Just a quick note tonight letting you know that I had my blood drawn today for the latest round of tests. The phlebotomist commented on the color of my blood; indicating it appeared darker than normal. (Let's hope so...that would mean movement towards dialysis and, hopefully, being closer to feeling better). The blood did look darker to me, as well.
I have my nephrology appointment on Tuesday morning, and will, as always, post the results later that afternoon. I'm hoping for a decrease in my kidney function; but not counting on it. Again, we'll see in just a few days.
I don't anticipate posting again until then.
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Friday, October 28, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
26 October 2011
Well...so much for yesterday.
After I abruptly left my blog, I took a a half dose of Promethazine [for the nausea] and then slept for more than four hours. After waking, I experienced the usual extreme grogginess for hours; but the nausea was gone for a while.
Now, let's see if I can remember what else I wanted to write before the nausea so rudely interrupted my day... ;o)
I think the last thing I mentioned was the feeling of a full bladder, but actually having reduced urinary volume and flow. (...oh yeah...) The other characteristics of my urine have remained consistent from my last blog. No obvious changes, and no obvious blood in my urine, either.
The ammonia odor is still really strong. Others have also noticed the stronger odor on my breath and asked me about it. I just tell people that the ammonia suddenly got stronger and far more intense. Though I am not yet seeing [or smelling] any ammonia crystallization on my skin, I am feeling like my skin doesn't stay clean for more than a few hours these days.
My appetite has been less than usual. Over the last five or six days I have averaged just three-fourths of a cup of food per day. I am just not very hungry. I have been trying to drink more water, and have upped my daily liquid intake to about 50 Oz. That's not a big increase by any stretch, but at least it's better.
My headache the last week has been exacerbated by TMD symptoms. As a result, the headache has been stronger, more intense and with few lulls. I have had to take more T3's than usual (about 4.5/day) as a result. Today, the TMD symptoms are nearly non-existent, and the headache is reduced to it's now normal range.
With the recent downturn in seasonal temps, my ability to stay warm has dropped dramatically. My hands feel frozen all the time, as do my feet. I guess it's time to start dressing warmer--even when inside.
That's all I can think of today. I doubt that I've remembered everything because I feel as if I've forgotten several areas I wanted to touch on. Oh well. On we go...
Good Health to All!
ScottW
After I abruptly left my blog, I took a a half dose of Promethazine [for the nausea] and then slept for more than four hours. After waking, I experienced the usual extreme grogginess for hours; but the nausea was gone for a while.
Now, let's see if I can remember what else I wanted to write before the nausea so rudely interrupted my day... ;o)
I think the last thing I mentioned was the feeling of a full bladder, but actually having reduced urinary volume and flow. (...oh yeah...) The other characteristics of my urine have remained consistent from my last blog. No obvious changes, and no obvious blood in my urine, either.
The ammonia odor is still really strong. Others have also noticed the stronger odor on my breath and asked me about it. I just tell people that the ammonia suddenly got stronger and far more intense. Though I am not yet seeing [or smelling] any ammonia crystallization on my skin, I am feeling like my skin doesn't stay clean for more than a few hours these days.
My appetite has been less than usual. Over the last five or six days I have averaged just three-fourths of a cup of food per day. I am just not very hungry. I have been trying to drink more water, and have upped my daily liquid intake to about 50 Oz. That's not a big increase by any stretch, but at least it's better.
My headache the last week has been exacerbated by TMD symptoms. As a result, the headache has been stronger, more intense and with few lulls. I have had to take more T3's than usual (about 4.5/day) as a result. Today, the TMD symptoms are nearly non-existent, and the headache is reduced to it's now normal range.
With the recent downturn in seasonal temps, my ability to stay warm has dropped dramatically. My hands feel frozen all the time, as do my feet. I guess it's time to start dressing warmer--even when inside.
That's all I can think of today. I doubt that I've remembered everything because I feel as if I've forgotten several areas I wanted to touch on. Oh well. On we go...
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
25 October 2011
I can't believe it's been six days since my last entry. It seems like I just did one a day or two ago.
Anyhow, on to the latest...
Both good and bad lately. Good in that the pain in my mid-back is better. I still get that stabbing pain when moving or bending in certain way; but the constant pain has apparently diminished. Maybe a cyst popped. I'll definitely relay the info to my doc next week.
Also, my naps have lessened somewhat. I had my usual long naps on Wed, Thurs and Friday; but since then, have only dozed off and on (no more than an hour at a time) several times each day. Plus, my nightly sleep has been deeper and more restful than it has in some time.
