I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: tamara on January 28, 2007, 04:26:57 AM

Title: Binders
Post by: tamara on January 28, 2007, 04:26:57 AM
Just wondering if anybody knows ( I'm sure one of us will), if you forget to take your binders with your meal should you

a) Have them as soon as you remember

b) Wait to you eat your next meal and then just take them like normal.


or any other options.

I usually have spare with me in my handbag, but went out a lil more dressed up than normal the last two nights and used different handbags and forgot to change them over.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: angieskidney on January 28, 2007, 04:44:53 AM
Just wondering if anybody knows ( I'm sure one of us will), if you forget to take your binders with your meal should you

a) Have them as soon as you remember

b) Wait to you eat your next meal and then just take them like normal.


or any other options.

I usually have spare with me in my handbag, but went out a lil more dressed up than normal the last two nights and used different handbags and forgot to change them over.

Binders taken after the fact will NOT matter. What binders do is when taken WITH your meal (right before or right after) they bind with the phosphate IN your food in your small intestine.

As it says in the book "Kidney Friendly Comfort Foods" (Newly Updated 2006 Version):
Quote
Phosphate binders work by binding to the phosphorus in food before it is absorbed in the digestive system. This "binding" action is like a magnet sticking to a refridgerator. Phosphate binders stop the phosphorus before it can be absorbed in the blood, and help patients keep blood phosphorus levels within the propoer range. Since phosphorus is quickly absorbed from digested food in the intestines, many patients must take phosphate binders with each meal to help lower phosphorus levels in the blood.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: Zach on January 28, 2007, 04:54:41 AM
Some binders work better in low pH, others work better in high pH.

Here's a good illustration:
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: boxman55 on January 28, 2007, 08:02:11 AM
I have been told to take the renagel right before I eat and then right after to take a couple of tums. When I am out to eat it never fails that someone will suggest I get on prilosec instead of taken the tums all the time. When you try to explain about phosphorus they just ::)  Boxmann55
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: tamara on January 28, 2007, 02:06:37 PM
Just wondering if anybody knows ( I'm sure one of us will), if you forget to take your binders with your meal should you

a) Have them as soon as you remember

b) Wait to you eat your next meal and then just take them like normal.


or any other options.

I usually have spare with me in my handbag, but went out a lil more dressed up than normal the last two nights and used different handbags and forgot to change them over.

Binders taken after the fact will NOT matter. What binders do is when taken WITH your meal (right before or right after) they bind with the phosphate IN your food in your small intestine.

As it says in the book "Kidney Friendly Comfort Foods" (Newly Updated 2006 Version):
Quote
Phosphate binders work by binding to the phosphorus in food before it is absorbed in the digestive system. This "binding" action is like a magnet sticking to a refrigerator. Phosphate binders stop the phosphorus before it can be absorbed in the blood, and help patients keep blood phosphorus levels within the proper range. Since phosphorus is quickly absorbed from digested food in the intestines, many patients must take phosphate binders with each meal to help lower phosphorus levels in the blood.


I know the working of the the binders, but is there "leeway" time, obviously it takes a bit of time before the food gets to the small intestine.Just wondering that's all, sometimes you go out and eat and may be home within an hour. Just saying is it worth taking them then, or just forget about it, cause they aren't gonna work.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: shay_pcb on January 28, 2007, 04:50:27 PM
My dietician told me that you need to take them an hour after you eat if you forget to take them when or before you eat.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: jbeany on January 28, 2007, 05:37:00 PM
My doc said if you don't remember them with the meal, don't bother.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: tamara on January 28, 2007, 07:44:48 PM
Going to my GP today, see if he has got any insight.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: bluedove57 on February 23, 2007, 07:51:09 PM
I take 6 binders per meal and swallow them as I eat spreading them out. How much binders do  you take?
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: Wattle on February 23, 2007, 08:08:17 PM
Going to my GP today, see if he has got any insight.

