Does anyone doing dialysis suffer with IBS?

[Quita55]

Hello I was just diagnosed with IBS, and I was wondering does anyone who does dialysis have this issue? And how do you find a balance with your meal plan? Any advice would help

[Hidden]

I had a kidney transplant and was diagnosed with IBS in my 20's. Back then it was called Spastic Colon.Seriously, sugar is a problem, but I never could find a balance with food. Stress is the biggest problem for me. I was using Librax for a long time. When I started having tremors, I was put on Xanax. It works ok. Sometimes, I just skip eating and that is the most helpful.

[Quita55 in reply to Hidden]

The only time I skipped a meal is when my belly is nauseated otherwise I do try to get at least one meal. And to make matters challenging I'm a diabetic insulin dependent I feel like I have a triple whammy having IBS, dialysis and diabetes. But I'm sure in due time I will be able to get through this. Thank for responding

[Hidden in reply to Quita55]

Yes. You may have to talk with a renal dietician. They can help you get on the right track. Ask your Nephrologist and Primary doctor for this medication. Not at the same time. If one tells you no, ask the other.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to Quita55]

Yes, I'm on dialysis, insulin dependent diabetic among other issues. I had real gut issues when I took phosphorus binder in first 7 months. I was not diagnosed with IBS. I've had C-diff twice and gut has never been the same. I take immodium almost daily while trying to adjust my diet. It's no fun. Recently nephrologist says many of my new symptoms point to amyloidosis so now a new, additional diagnosis. Its all good, I can manage it. Blessings

[Nullity in reply to Hidden]

Hello! I was not diagnosed with IBS, yet, but I noticed that I get extreme stress right when going to treatment and no amount of Imodium would help because I think it’s a mental versus a physical thing. I take a Lexapro and a half milligram of Xanax before I go and as long as I keep my mind busy with sleep or something else my bowels do not act up. It was really difficult in the beginning because I would have to stop the treatment once or twice each session and as you probably know it takes about 10 minutes to fully disconnect and often times I will just make it in time. Fortunately I’ve never “not made it“. I don’t know if this helps but it’s really a mind over matter thing at least for me. I still struggle with it five months down the road though.

[Shelbert66]

I have not been diagnosed with IBS, but I struggle with my stomach. For a couple days I get to be normal. Other than that I am stuck at home dealing with all the stages of diarrhea. I'm only 55 on dialysis for 7 yrs. & my days off dialysis (=D)I want to be "NORMAL"IBS makes that difficult.

I just want to say, I understand what you are going through.

I'm either running or nausea. Sometimes both.

The only thing that really works is fasting. I get very frustrated with my body. It doesn't do anything like its supposed to.

[Tissybell in reply to Shelbert66]

I have acid reflux with belching at night, as well as recurring esophagitis. I have change to smaller soft meals at this time for healing. I do not eat past 5 pm, and this helps. I also eat mostly low acid foods.I will call my gasteroenterologist about taking pantoprosole long-term .You might see if you can get an IBS food l

[Tissybell in reply to Tissybell]

Since I posted, I have been having an eventful summer after the 2 hospitalizations. My acid reflux and belching were getting to be unbearable, so I was curious if the PD manuals were at fault, and if hemodialysis would improve things. After initially looking into hemo at home, my nephrologist told me that I could return to PD if I chose. I am getting a new catheter next Tuesday, with a doubling of dialysis solution with an Amia cycler. Since doing hemo dialysis at the center, I have noticed significant improvement in my belching, acid reflux, and IBS. The cycler will be tidal, so I won't have a tight full belly overnight. The flow will be tidal, with short periods of fill and dwells. Note that I have a gastro doctor who gave me a full month of pantaprosole and the okay to take heartburn med famotidine twice -a day indefinitely. I also changed my diet to mostly unprocessed meat and veggies which seem to help with constipation. Grains are fine, and even my blood sugars are better, and I need less insulin. Like some other patients, on here, I also noticed digestive issues with a phosphate binder (not Tums) after about 2 years on dialysis. I had to cut down on stool softener and miralax due the stools being too soft, and causing messy leaks . So if you are struggling with digestive issues, be your own advocate and get a referral for a gastroenterologist.

[Shelbert66]

Thanks for the info. I will go to my G.P. & get a referral for a gastroenterologist. After reading your advice it seems so obvious. Why haven't I thought of it before, why haven't my health care workers suggested something.

[Hidden]

I was diagnosed after the transplant. I could of had it before on dialysis, but didn't eat much of anything to affect it. After the transplant I had issues with it. Back then it was called Spastic Colon. I was put on Librax and it was helpful. I was pulled off the med when I had to start pain meds for the damage the Prednisone had caused. Librax worked very well. Your PCP can prescribe it. Oh yea, if he wants to. He can prescribe it legally.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I put three versions up. Sorry. Brain fog and memory loss.