09 May 2014

It is amazing how fast time is passing between my posts. I think it's only been four or five days, when in reality, it's over ten. So let's get on with it...

Dialysis Weights:

26 Apr 14
Starting Weight:  103.9 Kg
Ending Weight:  100.0 Kg
Water Removed:  3.90 Kg

29 Apr 14
Starting Weight:  105.3 Kg
Ending Weight:  101.1 Kg
Water Removed:  4.20 Kg

01 May 14
Starting Weight:  105.3 Kg
Ending Weight:  100.5 Kg
Water Removed:  4.80 Kg

03 May 14
Starting Weight:  104.2 Kg
Ending Weight:  99.7 Kg
Water Removed:  4.50 Kg

06 May 14
Starting Weight:  103.6 Kg
Ending Weight:  99.9 Kg
Water Removed:  3.70 Kg

08 May 14
Starting Weight:  104.3 Kg
Ending Weight:  99.5 Kg
Water Removed:  4.80 Kg
As you can see, I began to lower my dry weight below 100 Kg. So far, the cramping has been minimal, but I have had frequent dizziness at home. As you lower your dry weight, your blood pressure naturally lowers, as well. Until your body compensates full-time, you will experience periods of dizziness when standing up. Most frequently these wobble-inducing drops in blood pressure happen upon standing from any sitting or supine position. Gravity, in this case, can be a serious issue; so if you experience dizziness on standing, lean against a wall, a chair or anything else that could help you stop yourself from falling to the ground. For me, the symptoms pass within five seconds, or so. If it goes on for what seems to be too long, tell your physician a/o clinic nurses. Getting your body past any serious drops in BP are vital, so be honest and forthright about anything you experience!

My latest labs are in. Some are good, others, not so much.

*Albumin (22 Apr): 3.80 g/dL     (-0.60 g/dL from 17 Mar)
  (A measure of Protein in the blood)     NR (Normal Range) 4.0 g/dL or Higher

*Hemoglobin (06 May):  11.2 g/dL  (+0.40 g/dL from 08 Apr)
  (A Measure of Anemia)

*Ca Corrected (06 May): 9.80 mg/dL (+0.50 mg/dL from 08 Apr)
  (A measure of Heart and Bone health)     NR 8.40 to 10.20 mg/dL

*Phosphorous (06 May):  7.90 mg/dL (+0.50 mg/dL from 08 Apr)
  (High Phosphorous affects the health of your Heart and Bones)     NR 3.0 to 5.5 mg/dL

*PTH Intact (22 Apr):  151 pg/mL  (-94 pg/mL from 17 Mar)
  (A measure of Vitamin D absorption and bone and tissue health)     NR 150 to 600 pg/mL

*K+ (06 May):  5.6 mEq/L     (-0.20 mEq/L from 08 Apr)
  (Proper potassium levels keep your nerves and muscles working well)     NR 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L

*spKdt/V Dialysis (06 May): 1.44   (-0.14 from 08 Apr)
  (A measure of the effectiveness of dialysis and blood filtering.)     NR 1.20 or Higher
There isn't much green on these labs! The Albumin drop is particularly concerning. This means that I am not getting sufficient protein in my body; which I need right now. With all the eggs and meats I am consuming, I will have to speak with my DaVita Nutritionist about getting that number up. If the low Albumin number continues, there will be effects in my muscles, heart, blood production, etc. I really don't want to find out what those effects are!

The Potassium (K+) has lowered to just above the top range. This is a definite improvement. I have accomplished this by cutting out the fruit juices, eliminating fresh fruits and tomatoes. (Sad face as more foods have to be left behind...)

However, the further rise in my Phosphorous is very troubling. I don't know how much more I can do to control this. I suppose there are always foods I can eliminate in order to achieve the desired range. I know that the Nutritionist will be speaking with me on Tuesday about this number. The number of Binders (Renvela) that I am taking has already increased; but it can always be upped again. I will keep you updated on this.

This past Sunday was a great day! I felt good when I awoke, and asked my wife if she wanted to go on a drive--which we did. We went to a nice park on the Provo River and enjoyed nature. It was the first time I felt up to a drive since before my Nephrectomy in November; so it had definitely been awhile. I greatly enjoyed the time out of the house, and I loved sitting and listening to the wind, the water and all the sounds of birds, puppies playing nearby, etc. It was extremely rejuvenating to my soul!

Then when Monday rolled around, it was the complete opposite. I awoke extremely nauseated, dry heaved for about twenty minutes, had numerous bouts of diarrhea, and, despite multiple doses of Zofran, was nauseated the entire day. It sucked! At least I had the memory of the previous day to help me through such a terrible day.  Since then, I have been up and down. Mostly feeling lousy.

I saw my Nephrologist yesterday for my latest office visit. He really didn't have much to say because I am doing pretty well, overall. I follow physician orders, follow dialysis clinic guidelines, and actively work at home to ensure I am doing everything I can to be as healthy as I can possibly be. When you do all of that, you will not have too much to discuss with your doctor. And really, doing everything you can to ensure your best possible health--even under these circumstances--really isn't hard at all. You simply have to decide that this is what you'll do, and then you do it. Simple. Easy.  Unfortunately, from what my Nephrologist tells me, my approach is definitely NOT the norm amongst his patients. They generally fight him on most aspects of their care, and their health suffers because of their adamant positions. Too bad; because it really IS easy to do what you have to! Being stubborn just isn't worth the consequences of not following instructions.

I had a friend offer her kidney this last week; but her blood type is incompatible with mine. She felt bad, but I assured her it was no big deal. Nothing has changed because she cannot donate. I really...REALLY appreciate the offer! It was a nice thought to know that someone was willing to do this for me.

And that's it. I am all done with this for today.

I am thinking of maybe doing some posts on video. Any thoughts? (Post them in the comments, if you do!)

Have a great week, everyone!

Good Health to All!

ScottW