A day shy of one month since my last entry; read on to see why...
Dialysis Weights:
14 Mar 15
Starting Weight: 97.0 Kg
Ending Weight: 94.7 Kg
Water Removed: 2.30 Kg
17 Mar 15
Starting Weight: 98.6 Kg
Ending Weight: 94.8 Kg
Water Removed: 3.80 Kg
19 Mar 15
Starting Weight: 97.6 Kg
Ending Weight: 94.9 Kg
Water Removed: 2.70 Kg
21 Mar 15
Starting Weight: 97.4 kg
Ending Weight: 94.6 Kg
Water Removed: 2.80 Kg
24 Mar 15
Starting Weight: 98.3 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.1 Kg
Water Removed: 3.20 Kg
26 Mar 15
Starting Weight: 97.8 Kg
Ending Weight: 94.9 Kg
Water Removed: 2.90 Kg
28 Mar 15
Starting Weight: 97.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 94.7 Kg
Water Removed: 3.00 Kg
31 Mar 15
Starting Weight: 99.4 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.6 Kg
Water Removed: 3.80 Kg
02 Apr 15
Starting Weight: 98.0 Kg
Ending Weight: 94.9 Kg
Water Removed: 3.10 Kg
04 Apr 15
Starting Weight: 97.2 Kg
Ending Weight: 94.6 Kg
Water Removed: 2.60 Kg
07 Apr 15
Starting Weight: 98.1 Kg
Ending Weight: 94.8 Kg
Water Removed: 3.30 Kg
09 Apr 15
Starting Weight: 97.9 Kg
Ending Weight: 94.7 Kg
Water Removed: 3.20 Kg
11 Apr 15
Starting Weight: 96.8 Kg
Ending Weight: 94.6 Kg
Water Removed: 2.20 Kg
April Lab Work:
*Albumin (17 Mar): 4.30 g/dL (+0.30 g/dL from 17 Feb March)
(A measure of Protein in the blood) NR (Normal Range) 4.0 g/dL or Higher
*Hemoglobin (07 Apr): 10.80 G/dL (+0.90 G/dL from 03 Mar)
(A Measure of Anemia)
*Ca Corrected (07 Apr): 9.50 mg/dL (-0.30 mg/dL from 03 Mar)
(A measure of Heart and Bone health) NR 8.40 to 10.20 mg/dL
*Phosphorous (07 Apr: 4.30 mg/dL (+0.20 mg/dL from 03 Mar)
(High Phosphorous affects the health of your Heart and Bones) NR 3.0 to 5.5 mg/dL
*PTH Intact (17 Mar): 243 pg/mL (-9 pg/mL from 17 Feb)
(A measure of Vitamin D absorption and bone and tissue health) NR 150 to 600 pg/mL
*K+ (07 Apr): 4.9 mEq/L (-0.50 mEq/L from 10 Mar)
(Proper potassium levels keep your nerves and muscles working well) NR 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L
*spKdt/V Dialysis (07 Apr): 1.70 (+0.02 from 03 Mar)
(A measure of the effectiveness of dialysis and blood filtering.) NR 1.20 or Higher
These latest labs are AWESOME!! Hard work; sacrifice; determination...that's all it takes to achieve these lab results. It's never easy to get these results; but you'll be happy you did what was asked of you.
Now, as to why I took a month to get another blog written...
That is quite simple to explain. The last three weeks I have felt downright lousy! Not nauseated, just lousy. Yes, nausea has been a consistent companion; but I'm just referring to feeling sick...all of the time. Feeling so sick leads to not eating right, not doing household chores, not having any energy to get out and do anything, etc. Even my wife has commented on how blah I've been the last few weeks. As far as I know, this increase of feeling so bad is NOT the result of anything I've been doing. My diet hasn't changed, my day to day hasn't changed, there have been no changes at dialysis, my meds are almost all the same...aside from my probiotic--it's a different brand than what I had been taking.
IF the probiotic is the culprit behind how I've been feeling, then the simple answer is to go back to the original brand I had been using; which I will do this coming week. If I end up feeling better after beginning the new med, then I know that was the issue. If not, then I will just figure that my body is going through...something, and will hope I begin to feel better shortly. Either way, I'll let you know.
Still no word from Transplant. I did have a routine follow-up visit with my Nephrologist this last week, and he was not surprised to learn that I hadn't heard from Transplant. He told me they have not only been very busy lately, but that with the new UNOS rules in place, the Transplant office in general has been scrambling to readjust their personnel, procedures, etc. There was one comment he made that has me wondering about how soon I'll get the Call; which was that he asked me what I'll be doing after I get my Transplant--something he has NEVER asked me about at anytime during the last five years. He said, "You're going to want to know what you're doing once you heal up, because you are going to WANT to get back to life again." Hmmm...
I may be reading into his question too much, but I may also be on the mark in wondering if the question is related to his knowing something I do not. Time will tell.
My appetite fatigue has grown worse than ever. This is likely attributed to how I've been feeling over the past month; but whatever the case, I am eating less (not good!), eating less often (not good at all!), and taking in less protein (a very bad thing!). It's not that I want to; I just can't bring myself to eating much of anything if I find it the least bit unappealing. I've even looked into a full fridge and freezer, and a full cupboard, and will just turn away and close the door behind me. About the only meal I've been eating consistently is my post-dialysis lunch. That one is always eating completely; though, my ability to decide on where I eat is becoming difficult, as well.
I don't that there is really any way to get b past this, except to just push through as best I can. If that means I eat simply for the sake of eating, then that is exactly what I do. Once I start feeling better I am hopeful my appetite will also improve.
The incidences of diarrhea have remained few and far between. I went through a bad episode yesterday morning before my Saturday dialysis. When I went in for my Tx, the nurses all took one look at me and told me how awful I looked. I ended up sleeping three hours at dialysis, and another seven at home.
Speaking of sleep, it has been all over the place. I'll go anywhere from four hours to nine or ten at a shot. This past week, I have averaged about eleven hours sleep per day, including naps. On dialysis day, I've totaled around 15 total hours before, during and after. That's a LOT of sleep!
I'll just continue what I'm doing. Assuming my sleep is tied in with my feeling lousy, this might also correct itself once I feel better. One bad thing about sleeping long stretches is that my nausea will tick up while I sleep, ending with my awaking to extreme nausea, and taking Zofran, which of course, takes twenty plus minutes to kick in. TUMS help...a little; but I really just have to get through until the med starts eliminating the nausea.
My feet have been burning terribly the past three weeks, or so. I haven't been soaking them as much as I probably should have--which certainly doesn't help matters--but I just haven't had the energy. However, as I type, my feet are in a cold ice bath, cooling off and allowing the nerves to settle down. Extremely cold, but well worth it.
That's about all I can think of for today. Honestly, I will try to get my next entry done sooner. If how I've been feeling goes away, then I'll have the energy (and the inclination) to do so. Until then...my continued thanks for any prayers, thoughts or other efforts of support which you do for me. I continue to be blessed day after day with strength, mental fortitude and spiritual certainty which all combine to make this terrible trial a thing I am able to endure. Thank You all!
