I had my final dental appointment this afternoon, and everything is finally done!
I had the apt set for 2p, arrived on time, and was immediately taken to the exam room for the cleaning. The dental hygienist confirmed the needed cleaning with a quick exam, then went about with Lidocane injections of the Top gums, as she would first clean the upper teeth, then the lower.
As the scheduled appointment was for two hours, I settled in, got all numbed up, and she began by using a high pressure water pick-type thing than literally carved up any loose plaque on my teeth; much like old open pit miners used to use hydro monitors (basically, hose valves) to spray away hillsides to expose whatever they were after. Anyway, without the lidocane this would have been painful as both the teeth and the gums were targeted. She would pause to suction and water from my mouth during then whole process.
Once done with that, the manual picks that scrape away harder plaque were used, followed by flossing and then a thorough rinse.
Then, everything was repeated for the bottom teeth.
Once that was done, the hygienist applied a plaque inhibitor along the gums and between all my teeth, and repeated. Any excess fluid from this was suctioned off--thank goodness! It tasted nasty!
Once that was done, I was instructed to switch my current mouth rinse to Listerine, for its antibacterial properties. Considering I now have to keep my mouth as bacteria-free as possible, I'll definitely be following this advice.
Also, I need to start flossing--not one of my strong points as I am too uncoordinated to do this effectively. The hygienist gave me a couple of options: 1) Buy a Water Pik to replace flossing. 2) Buy some of the new horseshoe shaped floss aid-they're disposable, and cheap. In either case, because of the upcoming transplant, I need to be flossing to help lower the bacteria in my mouth.
As far as after-care, my mouth will be sore for a few days. I need to continue rinsing my mouth after eating (with water), and then use a rinse I purchased there called Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Rinse USP, 0.12%. This is an after care mouth rinse that I will use twice a day for one week. After that, I'll switch to the Listerine. So, new oral care for the rest of my life...Woo-Hoo!!! :o)
Lastly, I will have two follow-up appointments. The first is for one month from now to see if any issues have developed since the deep cleaning. The second will be after six months, just to see how everything looks.
Once I am healed from my transplant the dentist wants to see me again to check on my oral health at that time, as well
While the hygienist was poking around, I asked her how the extraction site looks [from my pulled tooth] and she stated that it is looking great! She basically reiterated what the dentist said last week--that it will be now 1-2 weeks before everything is back to normal.
After everything was done, the hygienist took my Dental Clearance form to the Dentist, he signed it, and I am now officially one giant step closer to finally being placed on the Active List!
YAY!!! :o) :o) :o)
After I got home today I emailed my Transplant Coordinator and asked how she would like to receive the Dental Form, and she already got back to me instructing me to just email it to her. So, I scanned the form, and immediately emailed her the Dental Clearance. Whew!
So there you are, everyone. I've been waiting a year for this day; and it finally arrived!
Next up...Surgical Consult for my Double Nephrectomy.
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
25 September 2013
Just a quick note today...
During Tx (treatment) yesterday, I had a problem develop with my dialyzer (the filter).
A small crack in the housing--whether it was there from the manufacturing process, or from mishandling, no one knows--caused a blood leak into the top and bottom caps of the dialyzer, and even some than ran down the outside of the housing.
This was initially discovered by an alarm repeatedly going off on my machine. I had a fairly new tech, and she had never before seen this; so, she had no idea there was an issue until my blood was actually leaking out of the dialyzer.
Anyhow, I was told that when this happens there are three things than can be done.
1) If the Tx is far enough along, the session can be finished early and the patient goes through the whole end of Tx routine.
2) Switch to a different chair (and dialysis machine) with a new setup, and finish at your regular time.
3) Stop Tx, and let the tech and a nurse do a new set up, and restart dialysis from where you left off, and subsequently, finish later.
The clinic nurse asked me which I'd prefer. Since I still had over an hour to go, the first option was out.
I didn't mind staying later; but as the clinic was lite on patients, I decided to switch to another chair.
So, while I continued dialyzing, a new set up was prepared, flushed, etc, and when it was ready--about twenty five minutes later--I was quickly switched to the new chair, my things were moved, too, and I was back on active dialysis within about two minutes.
I asked one of the techs about infection risk from the dialyzer issue and he told me that, while rare in occurrence, the cracked dialyzer can lead to infection, but he has not yet seen that happen. I was assured that I would be fine; and you know what? Over a day later, and I haven't shown the least bit of a fever or any other indicator of an infection.
I am extremely grateful for an experienced, dedicated clinic crew that takes such great care of me! They truly are a blessing every day I must dialyze.
So, the risk of a cracked or damaged dialyzer (filter) is extremely rare; but it can happen! If it does, ask what your options are, ask any questions--and keep asking them until you understand the info being given--, and be confident in your decision-making in doing what is absolutely best for YOU!
Good Health to All!
ScottW
During Tx (treatment) yesterday, I had a problem develop with my dialyzer (the filter).
A small crack in the housing--whether it was there from the manufacturing process, or from mishandling, no one knows--caused a blood leak into the top and bottom caps of the dialyzer, and even some than ran down the outside of the housing.
This was initially discovered by an alarm repeatedly going off on my machine. I had a fairly new tech, and she had never before seen this; so, she had no idea there was an issue until my blood was actually leaking out of the dialyzer.
Anyhow, I was told that when this happens there are three things than can be done.
