15 March 2013

Seeing that I am behind in my entries, let's get right to it.

The March blood draw results:

*Albumin (12 Mar):  4.60 g/dL (+0.10 from 19 Feb)

*Hemoglobin (12 Mar): 11.1 g/dL (+.60 g/dL from 05 Feb)

*Ca Corrected (05 Mar): 9.30 mg/dL (-0.40 mg/dL from 05 Feb)

*Phosphorous (05 Mar):  5.70 mg/dL (+ 0.8 mg/dL from 05 Feb)

*PTH Intact (19 Feb):  97 pg/mL (-21 pg/mL from 08 Jan)

*K+ (19 Feb): 4.00 mEq/L (-0.40 from 08 Jan)

*spKdt/V Dialysis (05 Mar): 1.46   (-0.90 from 05 Feb)

I really don't like the big jump in phosphorous. That's now two months in a row that my phosphorous has jumped. I don't know why. I'm taking my binders as I need, I am [mostly] avoiding the foods that will raise the number. Even when I was on the cruise I was actually really good about the foods I ate. So, looks like more work ahead of me this month to get that back in line.  :o(

My last two weights from dialysis:

12 March 2013
Starting Weight:  107.7 Kg
Ending Weight:  103.1 Kg
Water Removed:  4.60 Kg

14 March 2013
Starting Weight:  106.9 Kg
Ending Weight:  103.5 Kg
Water Removed:  3.40 Kg

The pattern of my body giving back too much continues. That's now happened on every Tx since I returned from vacation. During yesterday's dialysis setup, the Tech even aimed for 104.6 Kg in anticipation of my giving back extra water; only to be 1.1 Kg under that. I asked one of the doctors about it on Tuesday and he stated that my numbers look good, so there is not a good reason other than, that's what my body is doing. So, unless the extra losses become alarming in their total volume each dialysis, I'll just keep doing what I'm doing, and hope that these wild swings come to an end.

I am thinking about a date to get my kidneys out. They have been getting more and more painful. During dialysis--and even with sitting up--by the end of the session I need to take pain meds as much for my back as for my [usually] raging headache. Not fun. Even now as I sit here typing the pain in both flanks is so bad I can hardly stand it.

I've also started a renewed effort to cut back on my daily liquids (again, in anticipation of the nephrectomy) so that I struggle less when my liquids intake is reduced to about 32 oz's per day. That is going to be a tough one for me. I thrive on water, juices, milk, etc. Cutting back to a quart in a 24 hour period will not be easy. Better to get started now than be forced into it when the kidneys are gone.
I will absolutely keep you updated on the decision about getting the nephrectomy done.

And lastly, I'll leave you on a light-hearted note. The picture below is of one of the Tech's at Davita today dressing up as Dialysis Man! He walked around like this all shift. It was awesome!

Good Health to All!

ScottW