On the bad side of things, I've experienced a definite uptick in occurances of nausea. I'm once again taking small doses Promethazine each day. Also, on Saturday night I had it hit me out of nowhere. The nausea level went from non-existant to near emesis literally within a minute and a half. I immediately took a half dose of the anti-emetic. After forty minutes and minimal relief, I took another half dose, then waited another forty-five minutes before the nausea was reduced. The same thing happened again on Sunday evening, then again last night. The Promethazine continues to take care of the nausea, though on average, more has been required than in previous episodes.
In my last entry I noted several occurances of a full bladder but with reduced urinary flow/volume. Since then, I've had this happen at least a dozen times.
--I just had more nausea hit me completely out of the blue. I'll return later to finish--
Anyhow, on to the latest...
Both good and bad lately. Good in that the pain in my mid-back is better. I still get that stabbing pain when moving or bending in certain way; but the constant pain has apparently diminished. Maybe a cyst popped. I'll definitely relay the info to my doc next week.
Also, my naps have lessened somewhat. I had my usual long naps on Wed, Thurs and Friday; but since then, have only dozed off and on (no more than an hour at a time) several times each day. Plus, my nightly sleep has been deeper and more restful than it has in some time.
On the bad side of things, I've experienced a definite uptick in occurances of nausea. I'm once again taking small doses Promethazine each day. Also, on Saturday night I had it hit me out of nowhere. The nausea level went from non-existant to near emesis literally within a minute and a half. I immediately took a half dose of the anti-emetic. After forty minutes and minimal relief, I took another half dose, then waited another forty-five minutes before the nausea was reduced. The same thing happened again on Sunday evening, then again last night. The Promethazine continues to take care of the nausea, though on average, more has been required than in previous episodes.
In my last entry I noted several occurances of a full bladder but with reduced urinary flow/volume. Since then, I've had this happen at least a dozen times.
--I just had more nausea hit me completely out of the blue. I'll return later to finish--
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
19 October 2011
I ended up falling asleep shortly after finishing up that last blog entry for (I believe) a good three plus hour nap.
Every day since that last entry I have also slept at least three hours in the afternoon. Usually the nap has been preceded by an hour or two of sleepiness and nodding off. My naps have been, in respective order, 3+, 3, 3, 4, 5, and 4. Additionally, my nightly sleep has been inconsistent in duration and quality.
I've also been awoken twice because of nausea, and once for intense leg cramps on both lower legs anterior, between the ankles and mid-tib/fib. I haven't had any leg cramps literally in decades; so this was definitely unusual for me. I tried stretching and relaxing my feet; but this only exacerbated the cramping. I ended up using Icy-Hot cream on my legs. This was able to get things to relax. However, three days later, that same area on both legs is tender, sore and very tight.
The pain in my mid-back over the R kidney continues unabated. I haven't yet called my doc simply because I don't have a way to get there. While the pain has not intensified any further, it still doubles me over when I move in whatever way that aggravates it. My next nephrology appointment is on Nov. 1st; I may just end up waiting until then. I don't know.
The ammonia smell I experience has taken a step towards the worse. I had become sort of used to it--though I am constantly aware of it--but now it is definitely intensified to a much stronger, more intense odor. Nasty stuff. Still no obvious skin odors, however; and no ammonia crystallization.
My appetite has remained poor, and my liquid intake, as well. I'm averaging about 1.25 cups of food per day (snacking included), and approximately 40-50 Oz's of liquids. I just have no appetite and am thirsty very little.
However, my urinary output is staying somewhat consistent in volume and occurances. I have had two or three incidents when my bladder felt full, only to have very little flow or volume. The cloudiness of my urine remains high, the color is consistent, and the foaminess is high. No signs of blood.
My headache, now a few weeks short of two years in duration, has been averaging a solid 8-8.5, with occasional forays into the 9.5's+
And...that's all I can remember for today.
I will keep you updated on that pain in my back, and what I end up doing about it; and when.
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Every day since that last entry I have also slept at least three hours in the afternoon. Usually the nap has been preceded by an hour or two of sleepiness and nodding off. My naps have been, in respective order, 3+, 3, 3, 4, 5, and 4. Additionally, my nightly sleep has been inconsistent in duration and quality.
I've also been awoken twice because of nausea, and once for intense leg cramps on both lower legs anterior, between the ankles and mid-tib/fib. I haven't had any leg cramps literally in decades; so this was definitely unusual for me. I tried stretching and relaxing my feet; but this only exacerbated the cramping. I ended up using Icy-Hot cream on my legs. This was able to get things to relax. However, three days later, that same area on both legs is tender, sore and very tight.
