I know you posted this last month. But the first thing you should do is find a good Urologist that specializes in kidney stones. And yes blood work is done and urine. It is not that hard to find this dx especially since you have had numerous stones. Im suprised who ever removed them the last time didnt have a referral for you. I have had RTA for 15 years now. If you need any help please let me know.

My urologist thinks I have RTA but she specializies in removing stones and usually deals with calcium oxalate stones. She wants me to go to the Mayo stone clinic for a diagnosis but I would rather try to get a diagnosis locally due to the financial burden of the airline flight, motel, etc. I live in a rural area and I am waiting to see a new endocronologist that is 3 1/2 hrs drive one way. My primary doctor said I do not have RTA because of my bloodwork and thinks this new endocronologist will figure it out. I have already had a parathryoid tumor removed but my bloodwork is now normal so they don't think that another tumor has developed. I am plagued with calcium phosphate stones but my bloodwork is normal but I have very high calcium excretion in my urine. Did they check the Ph of your blood? My primary doctor said this would be a waste of time as it would buffer. I have an appt. with this new endocronologist at the end of June as I have had to wait over two months to get in to see her. I am getting so frustrated knowing that these stones are growing larger by the day. Thanks for any information that you can give me.

Troy,
General doctors usually have no knowledge of RTA in my experience. Also, when i was initially tested as a child, normal blood tests could not prove that I had it. But due to the fact that my mother had it, and my growth was stunted, they did further tests that included getting blood from the bone marrow which was positive.

Hi,
I don't understand why your urologist or PC isn't ordering labs. Acidosis can be seen by doing a metabolic panel to see if CO2 (bicarbonate) is low plus other kidney function tests. That is what my nephrologist looks for plus urine tests checking phosphorus and megnesium levels. I am on Sodium Bicarbonate 650mg twice a day. You do not need an rx for this. I get it at Walmart, mostly it is not in stock and I order it. $12 for 1000 tablets. I am also on a very low dose (6.25mg) of Hydrochloroziacide daily.
After years of neverending stones I went to see a kidney specialist, after doing a bunch of blood and urine tests she dxed me with RTA. She said my using NSAIDS for so many years it damaged the tubular part of my kidneys.
I stay away from spinach, rhubarb and asparagus, look up other food with too much posphorus.
Since you are seeing an endocrinologist next you should get the right tests done.
hugs
U

A nephrologist is the best person to diagnose RTA. After diagnosis they manage the disease by looking at HC03 levels in the blood, but prior to diagnosis they have to do some funky math comparing the amount of acid excreted in the urine to the renal panel they get from your blood (so they need blood and urine at the same time) and it's not something a normal doc is used to doing, so I understand why they suggest you go to a specialist.

It is ridiculously easy to treat, though, so I hope you get answers soon!