10 September 2014

It's been a long while since my last written entry, so we've got a lot to cover...
We'll start with my most recent lab draws:


*Albumin (19 Aug): 3.40 g/dL     (-0.60 g/dL from 20 May)
  (A measure of Protein in the blood)     NR (Normal Range) 4.0 g/dL or Higher

*Hemoglobin (02 Sep): 10.20 G/dL    (+0.20 G/dL from 03 Jun)
  (A Measure of Anemia)

*Ca Corrected (02 Sep): 9.50 mg/dL     (-0.20 mg/dL from 03 Jun)
  (A measure of Heart and Bone health)     NR 8.40 to 10.20 mg/dL

*Phosphorous (02 Sep):  5.30 mg/dL     (-0.40 mg/dL from 03 Jun)
  (High Phosphorous affects the health of your Heart and Bones)     NR 3.0 to 5.5 mg/dL

*PTH Intact (26 Aug):  254 pg/mL     (-1.00 pg/mL from 20 May)
  (A measure of Vitamin D absorption and bone and tissue health)     NR 150 to 600 pg/mL

*K+ (02 Sep):  5.70 mEq/L     (-0.70 mEq/L from 03 Jun)
  (Proper potassium levels keep your nerves and muscles working well)     NR 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L

*spKdt/V Dialysis (02 Sep):  1.13     (-0.11 from 03 Jun)
  (A measure of the effectiveness of dialysis and blood filtering.)     NR 1.20 or Higher

Since my recent hospitalization, the Phosphorous and Potassium numbers have improved, as has the effectiveness of the dialysis. For the low Albumin, the clinic dietitian has put me on a regimen of 2 oz of Liquicel following treatment. Liquicel is a protein enhanced, vitamin rich liquid that will help dialysis patients keep their numbers in line. From what I understand, it is common for patients with no kidneys (like me!) to need this added supplement to keep their protein intake at it's minimal level. The Liquicel is thick, sugary and hits the stomach hard, but a swallow of water helps dilute it.

Dialysis Weights:  (Just a few...)

19 Jul 14
Starting Weight:   101.6 Kg
Ending Weight:   99.6 Kg
Water Removed:   2.00 Kg

22 Jul 14
Starting Weight:   103.1 Kg
Ending Weight:   99.4 Kg
Water Removed:   3.70 Kg

24 Jul 14
Starting Weight:   101.1 Kg
Ending Weight:   99.3 Kg
Water Removed:   1.80 Kg

26 Jul 14
Starting Weight:   101.1 Kg
Ending Weight:   99.4 Kg
Water Removed:   1.70 Kg

28 Jul 14
Starting Weight:   101.7 Kg
Ending Weight:   99.2 Kg
Water Removed:   2.50 Kg

31 Jul 14
Starting Weight:   101.2 Kg
Ending Weight:   99.6 Kg
Water Removed:   1.60 Kg

02 Aug 14
Starting Weight:   102.1 Kg
Ending Weight:   99.2 Kg
Water Removed:   2.90 Kg

05 Aug 14
Starting Weight:   103.7 Kg
Ending Weight:   100.5 Kg
Water Removed:   3.20 Kg

07 Aug 14
Starting Weight:   101.2 Kg
Ending Weight:   99.2 Kg
Water Removed:   2.00 Kg

09 Aug 14
Starting Weight:   99.3 Kg
Ending Weight:   99.4 Kg
Water Removed:   +0.10 Kg

11 Ag 14 thru 14 Aug 14
(In Hospital with C-Diff Infection.
Dialysis done in-house.
No numbers)

16 Aug 14
Starting Weight:   100.2 Kg
Ending Weight:   99.3 Kg
Water Removed:   0.90 Kg

19Aug 14
Starting Weight:   102.6 Kg
Ending Weight:   100.3 Kg
Water Removed:   2.30 Kg

21 Aug 14
Starting Weight:   102.6 Kg
Ending Weight:   99.3 Kg
Water Removed:   3.30 Kg

23 Aug 14
Starting Weight:   102.1 Kg
Ending Weight:   99.3 Kg
Water Removed:   2.80 Kg

26 Aug 14
Starting Weight:   103.6 Kg
Ending Weight:   100.3 Kg
Water Removed:   3.30 Kg

28 Aug 14
Starting Weight:   102.6 Kg
Ending Weight:   99.4 Kg
Water Removed:   3.20 Kg

30 Aug 14
Starting Weight:   101.2 Kg
Ending Weight:   99.5 Kg
Water Removed:   1.70 Kg

02 Sep 14
Starting Weight:   103.3 Kg
Ending Weight:   100.3 Kg
Water Removed:   3.00 Kg

04 Sep 14
Starting Weight:   102.7 Kg
Ending Weight:   99.8 Kg
Water Removed:   2.90 Kg

06 Sep 14
Starting Weight:   102.1 Kg
Ending Weight:   99.3 Kg
Water Removed:   2.80 Kg

09 Sep 14
Starting Weight:   101.8 Kg
Ending Weight:   99.5 Kg
Water Removed:   2.30 Kg

For the most part, my weights have remained steady. I had hoped to reduce my dry weight by now, but following my hospitalization, I have been experiencing a lot of cramps during treatment, and for the next day, as well. So, the dry weight reduction is holing until the cramps desist. Ultimately, I want to be at 99.00 Kg, which should be about as low as I can healthily be.
What else...It's been since my July entry that I've done a written blog, an aside from the video I posted (which was mostly about the C-Diff hospitalization), so I am trying to remember everything I need to write...

Following the hospital stay, I was physically drained far more than even I thought. I did very little moving around for about two weeks after getting back home. Add in the  continued soft stools I was having due to the antibiotic Flagyl, plus my normal dialysis sessions, and my energy was kaput.

I continued to eat very poorly until sometime in early September. I just had no appetite, and food was pretty much tasteless. Since my appetite improved I am definitely eating more; though food is still tasteless, and is something I'm doing simply because I need to. Most foods are unappetizing, as well, so unfortunately, eating has become a bit of a chore. Most days I am skipping breakfast, or lunch...or both, and only reluctantly eat dinner. Even when I cook, I just don't eat much.  I know this will change, so I am biding my time until food actually starts looking and tasting good once again.

Following the schedule of the Flagyl, I had a retest for the C-Diff--which was at the request of the Transplant Committee. I won't go into the test because it is rather...revolting; but let's just tell you that it came back as clear! The results were passed on to the Committee. So, the unofficial hold on my transplant status is now removed, and I am fully eligible to get a kidney once again.

Speaking of the transplant...

I had informed my potential donor that the C-Diff test came back negative, and she told me that she was still in the testing phase, and was glad to receive my news. She also reiterated that she is committed to going through with the donation, if she is cleared.
GREAT news!!

...I suddenly forgot what else I wanted to discuss, so I'll wrap this up.

I want to express my thanks once again for all of the support I've received this past month. Knowing that others care so much lifted my burden, and I was better able to handle everything I was going through.

I'll make my next entry sooner than later...promise!

Good Health to All!

ScottW