Tamara, how did you go finding the right answer?  I was told that they had to be taken with the meal. Definitely NOT after an hour of eating.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: thegrammalady on February 23, 2007, 08:51:51 PM
both my neph and dietition have said binders need to be taken within 30 minutes of eating if you forget to take them with the meal.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: angieskidney on February 24, 2007, 12:09:06 AM
I have been curious about the time too but just to be safe I take them with the meal itself. One thing I wondered about is what if it is a HUGE meal and you take more than one binder .. do you take one at the beginning and one half way through or at the end or what?
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: shay_pcb on February 24, 2007, 12:15:15 AM
My dietician told me that you need to take them an hour after you eat if you forget to take them when or before you eat.
I think I worded that wrong. I meant that I was told that it was okay to take them within the hour after you eat, if you forget to take them with your meal....Tamara, Did you ever find out from your GP??
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: tamara on February 24, 2007, 07:00:30 PM
Sorry for the delay in answering, the post got lost ( for me it did anyway lol)

Anyway he said it was better too take some even if its an hour after your meal even if it is a minimal amount of phosphorous being binded ,better than none.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: angieskidney on February 24, 2007, 07:48:48 PM
Sorry for the delay in answering, the post got lost ( for me it did anyway lol)

Anyway he said it was better too take some even if its an hour after your meal even if it is a minimal amount of phosphorous being binded ,better than none.
ah okay thanks :) :thumbup;
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: billoggblog on February 25, 2007, 12:55:37 PM
In the UK some sweet companies occasionally distribute special edition sweets in small flip top plastic containers.  I have taken one of these containers (eaten sweets) and converted into a binders holder (the one I'm using at the moment holds six) and make two holes into the bottom of he container thread through a metal ring and attach it to my key-ring, these binders are for emergencies only, and only to be used when i forget to take tablets with me............ So, if you have your house or car keys with you, you also have your binders, I don't know about you , but I Always  have my keys with me.

Has anyone else came up with any unusual ideas they could share?

Bill.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: angieskidney on February 25, 2007, 01:16:11 PM
In the UK some sweet companies occasionally distribute special edition sweets in small flip top plastic containers.  I have taken one of these containers (eaten sweets) and converted into a binders holder (the one I'm using at the moment holds six) and make two holes into the bottom of he container thread through a metal ring and attach it to my key-ring, these binders are for emergencies only, and only to be used when i forget to take tablets with me............ So, if you have your house or car keys with you, you also have your binders, I don't know about you , but I Always  have my keys with me.

Has anyone else came up with any unusual ideas they could share?

Bill.
I am taking pics now of what I use since you brought this up ;) Okay .. the brown one is a mini M&M's candy holder and the white one is for Renagel pills. That container I got from my dietitian ;)

Title: Re: Binders
Post by: Wattle on February 25, 2007, 01:36:41 PM
In the UK some sweet companies occasionally distribute special edition sweets in small flip top plastic containers.  I have taken one of these containers (eaten sweets) and converted into a binders holder (the one I'm using at the moment holds six) and make two holes into the bottom of he container thread through a metal ring and attach it to my key-ring, these binders are for emergencies only, and only to be used when i forget to take tablets with me............ So, if you have your house or car keys with you, you also have your binders, I don't know about you , but I Always  have my keys with me.

Has anyone else came up with any unusual ideas they could share?

Bill.
I am taking pics now of what I use since you brought this up ;) Okay .. the brown one is a mini M&M's candy holder and the white one is for Renagel pills. That container I got from my dietitian ;)



Angie,
The m&m container is a great idea. I have a"pill box" but it doesn't hold many. M&M's for me....yeah  I get to eat them first! :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: angieskidney on February 25, 2007, 01:38:40 PM
I am taking pics now of what I use since you brought this up ;) Okay .. the brown one is a mini M&M's candy holder and the white one is for Renagel pills. That container I got from my dietitian ;)

Angie,
The m&m container is a great idea. I have a"pill box" but it doesn't hold many. M&M's for me....yeah  I get to eat them first! :2thumbsup;

Ya, they are mini's so that is why I thought that wasn't such a bad treat! ;)  :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: BigSky on February 25, 2007, 01:40:26 PM
I am taking pics now of what I use since you brought this up ;) Okay .. the brown one is a mini M&M's candy holder and the white one is for Renagel pills. That container I got from my dietitian ;)



I got a Renagel one like that, though mines green.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: angieskidney on February 25, 2007, 01:42:47 PM
I am taking pics now of what I use since you brought this up ;) Okay .. the brown one is a mini M&M's candy holder and the white one is for Renagel pills. That container I got from my dietitian ;)



I got a Renagel one like that, though mines green.
Ya I have 1 green one and 3 white ones! lol I keep asking for more because that way I got one for every coat and my dialysis bag! ;)  I used to use film bottles which were bigger than those tiny pill containers you can buy but small enough not to be a nuisense to carry ;) but these renagel bottles are cool cuz they go with your keys! ;) :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: Wattle on February 25, 2007, 01:45:19 PM
I am taking pics now of what I use since you brought this up ;) Okay .. the brown one is a mini M&M's candy holder and the white one is for Renagel pills. That container I got from my dietitian ;)



I got a Renagel one like that, though mines green.

