Bummer :-(

[Phurball]

I had my kidney ultrasound done yesterday.  While the tech was doing the test I could see the screen. After a while I asked her, where's the kidneys ??  All that was on the screen was a constant greyness.  I have had some experience in my life with various scopes and imaging equip, and I sorta knew what to look for, but I couldnt make out my dang kidneys ! 

The gal stopped for a second, and looked at me and finally answered my question, she said that yes there should be a roundish dark blob on the screen, but as my desease progresses the kidneys shrink quite a bit and are hard to see.

I gotta tell you, I guess not seeing is believing. I really felt empty inside as I walked out of the hospital. I have been a semi state of a slight depression since then.  So to stave it off I went to the park today, and ate a Happy Meal !  I think I am gonna pig out this weekend, cause I see the dietician the 3rd. And I fear that will change my habits a great deal. 

Please tell me she wont take away my grapes ....     ~ Cee   

[jbeany]

Grapes, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are all good renal diet choices - you're safe there.

The Happy meal, however. ..  . 

[kitkatz]

Be prepared to ditch the happy meal and a whole lot of other stuff you live and eat on. Good luck!

[MyssAnne]

Oh man. What a bummer. Enjoy the happy meal while you can!
That's gonna disappear from your diet! And a lot more....
(Just trying to cheer you up! )

[goofynina]

Phurball, i am glad you came here to share with us your experience, although it was not a good one, i am happy you did    I know all this sucks BIG TIME, but all we can do at this point is "keep on keepin' on"  Take care of you and go ahead vent anytime you feel the need.  Godspeed 

[MyssAnne]

Seriously, Phurball. It really is not that bad. Once you get over the initial panic of not knowing what you ARE allowed to eat, it does get a little easier. I was mainly vegetarian,
lots of salads, cooked vegetables. No tomatoes, no potatoes (well, some, and leached),
very little meat. You can have popcorn, just has to be popped yourself, no microwave popcorn. Obviously eating out can be a challenge.  Sometimes you can ask for substitutions on meals.
It was almost a relief to be on pd dialysis, just so I could have more flexibility in my meals.
I am actually encouraged to eat more meat! Again, though, no processed meats are allowed.
You can do this! You can also 'cheat' every once in a while, if you plan for it, in your meals for a day or so to accomodate the extra salt/phosphorus.

[Sluff]

Thinking of you. Grapes and more grapes please...

[Stacy Without An E]

It really depends how your body reacts to Dialysis and how effective the treatment is.  I've never had an issue with potassium, but my phosphorous is another story because I'm addicted to the caffiene in cola.  I also drink way too much fluid during the workday because of all the work I have to accomplish before I go on the air.

They will set you up on a highly restrictive diet for ESRD patients, but if you're careful with moderation, you can eat just about anything.

Happy Meal's I would restrict to about once a month and maybe a few hours before a treatment.

Unless you're really lacking in the "happy" department...

[anja]

  Hello Cee,  when I went to Mayo in Rochester for my kidney biopsy it took a very looooong time-  they informed me that my kidneys were so very "petite" that they kept floating around under the ultrasound equipment every time I breathed!  So, I know what you felt like when they talked about your kidneys shrinking!  But, realize this, we are much better off than those that have "growing" kidneys from all the cysts!!!  They can becone quite large and uncomfortable, I have read.  So, consider yourself to have 'petite' kidneys, that's not so bad!!!
   Good luck with the nutritionist, it will mean some changes, but you can do it and not feel like you are being deprived!