tummy weight

[Kay]

Hi everyone on IHD

My husband has been doing CAPD for about 5 months now.  I am concerned that his stomach is getting bigger  - he is eating well and the CAPD is going well - but it just looks so heavy. Since starting dialysis he has put on 3kgs of flesh weight.  Is this tummy fat common in people on CAPD? 
Kay

[jbeany]

Is he diabetic?  I am, and my doc said doing PD would make me gain a lot of weight and screw up my glucose levels because the sugar in the solution.  (That's why I did hemo instead.)

[Kay]

Hi Jbeany,
Yes, he is insulin dependent diabetic. Also for the past two months he has been taking CAPD bags with glucose in overnight because of the contamination of Extraneal.  I think you may have found the answer. I was beginning to panic because his tummy became distended just before he went into renal failure and almost died. I can't tell you what a relief it is to hear your suggestion.  God bess you.  My husband was on haemo for about 3 months but it was just so stressful driving to the hospital three days a week - and all the waiting around. We find CAPD is good , but I think we will use the weakest bags and Extraneal at night ( no glucose in this). I am hoping we can get at a transplant soon - just a few more tests for me to do and God willing we can stop the dialysis -wouldn't that be heavenly!
All the best,
Kay

[peleroja]

Just like a pregnant woman, his abdominal area will stretch to hold the dialysate.  He should exercise several days a week, because, depending on the strength of the fluid he holds, his body can ingest between 700 and 1000 calories a day from the dextrose in the fluid.

[Kay]

Dear Peleroja,
I had no idea he is taking up so many calories!!  Looks like I will have to cut back on his food -- although it is good he has a healthy appetite and I am anxious he does not become anaemic  - so far he has not had to take  the injection they give if the haemoglobin falls too low. All suggestions will be helpful. He is having a bit of groin pain at the moment - probably all the weight around his middle  - exactly like a pregnant lady  - God love him!!
Hope you had a lovely Easter.
Kay