medullary sponge kidney

[mommapate]

After going to several Docs for horrible flank pain and pain in front under my ribs (which I have had on and off for years) I went to an Urologist for CT and IVP to look for kidney stones. No stones where found but calcium buildup was found. The first doc told me that I needed some med to get rid of calcium but that that would definetely not be the cause of my pain.  Still in horrible pain I went to family doc and he did bloodwork etc. and found blood in urine but nothing else. I went to the ER one night because I could not bear it anymore - just to feel a fool because no stone, nothing except for that calcium in my kidneys. The ER doc called my urologist who told him rudely the same he told me (not it, don't call me again!) ER doc gave me pain med but had no advise. I finally went to another urologist who was referred by a friend.  He told me not only was it the source of my pain but that I had MSK and gave me pain med and started me with UROCIT-K to help with calcium production. This medicine makes me nauseous even w/meals and my pain overrides that pain med. I looked up MSK on the computer and found a whole bunch of people with the same problem who have been on pain meds for years with no hope in sight. Docs are thinking they are drug seekers and downplaying the pain. They are also having numerous kidney infections and stones even with med to help cut it down. My question finally is am I going to be suffering with this problem for years taking pain medicine and all? And why are docs so divided on if it is the source of everyones pain. Furthermore if I am still in pain months and maybe years, will I be looked at as a drug seeker too?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Medullary sponge kidney is a relatively common and generally benign disorder that is characterized by malformation of the terminal collecting ducts in the kidneys.  

Typically most of the pain is associated with recurrent kidney stones.  You may want to evaluate further what kind of medications are available to you to prevent the stones.  Urocit-k (potassium citrate) is one such medication.  Other options include allopurinol or thiazide diuretics - depending on what kind of metabolic abnormality is present (i.e. your physician should be able to test for this).  

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.