1) If the Tx is far enough along, the session can be finished early and the patient goes through the whole end of Tx routine.
2) Switch to a different chair (and dialysis machine) with a new setup, and finish at your regular time.
3) Stop Tx, and let the tech and a nurse do a new set up, and restart dialysis from where you left off, and subsequently, finish later.
The clinic nurse asked me which I'd prefer. Since I still had over an hour to go, the first option was out.
I didn't mind staying later; but as the clinic was lite on patients, I decided to switch to another chair.
So, while I continued dialyzing, a new set up was prepared, flushed, etc, and when it was ready--about twenty five minutes later--I was quickly switched to the new chair, my things were moved, too, and I was back on active dialysis within about two minutes.
I asked one of the techs about infection risk from the dialyzer issue and he told me that, while rare in occurrence, the cracked dialyzer can lead to infection, but he has not yet seen that happen. I was assured that I would be fine; and you know what? Over a day later, and I haven't shown the least bit of a fever or any other indicator of an infection.
I am extremely grateful for an experienced, dedicated clinic crew that takes such great care of me! They truly are a blessing every day I must dialyze.
So, the risk of a cracked or damaged dialyzer (filter) is extremely rare; but it can happen! If it does, ask what your options are, ask any questions--and keep asking them until you understand the info being given--, and be confident in your decision-making in doing what is absolutely best for YOU!
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Monday, September 23, 2013
23 September 2013
Four years ago I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Polycystic Kidney Disease (PCKD, or PKD).
The news threw a huge wrench in my plans for education, and the emergent symptomology completely derailed my life in pretty much every other aspect.
In the time since, the road has been very long, extremely arduous, and filled with all sorts of challenges, and personal growth.
There is yet a ways to go, however; but I finally find myself on the cusp of renal transplant. Only a bit further yet to travel...
Alright...Here are my latest dialysis weights:
17 Sep 13
Starting Weight: 106.2 Kg
Ending Weight: 104.1 Kg
Water Removed: 2.10 Kg
19 Sep 13
Starting Weight: 106.2 Kg
Ending Weight: 103.9 Kg
Water Removed: 2.30 Kg
21 Sep 13
Starting Weight: 105.6 Kg
Ending Weight: 104.2 Kg
Water Removed: 1.40 Kg
As you can see, my top weights are all down. This is likely due to the dental work I'm having done, and its subsequent impact on my appetite and my ability to chew. There is just one more dental appointment this coming Wednesday--the Deep Cleaning. So, probably two more weeks of reduced food intake, and then I should be doing far better.
Last Tuesday [at dialysis] I had more labs drawn. Here are the results:
*Albumin (17 Sep): 4.70 g/dL (+0.10 g/dL from 20 Aug)
(A measure of Protein in the blood) NR (Normal Range) 4.0 g/dL or Higher
*Hemoglobin (17 Sep): 11.9 g/dL (+0.80 g/dL from 10 Sep)
(A Measure of Anemia)
*Ca Corrected (03 Sep): 9.30 mg/dL (-0.20 mg/dL from 06 Aug)
(A measure of Heart and Bone health) NR 8.40 to 10.20 mg/dL
*Phosphorous (03 Sep): 4.50 mg/dL (+ 0.2 mg/dL from 06 Aug)
(High Phosphorous affects the health of your Heart and Bones) NR 3.0 to 5.5 mg/dL
*PTH Intact (17 Sep): 161 pg/mL (-14 pg/mL from 20 Aug)
(A measure of Vitamin D absorption and bone and tissue health) NR 150 to 600 pg/mL
*K+ (17 Sep): 3.9 mEq/L (-0.30 mEq/L from 20 Aug)
(Proper potassium levels keep your nerves and muscles working well) NR 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L
*spKdt/V Dialysis (03 Sep): 1.51 (-0.05 from 08 Aug)
(A measure of the effectiveness of dialysis and blood filtering.) NR 1.20 or Higher
The lab that concerns me most is the K+ (Potassium). A large drop like this to the low end of the range is not good. Hopefully, this drop is an anomaly and it will rebound on the next draw. We'll see.
As expected, the headache remains elevated. I still cannot use my TMD adjuncts (the NTI devices) due to extreme discomfort on my lower teeth. As I still have the deep cleaning to do, I don't expect this to change for at least another week. In the meantime, the combined PKD/TMD headache will continue to be overly intense 24/7.
My energy drain continues. This past week I had less energy than the week before. I can still push through this; though even doing that is becoming more difficult. Luckily this is expected, so again, this doesn't impact me mentally beyond just being so tired.
My sleep, in spite of the increased exhaustion, is about the same as it has been in quality and overall duration. The biggest change is in my ability to get out of bed--aside from dialysis mornings. On the days I don't have to get up quickly, I am finding that I struggle to wake up, and the struggle to even get up. It is taking a great deal of mental effort to get going. On many non-D days, I am barely waking, fall back asleep for a half hour or so, and then repeat the process several times. Even though I start waking at about 830A, I am going through this struggle until about 1030-1100a. Even then, I'm groggy for a few hours after getting up. No fun. :-L
The bilateral flank pain has been awful! LOTS of pain on both sides. The cystic growths must be really large right now.
My urine production seems to be down again. The good news here is that proteins are evidently lower (no foaminess when voiding), and my urine is fairly clear in both color and particulates. I'll certainly take both! The longer I can avoid kidney stones, the better!