 :urcrazy; Is Renegal the same as Caltrate?   :urcrazy;
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: BigSky on February 25, 2007, 01:49:36 PM


 :urcrazy; Is Renegal the same as Caltrate?   :urcrazy;

No renagel is sevelamer hydrochloride. 

Both as well as a host of others can be used as a binder though.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: Wattle on February 25, 2007, 01:52:31 PM


 :urcrazy; Is Renegal the same as Caltrate?   :urcrazy;

No renagel is sevelamer hydrochloride. 

Both as well as a host of others can be used as a binder though.

Thanks Bigsky,

I have not heard of Renegal being used here before.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: angieskidney on February 25, 2007, 01:53:58 PM
I am taking pics now of what I use since you brought this up ;) Okay .. the brown one is a mini M&M's candy holder and the white one is for Renagel pills. That container I got from my dietitian ;)



I got a Renagel one like that, though mines green.

 :urcrazy; Is Renegal the same as Caltrate?   :urcrazy;
I searched and couldn't find anything at first. Boy it was hard. Then I came across drugs.com lol:

http://www.drugs.com/cdi/sevelamer.html for Renagel.

http://www.drugs.com/mtm/c/caltrate.html for Caltrate.

Is Renagel just a Canadian drug? I know there are different types and every patient has different needs.


There are different Phosphate binders:


Here even is a good article on the Renagel website About Hyperphosphatemia in Chronic Kidney Disease:
http://www.renagel.com/patient/disease/ren_p_pt_disease.asp
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: BigSky on February 25, 2007, 02:03:59 PM

 I searched and couldn't find anything at first. Boy it was hard. Then I came across drugs.com lol:

http://www.drugs.com/cdi/sevelamer.html for Renagel.

http://www.drugs.com/mtm/c/caltrate.html for Caltrate.

Is Renagel just a Canadian drug? I know there are different types and every patient has different needs.

There are different Phosphate binders:

    *   Calcium-Based Phosphate Binders
    *   Aluminum-Based Phosphate Binders
    *   Aluminum- and Calcium-Free Phosphate Binders

Renagel is made by Genzyme,  A US company based in Cambridge MA.

Not sure if many use the aluminum based binders anymore since the possible link of aluminum buildup to alzheimers.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: angieskidney on February 25, 2007, 02:07:27 PM
Not sure if many use the aluminum based binders anymore since the possible link of aluminum buildup to alzheimers.
Really?? Good thing I am sticking to Tums then  :o
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: RichardMEL on February 25, 2007, 11:08:49 PM
Wattle...

yes, we have Renegel here... my doc has just made out a script for me. I was using Caltrate but my Calcium went up over 2.5 so we are trying Renegel to keep the Calcium down. I am also using alutabs for phosphate binders... my aluminium was a bit high but they don't seem too concerned (hmmmm).

Title: Re: Binders
Post by: Wattle on February 26, 2007, 12:42:23 AM
Wattle...

yes, we have Renegel here... my doc has just made out a script for me. I was using Caltrate but my Calcium went up over 2.5 so we are trying Renegel to keep the Calcium down. I am also using alutabs for phosphate binders... my aluminium was a bit high but they don't seem too concerned (hmmmm).



 :P Thanks Richard,
All the different drug names get me confused. I know Alutabs.. they have been around forever! I am a bit concerned about taking them.  I might forget what is wrong with me. lol  ::)
Are the TUMS the same we have here for heartburn?
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: angieskidney on February 26, 2007, 01:34:02 AM
Yes the same TUms but if your Calcium is high then something like Renagel is a lot better ;)

See they give you what ever is best for you .. some binders have calcium as well but no all patients have low calcium (depends on if you have your parathyroids as well still and stuff like that) etc.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: KICKSTART on February 26, 2007, 09:12:15 AM
ANYONE reading this , didnt want to start another thread, when you take the binders (eg renegel,) i have been told after meals. But my question is , what if you tend to snack during the day rather that eat a meal , for eg , if you had a slice of toast for breakfast , would you take one then ? I'm interested to know if its sort of, take them on a full stomach or not ? Anyone know ????????? :thumbup;
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: MJB on February 26, 2007, 10:35:33 AM
I am taking pics now of what I use since you brought this up ;) Okay .. the brown one is a mini M&M's candy holder and the white one is for Renagel pills. That container I got from my dietitian ;)



I got a Renagel one like that, though mines green.

