Post-Transplant Rejection Update: 26 February 2021

 Ever since my last--and very brief--update, things have been on somewhat of a rollercoaster.

Since I do not know what my labs are looking like, I can only surmise that my body chemistry is getting seriously out of whack.

Let's start with my overall energy.

In general, it is doing OK. Even though I have been getting better sleep, I still suddenly tire out, get sleepy, and nap for 1-3 hours almost every day. Sometimes twice in a day. The exception to my energy has been my workouts. 

Ever since I  updated the rods on my Bowflex, my workouts seem to be vastly more effective. I am now switching out weights for the various exercises, and I am getting at least three sessions in every week. For now, that is a good amount. The down-time gives my body time to rest; which is when the muscle growth happens. 

When my body is done for the day, I almost can't do anything else, and I need to sleep in order to recharge to the limited energy I have.

My headaches have taken a serious upward turn. For about two weeks now, my daily average headache is at a solid 7 of 10. There is no reason, and nothing I am doing has precipitated the increase or intensity. Yes, I am still doing the acupuncture twice each week. There are many times that TMD involvement is obvious, an other times when it is not a [major] factor. This increase is at least partly due to a change in my body chemistry.

When the TMD is the ruling factor, there is little I can do to prevent it. For example, just yesterday I had had a moderate headache all day at about a 6. Then last night while I was sitting getting ready to take my PM vitals, within just a few minutes my head suddenly exploded to a 10+. I could hardly think at all (not exaggerating!).     I tested my jaw, and sure enough, that R joint clunked HARD!  I had to use my strongest prescription med just to get to sleep.  It has been a long time since I had a headache explode like that, and it was not fun! When I awoke today the headache was better, and at least manageable. 

My appetite has been off the past week, or so. I just don't want to eat as much as had become normal. So if this continues, then I know that it is likely due to the kidney struggling.

Despite all of my usual  daily BP meds, my blood pressure has been slightly worse the last few weeks. This may be due to the increase in my headaches, which I would not be surprised at as anything that stresses the body causes an elevation of the BP. I see my Nephrologist next week, and will discuss this with him.

I think that is all of the big stuff I wanted to tell you today. As I have labs and that doctor visit next week, I will wrap this up for today, so that I have more to update you with next week.

So until then, enjoy your weekend, and stay healthy and safe!

Good Health to All!

ScottW

Post-Transplant Rejection Update: 10 February 2021

 My wife's new work schedule is kicking my butt!

It's not that it's difficult getting her out the door, but with my not getting good sleep over the last two to three weeks, getting up at 630A, along with her lunch prep, breakfast, doing things for the home-based business, getting computer and housework done--as I am able--getting as many workouts in as possible, and cooking dinner every night...I am dragging. As a result, things like this blog get left off my normal routine. 

Also, as on the January lab draw, I have no lab results to publish! There is no indication as to why these results are not available to me, but I do not like being in the dark about my Lymphocytes, RBC, WBC, BUN, GFR and Creatinine. I will see my Nephrologist next month and ask him why my lab results are not available.

Overall, my day to day is up and down. Today, as I write this, is a bad day. My TMD is awful, I have no energy and I feel like garbage. It is just one of those days that you just have to get through so that you can feel better the next day.

In regards to my headaches, I had been doing a little better as the acupuncture is making headway against them. For a couple of weeks through yesterday, my pain med usage was down, as was my use of Excedrin. It was good to have some hours every day with no headaches at all. Yesterday, all of that changed however, as a sudden and massive TMD headache (going from a 2 to a solid 8 within seconds) hit me on my way to my Chiropractic and Acupuncture appointment. These treatments helped for a few hours, but it roared back by late afternoon, staying at an 8+ for the remainder of the evening, through the night, and throughout today with pain meds just keeping it from exploding to a solid 10. 

So, lots of fun there...

That is all I can type today. Between my headache and energy level, my brain is mush. I will get another entry done early next week.

Until then,

Good Health to All!

ScottW