Last week at dialysis I had my yearly flu shot, and the last in the Hep-B series. If you'll remember, until last year, I'd never had a flu shot in my life; and I rarely got the flu. Now, because of the kidney disease--and upcoming transplant--my immune system is compromised, and soon to be non-existent, and I will have to take yearly flu shots for the rest of my life.
Also, the Hepatitis-B series had to be redone due to some issue with the batch that was previously used on me. Last weeks' injection was the final of the current series (four in all). From now on, only a yearly booster will be needed until tests determine another series. This cycle with He-B will also go on for the rest of my life.
Both shots are a small price to pay for remaining as healthy as possible, for as long as possible! So no worries!
That's about all for today.
I will let you know how the last of my dental appointments go.
Enjoy your upcoming week!
Good Health to All!
ScottW
The news threw a huge wrench in my plans for education, and the emergent symptomology completely derailed my life in pretty much every other aspect.
In the time since, the road has been very long, extremely arduous, and filled with all sorts of challenges, and personal growth.
There is yet a ways to go, however; but I finally find myself on the cusp of renal transplant. Only a bit further yet to travel...
Alright...Here are my latest dialysis weights:
17 Sep 13
Starting Weight: 106.2 Kg
Ending Weight: 104.1 Kg
Water Removed: 2.10 Kg
19 Sep 13
Starting Weight: 106.2 Kg
Ending Weight: 103.9 Kg
Water Removed: 2.30 Kg
21 Sep 13
Starting Weight: 105.6 Kg
Ending Weight: 104.2 Kg
Water Removed: 1.40 Kg
As you can see, my top weights are all down. This is likely due to the dental work I'm having done, and its subsequent impact on my appetite and my ability to chew. There is just one more dental appointment this coming Wednesday--the Deep Cleaning. So, probably two more weeks of reduced food intake, and then I should be doing far better.
Last Tuesday [at dialysis] I had more labs drawn. Here are the results:
*Albumin (17 Sep): 4.70 g/dL (+0.10 g/dL from 20 Aug)
(A measure of Protein in the blood) NR (Normal Range) 4.0 g/dL or Higher
*Hemoglobin (17 Sep): 11.9 g/dL (+0.80 g/dL from 10 Sep)
(A Measure of Anemia)
*Ca Corrected (03 Sep): 9.30 mg/dL (-0.20 mg/dL from 06 Aug)
(A measure of Heart and Bone health) NR 8.40 to 10.20 mg/dL
*Phosphorous (03 Sep): 4.50 mg/dL (+ 0.2 mg/dL from 06 Aug)
(High Phosphorous affects the health of your Heart and Bones) NR 3.0 to 5.5 mg/dL
*PTH Intact (17 Sep): 161 pg/mL (-14 pg/mL from 20 Aug)
(A measure of Vitamin D absorption and bone and tissue health) NR 150 to 600 pg/mL
*K+ (17 Sep): 3.9 mEq/L (-0.30 mEq/L from 20 Aug)
(Proper potassium levels keep your nerves and muscles working well) NR 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L
*spKdt/V Dialysis (03 Sep): 1.51 (-0.05 from 08 Aug)
(A measure of the effectiveness of dialysis and blood filtering.) NR 1.20 or Higher
The lab that concerns me most is the K+ (Potassium). A large drop like this to the low end of the range is not good. Hopefully, this drop is an anomaly and it will rebound on the next draw. We'll see.
As expected, the headache remains elevated. I still cannot use my TMD adjuncts (the NTI devices) due to extreme discomfort on my lower teeth. As I still have the deep cleaning to do, I don't expect this to change for at least another week. In the meantime, the combined PKD/TMD headache will continue to be overly intense 24/7.
My energy drain continues. This past week I had less energy than the week before. I can still push through this; though even doing that is becoming more difficult. Luckily this is expected, so again, this doesn't impact me mentally beyond just being so tired.
My sleep, in spite of the increased exhaustion, is about the same as it has been in quality and overall duration. The biggest change is in my ability to get out of bed--aside from dialysis mornings. On the days I don't have to get up quickly, I am finding that I struggle to wake up, and the struggle to even get up. It is taking a great deal of mental effort to get going. On many non-D days, I am barely waking, fall back asleep for a half hour or so, and then repeat the process several times. Even though I start waking at about 830A, I am going through this struggle until about 1030-1100a. Even then, I'm groggy for a few hours after getting up. No fun. :-L
The bilateral flank pain has been awful! LOTS of pain on both sides. The cystic growths must be really large right now.
My urine production seems to be down again. The good news here is that proteins are evidently lower (no foaminess when voiding), and my urine is fairly clear in both color and particulates. I'll certainly take both! The longer I can avoid kidney stones, the better!
Last week at dialysis I had my yearly flu shot, and the last in the Hep-B series. If you'll remember, until last year, I'd never had a flu shot in my life; and I rarely got the flu. Now, because of the kidney disease--and upcoming transplant--my immune system is compromised, and soon to be non-existent, and I will have to take yearly flu shots for the rest of my life.
Also, the Hepatitis-B series had to be redone due to some issue with the batch that was previously used on me. Last weeks' injection was the final of the current series (four in all). From now on, only a yearly booster will be needed until tests determine another series. This cycle with He-B will also go on for the rest of my life.
Both shots are a small price to pay for remaining as healthy as possible, for as long as possible! So no worries!
That's about all for today.
