Giving up hope

[Roxanne610]

Well my dad got home from the hospital Friday...They are hitting us with so many negative things and unfortunately true.  His billirubin is up so they belive that the liver is getting damaged which now he could eventually need a liver transplant.  They dont feel that 15% with the kidneys is causing the vomitting.  Does anyone with 15% have throwing up and metal taste symptoms?

[jbeany]

Are they nuts?  Hell yes, 15% will cause that.  Granted, the liver issues might be doing it as well, but some people feel absolutely horrible at 15% function.  I was puking all the time at 18% function.

[RichardMEL]

While I never had the vomiting up until 6% of function I have heard of others around the 15% vomiting so it MAY be related to the kidney disease. However you have to realise that many factors go into such things and one would hope that the docs have taken it all into consideration in terms of factors going into making your dad feel so bad. I'm really not sure what to suggest - you could try for a second opinion I guess?

Have they suggested any other treatment apart from the potential need for a liver transplant?

[Restorer]

I wasn't diagnosed until I was below 10%, but I was vomiting frequently enough for years before that, so I could have been vomiting at 15%. Interestingly, once I was diagnosed and found what I needed to change (in my diet, activities, etc.), the incidence of vomiting went way down. So I'm sure it varies not only on each individual person and their kidney function, but also on day-to-day factors that are hard to account for.

[monrein]

I had nausea constantly at about 16% and occasional actual throw ups too.  So I too disagree with what the docs say.  It is true also that the renal diet can help with this symptom.

[Chris]

I too had the vomittingand metallic taste before I was diagnosed. I didn't see a doctor so I didn't know what my function was. I just thought I had a bad flu, but it lasyed for weeks and it was hard to eat or drink; Then the throwing up went away, but then I noticed my feet and ankles swelled up.

If in doubt, get a second opinion if you can so your father can hopefully feel better.

Good Luck Roxanne

[Sunny]

Those doctors are very wrong.
I too have had the symptoms mentioned by your father at 16% (which is the lowest I have gone in many years). Check his diet and fluid intake along with meds and vitamins. All of these things can make a difference when your living on the edge with low kidney function. Maybe it's time to see another doctor.

[nursewratchet]

Don't get discouraged.  Nausea and vomiting are cardinal symptoms.  15 % is NOT uncommon for vomiting.  Start him on a Renal diet, like everyone else has said.  His toxins are building up, he can't exrete them, so this should stave off a bit of the symptoms.  Ask the Dr.s about the renal diet, if you don't get any answers, ask anyone here, could give info about that.  Good Luck!

[boxman55]

8 that disagree with the Doc show him this site. He might learn something. Sorry to hear about your Father...Boxman

[G-Ma]

Get another opinion...yes to vomiting, nausea, very metallic taste at 16 percent.

[annabanana]

Yes to all the above and don't give up hope.

[paris]

I'm at 15% and I have been vomiting for two years, several times a week.  And it goes on for ever.  I need to put a bed beside the toilet so I can get some rest!    Not fun.

[cris]

Roxanne,
my mother had been in that situation, liver infection due to accumulation of fluids. It was worst, her bacteria infection count was 3,000,000!!!
The doctors and her nephrologist gave him IV antibiotics and increased her dialysis schedule to get rid of the fluid that's infecting her liver. She was given a celemine IV, a liver vitamin together with the dialysis. She turned green-yellowish color, her stool was tea-colored. she lost her brain-orientation for a while due to high chemical imbalances and due to antibiotics overload-i guess.
BUT the point is she is better now. No more hepa C. DON'T LOSE HOPE, this is the worst thing you can do.
your family will be in my prayers tonight.
love,
cris

[Roxanne610]

Thanks everyone....I totally agree.....They feel no need for a renal diet because phosphorous  etc levels are good.  We are going for a second opinion I had set up to go to Maryland January 5th god willing.......

My mother is always in contact with Pittsburgh too because thats where he had his liver transplant 12 years ago,,,,they wanted to a liver biopsy but his platelets are very very low 46, so he would have to receive platelets and the doctors out here feel if there is damage to the liver which there probably is there is nothing we can do anyway.  I am though going to start him on Milk Thistle I had him on that prior to his liver transplant it helps protect the liver and speeds up rejuvenation of the liver.  Mt Sinai  in NYC are actually using it now too....I'm a firm believer of Alternative along with Complimentary medicine. 

My called and said last night and so far today was a good day,,he had stuffing and her spinach soup and held it down...The doctors also put him on Ferteryl,,Sodium Carbonate???Anyone know about the benefits of that or have been on that med? 

My heart goes out to all of you and your family this is a horrible horrible disease that is hearbreaking to see someone suffer so bad.  Its disgusting....And which I cant blame him is he grouchy all he does is pick on my mom and me,,not my brother just us .....

Any thoughts would be appreciated...

xoxox
Roxanne
Very sad today!!!!

[thegrammalady]

 

[Romona]

  I agree with everyone about nausea. Keep up all you are doing! You are a great advocate for your Dad!

[monrein]

Is Ferteryl an iron supplement?  I couldn't find any info on it but the fer at the beginning of the word prompted my question.

Are you sure it's sodium carbonate, which is washing soda used in laundry and glass making, or is it calcium carbonate which is used as a binder for renal patients?

Milk Thistle is a good idea and I too believe in complementary medical approaches but I'd be sure to check with a "western" medicine type first before taking any naturopathic preparation.
 

[nursewratchet]

Milk Thistle is good stuff!  Good idea!!!!

[Run8]

the sodium bicarbonate is probably cause he is to acidic. I was on it for a while. not to long.