Throwing Up More and Enjoying it Less

[MP11]

I have been getting sick/throwing up every day just lately. I either get the dry heaves or go all the way through with it, but it feels unusually awful, like it is straining my heart and going to kill me. What I am doing wrong? I am on hemo-dialysis three times a week since last May and never miss a session. Today I went for an MRI and they injected me with some iron in the process and I threw up just now at the car wash. Prior two days as well. Any thoughts? This is HORRIBLE

[OperationKidney]

Iron can be a cause sometimes if I'm not mistaken. Hemo as well. I'd ask your dialysis nurse and/or doc. Nausea is no fun at all so I'm sorry you're experiencing it!! I'd also look into a supplement called Hilma upset stomach relief. It's made with all natural ingredients and I don't think there's anything in it that interacts with dialysis meds -- I am post transplant currently but it's the only thing that helped me. Might be worth asking your doctor. Target sells it for like $9 a bottle.

[MP11 in reply to OperationKidney]

Yes, thanks so much for your reply. I just talked to the dialysis nurse and she said iron could cause this and it wasn't long after I was injected with iron for contrast in the MRI. HOPEFULLY, then it was just temporary and I will get over it. Feeling better today.

[OperationKidney in reply to MP11]

Glad you're doing better!! ❤️

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

You really need to report problems like this to your nephrologist. He may be able to adjust things and help with the nausea and vomiting. Never try anything, even OTC, on your own.Best of luck!

[cgnj]

Sorry to hear about how miserable you have been feeling lately. Whenever you are feeling bad tell your Primary Doctor or the Nurse at dialysis!! Do not go for days feeling miserable it is not necessary, please help yourself.

Secondly, I've never heard of there being a MRI where Iron was administered. If so, did your doctor or the Radiology Tech tell you to watch for nausea or vomiting? Iron is very harsh on the system,but sometimes while being on dialysis Iron infusions are needed based on your labs. Please talk with the nurse or doctor about your labs and treatments for abnormal values.

Finally, please speak with your doctor before you begin taking any additional meds over the counter or supplements. Other meds, which are not precribed may cause changes in your lab results, so get the docors approval before you try other meds on your own.

I am a previous dialysis patients for years before recceiving my second transplant in 2020.

Please work withyour dialysis team for all your health needs, but if you don't have a good relationship with them then seek your Primary Doctor for some advice.

Praying for your health and stay safe!

[MP11 in reply to cgnj]

The lab person performing the MRI told me they used iron because I was on dialysis instead of something else for normal folks. They did part of the MRI study without the iron and part of it with the iron. Oddly the iron hurt my kidneys rather sharply and then traveled lower and then subsided quickly, It was enough for me to press the alert button and tell them it hurt and I was doing my best not to complain about anything but to soldier through it. But yes, the dialysis nurse just told me that the excess iron could easily have made me sick. Given the timing yesterday I believe that was the culprit. I hope so, because it was a one-time and done event obviously. THANK YOU for replying. It means so much to me!

[cgnj in reply to MP11]

You are welcome!

[MP11 in reply to cgnj]

This MRI was to examine my lower legs for a pain and blood flow issue. Not sure if that has anything to do with why they needed to use the iron, and yes, dialysis also gives me iron supplements. They did the MRI without the iron and then dumped it into an IV and redid the imaging as I understood it. It hurt my kidneys when they put it in, and the tech told me he's been doing MRI's for 13 years, and they always used iron with dialysis patients and he has never had anyone complain of kidney pain from it. Trust me it was painful....and apparently made me sick. Feeling much better today and dialysis is getting it out now. Nephrologist just stopped by and he said iron was commonly used for contrast in MRIs and that the dialysis should get the remnants out.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

I've never heard of iron used as a contrast. Was it a clear liquid? Iron can cause a severe reaction for some, so first time is generally slower and overseen with great caution. Ive had multiple MRI with contrast (I am on dialysis) and they have never used iron as contrast. Must be a newer thing. My last one was in May last year. Yes, side effects can be nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, headaches and even anaphylaxis so speak out on any symptoms. You doctor can prescribe anti emetics if you need them. Blessings

[MP11 in reply to KidneyCoach]

I have no idea if it was clear or not but it was definitely iron, and I now believe it made me sick yesterday after asking a nurse at dialysis today. They told me ahead of time they would use iron because it was more kidney-friendly than the radioactive alternative. I feel much better today and hope and pray the vomiting does not return. Since I have been on dialysis it is much more debilitating when I throw up than it ever was prior. Thanks for your assistance!

[cs65 NKF Ambassador]

Just to add that when I was given iron during dialysis, it was always given gradually in two to three pushes by the nurse during the course of the treatment. I never had nausea from it. And when I had an MRI last November, they used a smaller amount of contrast in an IV when I told them I was a kidney transplant recipient. I am so sorry you are experiencing this nausea and vomiting. I did experience that after any surgery or fistula gram. I am very sensitive to painkillers and sedation or anesthesia. Always speak up for yourself when you are going to have any procedure! I always ask for Zofran to combat or prevent nausea. Sometimes you have to repeat yourself like a broken record to get results, but keep at it! By the way, they can give you Zofran during dialysis. It needs a doctor's order.

[MP11]

Thank you so MUCH for being there for me folks. It means a lot, and was hugely helpful to me today to have so many experienced responses. I will never forget this.

[Hidden]

It's not anything unusual. Have one of them write you a prescription for Zolfran. Zolfran is very good for nausea.