Binders, Binders, Binders

[pinkyD]

Just wondering how many binders you all are taking. I've been having trouble with phos levels, so dr has upped my dose to 3 Velphoro tabs with each meal. But I also have to take them with each snack. I even take one when I drink coffee. Counting them all up, I probably take 12-15 of these giant tabs a day. I'm gonna end up eating more binders than actual food!

[kickingandscreaming]

I take 2 Velphoro and 2 Renvela with each meal.  Lately I've been having a high phosph. reading.  Velphoro are a PITA and I always have to break them up into many pieces and I still choke on them nearly every time.

[kristina]

Please tell me, what are binders actually meant to do?
Many thanks from Kristina.

[smartcookie]

Binders bind to the phosphorus that you eat.  You then excrete that phosphorus through your stool.  It helps bring phosphorus into range if you cannot control it through diet alone. 

[kristina]

Many thanks smartcookie for your kind explanation, it is very much appreciated.
Kind regards from Kristina.

[IOnlyGet5]

Anyone have side effects from Velphoro phos binder?

I was taking 3 calcium acetate 667mg capsules with each meal or snack but started repeatedly throwing up after taking 1st horse pill (I have always had trouble swallowing large pills) so I asked if they make chewable & they put me on 1 500mg Velphoro with ea meal.

I took 1st one after dinner last night & STILL have a weird, very unpleasant kind of metallic taste in.my mouth that makes me not want to eat or even drink water. Does this happen to you? Does anyone know if this side effect goes away in time or can be helped in any way?

[Simon Dog]

Auryixa is an iron based binder that works better that the others for me.

The downside is that my crap is as black as the ace of spades.   Doesn't even resemble normal crap.  Also causes occasional constipation.   The plumber at the hotel I stayed in at Seattle must have really wondered what was going on with me.

[kickingandscreaming]

I take both Renvela and Velphoro and I haven't had what I would call a "reaction".  Except the black poop and it has a distinctive unpooplike smell.  Sort of sweet and cloying.  It also softens my stools so I had to quit with the stool softener or it was too soft.  Sorry for TMI.

[Paul]

I use  Calcichew which is calcium carbonate in chewable form. I take one with each meal, and occasionally with large snacks that I know may be a little high in phosphorus. That keeps me well within the recommended levels of phosphorus in the monthly blood tests and I eat quite a bit (IE I am overweight by "lifestyle"). And although I am very careful of potassium levels, I am less careful of phosphorus levels.

[Charlie B53]

I've only had Renvela.  While on PD my Phos levels stayed fine unless I ate a heavy Phos'd meal immediately before labs were taken.

Since the switch to Hemo I've had to take my Renvella.  Initially I took only 2 with every meal.  That wasn't enough, my Phos kept rising.  Now I take 4 every meal and I'm good, averaging under 4.0 each month.

[IOnlyGet5]

Thanks for your help folks!

[PrimeTimer]

Questions for those using Auryxia:  1) Has it helped raise your Hemoglobin levels?
                                                           2) Do they give you less EPO when you are using Auryxia?
                                                           3) Upon starting Auryxia, did you notice any changes in any of your labs?

Thanks.

[Simon Dog]

Auryxia has definitely reduced the amount and frequency of Mircera (time release EPO) dosing.

My Phosphorous has been doing MUCH better than on other binders (Calcium Acetate; Renvela)

My stools are now as black as the ace of spades

[PrimeTimer]

Auryxia has definitely reduced the amount and frequency of Mircera (time release EPO) dosing.

My Phosphorous has been doing MUCH better than on other binders (Calcium Acetate; Renvela)

My stools are now as black as the ace of spades

Thanks. I'll pass this (pun intended) on to my husband.

[Charlie B53]

Black Stools.  My Iron Supplements have caused this for years.  I've often had concerns What If........ as the color could easily hide any internal bleeding which would otherwise be disclosed by having black tarry stools.

I regularly get iron added during treatments anyway so why bother taking the pills, so I was allowed to stop taking them.

Finally, things are more 'Normal' in the bathroom, other than not P'ing hardy anything.

[Simon Dog]

as the color could easily hide any internal bleeding which would otherwise be disclosed by having black tarry stools.

Get some guiac cards and a little bottle of developer - you can check this yourself.

Plus, sign yourself up for an innuendo  on a regular basis.