 :urcrazy; Is Renegal the same as Caltrate?   :urcrazy;
I searched and couldn't find anything at first. Boy it was hard. Then I came across drugs.com lol:

http://www.drugs.com/cdi/sevelamer.html for Renagel.

http://www.drugs.com/mtm/c/caltrate.html for Caltrate.

Is Renagel just a Canadian drug? I know there are different types and every patient has different needs.


There are different Phosphate binders:
  •   Calcium-Based Phosphate Binders (http://www.phosphoruscontrol.com/PH/CalciumBasedBinders.aspx)
  •   Aluminum-Based Phosphate Binders (http://www.phosphoruscontrol.com/PH/AluminumBasedBinders.aspx)
  •   Aluminum- and Calcium-Free Phosphate Binders (http://www.phosphoruscontrol.com/PH/AaCFB.aspx)


Here even is a good article on the Renagel website About Hyperphosphatemia in Chronic Kidney Disease:
http://www.renagel.com/patient/disease/ren_p_pt_disease.asp

Hey Angie,

I take both renagel and Fosrenol.  Fosrenol is rather new from what I have been told.  I take the Renagel(when I remember) before meals and the Fosrenol after meals if I forget. I was told by my dietition that Fosrenol only works after meals. I really have a hard time with them because they are the size of a silver dollar and 4 times as thick. You have to chew them as you would tums. It really did help my phosphorus when took them. I find it easier to swallow a bunch of pills though.

Mike
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: lamillinger913 on February 26, 2007, 10:50:04 AM
I started with Renagel and had to take 3 with each meal to keep the phosphorus under control. But they just didn't agree with me. I found myself feeling so sick to my stomach I could barely drag myself to work. When I mentioned this to the nurse practitioner, they gave me a sample of Fosrenol. It has had no bad side effects for me and really does a better job of controlling my phosphorus. I take a 500 mg tablet after a meal and break it in half for a substantial snack. Just what works for me, not necessarily a recommendation for everyone!
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: angieskidney on February 26, 2007, 11:56:06 AM
Hey Angie,

I take both renagel and Fosrenol.  Fosrenol is rather new from what I have been told.  I take the Renagel(when I remember) before meals and the Fosrenol after meals if I forget. I was told by my dietition that Fosrenol only works after meals. I really have a hard time with them because they are the size of a silver dollar and 4 times as thick. You have to chew them as you would tums. It really did help my phosphorus when took them. I find it easier to swallow a bunch of pills though.

Mike
Thx for that! That has a lot to do probably with the diagram on the first page of this thread (absorption in different parts of the intestine). It does make sense! Thanks!  :thx;


ANYONE reading this , didnt want to start another thread, when you take the binders (eg renegel,) i have been told after meals. But my question is , what if you tend to snack during the day rather that eat a meal , for eg , if you had a slice of toast for breakfast , would you take one then ? I'm interested to know if its sort of, take them on a full stomach or not ? Anyone know ????????? :thumbup;
That was my question before as well! But it took awhile for me to figure it out! If you are good with your phosphate all day long then small snacks you don't have to take anything. If you haven't been good then try to snack all in one hour so that the binders will work for you!
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: BigSky on February 26, 2007, 02:55:39 PM
ANYONE reading this , didnt want to start another thread, when you take the binders (eg renegel,) i have been told after meals. But my question is , what if you tend to snack during the day rather that eat a meal , for eg , if you had a slice of toast for breakfast , would you take one then ? I'm interested to know if its sort of, take them on a full stomach or not ? Anyone know ????????? :thumbup;

I was told to take them anytime I eat.  The doc even added this into the prescription to make sure there was some for snacks.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: jbeany on February 26, 2007, 05:55:35 PM
My scrip says "meals and snacks" as well.  I now take 3 phoslo with every meal, 2 with every snack.  If I have a really big meal, like a sit-down dinner with dessert, I take 3 before and 2 after.  And if I can't stand the cravings anymore, and have something that's really high in phos, like a chocolate bar with peanut butter, or cheese and crackers, then I take 2 before and 2 right after.

