New to in center HD

[HersheeKisses]

I'm in my 2nd week of in center HD and have been experiencing terrible bloating and gas. Is this related to the dialysis, or is something else going on?

Juvenile diabetic, CHF, hypertension. Kidney function been decreasing last 5 years. I've been on transplant list (kidney/pancreas) for one year, was hoping to skip dialysis altogether. But here we go.

Thanks for insight about gut issue.

[WimWalther]

All I'll say is that HD, especially for the new patient, is really damn hard on your system. It throws off all kinds of electrolyte / mineral / osmotic balances and can cause all sorts of unpleasant symptoms.

Time should help, but in meantime let me suggest something that might sound odd..

Take 2 tabs of Ultra-strength TUMS (I use Walmart generic) at the start of your session and every hour thereafter. If it doesn't seem to help, switch to Gas-X or generic equivalent.

Also, if they are giving you a protein supplement like Ensure, try discontinuing it. Eat a protein bar or drink an albumin supplement if available.

[horsie63]

Not sure how old you are but I had to switch from PD to in center hemo. I'm 60 female if that helps. I haven't had any problems with the hemo and it's even made me feel a lot better than when PD failed. You might speak to your neph and the nurses there to see what they say.

[Bassetmommer]

the first weeks, month..... is really hard as your body adjusts to all that is going on. Ask one of the nurses if they have suggestions for you. Be careful with adding something like Tums without checking because that can throw off your calcium and phosphorous. I am taking two with meals to help with my phosphorous level which is high and my Bi-carb which is low.

[JEanes55]

A lot of times they may be giving you iron and don’t tell you. Maybe that’s giving you gas.