Low Albumin

[kai0206]

Got my labs on Thursday and my albumin is at 2.6 (was told by my nephrologist to stop eating meat protein until I started dialysis).  My dialysis doctor and dietician told me to start eating meat immediately and I was given a protein gel (liquacel) and told to drink a packet 3 times a week. I am finishing my Dialysis training this week (friday was my first time dwelling with a full bag) and will get my delivery of supplies at home on the 13th.  I am scared about my low albumin. Everything I've read online states that low albumin levels are indicative of low mortality rate in dialysis patients.  Won't my protein level drop even more when I start Dialysis. What do you guys do to keep your albumin levels within normal range? 

[cassandra]

Eat meat, chicken, fish, eggs (with binders). Eat yoghurt with whey powder. There's more threads on that though.

With PD you'll loose more protein than with HD. Don't be scared (understandable, but a waste of energy, and pointless)

      Just eat!!!

Good luck with every thing, and lots of love, Cas

[obsidianom]

We use Beneprotein powder at 3 scoops per day and it has raised my wifes albumin to 3.8 from 3.2 . 

[Sydnee]

My albumin did not drop when I started dialysis. I started PD back in September. admittedly my albumin was higher than yours but it has stayed at 4.2 since before I started dialysis.

[obsidianom]

My wifes albumin is up to 3.9 now since we added 3 scoops of the Beneprotein per day. The nutritionist said she never thought it would get that high. My wife uses a feeding tube for nutrition so it is hard to get enough protein normally. This definatly works.

[Fox_nc]

I'm in this same boat right now. Just finished training, only been treating at home 5 days. My first round of "PD labs" had my albumin at 3.2 and my dietician flipped her little lid. They want it at 4 and she gave me the liqucel stuff plus Nephro shakes and Zone protein bars.  Mine dropped because I had lost my appetite being so sick before I started PD, so her biggest advice was eat, eat, eat.  She suggested tuna, eggs , and chicken.  I've done that plus other fish and I'm trying various other protein bars. I'm doing my best to not eat anything that doesn't have protein. I'm anxious for my next labs.

So, have you done the liqucel? How did it taste? I have 3 flavors but I'm a scared little baby and haven't tried yet. The shakes and bars she gave me weren't too bad.

Ps She did tell me that on PD I lose 16 grams of protein every time I dialyze so I start the day trying to put that back.

[obsidianom]

3 scoops of Benprotein gives 18 grams of protein. It is about $12.75 per can (8 ounces ). We use about 2 and a half to 3  cans per month. It works well.

[kai0206]

Thanks for the replies everyone.  Fox, I find the liqucel very sweet. I tried cooling it in the fridge but that just gave it a thicker consistency. Sort of like licking molasses or honey.  I read somewhere that putting it in some seltzer water might help.  I've been trying to up my protein intake but I have no appetite. Today was my second day treating at home (3 treatments a day) and I don't feel well at all. I can't bare the thought of eating any protein.  I had two eggs earlier and will try to get some meat in later today.  How is day 5 treating you?  Does it get better?

[JLM]

7 - 8 ice cubes in a blender and break them up, add 1 can of nephro, add thawed strawberries or a small banana, add 1 scoop of  whey powder  Blend  well  Make a great smoothis.

[Angiepkd]

My dietician recommended simple truth nutrition bars instead of the protein bars.  Simple truth is only sold at Kroger, so not sure if you can get them, but the double peanut butter is delicious, very low in phosphorous and has 18 grams of protein. I started eating one a day for breakfast and my albumin came up to where they wanted it.  If you can get them, they are great!

[Fox_nc]

  How is day 5 treating you?  Does it get better?

Yes it does!  The more toxins the treatments remove, the better you will feel and your appetite will return. For me, I feel so bad because I am carrying around so much extra fluid. We've pulled off almost 40 pounds, so that has made me feel way better and I'm eating much better.

It probably doesn't help your appetite getting use to PD (and having a couple extra liters of fluid on board) If you are dwelling during the day, try eating right after you fill ... As the fluid collects toxins, it expands and can make you feel full quicker. My nutritionist even suggested making a snack and when doing a manual exchange ... Drain ... Eat ... Fill so that you are eating while dry.  I did this a couple times before I got my cycler and it helped some. Hang in there, it may take a minute, but it will get better.

I'll try the liqucel with Sprite ... Wish me luck.

[Fox_nc]

  on the grape .... I mixed a little with Sprite and was NO good so I shot the rest. Just pretended it was grape tequila ... 

[kai0206]

Fox, ah man. The seltzer was any better. I am horrible at taking shots.  In college I would hold my nose while taking any  kind of shot. LOL!!