It's working for me - my last phos was 4.4
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: shay_pcb on February 26, 2007, 07:16:57 PM
Mine also says meals and snacks. I only take 1 with my meals and snacks, unless there's lots of cheese or whole wheat or chocolate, then I take 2. I try to take them before I eat or after my first few bites, but sometimes I forget and take them afterwards. As long as it's within the hour after, then I'm ok. My levels are also good every month.

I used to take Fosrenol, but I hated it. I thought it was nasty, and it made me nauseous after chewing it. I always "forgot" to take it and eventually asked for something else.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: Wattle on February 26, 2007, 10:21:59 PM


 :P    O.K   How many do I take with a latte? Just coffee.... (I know i'm really bad!) no cake. I normally take two at breakfast & lunch and three with dinner. Is one enough or should I take two?   >:D
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: angieskidney on February 26, 2007, 11:41:24 PM


 :P    O.K   How many do I take with a latte? Just coffee.... (I know i'm really bad!) no cake. I normally take two at breakfast & lunch and three with dinner. Is one enough or should I take two?   >:D
It all depends on your bloodlabs. Just like the dietitian goes by ;)

I take Tums and I was told that there is a MAX you can take. So I have to really figure it out. I have it all worked out well though and love to take my chocolate flavoured Tums (Coacoa&Creme)

Title: Re: Binders
Post by: Bajanne on February 26, 2007, 11:45:55 PM
I LIKE the look of that Tums!  I haven't seen it at yet.  I just have the regular extra-strength fruit-flavoured ones.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: kitkatz on February 27, 2007, 06:21:38 AM
The dialysis center doctor came by yesterday and snuck a prescription onto me while I was sleeping for Renagel.  Since I get an upset tummy taking Renagel, I was PISSED!  WTF!  Lay a prescription on the chair's table and do not even discuss it with me?  I had a fit when I left the center!  How dare they give me a prescription and just lay it down by me!  They NEED to discuss these things with me, not just assume I am going to be a robot patient and get it filled just because the doctor said!
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: angieskidney on February 27, 2007, 08:38:51 AM
The dialysis center doctor came by yesterday and snuck a prescription onto me while I was sleeping for Renagel.  Since I get an upset tummy taking Renagel, I was PISSED!  WTF!  Lay a prescription on the chair's table and do not even discuss it with me?  I had a fit when I left the center!  How dare they give me a prescription and just lay it down by me!  They NEED to discuss these things with me, not just assume I am going to be a robot patient and get it filled just because the doctor said!
I would be pissed as well! I would simply refuse to take it! Wouldn't be the first time I have refused a med by the Neph's. I just explain to them why. Hopefully they don't put me down as "noncompliant"
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: shay_pcb on February 27, 2007, 03:23:31 PM
I've been put down as noncompliant in the hospital for them trying to give me meds I didn't need. I told my DR about it and he got mad at them!! lol
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: angieskidney on February 27, 2007, 07:11:59 PM
Ya I took myself off my BP meds and I changed how many Tums I take .. but I wouldn't recommend just anyone doing that. I have spent years with my health problems so I know what works for me and I know what meds NOT to alter.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: RichardMEL on February 28, 2007, 12:58:09 AM
I wouldn't just take a script left for me with no discussion with the doctor! That seems wrong to be. I'd def call the doctor/unit manager and let them know that you would have perhaps rather been woken up (though I can understand them not waking you) and talked to about the script, or had them leave a note to call them when you could to discuss a medication change.

