Metallic taste

[drmind]

I would appreciate some information on a newly developed metallic taste in my mouth. Everything was going along well: got my BP stabilized at near perfect levels, my last gfr 4 weeks ago went up 1 point from 24 to 25 and my creatinine went down 15 pts to 1.89

Nothing spectacular but as my kidney doctor said they're moving in the right direction. Along with those results, I've been doing better with my diet having very little animal products, decreased salt down to 1600 to 1800 mg a day and also controlling potassium and phosphorus. Ive had trouble connecting with a renal dietitian who isnt totally vegan. But. I have a few numbers now to call gotten from dialysis centers so I may have a dietitian soon that I can work with.

While all this is happening. I developed an upset stomach two days ago and yesterday a metallic taste in my mouth. At first I thought I had a touch of food poisoning as I didnt care for some veggie cakes I had for lunch. But, now I'm wondering if this is kidney related. Any information would be appreciated.

I go for my monthly lab work on Thursday and see my kidney doctor next week. Phew. Just when things seemed to be stabilizing, this pops up. So glad to have this group to talk with

[Jayhawker]

It’s good that you’ve got labs in a few days and will be seeing your nephrologist next week. In the meantime, have you tried eating a few “naked” saltine crackers? These have no salt on the top, I find that eating 1-2 of these can help settle my stomach.

Jayhawker

[drmind in reply to Jayhawker]

Will try the crackers. And, yes, I am relieved to have the appointments to do my labs and to see my nephrologist next week. Thanks for the advice.

[Hidden]

I've included the link to an article that directly speaks to the metallic taste. For what it's worth the timing seems to be good as you have an upcoming appointment with your nephrologist so be sure to bring it up with him/her even if the problem goes away.

davita.com/education/kidney...

[drmind in reply to Hidden]

As usual, you came up with some good information about the metallic taste. And, it is good that I have my lab and doctor appts this week and next. Right now. I'm not experiencing any other symptoms except some fatigue in the evening but I assumed it was expected with my age. Darn, just when I thought things were stabilizing . Still, I'm very fortunate to have a great nephrologist so I'll see how things go next week. Thanks so much for your support and advice.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the link. I too have metallic taste , sometimes. Maybe a combination of something I ate? I had wondered if possibly could be CKD related.

[drmind]

UPDATE on Metallic taste: Spoke to kidney doctor via his nurse yesterday and he told me to take 10 mg of Prilosec each day and if the problem does not resolve in 2 days to go immediately to the ER! He was going to call me in a day or so to see if the problem is improving. As of today, metallic taste is disappearing but what remains is a very poorly managed GERD problem by me. Thank Goodness for good interference by my kidney doctor. Obviously a strong metallic taste with other symptoms can indicate the presence of a serious kidney problem [uremia ?] requiring ER interaction. Going for my monthly labs now. Thanks for all the support from the group. Phew!