Living with Medullary Sponge Kidney. How to live with Medullary Sponge Kidney?

Can you be happy living with Medullary Sponge Kidney? What do you have to do to be happy with Medullary Sponge Kidney? Living with Medullary Sponge Kidney can be difficult, but you have to fight to try to be happy. Have a look at things that other people have done to be happy with Medullary Sponge Kidney

Living with Medullary Sponge Kidney

Medullary Sponge Kidney (MSK) is a rare congenital disorder that affects the kidneys. It is characterized by the formation of cysts or dilated tubules in the medullary and papillary regions of the kidneys. Living with MSK can be challenging, but with proper management and lifestyle adjustments, individuals can lead a fulfilling life.

1. Regular Medical Check-ups

It is crucial for individuals with MSK to have regular check-ups with a nephrologist, a doctor who specializes in kidney disorders. These check-ups will help monitor kidney function, identify any complications, and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drinking an adequate amount of water is essential for individuals with MSK. It helps flush out toxins and prevent the formation of kidney stones. Hydration is key to maintain kidney health and prevent urinary tract infections. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day, or as advised by your doctor.

3. Follow a Kidney-Friendly Diet

Avoiding certain foods can help manage MSK symptoms. Limit your intake of sodium, protein, and oxalate-rich foods such as spinach, rhubarb, and chocolate. Instead, focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Consult a registered dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations.

4. Manage Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are a common complication of MSK. To manage them, maintain a low-salt diet, limit foods high in calcium and oxalate, and drink plenty of water. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help prevent stone formation or recommend procedures to remove larger stones.

5. Practice Good Hygiene

Individuals with MSK are more prone to urinary tract infections. To reduce the risk, practice good hygiene. This includes wiping front to back after using the toilet, urinating before and after sexual activity, and avoiding the use of irritating feminine products.

6. Manage Pain and Discomfort

MSK can cause chronic pain and discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help alleviate mild symptoms. However, it is important to consult your doctor for appropriate pain management strategies. They may prescribe stronger medications or recommend alternative therapies such as heat therapy or physical therapy.

7. Emotional Support

Living with a chronic condition like MSK can be emotionally challenging. Seek support from friends, family, or support groups who understand your journey. Consider talking to a therapist or counselor who can provide guidance and help you cope with any emotional difficulties.

Remember, every individual's experience with MSK is unique. It is important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a personalized management plan that suits your specific needs. By following these tips and staying proactive in your care, you can lead a fulfilling life while managing Medullary Sponge Kidney.

Diseasemaps

Posted May 21, 2017 by Brooke 2100

Living happily with Medullary Sponge Kidney is easy for some and much harder for others and it affects everyone differently. You will have to find a way to manage your pain with a pain management clinic and a healthy diet as well as exercise.

Posted May 24, 2017 by Angel 2290

You need a strong support system and helpwhen needed. With out that, like me as a single parent I struggle to survive.

Posted Jun 17, 2017 by SaraKay423 2170

How to live with msk? My only and best opinion on life with msk is to take it one day at a time do not live your life around the disease as uch as you possibly can because if you let it, it will take over your every day life and you will end up extremely depressed or much worse... do everything you can to stay healthy and fit, keep a strong record of your days with how the disease is with you as everyone that has msk is different but very similar with how the stages of chronic kidney disease is as it will only get worse as you age. Talk with your family doctor to find out what you able to use to help with any pain you may end up with over the years and figure out the best way to stay in shape so your body can handle the pain and down time that will be there while your passing a stone or if you need to treat a urinary tract infection or kidney infections as they are for most in stopabe and will happen regardless of what you do to keep yourself clean from everything outside the body that can cause a UTI because for some and my self rightnow end up going threw a unnamed stage of making stones that are infected there is nothing you can do about wether they wil have infection in them or not I have been making this kind of stone for around a year now and if you do have a UTI or kidney infection be careful about using strong antibiotics as some are very harmful to your digestive system and can cause C-diff.. you should also use probiotics that can help against the effects of antibiotics such as severe diarrhoea and C-diff..

Posted May 27, 2018 by Cecilia 4100

Find a good team for your condition! Make sure your Nephrologist and Urologist are familiar with your disease and are willing to listen to your concerns.

Posted Jul 31, 2018 by Shannon Bauer 4190