Hello. Looking for answers

[gbn_]

I don't know what's going on, but it's a bit strange with symptoms. I'm going to get blood work done next week. Two days ago, the tops of my feet and my left ankle were swollen. Not real bad but my shoes are a bit tighter, today they seem a little bit better. I have also gained about 5 pounds within the past week. My diet is very clean, but it is high in seemingly potassium rich foods such as nightly vegetables with tomato sauce poured over, nightly avocado with crackers, in the mornings usually oatmeal or bran cereal with milk along with a scoop of protein powder, carrot and beetroot juice or coffee, along with a daily banana among other things. I've become a bit short of breath also with heavier exertion. I'm also urinating a bit more. I've checked into high and low potassium levels and what can happen if low or elevated, but until I get bloodwork, any thoughts? I've decided to at least for now cut back on potassium rich foods.

[S_dillow]

did you check on you heart?what type of meds are you on?

[gbn_ in reply to S_dillow]

Hi S-dillow, taking a daily aspirin

[MsAmyM]

Sounds like edema. Could be from spilling protein. Is your pee foamy?

[gbn_ in reply to MsAmyM]

Hi MsAmyM. Yes,my pee is a bit foamy, I've used protein powder for my gym workouts, but have now recently cut back, I don't eat meat, mostly veggies,hummus, and some dairy for my protein now, but still have used protein powder in my coffee and some in my oatmeal and cereal.

[MsAmyM in reply to gbn_]

Protein in your urine isn’t from eating protein, it’s from your kidneys not working properly. It’s called “nephrotic syndrome”, it could explain the swelling, weight gain, fatigue. I’m speaking from a lot of experience with it. You can buy dipsticks at the drug store, they aren’t as accurate as a lab but if it shows high protein in your urine it would be helpful when talking to your doctor

[gbn_ in reply to MsAmyM]

Hi MsAmyM, I'll look into these dipsticks, just can't thank you enough for the knowledge and sharing with experience.

[Beachgirl32]

I know when my husband was in the hospital they had to watch his potasssium his went very low and even cause problems but the doctors said they had to be careful not to get it to high cause it can mess with the heart too which can cause swelling

I hope you figure it out

[gbn_ in reply to Beachgirl32]

Hi Beachgirl32. I'm finding out it can be quite the balancing act. Many foods that are good for you and healthy are sometimes high in potassium.

[Darlenia]

Your labs will point out the situation for you. In general, kidneys simply don't falter or fail on their own - usually there's "something" driving the problem - diabetes and/or high blood pressure are the two big ones followed by others such as autoimmune conditions, genetic issues, infections, etc. I know it's hard to wait for the labs, but those likely will give you a good idea of what's going on. Make sure to ask your doctor for answers, treatments, and diet recommendations during your follow-up.

[gbn_ in reply to Darlenia]

Hi Darlenia. Thank you for our reply. I'm leaning on my diet as a possible issue, eating healthy is good, but those healthy choices really add up to an awful lot of potassium.Beet root, avocado, bananas, veggies,tomato sauce,and other foods related are usually potassium rich, and while I don't use salt, they can be high in sodium also.

[Darlenia in reply to gbn_]

You seem worried that you might have high potassium, referring to your diet...high in "seemingly" potassium rich foods and your decision "to cut back on potassium rich foods". Please be careful in self diagnosing without the support of your doctor and labs. Potassium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, and more are major electrolytes that are essential for other organs to operate well - brain, heart, and more. I listened to the drum roll of "Americans ingest too much sodium" and cut way back on salt. I also did that to be supportive to my hubby who was moving into kidney failure. Over a month or two, I wound up sluggish, dizzy as well as experiencing visual disturbances, weird dreams, very low blood pressure, strange heart rhythm, etc. Then, without warning, I suddenly passed out in public. I could have probably died if driving. Potassium has a symbiotic relationship with sodium, controlling blood pressure, etc. I assume you've made an appointment with your doctor to update your labs. If so, start a conversation with him/her and lay out your concerns. Your doctor will take the lead whether or not your electrolytes are out of range or not. I wish I had done that. It took a few months for my body to straighten out and get back on track.

[gbn_ in reply to Darlenia]

Hi Darlenia. Again, thanks so much for your reply. It goes to show, each person is different and reacts differently with certain medical issues. Your input is so greatly appreciated by me.

[Darlenia in reply to gbn_]

Thank you. Your labs will be your road map. Wishing you great success in reaching your goals.

[chicablue]

I bet your potassium is too high, so I would nix the tomato sauce til you get the test results.

[gbn_ in reply to chicablue]

Hi chicablue. I've now cut back on a few different foods, including tomato sauce and avocado, among others. It just seems a bit problematic because these are supposed to be good for you type foods.

[MinnadeParis in reply to gbn_]

Hi, I had the same dilemma. Ate healthy foods….avocados, bananas, oatmeal, no dairy, watched sodium etc. I got diagnosed w stage 3. Neph Dr feels it was all the Aleve class of NSAIDS I took for pain, Once you get your labs and consult w a dietitian you’ll be able to make better decisions. It’s really hard and almost a mathematical balancing act. I have to say I was relieved that my labs were all normal. I still have to be careful. You can download some apps that will give u the nutritional info, or take a Kidney Smart class which is very helpful.

Good luck.

[gbn_ in reply to MinnadeParis]

Hi MinnadeParis. Thank you so much. Do you still continue to eat the same foods, or did you have to change it up because of stage 3??

[MinnadeParis in reply to gbn_]

MY neph was emphatic that I only eat meat on very special occasions or not at all. For a month I walked around hallucinating about a juicy hamburger. Hamburgers were my go to meat on weekends. I was never a big meat eater. He said NO sodas NO processed foods. He wanted me on mostly a plain based diet with minimal chicken or fish. And had me meet w the hospital dietitian. That was very confusingly.those steam in bag veggies with a piece of fish or chicken is getting real old.

Overwhelming is a better word ro discribe the angst. When I went back to neph with a tremendous about of lab results he was happpy that all my Labs were good. My GFR went from 32 to 36 and my creatinine stated at 1-5. A1C was 5 So. NO diabetes. ANd I have no other conditions. I’m not overweight, nor heart problems we think it was all the OTC pain meds I took.

I can do half of a small avacado. I don’t do bananas. I’m hoping to find a nutritionist that will look at my labs and personalize a meal plan for. No luck yet I also drink as much water as I can everyday all day.

Best to you. Keep in touch w your progress

edit for your question. Yes I did have to give up some food I love….mostly Asian, Italian (tomatoes) although If their chopped you can pick them out, I love n enjoy all cuisines so it’s hard choices and it’s sad. I’v told ,my friends and my daughter they are all very supportive

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

We don't guess or diagnose here. We are not physicians. All we can do is give you advice based on our personal experience. Be sure to engage your doctor about your concerns. Ask lots of questions. Blessings

[gbn_ in reply to KidneyCoach]

Hi KidneyCoach. Thank you so much for your reply, it is understood. Just looking for some advice because of the wealth of information contained here, it is greatly appreciated.