My mom is in the hospital with renal failure - she has had nausea and dry heaves almost everyday - why?

The doctors don't know why...I feel like they are just trying to medicate her for nausea and not find the cause of all of this - she is on dialysis now and does really well with it - she isn't sick during the dialysis...What things should I ask them to test for? She is afraid to eat, that it will make her more sick and I am afraid she is going to want to stop dialysis because of this...what could be the cause of all of her nausea and dry heaves? She has had them almost everyday for 3 weeks....

thanks for the help...

I can be caused by the medications she is on. Many of the pre medication and post medication for dialysis are very strong and can cause these symptoms. Even though she does well on dialysis, it does take a tremendous toll on the body. many of my patients are fine on dialysis days but find themselves sick, tired and lethargic on their off dialysis days.
How long has she been on dialysis?
If it's something new, her body needs to become acustom to the dialysis.
If it's not new, did they change her meds? There are many factors contributing to this. Your mother really needs to eat healthy, watch her fluid intake and get plenty of rest.
I would talk to her nephrologist and express your concerns and make a point to not let him/her get away with just "i'm not sure" you need to demand test and answers.
I'm not sure where your from, but families of patients here in canada, if they demand the doctors are more likely to listen and do something because of the fear or lawsuites and license review.
You have the right to demand answers, they are the doctors but they work for your mother. that is their job.

Anxiety is probably the cause of her nausea and dry heaves.
Being forced to face renal failure can be one of the most trying times in person's life. Unfortunately the doctor may not be able to give her anything for it because the kidneys no longer work to take the toxins the medicine would create out of her body. I wish there was some advice I could give or some words to offer comfort but there isn't. The only thing you can do is be supportive.

Chronic renal failure results in a build up of waste products in the body. This causes nausea & vomiting. The dialysis is probably the only thing that keeps it from being worse as the purpose of it is to remove waste products from blood.

The doctors already know the cause of her N & V. Of course they're medicating her for it. There's no need for you to ask for tests.

I'm sorry your mother is such bad shape. I know it's an incredibly difficult time for you both and that you feel helpess. The dialysis should help her with this issue over time as well as antiemetics, meds that treat nausea & vomiting. Encourage her to take small bites and to take her time. She should have whatever antiemetic/antinausea med she's been prescribed 30 minutes before meals. Weight loss is something that she should avoid if possible.

Studies have shown that CoQ10 and grape seed extract are effective in treating renal failure.

Even I saw results.

Search the internet.

In Renal Failure (CRF), there is a rise in blood urea and this is the main cause of nausea and vomiting. As you have already mentioned she is on dialysis, for uremia. Encourage her to eat whatever the diet is prescribed to her, as parents listen more to their children.
I wonder what type of people and hospital, that they cannot such a small reason, for your mother's ailment.
Consult some other nephrologist for a second opinion.

Self-Care at Home

Chronic kidney disease is a disease that must be managed in close consultation with your health care provider. Self-treatment is not appropriate.

* There are, however, several important dietary rules you can follow to help slow the progression of your kidney disease and decrease the likelihood of complications.

* This is a complex process and must be individualized, generally with the help of your health care provider and a registered dietitian.

The following are general dietary guidelines:

* Protein restriction: Decreasing protein intake may slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. A dietitian can help you determine the appropriate amount of protein for you.

* Salt restriction: Limit to 4-6 grams a day to avoid fluid retention and help control high blood pressure.

* Fluid intake: Excessive water intake does not help prevent kidney disease. In fact, you doctor may recommend restriction of water intake.

* Potassium restriction: This is necessary in advanced kidney disease, because the kidneys are unable to remove potassium. High levels of potassium can cause abnormal heart rhythms. Examples of foods high in potassium include bananas, oranges, nuts and potatoes.

* Calcium: Adequate intake is necessary to maintain healthy bones and avoid problems with parathyroid function (function of a gland in that neck that helps regulate calcium).

* Phosphorus restriction: Decreasing phosphorus intake is recommended to protect bones. Eggs, beans, cola drinks and dairy products are examples of foods high in phosphorus.

Other important measures that you can take include:

* Carefully follow prescribed regimens to control your blood pressure and/or diabetes.

* Stop smoking.

* Lose excess weight.

* Limit your consumption of alcohol.

In chronic kidney disease, several medications can be toxic to the kidneys and may need to be avoided or given in adjusted doses. Among over-the-counter medications, the following need to be avoided or used with caution:

Certain analgesics - Aspirin; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen [Motrin, for example])
* Fleets or phosphosoda enemas because of their high content of phosphorus

* Laxatives and antacids containing magnesium and aluminum such as milk of magnesia and Mylanta

* Ulcer medication H2-receptor antagonists - Cimetidine, ranitidine (decreased dosage with kidney disease)

* Decongestants like pseudoephedrine especially if you have high blood pressure

* Alka Seltzer, since this contains a lot of salt

* Herbal medications

If you have a condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol underlying your chronic kidney disease, take all medications as directed and see your health care provider as recommended for follow-up and monitoring.

Recommendation CQ10 & cranberry juice.
At this stage in the game there is no cure just ways to prolong ones health.