Hmm I am worried now that I am about to go on Renegel that a lot of people seem to have side effects!
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: kitkatz on February 28, 2007, 10:03:37 PM
They all know in the unit I am mean when awakened, but the doctor came by later and did not even tell me he left a prescription for me. I am going to complain very loudly to the director of the center.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: goofynina on April 13, 2007, 11:55:05 AM
Man-O-Man!!!  Would you believe, i have been taking Tums for 1 month and my phosphorus is down to 3.3, 3.3 I SAID...  :o  My PD nurse had to look three times to make sure she was looking at MY lab results, lol,  but of course, with that, my calcium is up too so they are probably going to take my Tums away and give me some other binder, that i cant afford, and my phos. will go right back up again,   >:(  Well, at least i have gotten 1 good lab results, lol  ;)
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: Zach on April 13, 2007, 08:15:21 PM
Man-O-Man!!!  Would you believe, i have been taking Tums for 1 month and my phosphorus is down to 3.3, 3.3 I SAID...  :o  My PD nurse had to look three times to make sure she was looking at MY lab results, lol,  but of course, with that, my calcium is up too so they are probably going to take my Tums away and give me some other binder, that i cant afford, and my phos. will go right back up again,   >:(  Well, at least i have gotten 1 good lab results, lol  ;)

Fantastic!!!!

I have the same problem with a higher calcium, so I mix up the binders: tums and renagel.
Even with a higher calcium blood level, your calcium x phosphorus product may still be in the acceptable range:  55 or less.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: Wattle on April 14, 2007, 01:48:38 AM
Man-O-Man!!!  Would you believe, i have been taking Tums for 1 month and my phosphorus is down to 3.3, 3.3 I SAID...  :o  My PD nurse had to look three times to make sure she was looking at MY lab results, lol,  but of course, with that, my calcium is up too so they are probably going to take my Tums away and give me some other binder, that i cant afford, and my phos. will go right back up again,   >:(  Well, at least i have gotten 1 good lab results, lol  ;)

Fantastic!!!!

I have the same problem with a higher calcium, so I mix up the binders: tums and renagel.
Even with a higher calcium blood level, your calcium x phosphorus product may still be in the acceptable range:  55 or less.

Zach, Is your Phosphate measured the same as ours? mmol/L and what is the code for calcium/phosphorus? I am trying harder to understand my results and take a more active role in controlling them. I take Caltrate as my binder. The doctors have never given me an option for a different one. I want to educate myself, so I am able to ask more detailed questions during the consults.   :P

Title: Re: Binders
Post by: thegrammalady on April 14, 2007, 06:20:33 AM
i take renegel, which i know bothers some people. my blood calcium is high so i'm not supposed to use tums. which i use anyway, once or twice a month if the heartburn is bad. i'm also not supposed to eat dairy products because of the calcium. (i didn't eat the ice cream, you didn't really see that, ice cream, what ice cream...........no there wasn't any ice cream) the doctor pronounced my blood work great this month, so something must be working. which just proves the dietitian WRONG, since she stated a flat "if you eat any cheese ever your phosphorus will never go down" i just love it when that happens!!!!!  ;D (who, me, eat cheese?)
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: goofynina on April 14, 2007, 01:11:37 PM
I didnt see no ice cream Gramma so no one will be hearing anything from me (for a small price) ;)  Regarding your heartburn,  have you ever tried Prilosec?  That stuff works good, and there was a time when i was fighting it daily and once i started taking it, i rarely have a problem with it, and if i do, 1 pill is all it takes, it is over the counter, just lettin' ya know ;)  I was taking renagel for the longest time and always had a problem with my phosphorus,  the tums is what helped ME the best, but now, my calcium has reached normal levels, no more tums, gosh darnit  :(   We just cant win can we?  :P
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: RichardMEL on April 16, 2007, 01:30:00 AM
I never went on the Renegel but have kept the script handy just in case. I am off the Caltrate (thank god, chewing that disgusting Calcium Carbonate really got up my nose... all that chalk in the mouth YUCK.. and it makes the taste of food even worse!!). Now I am just on alutabs as a phosphate binder and when I am good and take them with the food my phosphate is great, around 1.00. My calcium is stilla  bit high (2.63) but the doc isn't too concerned. PTH is all over the place so go figure.

I really should stop eating cheese.. but what's the point of ordering a cheeseburger without the cheese? :)
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: charee on April 16, 2007, 02:13:29 AM
I never went on the Renegel but have kept the script handy just in case. I am off the Caltrate (thank god, chewing that disgusting Calcium Carbonate really got up my nose... all that chalk in the mouth YUCK.. and it makes the taste of food even worse!!). Now I am just on alutabs as a phosphate binder and when I am good and take them with the food my phosphate is great, around 1.00. My calcium is stilla  bit high (2.63) but the doc isn't too concerned. PTH is all over the place so go figure.