Good Health to each and every one of you!
ScottW
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Friday, March 13, 2015
13 March 2015
I was looking at my blog today and saw that I haven't done a post in twenty days (!!). I can't believe that three weeks have flown by since that last post. So, I'd best be starting...
Dialysis Weights:
24 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 98.3 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.5 Kg
Water Removed: 2.80 Kg
26 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 97.5 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.3 Kg
Water Removed: 2.20 Kg
28 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 98.0 Kg
Ending Weight: 94.8 Kg
Water Removed: 3.20 Kg
03 Mar 15
Starting Weight: 99.6 Kg
Ending Weight: 96.0 Kg
Water Removed: 3.60 Kg
05 Mar 15
Starting Weight: 98.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.5 Kg
Water Removed: 3.20 Kg
07 Mar 15
Starting Weight: 97.6 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.4 Kg
Water Removed: 2.20 Kg
10 Mar 15
Starting Weight: 98.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.0 Kg
Water Removed: 3.70 Kg
12 Mar 15
Starting Weight: 96.9 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.0 Kg
Water Removed: 1.90 Kg
As you can see in the numbers above, my weight has been mostly consistent. I've had a few spikes that I cannot explain, but simply go about getting the weight down in a sensible manner (over two Tx's), rather than doing it all at once and causing myself massive cramping.
And on the subject of cramping, I am only just now getting from Tx to Tx without cramping in either foot, leg or hands. It has taken awhile to say that for my current dry weight (95.5 Kg), but I will finally deliberately try to get below 95.0 Kg, my new official dry weight.
By continuing to drop my dry weight, my Nephrologist is hoping I will stop having respiratory distress, and my BP will drop to normal levels. I don't know how much further I can drop in the water weight, but I will keep trying to find that bottom level. Doing so only benefits my health and physical comfort between treatments (Tx's).
March Lab Work:
*Albumin (17 Feb): 4.30 g/dL (+0.20 g/dL from 20 Jan)
(A measure of Protein in the blood) NR (Normal Range) 4.0 g/dL or Higher
*Hemoglobin (03 Mar): 9.90 G/dL (-1.00 G/dL from 17 Feb)
(A Measure of Anemia)
*Ca Corrected (03 Mar): 9.80 mg/dL (+0.10 mg/dL from 03 Feb)
(A measure of Heart and Bone health) NR 8.40 to 10.20 mg/dL
*Phosphorous (03 Mar: 4.10 mg/dL (+0.30 mg/dL from 03 Feb)
(High Phosphorous affects the health of your Heart and Bones) NR 3.0 to 5.5 mg/dL
*PTH Intact (17 Feb): 252 pg/mL (+21 pg/mL from 20 Jan)
(A measure of Vitamin D absorption and bone and tissue health) NR 150 to 600 pg/mL
*K+ (10 Mar): 5.4 mEq/L (-0.10 mEq/L from 17 Feb)
(Proper potassium levels keep your nerves and muscles working well) NR 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L
*spKdt/V Dialysis (03 Mar): 1.68 (+0.05 from 03 Feb)
(A measure of the effectiveness of dialysis and blood filtering.) NR 1.20 or Higher
The Hemoglobin drop doesn't really necessitate red numbers, but I put it like that because the dialysis nurses are actually treating this drop by giving me IV Vitamin C. I can't really explain the action V-C has on the body, but I do know that it aids the absorption of Iron into the blood which helps facilitate creation of Red Blood Cells. Since the kidney's usually regulate RBC development--and I have no kidney's at all right now--this is just a wee bit important. So, I will likely continue to get Vitamin C injections for some time.
My K+ (Potassium) actually had taken a spike from the lab draw on 03 Mar to 6.0 (up from 5.5 mEq/L). The lab was redrawn this past Tuesday (10 Mar) and dropped to the level indicated above. Between the two draws, I did nothing diet-wise that I hadn't done over the past month, and the number went down anyway. Just one of those random spikes that will occur in the K+.
How I am feeling continues to be all over the map. A good day lately constitutes minimal (or no) headache, no nausea, and some energy to get things done. A bad day usually involves an intense headache, lots of nausea, and feeling completely drained.
I'm hoping for sort of a middle of the road from day to day; a manageable headache, tolerable nausea, and a little energy.
The past few weeks I've had days that went from good to bad to middle of the road, or any combination of those three.
Assisting in these odd days is my ever-changing appetite. The fatigue continues, and it is getting tiring! I've made meals that looked and sounded good only to end up taking a few bites and then pushing my plate away. Or, I can't find anything to eat that even sounds good, so I don't eat at all.
Luckily, I have a few snacks that I can go to, so I am at least getting a little nutrition from day to day.
My sleep has also been all over the place. This past month I haven't had any consistent sleep from night to night. Even my dialysis naps are out of whack. Last night, I got over ten hours of sleep. Wednesday night, I couldn't sleep until after 1 AM, but had dialysis, so getting a lot of sleep was impossible. On average, I get about five hours per night, plus another two or three hours throughout the day in various naps. On dialysis day, my naps go anywhere from three hours to seven or eight. As a result, I am tired or exhausted most of the time, and no matter what I do, I haven't been able to get on any sort of sleep schedule. I'll just keep trying to get better, more consistent sleep.
My using a probiotic every day continues to have positive results. I haven't had any diarrhea in weeks, and when I do, it is usually corrected with a single dose of Immodium. If anything, my BM's are drier than normal, and can cause nausea when going through my GI tract. I can live with that. I've had my fill of diarrhea over the past five years. :o(
On the transplant front, there is nothing new to report. I haven't heard anything. When I get a call to be on backup, I'll know my turn is very close. Until then, I just get to keep waiting...
I must apologize for taking so long to get a new entry done. Time is just flying by, and before I know it, two or three weeks have zoomed by. I will try to be better about that.
That's all I have for today.
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Dialysis Weights:
24 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 98.3 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.5 Kg
Water Removed: 2.80 Kg
26 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 97.5 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.3 Kg
Water Removed: 2.20 Kg
28 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 98.0 Kg
Ending Weight: 94.8 Kg
Water Removed: 3.20 Kg
03 Mar 15
Starting Weight: 99.6 Kg
Ending Weight: 96.0 Kg
Water Removed: 3.60 Kg
05 Mar 15
Starting Weight: 98.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.5 Kg
Water Removed: 3.20 Kg
07 Mar 15
Starting Weight: 97.6 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.4 Kg
Water Removed: 2.20 Kg
10 Mar 15
Starting Weight: 98.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.0 Kg
Water Removed: 3.70 Kg
12 Mar 15
Starting Weight: 96.9 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.0 Kg
Water Removed: 1.90 Kg
As you can see in the numbers above, my weight has been mostly consistent. I've had a few spikes that I cannot explain, but simply go about getting the weight down in a sensible manner (over two Tx's), rather than doing it all at once and causing myself massive cramping.