I will let you know how the last of my dental appointments go.
Enjoy your upcoming week!
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Friday, September 20, 2013
Dental Work #2
This is a day past when I wanted to get this posted, but I just wasn't feeling up to writing last night. So, here goes...
Yesterday, 18 Sept., I had the second of three dental visits that will result in my gaining the required Dental Clearance ahead of my upcoming transplant. The extraction site from last week is healing properly, and the dentist stated I would likely have tenderness for another two or three weeks. The clot over the [now] former tooth is in place and the gums are healing, as well. So, good news there.
Now, yesterday I went in for fillings only. I took in my initial Tx plan after discovering a discrepancy from last week. I was told during to my last visit that there were five cavities that had to be treated, yet my Tx plan showed six total cavities. I asked the doc to check that yesterday and he agreed that there were indeed five more that needed to be worked on. They are #4, #13, #14, #18, #19.
The first thing the doc did at this point was to administer Novocain via injection to the L and R side of my gums. This was the worst part of the day--literally--because once the numbing set it, the rest was a piece of cake.
Tooth #4 was the first to be drilled out and prepped as it was the only tooth on the R side. Once that was prepped he moved to the two on the top L (#13, #14), followed by the two on the bottom L (#18, #19). In total, the tooth prep time took about twenty five minutes. At this point the dentist gave my jaw a break (to hopefully alleviate TMD impacts), and I got to relax my jaw for about fifteen minutes. While I waited, the hygienist was prepping the tray for the fillings, and I asked what was being used as the filling material. She stated that the dentist is currently using a plastic composite paste, rather than porcelain, silver or other such materials.
I then asked how it was packed in and she told me that the dentist will assure all spaces and air pockets are out and tamp the paste solidly. At pre-determined intervals the hygienist was direct an intense UV light at the paste, immediately hardening the material. This process would be repeated until the cavity was filled and the proper cap of the filling achieved. Once all five fillings were in place, the dentist buffed them to the proper look. After this he had me bite down on some kind of paper so he could see if my bite was properly aligned and the teeth were coming together as they should.
The cavity filling process took about forty five minutes in total. Once done, I was given brief after-care instructions, and then rechecked for my next appointment, the Deep Cleaning.
The after-care this week is far easier than last week. Simply put, I can eat anything I want, so long as it isn't hard or tacky. I can brush regularly now (for me, that means I can start using my Sonicare again). After a day or two, depending on how my teeth feel, I can resume any normal eating. That simple.
As of this evening, the teeth with the new cavities are sensitive to cold and pressure, but are otherwise back to normal. I have no gum inflammation or sensitivity, no untoward effects from the procedure, or anything else.
So, that's two of three visits done. Next week...the Deep Cleaning. After that is finished I will have the dentist write up the Dental Clearance for my Transplant Team, and I will be one major step closer!
After so long, I can't believe I am just a few steps away from getting my transplant. It already seems a bit surreal. So close....
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Yesterday, 18 Sept., I had the second of three dental visits that will result in my gaining the required Dental Clearance ahead of my upcoming transplant. The extraction site from last week is healing properly, and the dentist stated I would likely have tenderness for another two or three weeks. The clot over the [now] former tooth is in place and the gums are healing, as well. So, good news there.
Now, yesterday I went in for fillings only. I took in my initial Tx plan after discovering a discrepancy from last week. I was told during to my last visit that there were five cavities that had to be treated, yet my Tx plan showed six total cavities. I asked the doc to check that yesterday and he agreed that there were indeed five more that needed to be worked on. They are #4, #13, #14, #18, #19.
The first thing the doc did at this point was to administer Novocain via injection to the L and R side of my gums. This was the worst part of the day--literally--because once the numbing set it, the rest was a piece of cake.
Tooth #4 was the first to be drilled out and prepped as it was the only tooth on the R side. Once that was prepped he moved to the two on the top L (#13, #14), followed by the two on the bottom L (#18, #19). In total, the tooth prep time took about twenty five minutes. At this point the dentist gave my jaw a break (to hopefully alleviate TMD impacts), and I got to relax my jaw for about fifteen minutes. While I waited, the hygienist was prepping the tray for the fillings, and I asked what was being used as the filling material. She stated that the dentist is currently using a plastic composite paste, rather than porcelain, silver or other such materials.
I then asked how it was packed in and she told me that the dentist will assure all spaces and air pockets are out and tamp the paste solidly. At pre-determined intervals the hygienist was direct an intense UV light at the paste, immediately hardening the material. This process would be repeated until the cavity was filled and the proper cap of the filling achieved. Once all five fillings were in place, the dentist buffed them to the proper look. After this he had me bite down on some kind of paper so he could see if my bite was properly aligned and the teeth were coming together as they should.
The cavity filling process took about forty five minutes in total. Once done, I was given brief after-care instructions, and then rechecked for my next appointment, the Deep Cleaning.
The after-care this week is far easier than last week. Simply put, I can eat anything I want, so long as it isn't hard or tacky. I can brush regularly now (for me, that means I can start using my Sonicare again). After a day or two, depending on how my teeth feel, I can resume any normal eating. That simple.
As of this evening, the teeth with the new cavities are sensitive to cold and pressure, but are otherwise back to normal. I have no gum inflammation or sensitivity, no untoward effects from the procedure, or anything else.
