25 April 2014

I've been needing to update the blog for a while, and really have no good reason why I haven't. So, let's get to it...

Dialysis Weights

08 Apr 14
Starting Weight:  105.0 Kg
Ending Weight:  101.3 Kg
Water Removed:  3.70 Kg

10 Apr 14
Starting Weight:  104.8 Kg
Ending Weight:  100.3 Kg
Water Removed:  4.50 Kg

12 Apr 14
Starting Weight:  104.1 Kg
Ending Weight:   99.8 Kg
Water Removed:  4.30 Kg

15 Apr 14
Starting Weight:  104.9 Kg
Ending Weight:  100.7 Kg
Water Removed:  4.20 Kg

17 Apr 14
Starting Weight:  103.2 Kg
Ending Weight:   99.9 Kg
Water Removed:  3.30 Kg

19 Apr 14
Starting Weight:  104.3 Kg
Ending Weight:  100.0 Kg
Water Removed:  4.30 Kg

22 Apr 14
Starting Weight:  106.4 Kg
Ending Weight:  101.9 Kg
Water Removed:  4.50 Kg

24 Apr 14
Starting Weight:  104.9 Kg
Ending Weight:  100.4 Kg
Water Removed:  4.50 Kg

Aside from the one Tuesday--my post-'weekend' day--my weights are fairly consistent. This means that I am doing things right in controlling my fluid intake. Limiting fluids never really gets easy; but at least you can become somewhat used to doing so. I am almost always thirsty; but at the same time, I know that if I give in and indulge in that extra liquid, my feet will swell, fluid will get into my lungs, I'll have trouble breathing and sleeping, possibly go to the ER, my BP will elevate to dangerous levels, my Heart rate will increase and then I'll spend at least three or four treatments getting my weight back under control. Is drinking extra milk, water or whatever else really worth all that?

(Umm....


                                                             ......No.)

The lower canulation site on my fistula has been incredibly sore lately. I'm pretty sure a nerve is directly over or near both button holes. Add in the fact that both sites are in a constant state of healing, and you will experience pain from time to time. For me, that lower button hole bothers me most. Additionally, I still have bruising on my lower arm from the whole debacle after Christmas; so the arm really hasn't had the chance to fully recover. Until I get a kidney, the arm may bother me without relief.

This week has again had its challenges. I've been nauseated frequently, vomited, had diarrhea, had my breathing restricted, and my appetite has been off resulting in most foods being completely unappetizing. In the midst of all this, I have to eat, have to drink and have to get to my dialysis sessions. What fun!

My sleep is all over the place. In all, I get around eleven hours a day. Dialysis days are, or course, the most sleeping hours, at about 16 hours total in the thirty hours around each treatment. I never know when I'll suddenly become tired and doze off for thirty minutes or more. I haven't gotten a full night of sleep in weeks, instead sleeping whenever and wherever it comes upon me; whether that's on the bed, sitting in my computer chair, sitting in the living room, at dialysis, etc. I used to be frustrated by that; Now, I just roll with it and sleep as it hits me. There really isn't much use fighting it.

I've had a few friends tell me this last week that I am looking better, healthier. It's nice to hear that after these last four years. Though I still easily tire, have no energy and rarely feel good, I am moving around quicker, have less vertigo, feel a bit more energetic and my skin tone is visibly improved. Not bad for someone with no kidneys!

My mental well-being continues to be great. With my kidneys out, the worst of all this is behind me. Being on the active list really helps my state of mind, too. Also, I continue to have the love and support of many people, without which I would be struggling mightily. Personally, I have found that the more support you have, the less likely it is that you will struggle with depression or anxiety regarding your journey. Plus, there are the multitude of prayers being given for me every day. Without the spiritual support, I would not have the strength to go through this every single day. Without a doubt, the prayers given, and my personal faith, are the greatest tools I have to fight the inevitable doubt and uncertainty that awaits anyone who struggles mentally with a chronic long-term illness. The comfort and certainty I feel every day cannot be explained away as coincidence, or my mind playing tricks on me. No, I am being supported spiritually in ways I cannot fathom, and my journey is made far easier because of it.

That's all I've got for today.

Have a great week!

Good Health to All!

ScottW