And on the subject of cramping, I am only just now getting from Tx to Tx without cramping in either foot, leg or hands. It has taken awhile to say that for my current dry weight (95.5 Kg), but I will finally deliberately try to get below 95.0 Kg, my new official dry weight.
By continuing to drop my dry weight, my Nephrologist is hoping I will stop having respiratory distress, and my BP will drop to normal levels. I don't know how much further I can drop in the water weight, but I will keep trying to find that bottom level. Doing so only benefits my health and physical comfort between treatments (Tx's).
March Lab Work:
*Albumin (17 Feb): 4.30 g/dL (+0.20 g/dL from 20 Jan)
(A measure of Protein in the blood) NR (Normal Range) 4.0 g/dL or Higher
*Hemoglobin (03 Mar): 9.90 G/dL (-1.00 G/dL from 17 Feb)
(A Measure of Anemia)
*Ca Corrected (03 Mar): 9.80 mg/dL (+0.10 mg/dL from 03 Feb)
(A measure of Heart and Bone health) NR 8.40 to 10.20 mg/dL
*Phosphorous (03 Mar: 4.10 mg/dL (+0.30 mg/dL from 03 Feb)
(High Phosphorous affects the health of your Heart and Bones) NR 3.0 to 5.5 mg/dL
*PTH Intact (17 Feb): 252 pg/mL (+21 pg/mL from 20 Jan)
(A measure of Vitamin D absorption and bone and tissue health) NR 150 to 600 pg/mL
*K+ (10 Mar): 5.4 mEq/L (-0.10 mEq/L from 17 Feb)
(Proper potassium levels keep your nerves and muscles working well) NR 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L
*spKdt/V Dialysis (03 Mar): 1.68 (+0.05 from 03 Feb)
(A measure of the effectiveness of dialysis and blood filtering.) NR 1.20 or Higher
The Hemoglobin drop doesn't really necessitate red numbers, but I put it like that because the dialysis nurses are actually treating this drop by giving me IV Vitamin C. I can't really explain the action V-C has on the body, but I do know that it aids the absorption of Iron into the blood which helps facilitate creation of Red Blood Cells. Since the kidney's usually regulate RBC development--and I have no kidney's at all right now--this is just a wee bit important. So, I will likely continue to get Vitamin C injections for some time.
My K+ (Potassium) actually had taken a spike from the lab draw on 03 Mar to 6.0 (up from 5.5 mEq/L). The lab was redrawn this past Tuesday (10 Mar) and dropped to the level indicated above. Between the two draws, I did nothing diet-wise that I hadn't done over the past month, and the number went down anyway. Just one of those random spikes that will occur in the K+.
How I am feeling continues to be all over the map. A good day lately constitutes minimal (or no) headache, no nausea, and some energy to get things done. A bad day usually involves an intense headache, lots of nausea, and feeling completely drained.
I'm hoping for sort of a middle of the road from day to day; a manageable headache, tolerable nausea, and a little energy.
The past few weeks I've had days that went from good to bad to middle of the road, or any combination of those three.
Assisting in these odd days is my ever-changing appetite. The fatigue continues, and it is getting tiring! I've made meals that looked and sounded good only to end up taking a few bites and then pushing my plate away. Or, I can't find anything to eat that even sounds good, so I don't eat at all.
Luckily, I have a few snacks that I can go to, so I am at least getting a little nutrition from day to day.
My sleep has also been all over the place. This past month I haven't had any consistent sleep from night to night. Even my dialysis naps are out of whack. Last night, I got over ten hours of sleep. Wednesday night, I couldn't sleep until after 1 AM, but had dialysis, so getting a lot of sleep was impossible. On average, I get about five hours per night, plus another two or three hours throughout the day in various naps. On dialysis day, my naps go anywhere from three hours to seven or eight. As a result, I am tired or exhausted most of the time, and no matter what I do, I haven't been able to get on any sort of sleep schedule. I'll just keep trying to get better, more consistent sleep.
My using a probiotic every day continues to have positive results. I haven't had any diarrhea in weeks, and when I do, it is usually corrected with a single dose of Immodium. If anything, my BM's are drier than normal, and can cause nausea when going through my GI tract. I can live with that. I've had my fill of diarrhea over the past five years. :o(
On the transplant front, there is nothing new to report. I haven't heard anything. When I get a call to be on backup, I'll know my turn is very close. Until then, I just get to keep waiting...
I must apologize for taking so long to get a new entry done. Time is just flying by, and before I know it, two or three weeks have zoomed by. I will try to be better about that.
That's all I have for today.
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Monday, February 23, 2015
23 February 2015
Two weeks have flown by already since my last entry, so let's get moving...
Dialysis Weights:
10 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 99.3 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.4 Kg
Water Removed: 3.90 Kg
12 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 97.5 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.3 Kg
Water Removed: 2.20 Kg
14 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 97.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.2 Kg
Water Removed: 2.50 Kg
17 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 98.2 Kg
Ending Weight: 94.9 Kg
Water Removed: 3.30 Kg
19 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 97.3 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.3 Kg
Water Removed: 2.00 Kg
21 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 97.8 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.3 Kg
Water Removed: 2.50 Kg
My weights are consistent, and I am now trying to lower my dry weight to 95.00 Kg, though I am having severe cramping in both feet and lower legs following every Tx. As a result, I am in sort of a holding pattern, and await two or three Tx's in a row without any cramping...anywhere.
I've also had additional [February] Labs drawn, so here are the updated results:
*Albumin (17 Feb): 4.30 g/dL (+0.20 g/dL from 20 Jan)
(A measure of Protein in the blood) NR (Normal Range) 4.0 g/dL or Higher
*Hemoglobin (17 Feb): 10.90 G/dL (+0.50 g/dL from 03 Feb)
(A Measure of Anemia)
*Ca Corrected (03 Feb): 9.70 mg/dL (+0.50 mg/dL from 06 Jan)
(A measure of Heart and Bone health) NR 8.40 to 10.20 mg/dL
*Phosphorous (03 Feb: 3.80 mg/dL (-1.20 mg/dL from 06 Jan)
(High Phosphorous affects the health of your Heart and Bones) NR 3.0 to 5.5 mg/dL
*PTH Intact (17 Feb): 252 pg/mL (+21 pg/mL from 20 Jan)
(A measure of Vitamin D absorption and bone and tissue health) NR 150 to 600 pg/mL
*K+ (17 Feb): 5.5 mEq/L (+0.10 from 03 Feb)
(Proper potassium levels keep your nerves and muscles working well) NR 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L
*spKdt/V Dialysis (03 Feb): 1.63 (-0.06 from 06 Jan)
(A measure of the effectiveness of dialysis and blood filtering.) NR 1.20 or Higher
Look at that...GREENS across the board! It's about time!
It sure is a satisfying feeling to know that my efforts and sacrifices are paying off.
The L (and now closed) A/V Fistula is no longer causing any issues that concern me. About the only thing I need to be careful of is getting my BP taken. When I do (at doctors, dialysis, etc.), the cuff must be a bit looser than normal, or the increased pressure [of the cuff] will actually force blood into the old fistula, causing pain and swelling of the lower arm. So, my suggestion...Keep the cuff looser than normal.