So, that's two of three visits done. Next week...the Deep Cleaning. After that is finished I will have the dentist write up the Dental Clearance for my Transplant Team, and I will be one major step closer!
After so long, I can't believe I am just a few steps away from getting my transplant. It already seems a bit surreal. So close....
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Monday, September 16, 2013
16 September 2013
Let's get started...
Dialysis Weights:
10 Sep 13
Starting Weight: 107.5 Kg
Ending Weight: 104.2 Kg
Water Removed: 3.30 Kg
12 Sep 13
Starting Weight: 106.3 Kg
Ending Weight: 103.7 Kg
Water Removed: 2.60 Kg
14 Sep 13
Starting Weight: 105.4 Kg
Ending Weight: 104.1 Kg
Water Removed: 1.30 Kg
As the week progressed, how I was feeling because of the dental work done on the 11th is clearly shown as my top weights dropped on both Thursday and Saturday. I also gave back nearly half a kg too much on Thursday's Tx. That was a surprise as I haven't given back too much since March, or so.
Speaking of how I was feeling...
My headache exploded on Thursday, as I expected, from the stress on my jaw during the extraction. I was NOT a happy camper! :-(
As expected, my mouth was quite tender--and still is somewhat. I ate and drank very little both Thursday and Friday; but began eating better on Saturday. As of this morning, my appetite is pretty much normal, though I am still having to chew on one side of my mouth far more than on the other.
However, the tenderness is reduced, the bleeding has stopped entirely, the gums are closing over the space where my #29 tooth formerly sat, and I am brushing my teeth only with a manual toothbrush at this point.
I fully expect the tenderness to be gone within a few more days.
As for the filling I had done, I am already used to it being there, and there is only a slight sensitivity to cold.
Next up...4 or 5 filling this coming Wednesday...
Now, as far as everything else, let's start with how I've been feeling--aside from the dental pain, that is. :-l
Friday was a very bad day. I felt really lousy. It was one of those days that wasn't about nausea; it was just about feeling really terrible all over. This, on top of the dental pain just led me to having what was probably one of my worst days yet.
I've had only one night that I awoke with nausea, and that was just this last night. It never got too severe, and I was able to get back to sleep without having to use the anti-emetic, which was really nice.
My sleep has been long, again. My dialysis impacted days are averaging about 17 hours total sleep; and my one normal day of sleeping (Sunday night) I got over ten hours. Plus, I have been falling asleep at my computer, while watching TV, or while trying to read. And when I'm awake, I am feeling more exhausted than ever. I knew this was going to happen; but I still don't like it. Only a little longer until the kidneys are out...
The bilateral flank pain goes up and down, and intensifies at varying points of my back, depending on where the larger cysts are growing. I know that my sleep is being affected, which is one reason why my exhaustion is increasing. Anyhow, the pain is there 24/7 without any break.
The headache is still affected by the tooth extraction. My jaw is tender in the R ball joint, and the normal clicks are louder than usual. I can't yet wear my NTI devices at night until the gums stop being sensitive; so, the headache must reduce on its own. Ah...the memories this brings of uncontrolled headaches...what joy! ;-)
Anyway, because of the TMD impact, I don't know where my ongoing headache stands. In any case, it is now at 46 months long. Woo-Hoo!
I am still producing a fair amount of urine every day. Granted, I have seen overall significant decreases in urine production; but the fact I am still producing at this point is nice. As long as I have my kidneys, I will be grateful for whatever production they are able to attain.
That's all I can think of for today.
I will give you a report on my next dental appointment this Wednesday.
Until then...
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Dialysis Weights:
10 Sep 13
Starting Weight: 107.5 Kg
Ending Weight: 104.2 Kg
Water Removed: 3.30 Kg
12 Sep 13
Starting Weight: 106.3 Kg
Ending Weight: 103.7 Kg
Water Removed: 2.60 Kg
14 Sep 13
Starting Weight: 105.4 Kg
Ending Weight: 104.1 Kg
Water Removed: 1.30 Kg
As the week progressed, how I was feeling because of the dental work done on the 11th is clearly shown as my top weights dropped on both Thursday and Saturday. I also gave back nearly half a kg too much on Thursday's Tx. That was a surprise as I haven't given back too much since March, or so.
Speaking of how I was feeling...
My headache exploded on Thursday, as I expected, from the stress on my jaw during the extraction. I was NOT a happy camper! :-(
As expected, my mouth was quite tender--and still is somewhat. I ate and drank very little both Thursday and Friday; but began eating better on Saturday. As of this morning, my appetite is pretty much normal, though I am still having to chew on one side of my mouth far more than on the other.
However, the tenderness is reduced, the bleeding has stopped entirely, the gums are closing over the space where my #29 tooth formerly sat, and I am brushing my teeth only with a manual toothbrush at this point.
I fully expect the tenderness to be gone within a few more days.
As for the filling I had done, I am already used to it being there, and there is only a slight sensitivity to cold.
Next up...4 or 5 filling this coming Wednesday...
Now, as far as everything else, let's start with how I've been feeling--aside from the dental pain, that is. :-l
Friday was a very bad day. I felt really lousy. It was one of those days that wasn't about nausea; it was just about feeling really terrible all over. This, on top of the dental pain just led me to having what was probably one of my worst days yet.
I've had only one night that I awoke with nausea, and that was just this last night. It never got too severe, and I was able to get back to sleep without having to use the anti-emetic, which was really nice.