I really should stop eating cheese.. but what's the point of ordering a cheeseburger without the cheese? :)

I have`never chewed my caltrate  The dietitian just told me to cut them into 1/4's and swallow, don't think i could chew them Yuk
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: Wattle on April 16, 2007, 02:14:00 AM
I never went on the Renegel but have kept the script handy just in case. I am off the Caltrate (thank god, chewing that disgusting Calcium Carbonate really got up my nose... all that chalk in the mouth YUCK.. and it makes the taste of food even worse!!). Now I am just on alutabs as a phosphate binder and when I am good and take them with the food my phosphate is great, around 1.00. My calcium is stilla  bit high (2.63) but the doc isn't too concerned. PTH is all over the place so go figure.

I really should stop eating cheese.. but what's the point of ordering a cheeseburger without the cheese? :)

 ??? Why did you chew the Caltrate? Yuck. There is no way I am going to chew them. I swallow them whole.
Is your Aluminum creeping up with the Alutabs?   Its a vicious circle we run around...    :P
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: Zach on April 16, 2007, 05:26:45 AM
Zach, Is your Phosphate measured the same as ours? mmol/L and what is the code for calcium/phosphorus?

"There are two main methods of describing concentrations: by weight, and by molecular count. Weights are in grams, molecular counts in moles.  This means that the conversion factor depends on the molecular weight of the substance in question."
Sorry, I can't be of more help.

U.S. Goals:
Calcium         8.4-9.5 mg/dL   =   2.10-2.37 mmol/L
Phosphorus    3.5-5.5 mg/dL   =   1.13-1.78 mmol/L

Ca x P < 55 mg/dL  = <4.44 mmol/L
iPTH < 300pg/mL   = <31.8 pmol/L

Alutabs is only used in the US as a last resort and for only a short time, because of alumiinum toxicity. Is that worth it ... just to keep eating a lot of cheese.    :-\
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: Ken Shelmerdine on April 16, 2007, 05:51:03 AM
If only I could consistently remember to take my binders because most of the time I forget. Try as I might I forget at least once a day and when I remember it's usually about 2 hours after. :(
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: RichardMEL on April 16, 2007, 08:35:34 AM
Re chewing Caltrate...

I was taking them whole but they didn't seem to be working and the nurses and the doc told me I should chew them with the food to get an effect.. well they did start working then and they started cutting them down to eventually nothing (lol).. it was horrid chewing those things I can tell you!!!!

re alutabs... the Al was up a bit but not at an alarming level.. I think they were going to put me on Renegel to cut me off those and the Caltrate but the doc doesn't want to at this point. I'll mention the Al levels to him and ask what he thinks...

and no I do not want or do any binders for the sake of some cheese :(
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: Wattle on April 16, 2007, 03:54:08 PM
Zach, Is your Phosphate measured the same as ours? mmol/L and what is the code for calcium/phosphorus?

"There are two main methods of describing concentrations: by weight, and by molecular count. Weights are in grams, molecular counts in moles.  This means that the conversion factor depends on the molecular weight of the substance in question."
Sorry, I can't be of more help.

U.S. Goals:
Calcium         8.4-9.5 mg/dL   =   2.10-2.37 mmol/L
Phosphorus    3.5-5.5 mg/dL   =   1.13-1.78 mmol/L

Ca x P < 55 mg/dL  = <4.44 mmol/L
iPTH < 300pg/mL   = <31.8 pmol/L

Alutabs is only used in the US as a last resort and for only a short time, because of alumiinum toxicity. Is that worth it ... just to keep eating a lot of cheese.    :-\

Thank You again Zach,

You always come through with the goods  ;)  Our levels are measured in mmol/L and pmol/L. 
The first part of your post had me   ???  :P
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: kitkatz on April 17, 2007, 07:59:15 PM
Ken, me too with the dang binders. I forget all of the time.  I now keep a bottle  of Tums in my car (along with the whiskey!)
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: Wattle on April 18, 2007, 03:42:05 PM

This is a question about TUMS. I am curious to know if they are the same as we have here, sold as an antacid.
Sold in Australia are: Andrews Tums Antacid 500mg Calcium Carbonate per tablet. Orange flavour only.
Caltrate has 1500mg calcium carbonate per tablet.