Problem solved!
My day to day finds me feeling anywhere between OK and lousy. The day to day is never consistent. For instance, yesterday, I was feeling pretty good, actually. Today, I awoke with a nasty headache, and then I started feeling really nauseated. Plus, I'm having fluid collect under my diaphragm again, so breathing is becoming labored. Tomorrow, after dialysis, I'll be feeling better, but exhausted from treatment (Tx).
As far as appetite, it has also been all over the place. I try to eat three meals every day, but I am getting a touch of appetite fatigue, so many foods are becoming unappealing to even think about. Getting past this one mentally is difficult, at best.
On average, my headaches continue on pretty much unabated. However, the ratio of kidney/dialysis headaches to TMD involved headaches is about 60-40. I have had several days this month where there was no headache whatsoever! Though few and far between, this tells me that the TMD is still relatively under some control, and that once the kidney headaches are gone, the incidence of TMD headaches will be less than I have been expecting.
That's all I can remember, for now.
Have a terrific week ahead!
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Dialysis Weights:
10 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 99.3 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.4 Kg
Water Removed: 3.90 Kg
12 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 97.5 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.3 Kg
Water Removed: 2.20 Kg
14 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 97.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.2 Kg
Water Removed: 2.50 Kg
17 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 98.2 Kg
Ending Weight: 94.9 Kg
Water Removed: 3.30 Kg
19 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 97.3 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.3 Kg
Water Removed: 2.00 Kg
21 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 97.8 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.3 Kg
Water Removed: 2.50 Kg
My weights are consistent, and I am now trying to lower my dry weight to 95.00 Kg, though I am having severe cramping in both feet and lower legs following every Tx. As a result, I am in sort of a holding pattern, and await two or three Tx's in a row without any cramping...anywhere.
I've also had additional [February] Labs drawn, so here are the updated results:
*Albumin (17 Feb): 4.30 g/dL (+0.20 g/dL from 20 Jan)
(A measure of Protein in the blood) NR (Normal Range) 4.0 g/dL or Higher
*Hemoglobin (17 Feb): 10.90 G/dL (+0.50 g/dL from 03 Feb)
(A Measure of Anemia)
*Ca Corrected (03 Feb): 9.70 mg/dL (+0.50 mg/dL from 06 Jan)
(A measure of Heart and Bone health) NR 8.40 to 10.20 mg/dL
*Phosphorous (03 Feb: 3.80 mg/dL (-1.20 mg/dL from 06 Jan)
(High Phosphorous affects the health of your Heart and Bones) NR 3.0 to 5.5 mg/dL
*PTH Intact (17 Feb): 252 pg/mL (+21 pg/mL from 20 Jan)
(A measure of Vitamin D absorption and bone and tissue health) NR 150 to 600 pg/mL
*K+ (17 Feb): 5.5 mEq/L (+0.10 from 03 Feb)
(Proper potassium levels keep your nerves and muscles working well) NR 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L
*spKdt/V Dialysis (03 Feb): 1.63 (-0.06 from 06 Jan)
(A measure of the effectiveness of dialysis and blood filtering.) NR 1.20 or Higher
Look at that...GREENS across the board! It's about time!
It sure is a satisfying feeling to know that my efforts and sacrifices are paying off.
The L (and now closed) A/V Fistula is no longer causing any issues that concern me. About the only thing I need to be careful of is getting my BP taken. When I do (at doctors, dialysis, etc.), the cuff must be a bit looser than normal, or the increased pressure [of the cuff] will actually force blood into the old fistula, causing pain and swelling of the lower arm. So, my suggestion...Keep the cuff looser than normal.
Problem solved!
My day to day finds me feeling anywhere between OK and lousy. The day to day is never consistent. For instance, yesterday, I was feeling pretty good, actually. Today, I awoke with a nasty headache, and then I started feeling really nauseated. Plus, I'm having fluid collect under my diaphragm again, so breathing is becoming labored. Tomorrow, after dialysis, I'll be feeling better, but exhausted from treatment (Tx).
As far as appetite, it has also been all over the place. I try to eat three meals every day, but I am getting a touch of appetite fatigue, so many foods are becoming unappealing to even think about. Getting past this one mentally is difficult, at best.
On average, my headaches continue on pretty much unabated. However, the ratio of kidney/dialysis headaches to TMD involved headaches is about 60-40. I have had several days this month where there was no headache whatsoever! Though few and far between, this tells me that the TMD is still relatively under some control, and that once the kidney headaches are gone, the incidence of TMD headaches will be less than I have been expecting.
That's all I can remember, for now.
Have a terrific week ahead!
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Monday, February 9, 2015
09 February 2015
I waited this long between entries on purpose...well, sort of on purpose. With the previous entry so close to the end of the month, I wanted to wait until my February labs were available, which was this past Thursday. Unfortunately, {aside from Friday} I've been feeling pretty lousy since then, so I am just now getting to the entry.
Let's get on with it...
Dialysis Weights:
22 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 98.4 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.6 Kg
Water Removed: 2.80 Kg
24 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 97.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.4 Kg
Water Removed: 2.30 Kg
27 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 98.4 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.5 Kg
Water Removed: 2.90 Kg
29 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 97.4 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.3 Kg
Water Removed: 2.10 Kg
31 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 97.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.4 Kg
Water Removed: 2.30 Kg
03 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 99.0 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.3 Kg
Water Removed: 3.70 Kg
05 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 97.6 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.4 Kg
Water Removed: 2.20 Kg
07 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 97.8 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.2 Kg
Water Removed: 2.60 Kg
My new lower dry weight (95.5 Kg) is adaptable. I am having only minor cramping following Tx, and only in my feet. This is great!
On this coming Tuesday, I am going to reset my dry weight for a flat 95 Kg. After all, as my numbers above bear out, I am getting close to that anyhow, and again, am only having minor cramping with no other obvious side effects. So in my book, that means it is time to drop another 1.1 pounds (1/2 Kg).
February Labs:
GREAT Labs this month!
(February 2015 Labs)
*Albumin (20 Jan): 4.10 g/dL (-0.20 from 16 Dec)
(A measure of Protein in the blood) NR (Normal Range) 4.0 g/dL or Higher
*Hemoglobin (03 Feb): 10.40 G/dL (-0.70 G/dL from 06 Jan)
(A Measure of Anemia)
*Ca Corrected (03 Feb): 9.70 mg/dL (+0.50 mg/dL from 06 Jan)
(A measure of Heart and Bone health) NR 8.40 to 10.20 mg/dL
*Phosphorous (03 Feb: 3.80 mg/dL (-1.20 mg/dL from 06 Jan)
(High Phosphorous affects the health of your Heart and Bones) NR 3.0 to 5.5 mg/dL
*PTH Intact (20 Jan): 231 pg/mL (+57 pg/mL from 16 Dec)
(A measure of Vitamin D absorption and bone and tissue health) NR 150 to 600 pg/mL
*K+ (03 Feb): 5.4 mEq/L (+0.40 from 13 Jan)
(Proper potassium levels keep your nerves and muscles working well) NR 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L
*spKdt/V Dialysis (03 Feb): 1.63 (-0.06 from 06 Jan)
(A measure of the effectiveness of dialysis and blood filtering.) NR 1.20 or Higher
WOW!! Look at those numbers! My hard work has paid off! Remember the recent terrible Phosphorous and Potassium? Just look at those now! The Phosphorous is AWESOME! These labs even come on the heels of a cheat weekend--due to the Super Bowl, and my hometown Seahawks--too bad on the loss.) So, my actual average phosphorous might be a titch lower than is reflected here.