My sleep has been long, again. My dialysis impacted days are averaging about 17 hours total sleep; and my one normal day of sleeping (Sunday night) I got over ten hours. Plus, I have been falling asleep at my computer, while watching TV, or while trying to read. And when I'm awake, I am feeling more exhausted than ever. I knew this was going to happen; but I still don't like it. Only a little longer until the kidneys are out...
The bilateral flank pain goes up and down, and intensifies at varying points of my back, depending on where the larger cysts are growing. I know that my sleep is being affected, which is one reason why my exhaustion is increasing. Anyhow, the pain is there 24/7 without any break.
The headache is still affected by the tooth extraction. My jaw is tender in the R ball joint, and the normal clicks are louder than usual. I can't yet wear my NTI devices at night until the gums stop being sensitive; so, the headache must reduce on its own. Ah...the memories this brings of uncontrolled headaches...what joy! ;-)
Anyway, because of the TMD impact, I don't know where my ongoing headache stands. In any case, it is now at 46 months long. Woo-Hoo!
I am still producing a fair amount of urine every day. Granted, I have seen overall significant decreases in urine production; but the fact I am still producing at this point is nice. As long as I have my kidneys, I will be grateful for whatever production they are able to attain.
That's all I can think of for today.
I will give you a report on my next dental appointment this Wednesday.
Until then...
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Dental Work #1
Well, the first day of dental work is all done.
The work took just over an hour--some of which was spent waiting for Novocain to numb the R side of my mouth. After the Novocain injection attained full strength, the doc started with the filling on my #3 tooth (top R, towards the back). The numbing was so good that I felt only pressure from working on the tooth.
Apparently, the cavity was fairly deep, and the dentist spent a fair amount of time drilling out the tooth. Once that was done, it took little time to fill in with whatever the substance was--I forgot to ask what was used. He also checked for proper teeth alignment before moving on to the extraction.
I was injected with more Novocain after feeling discomfort when the doc started examining the area of #29 (bottom R, towards the front). After just a minute, he was able to start going again. My dentist was so good that, aside from the downward pressure on the jaw, I literally felt nothing during the extraction. I only mention the pressure because of my TMD. Any excessive forces on my jaw cause horrific headaches--something like a nasty, all-out migraine. (Remember, I had uncontrolled TMD headaches for fifteen years, so I know exactly how bad those headaches can get!)
Anyhow, during the extraction, the procedure went from a 'simply extraction' to a 'surgical extraction' due to the tooth shattering (it was hollow, after all; so not unexpected). So, instead of a simple yanking out of the tooth, the doc had to drill into the bone to get the root, had to get into the gum a little, and do everything involved. In the end, the entire tooth is out, I did not need any stitches, and the bleeding, I'm told, was actually fairly minimal. When done, the doc packed gauze in the site, gave me verbal and written instructions for after-care, and gave me a Rx for the added pain I would experience after the Novocain wore off. Like a good pre-transplant patient, I inquired about meds that might be metabolized in the kidneys. (*Remember, I have to avoid meds that are metabolized in the kidneys as they would cause further severe damage to them.) The doc thought about that and made his Rx accordingly.
On my way out, the dental assistant reiterated the instructions for after-care and then checked on the time of my next scheduled visit--one week from today, 15 Sept. The instructions for after care are below...
The work took just over an hour--some of which was spent waiting for Novocain to numb the R side of my mouth. After the Novocain injection attained full strength, the doc started with the filling on my #3 tooth (top R, towards the back). The numbing was so good that I felt only pressure from working on the tooth.
Apparently, the cavity was fairly deep, and the dentist spent a fair amount of time drilling out the tooth. Once that was done, it took little time to fill in with whatever the substance was--I forgot to ask what was used. He also checked for proper teeth alignment before moving on to the extraction.
I was injected with more Novocain after feeling discomfort when the doc started examining the area of #29 (bottom R, towards the front). After just a minute, he was able to start going again. My dentist was so good that, aside from the downward pressure on the jaw, I literally felt nothing during the extraction. I only mention the pressure because of my TMD. Any excessive forces on my jaw cause horrific headaches--something like a nasty, all-out migraine. (Remember, I had uncontrolled TMD headaches for fifteen years, so I know exactly how bad those headaches can get!)
Anyhow, during the extraction, the procedure went from a 'simply extraction' to a 'surgical extraction' due to the tooth shattering (it was hollow, after all; so not unexpected). So, instead of a simple yanking out of the tooth, the doc had to drill into the bone to get the root, had to get into the gum a little, and do everything involved. In the end, the entire tooth is out, I did not need any stitches, and the bleeding, I'm told, was actually fairly minimal. When done, the doc packed gauze in the site, gave me verbal and written instructions for after-care, and gave me a Rx for the added pain I would experience after the Novocain wore off. Like a good pre-transplant patient, I inquired about meds that might be metabolized in the kidneys. (*Remember, I have to avoid meds that are metabolized in the kidneys as they would cause further severe damage to them.) The doc thought about that and made his Rx accordingly.
On my way out, the dental assistant reiterated the instructions for after-care and then checked on the time of my next scheduled visit--one week from today, 15 Sept. The instructions for after care are below...
So, all afternoon and evening I have been changing the gauze, rinsing my mouth, and taking meds. What a fun time! But, by taking care of things properly now, I should be able to get back to my normal routines by Friday morning, or so.
