As always, let's begin with the most recent Dialysis Weights...
19 Oct 13
Starting Weight: 106.7 Kg
Ending Weight: 103.9 Kg
Water Removed: 2.80 Kg
22 Oct 13
Starting Weight: 106.3 Kg
Ending Weight: 104.0 Kg
Water Removed: 2.30 Kg
24 Oct 13
Starting Weight: 106.0 Kg
Ending Weight: 104.0 Kg
Water Removed: 2.00 Kg
26 Oct 13
Starting Weight: 106.4 Kg
Ending Weight: 104.0 Kg
Water Removed: 2.40 Kg
Consistency is once again the name of the game! This is achieved, of course, through diligence in eating properly, drinking less fluids and the fact that I still product urine--a soon to be non-factor.
Anyhow, for any patient of chronic illness, the key is simply to follow the doctors instructions, follow Rx regimens, and take care of yourself as best you can. (I know I really hammer that point; but I hear so many patients go on about doing what they want, then wonder why they feel worse than they should, or go into dialysis too heavy, with too much blood sugar, etc. Just...STOP making excuses and do as you are instructed!
This last week I also had my yearly Davita Dialysis Evaluation. I was given complete labs (see below) and interviewed as to my current health, the benefits of dialysis (and drawbacks) and my level of patient care received. I gave the staff of my clinic glowing reviews, and expressed my sincere appreciation for everything they do for me!
Here are the labs:
The day I have long been waiting for is here on Wednesday. I see the surgeon to schedule my double Nephrectomy. I am hoping to be able to schedule the surgery for sometime on the week on 11 Nov. That would work best for my wife's schedule and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Plus, it would mean I only have a couple more weeks to tolerate this awful back pain. I'm also going to ask for any pictures, video, etc. the surgeons might take. I want to see these things that are inside of me! I also am going to request a copy of the pathology report from the kidney exam. I'd love to post these things on here!
Of course, I will take notes and tell you all about the consult!
While we're on the subject of back pain...
The bilateral flank pain is worse than ever! I am no longer comfortable in any position, on any chair, bed, etc. I am now trying to sit with my back not touching anything, which also strains other muscles in my back. It's a no-win situation; but putting any pressure on my kidneys is just killing me!
Last night I had something interesting happen over my R kidney. I was sitting in my office chair when I suddenly felt six or seven sharp stabbing pains that all lingered a few minutes, then were gone. Considering the location and the type and quality of the pains, I think I may have popped some cysts on the R kidney. The overall pain isn't alleviated at all; but at least I probably got rid of a few of the nasty cysts.
The headache goes on...and on...and on... In about two weeks, it (the headache) will reach the four year mark of its continuous duration! I am still holding out hope that the nephrectomy will result in eliminating this damned headache. It's certainly about time for it to end!
Over the last couple of weeks I've noticed that the hernia under my navel (belly button) has become seemingly firm on a permanent basis. I understand that this is to be expected as the kidney disease progressed, so I'm not worried about it at all. But it is definitely interesting --to me--to see this result finally manifested. This extension above the hernia will disappear during the nephrectomy because the surgeons will repair it once the kidneys are out. It will also be interesting to see how much my belly goes down because of the hernia repair.
I was going to talk about a few other things; but my flanks are hurting so much that I decided to wrap this up so I can go and try to get comfortable.
Again, I'll write about the surgical consult on Wednesday evening, or so. Look to the next entry with news about the nephrectomy!
Until then...
Good Health to All!
ScottW
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