Phosphate of Soda Scare

I haven't been on the boards for a while, so I'm not sure if this has been discussed. I just heard a disturbing radio advertisement about a class action lawsuit for people who have taken phosphate of soda for bowel prep before surgery or a colonoscopy. Apparently, the product causes extreme liver damage and some other issues that I didn't catch. Seeing how this is what I was instructed to take the day before my surgery, I'm more than a little concerned! Does any know about this or have any information. Thanks in advance, Michelle

Michelle, I just looked it up on the internet. The article May 2006 states that it is rare, but it can cause kidney failure under certain cir****tances. Cir****tances such as if you had kidney damage prior to taking it, or if you are pregnant or on certain medications that react with it. So it doesn't sound like anything you have to be concerned about. Unless you think you might be in kidney failure, then absolutely call your doctor.

I believe it is kidney failure issues associated with it. Here are some links that might help you: http://www.pritzkerlaw.com/Phosphate_Nephropathy/ http://www.weitzlux.com/fleetphospho-soda/newsandwarnings_435571.html http://www.laszlolaw.com/indexpage_20/Pharmaceutical_Litigation.shtml I am sure there are probably many more sites with similar information on them. Sandy

Ooops, yes it is kidney issues, why did I type liver? Thanks for the information. I will definitely check out the websites. I do get kidney stones often, but not sure if that would be consider kidney problems?

If you had kidney failure you would know. When your kidney's shut down you start retaining water as you are no longer flushing it out of your system. Likely your tummy would bloat up like a balloon, as well as other parts of your body. You may have trouble breathing too. Basically, your body begins to shut down.

Michelle Please dont be alarmed , I am sure no good doctor would advise you to use a product that would endanger your life ! And Fang is a good doctor!! If your still uneasy - Just call him and ask if their is an alternate product you can use. Like maybe some nasty prune juice ?? Hang in there baby - your in for a ride of your life - on a toilet seat !!!