My father is on dialysis for complete kidney failure. He has had 2 kidney transplants and neither worked. He was a construction contractor, decent physical shape before this happened 6 years ago. After his most recent transplant operation he has lost a lot of lbm. He is flabby and weak and thinks he’ll never be strong again. He’s only 46! I am sure I could help him return to some of his old strength. What supps would be good for his condition. I thought about Methoxy 7, Vitex And protein powder. (For the most part its hard to get him to take supps, but I might get 1 or 2 in him)He has to be carefull of his potassium and phosphorus intake. Any advice T-men. I love this man and want to see him strong again. Later, LW.
Sorry Mate, but I couldn’t in all good conscience recommend any thing due to the possible drug interactions, but I would check
and see if his Doc is willing to do a Test
check as I bet his numbers are in the shitter.
Test is a mild immune suppresant, so that might
improve the odds of getting a rx, although I’m
unaware of it’s use in transplant patients.
This is a very tough one and you really need to consult with your father’s doctor see what is OK e.g. you will likely have to limit protein as it is excreted through the kidneys and if the waste products of protein metabolism hang around they will likely make your father feel pretty bad. As for the biotest supps you need to know if they are exceted through the kidneys (in which case they will hang around till the next dialysis) or throught the liver. You might look into “alternative” therapies to see if his renal function can be improved that way. This may be your best bet, but you will need a very good alernative practitioner.
When you say dialysis I take it you mean the machine type. My father had renal failure too (about 8 years ago) but opted for the bag type treatment which he found was physically easier on him as the dialysis machine knocked him around too much. Is that an option for your father? As far as supps go they sound good suggestions. My father made some DRAMATIC gains energy wise following a consult with a naturopath and getting some herbal treatment. He went from being huddled in a chair with jersey and rugs on during summer, exhausted walking 200 yards to out playing 18 holes of golf (walking). I can’t remember the specifics but will ring my mother to see if she can help and post later.
LW,check out the following link;
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/press/2000/JUNE/00622.HTM.
It’s a press release on the John Hopkins site about a study that was done on dialysis patients where they cut all the protein from their diets and replaced it with essential amino acid and/or ketoacid supplements,and they extended the average survival time of the patients by a year.The rest of the diet was comprised of fruit and vegetables.The phone number of the doctor is shown if patients want their doctor to contact him for more details on the protocol.When you go to the site enter `protein and kidney disorders’ in the search and check out the results.Best of luck to you and your Dad.
Thanks for the feedback so far. My father had his “Total Testosterone” level checked, although I don’t remember his numbers I think they were mid normal. Hyphnz, he is on the Hemo dialysis (machine) now, 3 days a week. Up until about 6 months ago he was on the Peritaneal (sp?) or bag dialysis. The Hemo seems to do a much better job of taking the fluid off. Bombang, thanks for the link. Will check it out. I realize my father will never be 100% without a working kidney, but I know there are people out there who have refused to let it get the best of them. Anyone with ideas or experience in this area feel free to respond. Thanks T-People!
Also you guys are probably right about some supps being bad for his condition. Later!
I told my father about the naturopath you mentioned. He would be very interested to know more. Thanks!
I just wanted to wish your dad all the luck in the world, I have had family members go thru it before. good luck to your dad and yourself. peace to you guys.
LW, sorry I didn’t reply earlier. I have spokento my moter but she is unable to remember what the naturopath recomended ( my father died 3 1/2 years ago) there were some teas but she could not be any real help sorry. Suggest you/he contact a naturopath and see recomendations as what is recomended can vary depending upon cause etc. Disappointed I couldn’t help that much but certainly know how frustrating it can be to all involved. Regards Hyphnz
I now run a dialysis (PD and HD) that sees
400 patients a week. Do not allow your
father to take ANY supplements without
having his nephrologist review them. You
could seriously injure your dad, especially
with protein. And remember, drugs
(supplements) have different half lives in
dialysis patients and often different
metabolites.
Good luck,
Brock