The pain in my mid-back over the R kidney continues unabated. I haven't yet called my doc simply because I don't have a way to get there. While the pain has not intensified any further, it still doubles me over when I move in whatever way that aggravates it. My next nephrology appointment is on Nov. 1st; I may just end up waiting until then. I don't know.
The ammonia smell I experience has taken a step towards the worse. I had become sort of used to it--though I am constantly aware of it--but now it is definitely intensified to a much stronger, more intense odor. Nasty stuff. Still no obvious skin odors, however; and no ammonia crystallization.
My appetite has remained poor, and my liquid intake, as well. I'm averaging about 1.25 cups of food per day (snacking included), and approximately 40-50 Oz's of liquids. I just have no appetite and am thirsty very little.
However, my urinary output is staying somewhat consistent in volume and occurances. I have had two or three incidents when my bladder felt full, only to have very little flow or volume. The cloudiness of my urine remains high, the color is consistent, and the foaminess is high. No signs of blood.
My headache, now a few weeks short of two years in duration, has been averaging a solid 8-8.5, with occasional forays into the 9.5's+
And...that's all I can remember for today.
I will keep you updated on that pain in my back, and what I end up doing about it; and when.
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Thursday, October 13, 2011
13 October 2011
In the two days since my last post, things with my symptoms have done an uptick.
My sleep remain all over the place. My naps the last two days have been three hours and four hours respectively. So far today, I haven't fallen asleep. My exhaustion remains as prevalent and (excuse me...) exhaustive as ever.
The pain in my back over the R kidney has gotten worse. I can feel it constantly now, and still aggravate it when bending or moving certain ways. When I do, my whole body reacts and I can only wait for the pain to decrease. If this keeps up over the weekend, I'll call my doc on Monday morning.
The headache has become significantly nastier, and with little or no letup. The T3's are barely keeping the worst of the headache at bay.
My lower legs are swelling again every day. (I haven't yet noticed any increase in my hands). I am drinking far less than I should be, but the edema kicks in ad does its [now usual] morning to night cycle. Yesterday I awoke to reduced swelling in my feet, but it was not as minimal as I've previously seen. Though my feet didn't swell to anything huge [last night], the edema did increase significantly.
My appetite has gotten worse over the last few days. I am snacking very little, and my one meal of the day has averaged about a cup of food. I estimate my liquid intake to be about 40 Oz's/day.
As far as my urinary characteristics, I am voiding around eight times/day. My urine has been cloudy most of the time the last week or so; the foaminess remains high, and the color has been consistently yellow to light amber. Still no obvious sign of blood, and no kidney stones.
The vertigo, recently held in check for whatever reason, is making its comeback. I am leaning against walls again, relying on my cane to keep me on my feet [when outside the house], and have awoken several times with mild spinning of the room. I don't understand why it reduced in the first place; but I'm absolutely grateful for the brief respite.
So, after all of that, it is clear that my little break is over, and the major symptomology is breaking through once again. As I've stated earlier, I don't know why these breaks happen; but I am eternally grateful they do, because the breaks allow me to rejuvenate my batteries--both mentally and physically--and face the daily grind that the S/S's (Signs and Symptoms) exert upon my mind and body.
I continue to receive many words of strength and encouragement from many friends. Their words and support are invaluable to me in this fight. Knowing I am not alone brings great comfort and helps me to remain strong against the tide of darkness and despair that might otherwise envelope me as this whole experience drags on to its conclusion.
My Thanks and Heart-felt appreciation to everyone for all that you do for me!
Good Health to All!
ScottW
My sleep remain all over the place. My naps the last two days have been three hours and four hours respectively. So far today, I haven't fallen asleep. My exhaustion remains as prevalent and (excuse me...) exhaustive as ever.
The pain in my back over the R kidney has gotten worse. I can feel it constantly now, and still aggravate it when bending or moving certain ways. When I do, my whole body reacts and I can only wait for the pain to decrease. If this keeps up over the weekend, I'll call my doc on Monday morning.
The headache has become significantly nastier, and with little or no letup. The T3's are barely keeping the worst of the headache at bay.
My lower legs are swelling again every day. (I haven't yet noticed any increase in my hands). I am drinking far less than I should be, but the edema kicks in ad does its [now usual] morning to night cycle. Yesterday I awoke to reduced swelling in my feet, but it was not as minimal as I've previously seen. Though my feet didn't swell to anything huge [last night], the edema did increase significantly.
