Medullary Sponge Kidney

I have MSK, bilateral.Diagnosed c1967.I'm 53.I was not too much
troubled at first, but as I got older my symptoms got worse.
I am now in constant pain, made worse by movement, and pass a
stone about once a week. I have been on daily opiates for years.
Naturaly,they no longer work as well as they did. My pain specialist seems at a loss. Ive tried all the non drug therapies
eg acupuncture. If my opiates are increased, that would be a
short term solution, wouldnt it? What can I do? I feel suicidal.
Why do I get more pain on the right side, my urologist says both
kidneys are as bad as each other.
I dont mind giving my email address as I'd welcome support from
other people with this wretched thing.
***@****

[Kevin Pho, MD]

MSK in itself is normally benign, but the discomfort arises since it makes you more prone to kidney stones - as you are well aware of.

There are various medications that can be tried to help reduce the incidence of calcium stones.  They can include the following:
- Thiazide diuretics for hypercalciuria
- Potassium citrate or allopurinol for hyperuricosuria
- Potassium citrate for hypocitraturia
- Potassium citrate for type 1 renal tubular acidosis

Increasing fluid intake, reducing salt and protein intake can also decrease the amount of calcium excretion.

If these methods have already been tried, then unfortunately chronic pain managment may be the sole solution.  You may want to inquire about a physiatry or anesthesiology referral for another opinion.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[alfa1018]

A related discussion, It is MSK dangerous was started.

[Kozy67]

A related discussion, MSK was started.