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Calcium phosphate stones

Stone Fighter #0430C8Stone Fighter #0430C8May 13, 2026👁️ 1.1k❤️ 100
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I (27F) was diagnosed with distal renal tubular acidosis a couple years ago and have been on potassium citrate. The K citrate is for raising my potassium levels and to help prevent stones. However, it’s not great at doing the latter. I’ve had two shockwave lithotripsies and one ureteroscopy about a month ago. The Ureteroscopy was a horrible experience for me and I’d like to avoid it at all costs.

I was wondering if anyone has had success with keeping calcium phosphate stones away. All I’ve really been told is to drink more water, but that hasn’t been overly helpful for me.

Also, if anyone wants to share their experience with DRTA please feel free as there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of us and I’m feeling a little alone in this.

Thanks!!

Comments (2)

Marvin1989Marvin1989Apr 24, 2026

Magnesium citrate is also an option as is crystal light lemonade.

Stone Fighter #B1A014Stone Fighter #B1A014Apr 24, 2026

It will depend on what some of your other labwork and urine tests show. Calcium phosphate stones are some of the hardest to control because of the way that the kidneys are holding onto acid. What is your 24 hour urine calcium? Serum bicarbonate? I do not recommend the mag citrate or crystal light for distal RTA. How much potassium citrate are you prescribed/taking? (I’m not a kidney stone patient, but I am a kidney stone dietitian and happen to have a proximal RTA myself)

Stone Fighter #98F3B6Stone Fighter #98F3B6Apr 24, 2026

Hey! The last 24 hour calcium was 4.1. The one before that was 3.8mmol/d. The serum bicarbonate which I assume is HCO3 was a couple years ago when I was first diagnosed and that ranged from 13-19mmol/l. I haven’t had that test done recently though. 24 hr urine citrate was also very low <0.2mmol/d. I take 3 10MEQ tablets of potassium citrate 3x daily. Often only twice because sometime I forget, and my nephrologist said my blood work has been good.

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