Diarrhea concerns

[Trekker1701]

I’m pre-dialysis and on Epogen due to having anemia.

My concern is that I have severe bouts of diarrhea that will come on suddenly without much warning.

What can I do to stem the tide, so to speak, to feel somewhat normal?

[Jayhawker]

I’ve had difficulties like you describe too; although, thankfully not much iover the past two years or so. I was on a medication that was causing my problems. I’m no longer taking that medication.

However, I found some relief if I used Imodium as soon as the diarrhea started. That was what my primary care provider suggested. I couldn’t do the BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) approach due to the high potassium level in bananas. But if you don’t have potassium restrictions that approach to diarrhea may work for you as well.

Jayhawker

[PracBob]

I haven't had that problem. My difficulty is constipation that interfere with the drain cycle in my PD. If it wasn't for the phospherous restriction I would recommend lots of fiber for either of our conditions. It seem to normalize things. I'm eating more fruit and some grain fiber. Perhaps your nutritionist has some suggestions. Wishing you the best.

[3Kidneys]

Imodium is my best friend!! But, basically because before I ever had kidney disease I had IBS, along with dumping syndrome. So I have to eat small meals and watch my trigger foods- although some days it doesn’t matter what I eat. Most people on dialysis have the opposite issue.

[mhawk123]

I agree with all to look at your medications and diet. I had short bout with diarrhea that would come several times a day and I would take Bentyl since Imodium was not as successful. Good look with the anemia issue.