I've been getting the sneaking feeling that my transplant could be coming up soon. As a result, I am getting my "Go" bag ready--supplies that I'll need in the hospital. These items include:
Current List of Meds
Current Insurance Info
Address and Contact Info
Two Changes of Clothing (Shirts, Shorts/PJ's, Underwear, Socks)
Extension Cord (For Phone and Tablet)
Pens and Notepads
Toiletries (Deodorant, Hair Brush, Tooth Brush, etc)
DVD's (for my room)
When I get the call, the only things I'll need to remember to grab are my Phone, Tablet and Tablet Stand, Wallet and Sunglasses. That's it. When leaving for the hospital I'll grab the "Go" bag, and these few other items and be out the door. Having this will cut down on confusion and forgetting due to the excitement of the moment.
As I alluded to earlier the past few days (aside from Friday), have been challenging. On Friday I went to Park City to look at some Real Estate properties with my wife [for her office]. While there we had a nice lunch at a spot in Park City itself. Around all of this was a very pleasant drive from home to there, and back again...and I did ALL the driving! It was sooooooo nice to be able to do that!! Yes, I pushed things too much on the driving, but I just wanted a day that I felt somewhat normal--which I did!
The downside of that drive was feeling lousy (Headache, Nausea, Exhaustion, etc) on Friday night and all day Saturday and today. Oh well, it was absolutely worth it! :o)
Add on that my diaphragm is the area that water is deciding to accumulate on these off-days, so breathing started becoming labored this afternoon; and will, undoubtedly, be severe by Tuesday morning. This in spite of my actually being 0.40 Kg of fluid under my maximum intake volume. Hmmm....
The surgery site of my new fistula continues to be extremely sensitive to anything touching it. That nerve is so incredibly hyperacute to even the slightest grazing or pressure that I am constantly aware of anything that could come into contact with the area.
I am STILL thirsty all of the time! Frankly, I want this to continue to be the case. I've been told that dialysis patients often neglect proper fluid intake once they have a transplant simply because that's what they've trained their minds and bodies to do in order to keep their fluids in line with goals. But, once they get a transplant, that conditioning doesn't go away and some patients actually cause themselves to go into dehydration. So, I see my continuing to have extreme thirst in a positive light, and look to be downing plenty of fluids immediately following my transplant.
Also:
-My appetite remains all over the place, as does the appeal any and all foods have at any given time or place.
-My BM's have been normal and dry. No diarrhea in weeks again.
-There have been no changes in my meds for a long while now--a very good thing!
-Sleep is all over the place, as usual. Quality of sleep also goes up and down.
-My Dreams have been completely in my control, so no bad dreams in months now. So, even after a bad night of sleep, my mind remains in a very good place.
-As expected, I am still getting goop out of my lungs from that URI in late December; though, the incidences of the phlegm emerging have greatly decreased to only a couple of times every week.
-Overall, my nausea is better; but, I go through extended periods when it seems to just hang around no matter what I do to combat it.
-My stamina and strength are a little better. Percentage? (I don't know...Not very much?)
That's about all I can remember, at this time.
I will try to get another entry sooner...which I always promise, but rarely achieve these days...sorry. :o(
Until next time,
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Let's get on with it...
Dialysis Weights:
22 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 98.4 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.6 Kg
Water Removed: 2.80 Kg
24 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 97.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.4 Kg
Water Removed: 2.30 Kg
27 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 98.4 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.5 Kg
Water Removed: 2.90 Kg
29 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 97.4 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.3 Kg
Water Removed: 2.10 Kg
31 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 97.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.4 Kg
Water Removed: 2.30 Kg
03 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 99.0 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.3 Kg
Water Removed: 3.70 Kg
05 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 97.6 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.4 Kg
Water Removed: 2.20 Kg
07 Feb 15
Starting Weight: 97.8 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.2 Kg
Water Removed: 2.60 Kg
My new lower dry weight (95.5 Kg) is adaptable. I am having only minor cramping following Tx, and only in my feet. This is great!
On this coming Tuesday, I am going to reset my dry weight for a flat 95 Kg. After all, as my numbers above bear out, I am getting close to that anyhow, and again, am only having minor cramping with no other obvious side effects. So in my book, that means it is time to drop another 1.1 pounds (1/2 Kg).
February Labs:
GREAT Labs this month!
(February 2015 Labs)
*Albumin (20 Jan): 4.10 g/dL (-0.20 from 16 Dec)
(A measure of Protein in the blood) NR (Normal Range) 4.0 g/dL or Higher
*Hemoglobin (03 Feb): 10.40 G/dL (-0.70 G/dL from 06 Jan)
(A Measure of Anemia)
*Ca Corrected (03 Feb): 9.70 mg/dL (+0.50 mg/dL from 06 Jan)
(A measure of Heart and Bone health) NR 8.40 to 10.20 mg/dL
*Phosphorous (03 Feb: 3.80 mg/dL (-1.20 mg/dL from 06 Jan)
(High Phosphorous affects the health of your Heart and Bones) NR 3.0 to 5.5 mg/dL
*PTH Intact (20 Jan): 231 pg/mL (+57 pg/mL from 16 Dec)
(A measure of Vitamin D absorption and bone and tissue health) NR 150 to 600 pg/mL
*K+ (03 Feb): 5.4 mEq/L (+0.40 from 13 Jan)
(Proper potassium levels keep your nerves and muscles working well) NR 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L
*spKdt/V Dialysis (03 Feb): 1.63 (-0.06 from 06 Jan)
(A measure of the effectiveness of dialysis and blood filtering.) NR 1.20 or Higher
WOW!! Look at those numbers! My hard work has paid off! Remember the recent terrible Phosphorous and Potassium? Just look at those now! The Phosphorous is AWESOME! These labs even come on the heels of a cheat weekend--due to the Super Bowl, and my hometown Seahawks--too bad on the loss.) So, my actual average phosphorous might be a titch lower than is reflected here.
I've been getting the sneaking feeling that my transplant could be coming up soon. As a result, I am getting my "Go" bag ready--supplies that I'll need in the hospital. These items include:
Current List of Meds
Current Insurance Info
Address and Contact Info
Two Changes of Clothing (Shirts, Shorts/PJ's, Underwear, Socks)
Extension Cord (For Phone and Tablet)
Pens and Notepads
Toiletries (Deodorant, Hair Brush, Tooth Brush, etc)
DVD's (for my room)
When I get the call, the only things I'll need to remember to grab are my Phone, Tablet and Tablet Stand, Wallet and Sunglasses. That's it. When leaving for the hospital I'll grab the "Go" bag, and these few other items and be out the door. Having this will cut down on confusion and forgetting due to the excitement of the moment.
