence my kidney stone development and prevention. I am forever grateful to Jill for our life changing educational conversations and meaningful friendship.”
—Sarah
“Jill Harris, of Jill Harris Coaching, is superb in her position as a guide to kidney stone prevention. I had kidney stone surgery in March 2014 (my first stone) so I asked the staff at Duke University Hospital to put me in touch with someone who could guide me on diet and other matters; they directed me to Ms. Harris. She has not only met but exceeded my expectations. First, she is an authority in her field, having been affiliated with those involved in kidney stone research and prevention and having herself published in the field. If one lives outside the Chicago area (as I do), her consultations are largely by phone, and they are well worth it. She is an expert on oxolates, the leading cause of kidney stones in foods – knows precisely the oxolate count for all foods and drinks. She also directs you to other authorities one can find online for advice about kidney stone prevention. She is full of information that I would have found nowhere else – such as the benefits of consuming calcium on a day you are having a larger than usual intake of oxolates. She can analyze data that you have received from tests such as urinalysis and coach you on just how to approach diet in general (including salt intake, sugar intake, etc.). She can tell you whether you are drinking enough water a day.
Ms. Harris does all this and more in her phone consultation, but she also welcomes emails which pose specific questions about diet and other matters. In short, I found her an ideal consultant for kidney stone concerns.”
—Fred H.
“Jill Harris entered my life shortly after I had surgery to laser a kidney stone that had blocked my kidney flow in my right ureter. I am a nurse and found myself ‘on the other side of the stethoscope’. Being a patient is scary and I felt so vulnerable! My surgeon was terrific, but appointments were short and I couldn’t seem to remember the advice he gave me in our minutes together. Handouts in the office were incomplete and didn’t seem to answer the questions that kept coming, as I tried to recover from the surgery and make substantial changes in my diet to prevent further stone formation. I didn’t feel like I had a handle on the diet which I knew was important to prevention. Looking for guidance, I found Jills group on Facebook. Her postings were informative and sometimes funny, which picked up my spirits as I navigated the emotional response to the trauma I felt being a stone former.
I decided to spend the money for the course. The 5 videos sort out, (in order of importance), dietary changes that will help prevent stone formation and BTW, are healthy for anyone. The videos were great, but nothing compares to Jills daily video chats where you can talk to her and ask questions in real time. She is an EXPERT and can explain reasons/give advice as questions arise. That is how deep learning happens—over time. A person can only take in so much in a short office visit. She also validated my fears and tears when they came. Meeting others on our chats helped me feel less isolated. I joined the accountability group to help me continue to learn and broaden my food choices. She has been a Godsend. My family often asks: ‘What would Jill say?’ when we are out to dinner and I am ordering. Hahaha. I could not have come this far without her.”
—Barb
“I highly recommend continuing on with the accountability group after the kidney stone prevention course. The friendships made with the other students and the wonderful added support from Jill have provided me with a private cheering section for staying the course. Jill and the group have given me that extra oomph I need to stay faithful to the kidney stone prevention way of life. Kidney stone prevention requires a lifestyle change that needs continued attention to maintain. The accountability group helps me focus that attention on making good decisions and gives me the strength and the optimism to know I can do this forever.”
—Mary
“I’ve had stones since 2011, and five procedures during that time to remove them. After my last two procedures in September 2017, my urologist decided to have me do a 24 hour urine, and when the results were given to me in January 2018 is when my quest for knowledge began. Unfortunately, being treated by two urologists did nothing to educate me about my stone disease, as they are mostly concerned about the surgical aspect. Drink more water and cut back on salt was the advice. Which is good advice, but there is much more I needed to know for myself. Even a recent visit to a nephrologist with another 24 hour urine and lab work done was a let down for me after working with Jill and reading Dr. Coe’s articles. Through Jill’s videos, video chats, and now the accountability group, I have learned so much. I am now able to be such a better advocate for myself with the doctors and feel confident with my dietary progress thus far. Do I have more to learn? More to tweak? Absolutely, but with Jill’s help and the support of the accountability group my “down” days don’t keep me down. I highly recommend taking Jill’s prevention course and accountability group to anyone wanting to be proactive in prevention of stones.”
— Suzanne
“Jill and The Accountability Group have saved me from a life of fear. I used to feel like stones were out of my control and it was just something I was going to have to live with. The support and information garnered from this group has been so valuable in helping me feel once again in control of my health. It keeps me on track!”
— Michelle