Mad at myself

[music61]

Late January my bp shot up soon high I had to go to the ER. Labs there showed my eGGS was 22; within a month it went from 22-17-15-13. My nephrologist has explained why. I have an appointment for ultrasound and then vascular surgeon to get fistula. My Dr told me the time to begin dialysis varies and sometimes people can stay off for a while with healthy , I'm still very scared.

I'm really mad at myself for not being proactive enough -half way watching diet and little exercise. I know the damage is done and I must take control so I can live my best life. I need help with finding a cookbook or website with recipes for unimaginative cooks. Also, any ideas on what are good replacements : say, recipe calls for beans, what would be a good substitution.

[Hidden]

Ask the nephrologist for a referral to meet with a renal dietitian. Bring copies of your last few labs and you can develop a kidney-friendly meal plan.In the meantime, you can go to davita.com and look at their recipes. Adjust them to match your needs based on your labs until you meet with the RD.

Best of luck.

[Darlenia]

Hi Music61. It's always sobering when one goes on dialysis but it does save lives. My husband, who was very ill at the time, is now on dialysis and it has improved his quality of life significantly. It appears you're being prepared for hemodialysis as you're being given a fistula. My husband was on hemodialysis for a short period of time before moving to peritoneal dialysis which involved a catheter. You'll notice, as you go on dialysis, that keeping potassium controlled is important for those on hemodialysis while phosphorus is important for those on peritoneal dialysis. Our nephrologist was also quick to advise my husband to take sufficient protein to prevent muscle wastage, etc. (I suspect some ESRD patients look unwell for that reason.) Iron also requires attention. What I'd like to point out is that there are specific dietary needs and changes as one moves through the different stages of kidney disease, but also when you are placed on dialysis. Interestingly, it's not unusual for one's diet on dialysis to include items that were previously off the table. You will have regular and frequent visits with the nutritionist at the dialysis center - s/he will be following you closely, having you sign off forms, etc. These visits are generally required, not optional. You may want to arrange a visit now with the dietician at your dialysis center as that would give you a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and have a nice, smooth transition. Sending hope and peace your way.

[music61 in reply to Darlenia]

Thank you so much. I have an appointment with dietitian next Tuesday.

[music61]

Thanks. I will look for coriander.