As I alluded to earlier the past few days (aside from Friday), have been challenging. On Friday I went to Park City to look at some Real Estate properties with my wife [for her office]. While there we had a nice lunch at a spot in Park City itself. Around all of this was a very pleasant drive from home to there, and back again...and I did ALL the driving! It was sooooooo nice to be able to do that!! Yes, I pushed things too much on the driving, but I just wanted a day that I felt somewhat normal--which I did!
The downside of that drive was feeling lousy (Headache, Nausea, Exhaustion, etc) on Friday night and all day Saturday and today. Oh well, it was absolutely worth it! :o)
Add on that my diaphragm is the area that water is deciding to accumulate on these off-days, so breathing started becoming labored this afternoon; and will, undoubtedly, be severe by Tuesday morning. This in spite of my actually being 0.40 Kg of fluid under my maximum intake volume. Hmmm....
The surgery site of my new fistula continues to be extremely sensitive to anything touching it. That nerve is so incredibly hyperacute to even the slightest grazing or pressure that I am constantly aware of anything that could come into contact with the area.
I am STILL thirsty all of the time! Frankly, I want this to continue to be the case. I've been told that dialysis patients often neglect proper fluid intake once they have a transplant simply because that's what they've trained their minds and bodies to do in order to keep their fluids in line with goals. But, once they get a transplant, that conditioning doesn't go away and some patients actually cause themselves to go into dehydration. So, I see my continuing to have extreme thirst in a positive light, and look to be downing plenty of fluids immediately following my transplant.
Also:
-My appetite remains all over the place, as does the appeal any and all foods have at any given time or place.
-My BM's have been normal and dry. No diarrhea in weeks again.
-There have been no changes in my meds for a long while now--a very good thing!
-Sleep is all over the place, as usual. Quality of sleep also goes up and down.
-My Dreams have been completely in my control, so no bad dreams in months now. So, even after a bad night of sleep, my mind remains in a very good place.
-As expected, I am still getting goop out of my lungs from that URI in late December; though, the incidences of the phlegm emerging have greatly decreased to only a couple of times every week.
-Overall, my nausea is better; but, I go through extended periods when it seems to just hang around no matter what I do to combat it.
-My stamina and strength are a little better. Percentage? (I don't know...Not very much?)
That's about all I can remember, at this time.
I will try to get another entry sooner...which I always promise, but rarely achieve these days...sorry. :o(
Until next time,
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
21 January 2015
Time for an update...
Dialysis Weights:
06 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 99.2 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.9 Kg
Water Removed: 3.40 Kg
08 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 97.8 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.5 Kg
Water Removed: 2.30 Kg
10 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 97.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.8 Kg
Water Removed: 1.90 Kg
13 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 99.0 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.7 Kg
Water Removed: 3.30 Kg
15 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 97.9 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.8 Kg
Water Removed: 2.10 Kg
17 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 97.5 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.9 Kg
Water Removed: 1.60 Kg
20 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 99.6 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.6 Kg
Water Removed: 4.10 Kg
Once more, consistency is the word of the day. For anyone wondering how this consistency happens, the answer is both simple, and [fairly] easy...Self-Discipline.
Don't get me wrong...adhering to the renal diet and fluid intake is really tough. Every day I personally struggle with extreme thirst. But, a long time ago I chose to do what I had to in order to get through this in the best possible shape. That means, sticking to the renal diet(--well...OK, a little cheating is involved every so often!), and consciously limiting my fluid intake to approximately 34-36 fluid ounces per day. It's not easy getting used to restricting foods and liquids; but, as long as you keep the proper mindset, the task becomes easier to bear.
My labs this month look great! Here they are:
(January 2015 Labs)
*Albumin (16 Dec): 4.30 g/dL (-0.30 from 18 Nov)
(A measure of Protein in the blood) NR (Normal Range) 4.0 g/dL or Higher
*Hemoglobin (06 Jan): 11.20 G/dL (+0.20 G/dL from 02 Dec)
(A Measure of Anemia)
*Ca Corrected (06 Jan): 9.20 mg/dL (-0.10 mg/dL from 02 Dec)
(A measure of Heart and Bone health) NR 8.40 to 10.20 mg/dL
*Phosphorous (06 Jan: 5.00 mg/dL (+0.10 mg/dL from 02 Dec)
(High Phosphorous affects the health of your Heart and Bones) NR 3.0 to 5.5 mg/dL
*PTH Intact (16 Dec): 174 pg/mL (-78 pg/mL from 18 Nov)
(A measure of Vitamin D absorption and bone and tissue health) NR 150 to 600 pg/mL
*K+ (13 Jan): 5.0 mEq/L (-1.00 from 02 Dec)
(Proper potassium levels keep your nerves and muscles working well) NR 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L
*spKdt/V Dialysis (06 Jan): 1.69 (-0.04 from 02 Dec)
(A measure of the effectiveness of dialysis and blood filtering.) NR 1.20 or Higher
Even the two reds I have are drops that are well within acceptable limits. In spite of Christmas and New Years (traditionally a very bad month for dialysis patients), my labs stayed right where they needed to be; and in the case of Potassium (K+), even dropped significantly! Yay!! :o)
The URI I was combating in my last entry has pretty much resolved itself. As is usual with me, I continue hacking phlegm out of my lungs, and will do so for a few more weeks.
As you can see on my weights, I am dropping my dry weight again. For now, the goal is 95.8 Kg; but, my next target is 95.5 Kg. I've been having cramping in both feet; and until that resolves, I won't be trying to drop any further. At today's post_D weight, my cramping was significant, so it may be a couple more weeks before I deliberately try for 95.5 Kg.
Even though my weight has decreased significantly, I continue to have issues with water hiding under my diaphragm, leading to Respiritory Compromise. This doesn't always happen, but when it does, it nails me hard. Yesterday was a prime example. I started feeling the restricted breathing on Sunday evening, but decided to sleep in the bed anyway. Bad move on my part. When I awoke on Monday, the restriction has increased exponentially, and breathing was difficult in general. I only slept a few fitful hours on Monday night, struggling all night to breath comfortably.
No, I did NOT go to the ER because they would simply put me on O2, then watch me until it was time for me to go to dialysis; which I did at my usual Tuesday time (0600a!).
I used Oxygen (O2, at 4.00 L/Min) to help force better air into my body. Within half an hour I was comfortable and breathing normal.
This restrictive breathing is not an all the time thing. I went weeks between significant episodes. For me, the water sometimes just likes to collect under or near my diaphragm, instead of going to my legs, arms, back, etc. Plus, I haven't been having much diarrhea lately,which in and of itself is a very good thing, which would also aid in reducing my total water volume.
