Not on a strict diet??

[Sara]

Joe was told to try to limit salt, and no dark sodas.  That's pretty much it.  I know that the "dialysis diet" is much stricter than this, so why is he not on that yet?  This is his 3rd week of dialysis.

[Epoman]

Joe was told to try to limit salt, and no dark sodas.  That's pretty much it.  I know that the "dialysis diet" is much stricter than this, so why is he not on that yet?  This is his 3rd week of dialysis.

It all depends on his labs if his kidneys work a little he can have a less restrictive diet. However the main thing is just stay away from high Phosphorus and Potassium food or at least just limit yourself (smaller portions) and you will be ok. Oh and of course limit your fluid intake.
As to the dark soda comments Root Beer is perfectly fine to drink. I myself have never gone a day without drinking a COKE I love coke and will never stop drinking it. It's all about balance and once he gets to know his labs and his limits and what he can handle he will again enjoy eating.

I love to eat and I basically eat what I want but in moderation. The biggest obstacle he will encounter will be controlling the Phosphorus but if he takes his binders when he is supposed to he will be all right.

I think it's sad when people restrict themselves to a cracker and a 1 oz thimble of water, or I hear them say things like it's been 2 years since I tasted an orange. I tell them what I had to eat and they look like someone just told their house burned down.

[Sara]

He's not on binders either. When should those be started?  And do you know if Diet Root Beer is ok?  I've been trying to read labels on the diet drinks and it seems like they all have a lot of calcium stuff in them.

[Sara]

Not calcium, I meant potassium. Doh.

[Epoman]

He's not on binders either. When should those be started?  And do you know if Diet Root Beer is ok?  I've been trying to read labels on the diet drinks and it seems like they all have a lot of calcium stuff in them.

Sorry for not posting a reply to this sooner I was working on our site. 

He doesn't need to be on biinders unless he is having problems with his Phosphorus. He must have some kidney function left which is why they have not started him on binders yet. I think diet root beer is fine. I know regular root beer is fine.

[hyperlite]

Except President's Choice Root Beer...I usually get A&W or Barq's but today i bought the PC without checking the label...and when i got home I checked it and realized it has Phosphoric Acid (it also has the citric acid, so there probably isnt as much H3PO4 as in something like a cola or Dr. Pepper or whatever...). But still...

[Epoman]

Except President's Choice Root Beer...I usually get A&W or Barq's but today i bought the PC without checking the label...and when i got home I checked it and realized it has Phosphoric Acid (it also has the citric acid, so there probably isnt as much H3PO4 as in something like a cola or Dr. Pepper or whatever...). But still...

Thanks for the info. 

[Sara]

So the main thing we're looking for on labels is the phosphoric acid?

[hyperlite]

Yeah for artificially made things like pop, the main thing that will be in it that has phosphorus, will be the phosphoric acid (gives it a tangy taste, where citric acid is more of a sour taste). Another thing to watch out for is potassium assulfame (for the potassium) and i think sometimes theres some potasium phosphates in some stuff....basically if it has the words potassium, or "phos" in it...watch out. now this doesnt mean you cant have it...just realize that there will be some K+ and Po4- ions in it (potassium and phosphorus...)

[Sara]

Wow, that pretty much takes care of any diet soda. 
Thanks for the info!

[Epoman]

Wow, that pretty much takes care of any diet soda. 
Thanks for the info!

I'm telling you Sara as long as his Ph level is fine and it must be since he is not on binders yet. He can drink Soda. But as soon as his PH gets high he needs to take his binders and he can still drink sodas as long as he takes his binders.