09 July 16 Labs:
*Creatinine: 2.78 (-0.11)
*Hematocrit: 36.7 (+0.8) IR
*Hemoglobin: 11.6 (+0.1) IR
*Lymphocytes: 10.6 (-2.4) Low
*Lymphocytes Absolute: 0.7 (-0.3) Low
*Neutrophils: 78.8 (+1.0) High
*Neutrophils Absolute: 5.3 (-0.4) IR
*Red Blood Cells: 4.05 (NC) Very Low
*White Blood Cells: 6.7 (-0.7) IR
*Blood Urea Nitrogen: 38 (+3) Very High
*Calcium: 10.0 (+0.2) IR
*Glomerular Filtration Rate: 24 (+1) Extremely Low
*Blood Glucose: 95 (NR 80-100, so this is perfect)
*Potassium: 4.3 (-0.2) IR
*Sodium: 142 (+2) IR
*Protein: Not Taken
*Magnesium: 2.0 (-0.4) IR
*Phosphorous: 4.3 (+0.7) IR
NC=No Change IR=In Range
The Creatinine actually dropped for the first time in several months, which was a nice surprise. Let's hope for either another reduction in August, or at least no change in the reading.
My Lymphocytes dropped unexpectedly following a few months of stability at the low end of the desired range. Even though my WBC count is good, with the Lymphocytes down, it is time to go back to wearing the mask whenever I am out in enclosed public spaces, and just being extra cautious in general.
Lastly, my Calcium reading was at the very top of the range that my Parathyroid doc was wanting, so I called his nurse for instructions. He said that I am to reduce my calcium supplement (TUMS) intake in half, going from 1,000 mg 4x/day to 1,000 mg 2x/day. Apparently, what little bone hunger remained from the whole parathyroid thing has now disappeared. Next months' lab should show if stability with my calcium has been achieved, or if further CA intake adjustments are needed.
Overall, the labs were good. I had eight lab values in the proper ranges, a good Blood Glucose Level, the drop in Creatinine and steadiness with my electrolytes. The continued low BUN and GFR are concerning, but unless I hear from my nephrologist or the Transplant Clinic, I'll just keep moving forward.
It was nice to see that my Hematocrit was up to an almost normal level [for a renal transplant patient]. This is a strong indicator that the kidney is managing--despite my low RBC--the proper proportion of Red Blood Cells within the total blood volume in my body. In simplified terms...no anemia.
Also on 09 July, I had my monthly Belatacept infusion; my main anti-rejection med. Aside from a missed cannulation, the infusion went well, and there are once again no side effects...aside from a nice big bruise (contusion) on my arm from that failed stick.
Earlier this week (Tuesday, 16 July) I had my annual wellness exam (as required by my insurance). All was as well as could be expected as my healing and strengthening continues. The doctor (a General practitioner) was pleased with my progress.
As far as other upcoming exams, I have a scheduled visit with a Dermatologist in
mid-August. Also, I am still working on the other appointments that I spoke of in my last entry.
With the heat in my area--as is usual in the summer in a high desert region--I have not gotten out on any walks since my last entry. It is hot outside in the morning, afternoon and evening. However, with doing housework, I am getting exercise in by walking up and downstairs multiple times every day; on the order of 10-15 times. Add in the actual housework, and my strengthening continues its slow--sometimes agonizing--pace. Again, the way I must look at my progress is to concentrate on the small victories...getting 2.5 bathrooms cleaned without exhausting myself; vacuuming the stairs with increasing ease; having enough energy to accomplish multiple things each day, etc.
My feet have seemed to heal a little more from the dialysis-induced neuropathy. This past week I began to notice different areas of both feet feeling different than the usual burning and extreme numbness. While my toes continue to be so numb that I cannot feel them, my heals and balls of my feet have spots that either have a little feeling emerging, or almost feel slightly normal. The areas that this is happening aren't huge by any stretch; but the fact that I am feeling sensations in varying parts of each foot is very encouraging!
Lastly, I quickly finished that 500 piece puzzle that was next in line. Aside from the initial sorting of the pieces, I took only about 4.5 hours over about a week to complete this puzzle. (The photo is below.)
Since my daughter has yet to purchase that puzzle of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, I do not yet have another one to work on, but am looking.
And that gets me caught up!
I hope that you all enjoy the coming week! Enjoy your summer, and stay hydrated and healthy!
Good Health to All!
ScottW
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