My sleep tonight should be interesting. I don't usually take any meds the night before dialysis simply because I end up having a difficult time waking up in time to get the Lidocane cream on my arm an hour before I get poked. But, if I don't take the meds, I'm going to be miserable because of today's extraction. Ah well...I'll do what must be done and just deal with the outcome in the morning.
Anyhow, that was my first of three dental appointments. I sure am glad I have a great dentist! This could have been so much worse! :'(
I will keep you updated with any complications, should they arise. Otherwise, my next dental report will be after next Wednesday's cavity-fixing marathon!
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Monday, September 9, 2013
08 September 2013
I have labs to report, weights to relay, and general update info to give. So, let's get at it...
Dialysis Weights:
31 Aug 13
Starting Weight: 106.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 104.3 Kg
Water Removed: 2.40 Kg
03 Sep 13
Starting Weight: 107.3 Kg
Ending Weight: 104.1 Kg
Water Removed: 3.20 Kg
05 Sep 13
Starting Weight: 106.1 Kg
Ending Weight: 104.2 Kg
Water Removed: 1.90 Kg
07 Sep 13
Starting Weight: 106.5 Kg
Ending Weight: 104.0 Kg
Water Removed: 2.50 Kg
Once again, my weights remain fairly consistent. My renewed efforts to limit my fluids have been paying off. Time to really start getting disciplined because in less than two months, I'll be on a super restrictive liquid intake due to having no kidneys!
Earlier, I mentioned that the main September labs are available. Here are the results:
*Albumin (20 Aug): 4.60 g/dL (No Change from 16 Jul)
(A measure of Protein in the blood) NR (Normal Range) 4.0 g/dL or Higher
*Hemoglobin (03 Sep): 11.1 g/dL (-0.30 g/dL from 20 Aug)
(A Measure of Anemia)
*Ca Corrected (03 Sep): 9.30 mg/dL (-0.20 mg/dL from 06 Aug)
(A measure of Heart and Bone health) NR 8.40 to 10.20 mg/dL
*Phosphorous (03 Sep): 4.50 mg/dL (+ 0.2 mg/dL from 06 Aug)
(High Phosphorous affects the health of your Heart and Bones) NR 3.0 to 5.5 mg/dL
*PTH Intact (20 Aug): 175 pg/mL (+49 pg/mL from 16 Jul)
(A measure of Vitamin D absorption and bone and tissue health) NR 150 to 600 pg/mL
*K+ (20 Aug): 4.2 mEq/L (-0.10 mEq/L from 16 Jul)
(Proper potassium levels keep your nerves and muscles working well) NR 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L
*spKdt/V Dialysis (03 Sep): 1.51 (-0.05 from 08 Aug)
(A measure of the effectiveness of dialysis and blood filtering.) NR 1.20 or Higher
So, the labs continue to look great! No worries here, at all.
Not much else to say, either. :)
The energy drain I've been feeling has kept its pace. I feel far more tired today than last week; and it's not like I'm going out a playing, or anything! This is just one more aspect that I know is going to happen; which means that it is another thing I have to keep in perspective, and keep my mind in a good place about. As I get more and more exhausted, finding the energy to do this is getting more and more difficult; but one which is vital that I perform day after day!
The headache has seemingly increased again. Today, the headache just exploded on me, and I have been miserable. I'll use my TMD devices tonight just to rule out any TMD involvement; but with no jaw pain, no excessive clicking in the joint, etc, the likelihood of TMD complications is minimal.
My sleep has been up to its usual unpredictability. In spite of my physical exhaustion, I am sleeping poorly, at best. I am waking often, am terribly uncomfortable [because of my enlarged kidneys], and I am napping for longer now. On my dialysis days, I have recently been averaging 15-19 hours of sleep over a 32 hour period, and a total of about 10-13 hours on my one completely off-day. Even though I really don't like sleeping so long, I've finally stopped getting frustrated about it. It is what it is; and as soon as all of this is over, I'll be exercising again, sleeping better, sleeping a LOT less, and I'll be well on my way to a healthier, happier future!
No other things to report on. Pretty much everything else is status quo...at least, for now!
I DO want to talk about something that I've been mulling over the past week or so. I recently had a discussion with a friend who remarked that they found it amazing that I'm able to keep my mind out of depression, in spite of everything I'm going through. I went on to explain that one of the things I do every day is to focus on a positive, healthy future. Sure, the negative aspects are always present; always ready to send me spiraling into despair. However, by keeping my thoughts focused on a positive outcome, the negative aspects rarely enter my conscious thoughts.
I have always been a realist in the way I think. When this whole kidney thing exploded into my life, I chose to concentrate on the end-game by educating myself so that I knew and understood the steps involved, thus eliminating surprises that might potentially negatively impact my state of mind. The more you know, the easier this is from the mental side of things.
Education also ensures your ability to do and go through what you must in order to get to the post-transplant life of health and forward movement that awaits you when all is said and done. So, I plan for my future; I envision the challenges and successes that await.
I clearly see my path ahead, am realistic about how long it will take to get back to physical conditioning, and continue to let those thoughts guide me day to day. By focusing on the positive, I don't have time for the negative.
For instance, my next step is the dental work. I know what's involved, what to expect, etc. I also know that once it is all done, I will contact the surgeon for a consult to get my kidney's out. I'll then get them out, heal for four to six weeks, then be placed on the active transplant list. And it goes on from there. The plan is always in place; though the timeline is fluid. This process helps me stay positive and focused on my future. It isn't hard to do; but it does take discipline for this type of thinking and approach to become habit. Anyone can do this, though!
