Guest guest Posted January 21, 2009 Report Share Posted January 21, 2009 I'm sure some of you have been or are on a low sodium diet. My husband currently is due to his last cholangitis flare up. He's been retaining A LOT of fluid. They drained 2 liters while he was in the hospital and it's back. We're waiting to hear from his pre transplant coordinator to see whether or not he can take Lasix. He already has low blood pressure normally so they're usually kind of hesitant to have him take it. We're supposed to see a dietician as part of his pre-transplant work up but I could really use some guidance until then. He's having a really tough time with this. He's thin and unlike me (who isn't exactly thin), he's never really had to modify his diet a whole lot other than eliminating spicey foods and dairy. How can I help him with his new " diet " and help keep his spirits up? We are both really looking forward to him getting listed and getting the ball rolling! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2009 Report Share Posted January 21, 2009 I empathize with the fluid retention. I had to start a low sodium diet prior to my transplant. I have been fortunate to be able to keep it under control with diet, except for a short period of time post transplant. In the beginning it is difficult, but after awhile you notice that some foods are naturally too salty for your taste. There are several foods that are very high in salt content that I found really easy to eliminate from my diet – like canned soup. You have to read all of the labels. The first trip to the grocery store took over two hours because we read every label. My wife does not add salt to anything that she cooks. In the beginning I used a variety of “flavor” enhancers to help me get past the lack of salt. Mrs. Dash has the most flavors and I have come to like it and ground pepper. I am 15 months post transplant and still watch my salt intake. I was told to weigh myself daily and if I gained three pounds or more in one day I should call my Hep. Recently I had a period of eating out where I had pizza and ham in the same day. The next day I had gained three pounds. I did not call because I knew the reason and the solution. I drank a lot of water that day and avoided all salt possible. The next day I was back to my usual weight. When I was pre-transplant, my Hep did not want me to take lasix. He said it was hard on my liver and it would be a last resort. After transplant he put me on lasix for a short time to reduce the fluid gained during surgery. I think that took about a week. The low salt diet now is a part of life. I won’t try to tell you the first six weeks is easy, but considering the consequences, its not that bad. Joe PSC & UC - 1990; Liver Transplant - 2007 From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of Bobbi Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 12:53 PM To: Subject: Low sodium diet I'm sure some of you have been or are on a low sodium diet. My husband currently is due to his last cholangitis flare up. He's been retaining A LOT of fluid. They drained 2 liters while he was in the hospital and it's back. We're waiting to hear from his pre transplant coordinator to see whether or not he can take Lasix. He already has low blood pressure normally so they're usually kind of hesitant to have him take it. We're supposed to see a dietician as part of his pre-transplant work up but I could really use some guidance until then. He's having a really tough time with this. He's thin and unlike me (who isn't exactly thin), he's never really had to modify his diet a whole lot other than eliminating spicey foods and dairy. How can I help him with his new " diet " and help keep his spirits up? We are both really looking forward to him getting listed and getting the ball rolling! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2009 Report Share Posted January 21, 2009 I have a friend who in on low fat/low sodium/low sugar diet. He said that they dont buy meat at the local groceries stores because nearly all have salt added before we buy them. Might be worth your time to look at the labels. He buys his meat at a local meat shop who told them that there is no salt added to their meats. Also with canned vegetables for example there is a high sodium content. If you drain the can and then rinse the veggies with fresh water it would lower the salt content. Just prior to tx I was on a low salt diet but since tx I don't have any restricitons. Blessings, Barby - KS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2009 Report Share Posted January 21, 2009 I have a friend who in on low fat/low sodium/low sugar diet. He said that they dont buy meat at the local groceries stores because nearly all have salt added before we buy them. Might be worth your time to look at the labels. He buys his meat at a local meat shop who told them that there is no salt added to their meats. Also with canned vegetables for example there is a high sodium content. If you drain the can and then rinse the veggies with fresh water it would lower the salt content. Just prior to tx I was on a low salt diet but since tx I don't have any restricitons. Blessings, Barby - KS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2009 Report Share Posted January 21, 2009 I have a friend who in on low fat/low sodium/low sugar diet. He said that they dont buy meat at the local groceries stores because nearly all have salt added before we buy them. Might be worth your time to look at the labels. He buys his meat at a local meat shop who told them that there is no salt added to their meats. Also with canned vegetables for example there is a high sodium content. If you drain the can and then rinse the veggies with fresh water it would lower the salt content. Just prior to tx I was on a low salt diet but since tx I don't have any restricitons. Blessings, Barby - KS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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