oh that phosphorus

One of the many MANY benefits of PD is that there are very few diet and fluid restrictions. I'm not saying that you can go out and drink your face off, but on the whole, you can do almost whatever you please.  Your labs will give you a much better picture if you're on the right track or if there are modifications that you need to make.

Like Rachael mentioned, she has cut out dairy.  That is something I have also done, for the most part. I still add cheese to cauliflower, or drink milk every once in awhile, but not to any great degree.  You ARE allowed some dairy each day, but once you cut it out, it's just easier to keep it out of your diet.

As you are balancing and adjusting your diet, one side effect you will notice is ITCHINESS. There's nothing you can do other than grin and bear it. It will go away. It's just your body getting rid of the extra phosphorus in your system. Itchiness can also happen if your dialysis isn't working at its best. Something to pay attention to!

Both Rachael and I have consistently struggled with our phosphorus levels. I imagine most PD patients do because it is in EVERYTHING. A couple of years back we kept up a running conversation about what we were eating in an effort to bring our phosphorus levels down prior to bloodwork being done. As soon as my bloodwork was done for the month, I would go and eat ice cream, buy sunflower seeds, and basically cram anything and everything phosphorus loaded into my face. :) As a "reward."

Lately I haven't cared all that much, however Rachael's post has actually gotten me thinking more long-term about my lab values. It is SO HARD to think long-term when it comes to managing a disease. You get so used to living with the thing every day, that you forget that it takes long-term daily management in order to have long-term good health. So her post about labs was a good reminder to me to behave myself and to care more about what I eat.

We do want to start posting recipes to help others of you out there with healthy eating and with learning about good recipes that don't make you feel like you're missing out on anything. We should also put up a list of foods you can and can't eat - or foods you can substitute. For example, Coke of any stripe is obviously a no (please ignore the Coke Zero on my coffee table, I "needed" the bubbles for a sore throat *cough*) :) However, you can drink A&W Rootbeer (we will accept sponsorship deals!!) because it is phosphorus-free.  Be warned, though, rootbeer is HIGH in calories.

I'm looking forward to Rachael's next post about crazy dialysis questions. It should be funny!

RachelT