Renal Tubular Acidosis (RTA) Support Group

Hi, I have had RTA for 7 years now. It has been very difficult for me to handle, and come to terms with. I have been told it is a rare type that I have inherited from my parents, there is no cure, and can only be managed. I have and continue to form kidney stones at a rapid rate in both kidneys causing blockages on a monthly basis, requiring ops, hospital admissions, excruiating pain ect.. and disruption in my life. Im now unable to work, plan anything, and have to live life based on a daily basis. Having this disease has stripped me of almost everything! What type do you have? What symptoms do you experiance? I have felt like I was the only person in the world with this painful illness.

Thank you for replying to my post. I do know and understand what you are going through. I have the exact same type of RTA. I isn't any fun and very hard to keep under control. I am one Potassium with citrate and sodium bicarb which is a new med for me due to have excess of acid in my blood and this is suppose to help with that. I do know there is not one day that is the same you have good days and bad days I just try to make the most of the good days and live them to the fullest as possible. I was also dx with Sjogren's Syndrome which came from my RTA it is an autoimmune disorder which makes things alittle worse. Have you had any surgeries for you stones and what are your treatments. I am very excited to finally come across someone that can relate to this.

I was recently diagnosed with RTA , one more step in dealing with Chronic Kidney failure. I had renal cell carcinoma in my right kidney thus a nephrectomy in 2007 and then to find out my left kidney was in Stage 4 failure. I gla d to learn of the RTA as I could not understand nor accept the times of weakness and confusion. At least I know what is going on now. I am on a script of 650 mg of sodium bicarb. Seemingly such a simple solution????? I do feel better in the 10 days I have been taking it. Do still have times of weaknes and just trying to roll with it.
Susan

I am so sorry to hear about your kidney failure. You have been through alot. My kidneys aren't functuning at their best but they are nothing compared to yours. I'm glad the sodium biocarb is helping. I am on the same dose which was just started maybe about 2 months ago due to a hospitalizion. My biggest problem is my pottassium it goes so low all the time. With RTA on top of other things it is a day to day thing. Some days we feel really good and others you can't even get out of bed.

Hey,

I'm 43 and have had Distal RTA since I was teenager. I think only people with RTA can relate to what people with RTA go through.

Over the past few years it has been out of control to the point where I'm passing gravel or stones every day and can guratee multiple surgeries each year. I think this is killing my bones too which hurt a lot and break easily.

I'm sticking with the meds, the fluids, etc. but not really helping.

Definately refuse to have it rule my life - trying the mind over matter approach!

You are so right alot of people don't understand what we go through. What meds are you on? RTA does effect your bones I have a bone density test once a year. Sometimes you have to go to alot of different doctors until you can find the right one to treat RTA and all the other things that come along with it.