My appetite has gotten worse over the last few days. I am snacking very little, and my one meal of the day has averaged about a cup of food. I estimate my liquid intake to be about 40 Oz's/day.
As far as my urinary characteristics, I am voiding around eight times/day. My urine has been cloudy most of the time the last week or so; the foaminess remains high, and the color has been consistently yellow to light amber. Still no obvious sign of blood, and no kidney stones.
The vertigo, recently held in check for whatever reason, is making its comeback. I am leaning against walls again, relying on my cane to keep me on my feet [when outside the house], and have awoken several times with mild spinning of the room. I don't understand why it reduced in the first place; but I'm absolutely grateful for the brief respite.
So, after all of that, it is clear that my little break is over, and the major symptomology is breaking through once again. As I've stated earlier, I don't know why these breaks happen; but I am eternally grateful they do, because the breaks allow me to rejuvenate my batteries--both mentally and physically--and face the daily grind that the S/S's (Signs and Symptoms) exert upon my mind and body.
I continue to receive many words of strength and encouragement from many friends. Their words and support are invaluable to me in this fight. Knowing I am not alone brings great comfort and helps me to remain strong against the tide of darkness and despair that might otherwise envelope me as this whole experience drags on to its conclusion.
My Thanks and Heart-felt appreciation to everyone for all that you do for me!
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
11 October 2011
(more follow-up on yesterday...)
Because of all the sleep I'd gotten yesterday, I was unable to get to sleep until about 330a this morning. Even though I was not yet sleeping, I was exhausted and on the verge of sleeping for about two hours prior to my nightly rest.
I awoke this morning at 0930a, still groggy from my use of Promethazine yesterday morning. Plus, the nausea was still there, but less than yesterday; and my headache was going strong.
All in all, since Sunday night, I've gotten a total of about 22 hours of sleep in a thirty six hour period.
It would seem that my kidneys are working less. I mean, thirteen hours of sleep [since Monday morning] off of a half-dose of Promethazine. That is significant.
Anyhow, I just thought it important to relay that info.
Good health to All!
ScottW
Because of all the sleep I'd gotten yesterday, I was unable to get to sleep until about 330a this morning. Even though I was not yet sleeping, I was exhausted and on the verge of sleeping for about two hours prior to my nightly rest.
I awoke this morning at 0930a, still groggy from my use of Promethazine yesterday morning. Plus, the nausea was still there, but less than yesterday; and my headache was going strong.
All in all, since Sunday night, I've gotten a total of about 22 hours of sleep in a thirty six hour period.
It would seem that my kidneys are working less. I mean, thirteen hours of sleep [since Monday morning] off of a half-dose of Promethazine. That is significant.
Anyhow, I just thought it important to relay that info.
Good health to All!
ScottW
Monday, October 10, 2011
10 October 2011
Well, the break in my major symptomology has apparently ended.
Around ten last night I became suddenly nauseated. I ended up taking a half dose of Promethazine to get it settled down. Plus, that spot on my mid-back over the R kidney suddenly became really painful. Between the two things I was not a happy camper.
When I awoke this morning I had to immediately take a half dose of the anti-emetic once again. An hour passed before the nausea began to settle down. That stabbing pain in my back has not reduced at all, and T3's only just keep it in check. Plus, my headache has returned with a vengeance today.
Woo-Hoo! This is fun stuff! :o(
Hoping I can get things under control...
ScottW
**...it's now 1030p and I spent nearly the entire day [since posting earlier] sleeping from the effects of the Promethazine. I fell asleep around noon, and didn't wake up until 745p. On waking I was terribly stuporous, and my headache was awful; But hey...the nausea was under control! ;o)
Around ten last night I became suddenly nauseated. I ended up taking a half dose of Promethazine to get it settled down. Plus, that spot on my mid-back over the R kidney suddenly became really painful. Between the two things I was not a happy camper.
When I awoke this morning I had to immediately take a half dose of the anti-emetic once again. An hour passed before the nausea began to settle down. That stabbing pain in my back has not reduced at all, and T3's only just keep it in check. Plus, my headache has returned with a vengeance today.
Woo-Hoo! This is fun stuff! :o(
Hoping I can get things under control...
ScottW
**...it's now 1030p and I spent nearly the entire day [since posting earlier] sleeping from the effects of the Promethazine. I fell asleep around noon, and didn't wake up until 745p. On waking I was terribly stuporous, and my headache was awful; But hey...the nausea was under control! ;o)
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