My sleep has been pretty good the last few weeks. I've been getting about seven hours on S/M/W/F, and about five hours on the nights just prior to dialysis. add in a few short naps each day, and my total sleep is pretty decent at about 8-9 hours each day. Plus, the quality of my sleep is better overall. Then, add in better control of my dreams, and I am seeing better and longer single nights' sleep than I've had in several years. I'll definitely take that improvement!
And that is about all I have for today. Everything else is either on auto pilot, or in a holding pattern as I await "the Call."
Good Health to All!
ScottW
My Latest Self Port...
Dialysis Weights:
06 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 99.2 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.9 Kg
Water Removed: 3.40 Kg
08 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 97.8 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.5 Kg
Water Removed: 2.30 Kg
10 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 97.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.8 Kg
Water Removed: 1.90 Kg
13 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 99.0 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.7 Kg
Water Removed: 3.30 Kg
15 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 97.9 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.8 Kg
Water Removed: 2.10 Kg
17 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 97.5 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.9 Kg
Water Removed: 1.60 Kg
20 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 99.6 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.6 Kg
Water Removed: 4.10 Kg
Once more, consistency is the word of the day. For anyone wondering how this consistency happens, the answer is both simple, and [fairly] easy...Self-Discipline.
Don't get me wrong...adhering to the renal diet and fluid intake is really tough. Every day I personally struggle with extreme thirst. But, a long time ago I chose to do what I had to in order to get through this in the best possible shape. That means, sticking to the renal diet(--well...OK, a little cheating is involved every so often!), and consciously limiting my fluid intake to approximately 34-36 fluid ounces per day. It's not easy getting used to restricting foods and liquids; but, as long as you keep the proper mindset, the task becomes easier to bear.
My labs this month look great! Here they are:
(January 2015 Labs)
*Albumin (16 Dec): 4.30 g/dL (-0.30 from 18 Nov)
(A measure of Protein in the blood) NR (Normal Range) 4.0 g/dL or Higher
*Hemoglobin (06 Jan): 11.20 G/dL (+0.20 G/dL from 02 Dec)
(A Measure of Anemia)
*Ca Corrected (06 Jan): 9.20 mg/dL (-0.10 mg/dL from 02 Dec)
(A measure of Heart and Bone health) NR 8.40 to 10.20 mg/dL
*Phosphorous (06 Jan: 5.00 mg/dL (+0.10 mg/dL from 02 Dec)
(High Phosphorous affects the health of your Heart and Bones) NR 3.0 to 5.5 mg/dL
*PTH Intact (16 Dec): 174 pg/mL (-78 pg/mL from 18 Nov)
(A measure of Vitamin D absorption and bone and tissue health) NR 150 to 600 pg/mL
*K+ (13 Jan): 5.0 mEq/L (-1.00 from 02 Dec)
(Proper potassium levels keep your nerves and muscles working well) NR 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L
*spKdt/V Dialysis (06 Jan): 1.69 (-0.04 from 02 Dec)
(A measure of the effectiveness of dialysis and blood filtering.) NR 1.20 or Higher
Even the two reds I have are drops that are well within acceptable limits. In spite of Christmas and New Years (traditionally a very bad month for dialysis patients), my labs stayed right where they needed to be; and in the case of Potassium (K+), even dropped significantly! Yay!! :o)
The URI I was combating in my last entry has pretty much resolved itself. As is usual with me, I continue hacking phlegm out of my lungs, and will do so for a few more weeks.
As you can see on my weights, I am dropping my dry weight again. For now, the goal is 95.8 Kg; but, my next target is 95.5 Kg. I've been having cramping in both feet; and until that resolves, I won't be trying to drop any further. At today's post_D weight, my cramping was significant, so it may be a couple more weeks before I deliberately try for 95.5 Kg.
Even though my weight has decreased significantly, I continue to have issues with water hiding under my diaphragm, leading to Respiritory Compromise. This doesn't always happen, but when it does, it nails me hard. Yesterday was a prime example. I started feeling the restricted breathing on Sunday evening, but decided to sleep in the bed anyway. Bad move on my part. When I awoke on Monday, the restriction has increased exponentially, and breathing was difficult in general. I only slept a few fitful hours on Monday night, struggling all night to breath comfortably.
No, I did NOT go to the ER because they would simply put me on O2, then watch me until it was time for me to go to dialysis; which I did at my usual Tuesday time (0600a!).
I used Oxygen (O2, at 4.00 L/Min) to help force better air into my body. Within half an hour I was comfortable and breathing normal.
This restrictive breathing is not an all the time thing. I went weeks between significant episodes. For me, the water sometimes just likes to collect under or near my diaphragm, instead of going to my legs, arms, back, etc. Plus, I haven't been having much diarrhea lately,which in and of itself is a very good thing, which would also aid in reducing my total water volume.
My sleep has been pretty good the last few weeks. I've been getting about seven hours on S/M/W/F, and about five hours on the nights just prior to dialysis. add in a few short naps each day, and my total sleep is pretty decent at about 8-9 hours each day. Plus, the quality of my sleep is better overall. Then, add in better control of my dreams, and I am seeing better and longer single nights' sleep than I've had in several years. I'll definitely take that improvement!
And that is about all I have for today. Everything else is either on auto pilot, or in a holding pattern as I await "the Call."
Good Health to All!
ScottW
My Latest Self Port...
Monday, January 5, 2015
05 January 2015
Well, Christmas and New Years are finally over and it's now time to get back to keeping you updated on my progress.
Let's start with dialysis weights:
09 Dec 14
Starting Weight: 99.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 96.3 Kg
Water Removed: 3.40 Kg
11 Dec 14
Starting Weight: 98.6 Kg
Ending Weight: 96.5 Kg
Water Removed: 2.10 Kg
13 Dec 14
Starting Weight: 99.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 96.3 Kg
Water Removed: 3.40 Kg
16 Dec 14
Starting Weight: 100.0 Kg
Ending Weight: 96.5 Kg
Water Removed: 3.50 Kg
18 Dec 14
Starting Weight: 98.9 Kg
Ending Weight: 96.0 Kg
Water Removed: 2.90 Kg
20 Dec 14
Starting Weight: 98.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.9 Kg
Water Removed: 2.80 Kg
22 Dec 14
Starting Weight: 97.9 Kg
Ending Weight: 96.0 Kg
Water Removed: 1.90 Kg
24 Dec 14
Starting Weight: 99.0 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.5 Kg
Water Removed: 3.50 Kg
27 Dec 14
Starting Weight: 99.3 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.9 Kg
Water Removed: 3.40 Kg
30 Dec 14
Starting Weight: 97.3 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.8 Kg
Water Removed: 1.50 Kg
01 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 96.6 Kg
Ending Weight: 96.1 Kg
Water Removed: 0.50 Kg
03 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 97.4 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.8 Kg
Water Removed: 1.60 Kg
Aside from a few treatments, my weight has remained steady. Around Christmas I came down with an Upper Respiritory Infection (URI). For nearly a week I ate very little, drank very little and felt pretty miserable. I coughed up thick, viscous mucous for nearly five days. Zofran every three and a half hours was a must, accompanied by frequent Tums chasers. The most obvious sign of my being sick was my voice. Whenever I get a cold or a URI, my voice bottoms out to a deep, gravely noise that no one recognizes as me. It's awesome! :o)
News on my L Arm:
Remember the issues I was having with my L arm? Well, it turns out the fistula on that arm is completely closing off. There was a small flap still allowing fluid through, which was building fluid pressure above the fistula causing the painful edema and discoloration of the lower arm. The vascular doc told me the edema and pain would subside anywhere between two weeks and two months.