Anyhow, that's all I wanted to talk about today. Have a great week! As always, if new info comes my way, I'll be sure to pass it along.
Good Health to All!
ScottW
Dialysis Weights:
31 Aug 13
Starting Weight: 106.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 104.3 Kg
Water Removed: 2.40 Kg
03 Sep 13
Starting Weight: 107.3 Kg
Ending Weight: 104.1 Kg
Water Removed: 3.20 Kg
05 Sep 13
Starting Weight: 106.1 Kg
Ending Weight: 104.2 Kg
Water Removed: 1.90 Kg
07 Sep 13
Starting Weight: 106.5 Kg
Ending Weight: 104.0 Kg
Water Removed: 2.50 Kg
Once again, my weights remain fairly consistent. My renewed efforts to limit my fluids have been paying off. Time to really start getting disciplined because in less than two months, I'll be on a super restrictive liquid intake due to having no kidneys!
Earlier, I mentioned that the main September labs are available. Here are the results:
*Albumin (20 Aug): 4.60 g/dL (No Change from 16 Jul)
(A measure of Protein in the blood) NR (Normal Range) 4.0 g/dL or Higher
*Hemoglobin (03 Sep): 11.1 g/dL (-0.30 g/dL from 20 Aug)
(A Measure of Anemia)
*Ca Corrected (03 Sep): 9.30 mg/dL (-0.20 mg/dL from 06 Aug)
(A measure of Heart and Bone health) NR 8.40 to 10.20 mg/dL
*Phosphorous (03 Sep): 4.50 mg/dL (+ 0.2 mg/dL from 06 Aug)
(High Phosphorous affects the health of your Heart and Bones) NR 3.0 to 5.5 mg/dL
*PTH Intact (20 Aug): 175 pg/mL (+49 pg/mL from 16 Jul)
(A measure of Vitamin D absorption and bone and tissue health) NR 150 to 600 pg/mL
*K+ (20 Aug): 4.2 mEq/L (-0.10 mEq/L from 16 Jul)
(Proper potassium levels keep your nerves and muscles working well) NR 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L
*spKdt/V Dialysis (03 Sep): 1.51 (-0.05 from 08 Aug)
(A measure of the effectiveness of dialysis and blood filtering.) NR 1.20 or Higher
So, the labs continue to look great! No worries here, at all.
Not much else to say, either. :)
The energy drain I've been feeling has kept its pace. I feel far more tired today than last week; and it's not like I'm going out a playing, or anything! This is just one more aspect that I know is going to happen; which means that it is another thing I have to keep in perspective, and keep my mind in a good place about. As I get more and more exhausted, finding the energy to do this is getting more and more difficult; but one which is vital that I perform day after day!
The headache has seemingly increased again. Today, the headache just exploded on me, and I have been miserable. I'll use my TMD devices tonight just to rule out any TMD involvement; but with no jaw pain, no excessive clicking in the joint, etc, the likelihood of TMD complications is minimal.
My sleep has been up to its usual unpredictability. In spite of my physical exhaustion, I am sleeping poorly, at best. I am waking often, am terribly uncomfortable [because of my enlarged kidneys], and I am napping for longer now. On my dialysis days, I have recently been averaging 15-19 hours of sleep over a 32 hour period, and a total of about 10-13 hours on my one completely off-day. Even though I really don't like sleeping so long, I've finally stopped getting frustrated about it. It is what it is; and as soon as all of this is over, I'll be exercising again, sleeping better, sleeping a LOT less, and I'll be well on my way to a healthier, happier future!
No other things to report on. Pretty much everything else is status quo...at least, for now!
I DO want to talk about something that I've been mulling over the past week or so. I recently had a discussion with a friend who remarked that they found it amazing that I'm able to keep my mind out of depression, in spite of everything I'm going through. I went on to explain that one of the things I do every day is to focus on a positive, healthy future. Sure, the negative aspects are always present; always ready to send me spiraling into despair. However, by keeping my thoughts focused on a positive outcome, the negative aspects rarely enter my conscious thoughts.
I have always been a realist in the way I think. When this whole kidney thing exploded into my life, I chose to concentrate on the end-game by educating myself so that I knew and understood the steps involved, thus eliminating surprises that might potentially negatively impact my state of mind. The more you know, the easier this is from the mental side of things.
Education also ensures your ability to do and go through what you must in order to get to the post-transplant life of health and forward movement that awaits you when all is said and done. So, I plan for my future; I envision the challenges and successes that await.
I clearly see my path ahead, am realistic about how long it will take to get back to physical conditioning, and continue to let those thoughts guide me day to day. By focusing on the positive, I don't have time for the negative.
For instance, my next step is the dental work. I know what's involved, what to expect, etc. I also know that once it is all done, I will contact the surgeon for a consult to get my kidney's out. I'll then get them out, heal for four to six weeks, then be placed on the active transplant list. And it goes on from there. The plan is always in place; though the timeline is fluid. This process helps me stay positive and focused on my future. It isn't hard to do; but it does take discipline for this type of thinking and approach to become habit. Anyone can do this, though!
Anyhow, that's all I wanted to talk about today. Have a great week! As always, if new info comes my way, I'll be sure to pass it along.
Good Health to All!
ScottW
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