sore breasts (Not chicken)

[swramsay]

First of all, I did search for this topic but came up with mostly chicken and a few well...'other' breasts. Seriously, in the past couple of months my breasts have become increasingly tender and heavier. It seems like my teen years when I was premenstrual. When my bladder was removed 5 years ago, they also removed my uterus etc. I've been on natural hormones since and have not had this problem. I wonder if the dialysis filters the hormones differently or if the lack of kidneys and the hormones they no longer produce are the cause.

I don't really expect anyone to know the answer to these questions but I thought I'd throw it out there just the same. Has anyone else experienced this?
 

[kellyt]

Sorry.  I don't have an answer.  I hope someone can, though.

[jbeany]

Seems like I'm always asking this - but what's your PTH?  Increased PTH levels can cause women to lactate.  The pressure from the fluid build-up could be causing the tenderness.

[Romona]

I am having a complete endowork up done. I have had the tenderness and slight discharge. I do take Calcitrol for parathyroid issues. I had an endometrial ablasion because of heavy bleeding. I think I am over due for checking everything. Kidney disease messes up so many things.

Seems like I'm always asking this - but what's your PTH? Increased PTH levels can cause women to lactate. The pressure from the fluid build-up could be causing the tenderness.

I think PTH is Parathroid Hormone. Thanks jbeany. Maybe this is my problem. My nephrologist said that the Calcitrol was bringing my levels to normal, but he hadn't checked for awhile. He wants me to recheck at my next labs.

[swramsay]

My PTH was very high last lab - 288! There is so much to learn. Thanks.

[monrein]

Be very careful with your supplements too swramsay.  I stopped most of mine when I started dialysis. 

[swramsay]

288 is not high for PTH. I just checked the Davita site. It's normal. So, it's not my pth level that's causing the problem apparently.

Also, I do want to be extremely careful with supplements. I only take what my oncologist/naturopath is recommending. It's important that I take what I can to help my immune system because I need to continue to fight off bladder cancer. Many of the supplements that I used to take I am not taking. Most of that is because of the uncertainty with no kidneys. It's still remains important though that I help my immune system.

My naturopath is trained to work with cancer patients and he's excellent. Do any of you work with physicians/naturopaths specifically trained in supplements for dialysis patients?
I'd appreciate referals if you have any. Thanks!

[monrein]

I work with a naturopath who has been very good at working with my neph in the past when I had a transplant.  When I started D I went to her for another consultation and she consulted first with another naturopath who himself has CKD.  We basically stopped everything except for my DHA fish oil and coenzyme Q10.  I used to take Homocystrex which was for high homocysteine levels but was mostly B vitamins so we stopped that.
I live in Toronto, Canada so I'm not much help for a referral but hopefully your oncologist will do the necessary research and continue to be be a good resource.

[jbeany]

The reason we have to go off the supplements is often the phosphorous they use in them as a preservative.  I was on vitamins when I started that my doc said were fine - but my phos was out of control, and I finally figured out it was coming from my vitamins, at least in part!