This post is a little past due, but I have been busy running errands that last couple of days leaving me little time to sit in front of my computer to type this up. So...
The Renal Ultrasound I had last Thursday came back showing no additional narrowing of the renal artery. This means that those recent trends in weight, BP and urinary output are unrelated to any blood flow issues to the kidney. So, no angiogram in the foreseeable future (this could certainly change though if the doctors want a better look).
For the moment, I am awaiting word on how the doctors want to proceed from here.
Hopefully, I will hear a plan soon.
There were no labs this week, so there is obviously nothing to report on this front.
Ever since our recent move, I have been trying to get out on walks as much as I can. At first, they were few and far between as I was recovering from the move, then wrapped up getting boxes emptied and things put away throughout the house.
About two weeks ago, I decided to walk to get the mail--about 100 yards in each direction, with the return up a slight grade. In the evening, my wife and I started doing a loop of about 4/10ths of a mile. This was up a steep hill for half, then down a long hill, and winding back to our house up that same slight grade I mentioned earlier. We did this walk about every other evening. It was exhausting, and I had to use my cane...a lot; but we did those walks.
This week (on Monday), I decided to walk the same loop during the day by myself. Yes, I still have to use the cane on the uphill sections, but I hold it on the downhill and flat sections. What brought about this sudden change was the thought that "I just need to start walking every day, and stop letting tiredness get in the way." So, I did that first daily walk on Monday, and have done it three days in a row now. Such a thought pattern is not new to me. Before I had the kidney disease evidence itself, there was nothing that held me back from getting in the exercise I needed. Having that thought hit me on Monday was a terrific reminder that, when I am able, I never let anything stand in my way when it comes top getting exercise. So, I am now more solidly on my way!
Next, let me talk about something I haven't mentioned in a while...the neuropathy in my feet. Though still present, I continues to very slowly improve. Some days are still better than others, but the overall improvement continues. I'm still avoiding shoes...and socks; opting instead for my Tiva sandals. Plus, I still sleep at night with my feet uncovered most of the time. However, the overall lessening is somewhere around 20%. It is only that high because I still cannot feel my feet at all. If I could, the improvement would likely be around 35-40%.
The headaches this past week have been up and down--a nice change from the last two months! I have gone from taking no meds...even Tylenol--for most of a day, to using T3's and even the stronger stuff. I have been using the NTI devices about the same as usual, so that is not a factor. Whatever the cause of this recent headache trend, I am NOT complaining one bit!
In regards to each of the last two subjects, I am hoping to get back to having weekly acupuncture to help with the headaches as well as [possibly] the neuropathy. I think that I have mentioned before how much acupuncture has benefited me in the past. With the headaches, I know that this ancient technique will help. With the neuropathy, I am hoping it will help to reduce the pain, and start calming those nerves down and getting them to communicate properly.
**I just received a call from one of the Clinic doctors about moving forward. Here's the initial plan:
I will be taking 40 mg of Lasix every morning for the next four days. As always, I'll track my weight and vitals. On Monday I am to speak with the same doctor to review how this went. At that point, we'll have a better picture of how to proceed.
In the meantime, if a single day's weight loss is greater than three pounds, I am to discontinue the Lasix for the next day.
With this plan, I need to be sure to increase my fluid intake (to 3.5-4 L/day) in order to avoid dehydration and excessive muscle cramps. I'll start that tomorrow morning, as well.
I think that I'll stop here for today. It is getting later in the day, and I need to get started on cooking dinner.
Next week I will update you on the Lasix thing, as well as the latest labs and anything new for getting my kidney functioning as best as possible.
Until then, have a terrific weekend, and keep yourself safe!
Good Health to All!
ScottW
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