Are you taking 6-9 tums per meal?  ??? 
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: charee on April 18, 2007, 04:10:25 PM
Well after only 2 sessions they tell me i won't have to take Caltrate anymore maybe from next week . I only take 3, 1 at each meal. One less tablet a day yippee!!!
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: Wattle on April 20, 2007, 05:59:44 PM
Well after only 2 sessions they tell me i won't have to take Caltrate anymore maybe from next week . I only take 3, 1 at each meal. One less tablet a day yippee!!!

Is there anyone else on dialysis managing their phosphate level without binders? I am just curious as I haven't heard of anyone stopping altogether. I assumed it was a continual struggle with numbers   :P
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: Zach on April 20, 2007, 06:08:41 PM

This is a question about TUMS. I am curious to know if they are the same as we have here, sold as an antacid.
Sold in Australia are: Andrews Tums Antacid 500mg Calcium Carbonate per tablet. Orange flavour only.
Caltrate has 1500mg calcium carbonate per tablet.

Are you taking 6-9 tums per meal?  ??? 

TUMS comes in different strengths .. regular, E-X and Ultra.  Used as an antacid and as a phosphate binder.
I've used E-X in the past .. before my calcium went too high (10.2)
One E-X tablet, which is chewable, contains 750 mg of Calcium Carbonate = 300 mg of elemental calcium.  Just two tablets with meals used to do the trick for me.  They come in different flavors, some are good tasting like assorted berries or strawberries and cream, and others  taste horrid.
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: goofynina on April 20, 2007, 06:12:47 PM

One tablet, which is chewable, contains 750 mg of Calcium Carbonate = 300 mg of elemental calcium.  Just two tablets with meals used to do the trick for me.   They come in different flavors, some are good tasting like assorted berries or strawberries and cream, and others  taste horrid.

Oh man Zach, you only took 2?  I took 5-6  :o  No wonder my calcium shot way up in one month, aye yi yi, what was i thinkin?  and my favorite flavor is definetly the assorted fruit then the assorted berries,   :2thumbsup;
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: Chicken Little on April 20, 2007, 07:18:38 PM
Is there anyone else on dialysis managing their phosphate level without binders? I am just curious as I haven't heard of anyone stopping altogether. I assumed it was a continual struggle with numbers   :P

I mainly take them when I eat something bad.  >:D  My phos is in the high 2's and I just got cheese added back into my diet.   :yahoo;
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: Zach on April 20, 2007, 08:57:36 PM
If a person is on nocturnal hemodialysis (7-8 hours overnight, 5-6 nights a week) they usually can do without binders.  After a few months, they may also be able to decrease or eliminate other medications as well.  It's the "gold standard" of dialysis ... almost as good as  transplant.
 8)
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: charee on April 20, 2007, 08:58:44 PM
4th Session over down to 1 caltrate aday with the biggest meal it might change as i go who knows..Getting blood work done at every session for awhile to keep a check on things
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: Zach on April 20, 2007, 09:01:14 PM
4th Session over down to 1 caltrate aday with the biggest meal it might change as i go who knows..Getting blood work done at every session for awhile to keep a check on things

Do you still have any kidney function left?
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: charee on April 20, 2007, 09:03:11 PM
4th Session over down to 1 caltrate aday with the biggest meal it might change as i go who knows..Getting blood work done at every session for awhile to keep a check on things

Do you still have any kidney function left?

Yeah 5 to 6% still pee aliittle abit
Title: Re: Binders
Post by: Wattle on April 20, 2007, 09:39:59 PM

This is a question about TUMS. I am curious to know if they are the same as we have here, sold as an antacid.
Sold in Australia are: Andrews Tums Antacid 500mg Calcium Carbonate per tablet. Orange flavour only.
Caltrate has 1500mg calcium carbonate per tablet.

Are you taking 6-9 tums per meal?  ??? 

TUMS comes in different strengths .. regular, E-X and Ultra.  Used as an antacid and as a phosphate binder.
I've used E-X in the past .. before my calcium went too high (10.2)
One E-X tablet, which is chewable, contains 750 mg of Calcium Carbonate = 300 mg of elemental calcium.  Just two tablets with meals used to do the trick for me.  They come in different flavors, some are good tasting like assorted berries or strawberries and cream, and others  taste horrid.

Thanks Zach and Goofynina,
We only have the ones I mentioned available to us in Australia   :-\  Plain orange chewable 500mg. I suppose I will have to stick to Caltrate.  :-X They could make them a little more tasty!