So, as of this writing, the swelling in the arm is gone; as are the pain and discoloration. There is zero neural compromise, so the fistula is now completely closed off. The only residual effect is the hardening of the fistula. That will likely never change.
I've been doing research on the new rules for cadaveric donations of kidneys (and other organ donations, too). Because of my age, general health, time on dialysis, antigen score and anticipated life expectancy, I should be at or near the top of the list. While the original timeframe for my receiving a kidney is nearing its end, the new rules will affect that, and it could be anywhere between now and another year before I get a transplant. However, when I do, it should be a very healthy organ that will give me years of viability--possibly the only transplant I will ever need; assuming I will take care of the kidney.
So...the waiting continues...
The info on the new UNOS rules is fairly scattered amongst numerous sites. Start at UNOS, then branch out from there. The more you read about the changes, the better your understanding of the plethora of issues involved.
Although the latest monthly labs won't be taken until tomorrow, I already know that both my K+ (Potassium) and Phosphorous numbers are in excellent shape. Both are down near the 4.6 mark the last time both were checked. The new labs should be available by Friday, so I'll get those posted later this week.
That's about all I have for now. I won't wait almost a month again before posting my next blog.
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Let's start with dialysis weights:
09 Dec 14
Starting Weight: 99.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 96.3 Kg
Water Removed: 3.40 Kg
11 Dec 14
Starting Weight: 98.6 Kg
Ending Weight: 96.5 Kg
Water Removed: 2.10 Kg
13 Dec 14
Starting Weight: 99.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 96.3 Kg
Water Removed: 3.40 Kg
16 Dec 14
Starting Weight: 100.0 Kg
Ending Weight: 96.5 Kg
Water Removed: 3.50 Kg
18 Dec 14
Starting Weight: 98.9 Kg
Ending Weight: 96.0 Kg
Water Removed: 2.90 Kg
20 Dec 14
Starting Weight: 98.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.9 Kg
Water Removed: 2.80 Kg
22 Dec 14
Starting Weight: 97.9 Kg
Ending Weight: 96.0 Kg
Water Removed: 1.90 Kg
24 Dec 14
Starting Weight: 99.0 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.5 Kg
Water Removed: 3.50 Kg
27 Dec 14
Starting Weight: 99.3 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.9 Kg
Water Removed: 3.40 Kg
30 Dec 14
Starting Weight: 97.3 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.8 Kg
Water Removed: 1.50 Kg
01 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 96.6 Kg
Ending Weight: 96.1 Kg
Water Removed: 0.50 Kg
03 Jan 15
Starting Weight: 97.4 Kg
Ending Weight: 95.8 Kg
Water Removed: 1.60 Kg
Aside from a few treatments, my weight has remained steady. Around Christmas I came down with an Upper Respiritory Infection (URI). For nearly a week I ate very little, drank very little and felt pretty miserable. I coughed up thick, viscous mucous for nearly five days. Zofran every three and a half hours was a must, accompanied by frequent Tums chasers. The most obvious sign of my being sick was my voice. Whenever I get a cold or a URI, my voice bottoms out to a deep, gravely noise that no one recognizes as me. It's awesome! :o)
News on my L Arm:
Remember the issues I was having with my L arm? Well, it turns out the fistula on that arm is completely closing off. There was a small flap still allowing fluid through, which was building fluid pressure above the fistula causing the painful edema and discoloration of the lower arm. The vascular doc told me the edema and pain would subside anywhere between two weeks and two months.
So, as of this writing, the swelling in the arm is gone; as are the pain and discoloration. There is zero neural compromise, so the fistula is now completely closed off. The only residual effect is the hardening of the fistula. That will likely never change.
I've been doing research on the new rules for cadaveric donations of kidneys (and other organ donations, too). Because of my age, general health, time on dialysis, antigen score and anticipated life expectancy, I should be at or near the top of the list. While the original timeframe for my receiving a kidney is nearing its end, the new rules will affect that, and it could be anywhere between now and another year before I get a transplant. However, when I do, it should be a very healthy organ that will give me years of viability--possibly the only transplant I will ever need; assuming I will take care of the kidney.
So...the waiting continues...
The info on the new UNOS rules is fairly scattered amongst numerous sites. Start at UNOS, then branch out from there. The more you read about the changes, the better your understanding of the plethora of issues involved.
Although the latest monthly labs won't be taken until tomorrow, I already know that both my K+ (Potassium) and Phosphorous numbers are in excellent shape. Both are down near the 4.6 mark the last time both were checked. The new labs should be available by Friday, so I'll get those posted later this week.
That's about all I have for now. I won't wait almost a month again before posting my next blog.
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Friday, December 19, 2014
19 December 2014
Just a quick update today...
A week ago I began having pain around the lower fistula on my L arm--the now abandoned fistula. Over the course of the next few days the pain increased and included the entire lower arm, as well as having edema showing up, causing additional pain.
At dialysis on Tuesday, my Nephrologist took a look at the arm and ordered blood serum tests for infection, and a three round course of IV antibiotics, as a 'just in case' thing regarding the test.
Since then, the swelling has decreased minimally, and the pain in the arm has increased. So, I called to schedule an appointment with the vascular surgeon this coming Monday.
It is clearly evident that I have a compartmental bleed in the arm, and it may need surgery to correct. I'll find that out on Monday.
The likelihood of serious damage is minimal, at this point. My neuros are good, , my skin tone in the hand is good, and the coloration in my arm, though red, is still OK. The pain is slowly increasing, but I do NOT feel like my arm is in immediate danger. I will keep you updated on the news.
Good Health to All!
ScottW
A week ago I began having pain around the lower fistula on my L arm--the now abandoned fistula. Over the course of the next few days the pain increased and included the entire lower arm, as well as having edema showing up, causing additional pain.
At dialysis on Tuesday, my Nephrologist took a look at the arm and ordered blood serum tests for infection, and a three round course of IV antibiotics, as a 'just in case' thing regarding the test.
Since then, the swelling has decreased minimally, and the pain in the arm has increased. So, I called to schedule an appointment with the vascular surgeon this coming Monday.
It is clearly evident that I have a compartmental bleed in the arm, and it may need surgery to correct. I'll find that out on Monday.
The likelihood of serious damage is minimal, at this point. My neuros are good, , my skin tone in the hand is good, and the coloration in my arm, though red, is still OK. The pain is slowly increasing, but I do NOT feel like my arm is in immediate danger. I will keep you updated on the news.
Good Health to All!
ScottW
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