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Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Home Dialysis => Topic started by: jshabanian on November 03, 2011, 06:40:44 PM

Title: pd and high potassium/kayexalate
Post by: jshabanian on November 03, 2011, 06:40:44 PM

I have been doing home pd for almost one week now and my potassium is high.  They said it was 7.1.  The doctor wants me to take kayexalte.  Have any of you taken this medication?  What should I expect?

Title: Re: pd and high potassium/kayexalate
Post by: tbarrett2533 on November 03, 2011, 07:47:59 PM

if you just started PD your potassium will not be that high for that long, trust me :)

good luck with PD I hope you love it as much as I do  :cheer:

Title: Re: pd and high potassium/kayexalate
Post by: jshabanian on November 03, 2011, 10:26:41 PM

Thanks tbarrett!  I am hoping to love pd as much as you do too! This just scared me a little.

Title: Re: pd and high potassium/kayexalate
Post by: Kong on November 04, 2011, 11:13:53 AM

Kayexelate will take down your potassium very quick. I was taking it once a week before D. It is a very fine powder and pretty much tasteless and leaves a chalky feeling in your mouth. If you have to keep using it, you will get used to it.

Title: Re: pd and high potassium/kayexalate
Post by: cattlekid on November 04, 2011, 05:41:11 PM

One thing everyone has failed to mention is how kayexalate works.  The potassium is released in a bowel movement - do not go too far away from a bathroom after you take it.  For me, it worked just like the prep prior to a colonoscopy. 

Quote from: jshabanian on November 03, 2011, 06:40:44 PM

I have been doing home pd for almost one week now and my potassium is high.  They said it was 7.1.  The doctor wants me to take kayexalte.  Have any of you taken this medication?  What should I expect?

Title: Re: pd and high potassium/kayexalate
Post by: jshabanian on November 04, 2011, 06:22:42 PM

Well I did find out how it worked!!!  Good thing I stayed close to the bathroom!!!

The nurse came to my house today for a home visit and took another blood sample.  Hopefully it will show the potassium is at acceptable levels.  Thanks to all of you for your support and answers!

Title: Re: pd and high potassium/kayexalate
Post by: Atooraya on November 04, 2011, 11:00:56 PM

I used to have to take it before I started pd. Tasted like mud. Yuk. And it softens ur stool.
you should really watch.foods.high.in potassium. My nurse used to freak out when my Potassium level was over 6.0 it can cause heart damage.

Title: Re: pd and high potassium/kayexalate
Post by: texasstyle on November 05, 2011, 06:41:30 PM

7. 1 is dangerously high in "my opinon" and I am glad to see you have taken something to rid it. In my experience I have seen levels even higher (9.2) where the body on it's own tires to rid it through vomiting and diarrehea. It's great they have a medication to take to help get this level down quickly. Looks like other who are doing PD have some good advice on how these levels work. Pay close attn to your renal diet. Glad to see your numbers are in acceptable range now!