15 February 2013

Two weeks since my last entry, and with what's coming up in the next two, if I don't get this entry done now, then you wouldn't see another entry for a full month. Let's start with the weights....

02 Feb 13
Starting Weight:  106.6 Kg
Water Removed:  2.50 Kg
Ending Weight:  104.1 Kg

05 Feb 13
Starting Weight:  108.3 Kg
Water Removed:  4.10 Kg
Ending Weight:  104.2 Kg

07 Feb 13
Starting Weight:  106.2 Kg
Water Removed:  2.40 Kg
Ending Weight:  103.8 Kg

09 Feb 13
Starting Weight:  107.5 Kg
Water Removed:  3.70 Kg
Ending Weight:  103.8 Kg

12 Feb 13
Starting Weight:  107.9 Kg
Water Removed:  3.80 Kg
Ending Weight:  104.1 Kg

14 Feb 13
Starting Weight:  108.0 Kg
Water Removed:  3.90 Kg
Ending Weight:  104.2 Kg


My weights continue to be fairly consistent. I am obviously retaining more water than previously (*Note the several 108 Kg weigh-ins), and am urinating a bit less. I cannot account for the increase otherwise as my appetite remains consistent.

The monthly labs were drawn last week. Here are the results:

*Albumin (05 Feb):  4.50 g/dL (No Change from 08 Jan)

*Hemoglobin (05 Feb): 10.8 g/dL (-0.50 g/dL from 08 Jan)

*Ca Corrected (05 Feb): 9.70 mg/dL (+0.30 mg/dL from 08 Jan)

*Phosphorous (05 Feb):  4.80 mg/dL (+ 1.0 mg/dL from 08 Jan)

*PTH Intact (08 Jan): 118 pg/mL (No Change from 1 Dec)

*K+ (08 Jan): 4.40 mEq/L (No Change from 18 Dec)

*spKdt/V Dialysis (05 Feb): 1.55   (+0.08 from 08 Jan)

As you can see the URR value is no longer being used. It has been replaced by the spKdt/V Dialysis value. However, I have not been able to correlate the number with effectiveness of treatments. I will keep asking about it.
So, another month and my labs are still looking good. I don't like to one point jump in the Phosphorous level; but it is still well withing the target range. I have already started having greater awareness of the phosphorous-rich foods I sometimes eat and making sure I take a binder after the meal. (Not that I eat high phos foods in the first place. Overall, I have been extremely good at avoiding these.)

I had my two month follow-up with my Nephrologist this afternoon, and he stated that I am looking good, and everything seems to be progressing well. He likes my labs, and all my efforts to manage the disease [as best I can]. I told him that I am holding off for now on the renal removal as my kidneys are still producing a decent volume of urine, and the flank pain is still tolerable. Plus, I still have that dental work to do. My doctor was fine with my reasoning, and supported the decision.

My sleep continues to be all over the place. The number of hours I get has actually decreased, and I have been taking fewer naps. I estimate my total daily sleep is averaging about 9-10 hours per day; for now, at least.

The headache marches on unencumbered by pretty much anything. I'm still hoping that the nephrectomy will result in the headache disappearing.

My energy and exhaustion levels are both lousy. In other words, Almost zero energy, and extreme exhaustion. I get accomplished what I can from day to day, and just let go of expectations for myself. For me, that's a hard lesson. I am someone who goes at high speed from the moment I awaken until the moment I sleep again. To do very little from day to day is difficult. I try to concentrate on being satisfied with however much I can do; rather than lamenting what I cannot. Like I said, a hard lesson.

Lastly, the reason the rest of February is going to be so hectic...

Remember I was telling you that I am going on a cruise to the Bahamas? Well I leave for that next Wednesday. I'll be gone for one week--three days for the cruise itself. Yes, I have dialysis treatments all set up for the Friday and Monday (the day the ship sails, and the day it returns). I will be going to the Davita Center East in Orlando for both Tx's. Everything was arranged by the Coordinator at my Davita center here.

Also, I am moving at the end of the month, ahead of the upcoming surgeries. The new condo is a lot quieter, is far more restful, and best of all, has no stairs to climb (or descend). So, I am packing the apartment now, will finish up after I get back from the cruise, move, then get my computer set up again...Obviously, it could be a while before my next entry here.

So, that's the latest. I will try, after returning from Florida, to get a few photos from the cruise on here--but that might take a while with the move and all.

Have a great two or three weeks! I will see you all on the flip side of a new home!

Good Health to All!

Let's go have some fun!!!

ScottW