As beautiful as Nassau was, the cruise had one more stop to make the next day. The destination: Coco Cay, the RCL's privately owned island in the Bahamas.
The island really isn't much, as far as size and amenities. Basically, it is a beach, some support buildings (mostly open-sided) and a few docks. However, it is gorgeous there!
(Leaving the ship for Coco Cay, Bahamas. 24 Feb 2013 SW)
(The docks at Coco Cay, Bahamas. 24 Feb 2013 SW)
(A Beach on Coco Cay, Bahamas. 24 Feb 2013 SW)
(A postcard view of the ship from Coco Cay, Bahamas. 24 Feb 2013 SW)
(Thatch Umbrella on Coco Cay, Bahamas. 24 Feb 2013 SW)
(Coconut trees and blue waters at Coco Cay, Bahamas. 24 Feb 2013 SW)
I took the launch to the Cay and enjoyed the warm waters, the cool shade of the coconut trees, and, of course, the free lunch. The ship stayed at the Cay until 430p when we set sail for the home port of Port Canaveral; arriving there the next morning. The three day cruise went by all too fast; but it was sure memorable. For me, the best thing about this cruise was the brief respite from the mental burden of this disease. Though I still had physical constraints by which I conducted my days, it was the mental vacation of sorts that I cherish most. I was doing something most unsick-like, I was enjoying myself immensely, and I had a few days that this disease wasn't at the forefront of my time. It was a nice, and very welcomed break.
The afternoon of getting back to Florida, I was again at DaVita Orlando East. My Tech this time was Leanna, and she was fantastic! The entire crew was eager to hear of my adventures on the cruise; but Leanna was especially inquisitive and she seemed genuinely interested in me and my time on the cruise. Plus, she showed me something that I have taken back with me to my DaVita clinic here in Provo--a technique of needle removal that is less painful.
Essentially, the canulating needle [on removal following Tx] is rolled back and forth all the way out of the arm. For the first time I had zero pain on removal, so I asked what she did, and Leanna graciously explained the easy--but often overlooked--technique. It leaves a little blood on the arm, but that is a very miniscule price to pay for improved comfort during needle removal. My first treatment here at home I explained it, the Tech did it as described, and...no pain. I am having all my Tech's do this from now on.
This second treatment (Tx) in Orlando went well. Aside from being at 109.6 Kg's, I felt just fine; though my energy was pretty much gone. I targeted my weight a little heavy, leaving the clinic at 104.6 Kg's. As there would be only two days until my next Tx, I felt that leaving a little heavy would be just fine.
Since my return from the trip, my weights have been way off on both ends of Tx. Here are my weights since the 28th (Feb):
28 Feb 13
Starting Weight: 106.9 Kg
Water Removed: 3.70 Kg
Ending Weight: 103.2 Kg (That's a .90 Kg give-back)
02 March 13
Starting Weight: 106.8 Kg
Water Removed: 3.70 Kg
Ending Weight: 103.1 Kg (A 1.0 Kg give-back)
05 March 13
Starting Weight: 107.1 Kg
Water Removed: 3.80 Kg
Ending Weight: 103.3 Kg (A .80 Kg give-back)
07 March 13
Starting Weight: 107.5 Kg
Water Removed: 4.40 Kg
Ending Weight: 103.1 Kg (A 1.0 Kg give-back)
09 March 13
Starting Weight: 108.0 Kg
Water Removed: 5.60 Kg
Ending Weight: 102.4 Kg (A 1.7 Kg give-back)
By give-back, I am referring to the amount of water my body is giving back to dialysis above and beyond the target goal of 104.1 Kg. We are not planning this extra water removal; it is simply my body ridding itself of this water. Yesterday's was the worst yet. During Tx I was nauseated, had cramping in my feet, legs, shoulders, neck and up and down my spine. My sleep was terrible because of this, and I have been dragging all day. The only reason I can think of for this sudden change [in my total water removal] is my vacation. Perhaps being at seas level triggered something my my body. Maybe it was the warmth and humidity, or a combination of everything. I don't know for certain...just positing ideas.
I just hope that things settle down. My body is having a rough time of things with going lite Tx after Tx. Today's extra loss was in spite of the tech going a Kg heavy in anticipation of giving that extra Kg back; only to give 1.7 Kg too much.
Also, as I stated prior to the cruise, I moved last week. So, instead of resting on my off-days, I have been working on unpacking. (yay for me.) Thing are finally settling down, and my routines will gradually settle back to normal.
I had the monthly blood work drawn last week, but will save those numbers for my next entry.
For now, I'm through with typing.
Have a great few days! See you soon!
Good Health to All!
ScottW
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