Flashbacks

Last week, one of my friends at work asked me a question about dialysis. Her husband, unfortunately, has to start dialysis soon, and they were hoping that they could postpone starting dialysis for another month. Their reason for postponing was not frivolous (and personal that is why I am not sharing it in this post), so I understood why they are thinking of delaying the inevitable. 

We had a brief, but good chat about dialysis, and I was glad to share my experience. It looks like I answered her question and gave her some good tips. At the end, she said her husband is trying his best to maintain the little kidney function that he has.

I mentioned to her that I was in a similar position when I was diagnosed and had to watch my diet closely. Although I did not share this with her, I remembered that my husband and I tried to keep my kidney function up, primarily through diet. I did have to watch my diet like a hawk to keep it from falling completely. I ate very little protein per day: only four ounces, if I remember correctly. I had to give up my favorite soy chai lattes and had to be very creative with meals. Most days, I was having no protein for breakfast, two ounces for lunch and two ounces for dinner, or some combination of thereof.  My meals were mostly carbs and vegetables. It was not the good, high fiber carbs either; it was white bread, white rice, white flour – ugh! No more brown rice, Wheaties, or multigrain muffins. I was lucky to be Asian and having white rice as a staple in our diet. My favorite meal was usually breakfast when I can have muffins! I figured since I am watching everything, I can have some sugar twice a week. Occasionally, I can have an egg for breakfast since that was considered one ounce.

I was fortunate back then; I was still peeing so I did not have any fluid restrictions. I think that was one of my treats. Since I was suffering from gout, I was drinking black cherry juice. I would have that with some of my meals, but dilute it with water and ice (black cherry juice was a bit too sweet for me).  I even considered making a faux-sangria with it by adding apples and oranges (did not attempt to do so though – not the same without wine). Speaking of sangria, I had to limit my alcohol intake. I probably just limited it to one glass of wine (or sangria) per week, if any. Yes, I became an inexpensive date (not cheap, though).

My diet back then was very restrictive. I kept (and am still keeping) a food diary so I can keep track of my intake and things that trigger my gout attacks. I can imagine that this would be trying to anyone especially if you have a “meat and potatoes diet”. I was able to stay out of dialysis for a year. During this period, my husband and I were very thankful for every .01 increase in my GFR (Glomerular filtration rate - a measure of how well the kidneys are working).

I hope all goes well with my friend and her husband. They have a lovely family and their young kids would need Dad around for a long time. I wished them well and offered my advice anytime she needs it. Been there and doing my best to give back… and not to be there again.