17 June 2015

I failed...again.  :o(

An entire month has gone by, and I failed to get an entry done sooner.
Let me explain...

A return to feeling lousy on a regular basis puts a huge stopper in plans to be more productive. After all these years, you'd think I'd have learned that one. (Always the optimist!)

Dialysis Weights

23 May 15
Starting Weight:  97.5 Kg
Ending Weight:  94.0 Kg
Water Removed:  3.50 Kg

Start BP: 167/105   End BP: 132/77

26 May 15
Starting Weight: 98.7 Kg 
Ending Weight:  94.7 Kg
Water Removed:  4.00 Kg

Start BP: 200/118   End BP: 136/82

28 May 15
Starting Weight:  97.3 Kg
Ending Weight:  94.0 Kg
Water Removed:  3.30 Kg

Start BP: 192/114   End BP: 143/86

30 May 15
Starting Weight:  96.2 Kg
Ending Weight:  93.7 Kg
Water Removed:  2.50 Kg

Start BP: 183/117   End BP: 125/92

02 Jun 15
Starting Weight:  97.5 Kg
Ending Weight:  93.9 Kg
Water Removed:  3.50 Kg

Start BP: 164/120   End BP: 127/88

04 Jun 15
Starting Weight:  98.2 Kg
Ending Weight:  94.6 Kg
Water Removed:  3.60 Kg

Start BP: 190/120   End BP: 152/89

06 Jun 15
Starting Weight:  98.7 Kg
Ending Weight:  94.9 Kg
Water Removed:  3.80 Kg

Start BP: 167/100   End BP: 121/83

09 Jun 15
Starting Weight:  98.0 Kg
Ending Weight:  94.0 Kg
Water Removed:  4.00 Kg

Start BP: 188/115   End BP: 120/80

11 Jun 15
Starting Weight:  96.5 Kg
Ending Weight:  93.4 Kg
Water Removed:  3.10 Kg

Start BP: 176/112   End BP: 130/88

13 Jun 15
Starting Weight:  97.5 Kg
Ending Weight:  93.9 Kg
Water Removed:  3.60 Kg

Start BP: 196/110   End BP: 136/85

16 Jun 15
Starting Weight:  97.0 Kg
Ending Weight:  94.1 Kg
Water Removed:  2.90 Kg

Start BP: 209/122  End BP: 151/82

Aside from a few swings upward, my weights remain consistent.  The BP readings are normal. Remember, the starting BP is irrelevant. It's the ending BP (140/95 or lower) that is important. Yes, a high BP is never good, but it's the fluid removal that helps most right now, so that's the number I need to have in line; and for the most part, I've succeeded.

June 2015 Lab Work:

 *Albumin (19 May): 4.50 g/dL     (+0.20 g/dL from 17 Mar)
  (A measure of Protein in the blood)     NR (Normal Range) 4.0 g/dL or Higher

*Hemoglobin (02 Jun): 10.90 G/dL    (-0.50 G/dL from 19 May)
  (A Measure of Anemia)

*Ca Corrected (02 Jun): 9.50 mg/dL     (-0.30mg/dL from 19 May)
  (A measure of Heart and Bone health)     NR 8.40 to 10.20 mg/dL

*Phosphorous (02 Jun):  4.90 mg/dL    (+2.00 mg/dL from 04 May)
  (High Phosphorous affects the health of your Heart and Bones)     NR 3.0 to 5.5 mg/dL

*PTH Intact (19 May):  312 pg/mL     (+79 pg/mL from 17 Mar)
  (A measure of Vitamin D absorption and bone and tissue health)     NR 150 to 600 pg/mL

*K+ (09 Jun):  5.3 mEq/L    (*No Change from 19 May)
  (Proper potassium levels keep your nerves and muscles working well)     NR 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L

*spKdt/V Dialysis (02 Jun):  1.65     (-0.50 from 04 May)
  (A measure of the effectiveness of dialysis and blood filtering.)     NR 1.20 or Higher  

I had a number of labs redrawn yesterday [for some reason I don't know], so I will probably re-list these numbers in a few days.
 Except for the drop in Hemoglobin (which I have no real control over), my numbers are outstanding once more. And once more, I'll relate that achieving wanted monthly labs is almost entirely in your control! Proper Diet; Proper Fluid Intake; Proper Med Regimen; Following Physician Instructions...it is ALL in your control! It's easy, too! Just do as your Nephrologist tells you! CHOOSE to do what you must every day. IT REALLY IS THAT EASY!

As I referred to at the very start of this entry, I have been feeling lousy...again. As far as I have observed, there isn't really any single thing that has triggered the latest wave of nausea, and generally feeling awful. My appetite has actually improved, I am sleeping better (overall), my dialysis is extremely effective, and I haven't been sick (cold, flu, etc).

In addition, my headaches have been horrible the past month. On a daily basis, my average headache is running at about a solid 8.5. On dialysis days, that ramps up to a 10+, depending on the fluid that is removed. Yes, I'm using my NTI devices, but when those don't help, the headaches go on unabated. When that happens, I am glad I now have meds to help it calm down, or at least mask it so I can relax enough for it to settle down.

So, between the nausea, the headaches and generally feeling lousy, it's been a long, challenging month. (No fun...)

I have my follow-up Dental appointment this afternoon. If anything significant comes up, I'll be sure to fill you in.

That's all I've got for now. I'm saving a couple of things for when I input the latest labs that were drawn again yesterday. So for now...

...Good Health to All!

ScottW

**19 June 15**

*I got the updated labs, and they aren't much different than what I listed above. So, I won't be changing anything because the few differences that exist really aren't worth mentioning. 
*Also, my appointment to update my Dental Clearance went great! No infections, no cavities. I have sent the clearance in already to my transplant coordinator.