Starting Weight: 102.1 Kg
Ending Weight: 99.7 Kg
Water Removed: 2.40 Kg
Start BP: 184/113 End BP: 150/105
My BP has inexplicably taken a jump in both the pre and post Treatment (Tx) readings. In fact, even during the Tx itself the readings remain elevated. I have absolutely no idea why this increase has happened. All I can do is address the uptick. To that end, I have already decreased my dry weight to 99.7 Kg, and will drop it again to address to BP.
I saw my Nephrololgist this past Thursday, and he talked to me about the BP. I assured him that I was being proactive on the matter, pointing out my lowered dry weight, as well as plans for a second reduction, if needed. At this point, that second reduction will be happening tomorrow.
My efforts at bringing the suddenly elevated BP have, thus far, be unhelpful on a consistent basis. Yes, I've had several days that showed my post-Tx BP significantly lower; but there are too many high BP readings post-D, so I must again lower my dry weight to compensate. You'll see how that goes on my next full entry.
Over the past three weeks, or so, the water I retain between dialysis sessions has seemed to be collecting under my diaghram once more. By the day after a Tx I am having to catch my breath, gulp in air when laying down and have a general tightness in the upper central region on my abdomen. Once I'm in Tx, the breathing eases and the feeling dissipates, so I know that water is indeed collecting under my lungs. Hopefully this is a temporary development. Time will tell.
In my last entry I had indicated that I should be hearing from my Transplant Coordinator. Unfortunately, this has not happened. I can only speculate as to why, but with the Holidays upon us, I have no doubt that my turn is fast approaching, so I will delay any follow-up on my part.
On how I am feeling, about the only consistent thing here is exhaustion. Tired, tired, tired...and all the time, at that. It is nothing I am or am not doing; it just is.
How do I know that? Because I am eating better, sleeping a lot and not doing a whole lot aside from my daily routine. So, as far as I know, the exhaustion is nothing I am doing to precipitate. I will continue watching it from day to day.
As I just stated, I am finally eating better. Granted, my increased food intake isn't significantly better...but it IS better. I am now eating about two small meals per day, but with more snacking, too. Like I said, not a lot more, but a definite daily increase over the previous number of months.
My headaches have actually been reducing in both frequency and intensity. This is borne out in my monthly T3 usage. My last Rx--which has been lasting me about 29 days--lasted me 35 days! That's a six day increase on the same number of meds! I will gladly take that positive development! I can hardly wait until my TMD is under control once more!
Oh...Monthly Labs...
November 2016 Labs:
*Albumin (18 Oct): 4.10 g/dL (No Change from 16 Aug)
(A measure of Protein in the blood) NR (Normal Range) 4.0 g/dL or Higher
*Hemoglobin (08 Nov): 9.80 G/dL (-0.10 g/dL from 18 Oct)
(A Measure of Anemia)
*Ca Corrected (08 Nov): 10.4 mg/dL (+0.20mg/dL from 04 Oct)
(A measure of Heart and Bone health) NR 8.40 to 10.20 mg/dL
*Phosphorous (08 Nov): 4.80 mg/dL (+0.20 mg/dL from 04 Oct)
(High Phosphorous affects the health of your Heart and Bones) NR 3.0 to 5.5 mg/dL
*PTH Intact (18 Oct): 222 pg/mL (-138 pg/mL 16 Aug)
(A measure of Vitamin D absorption and bone and tissue health) NR 150 to 600 pg/mL
*K+ (15 Nov): 5.0 mEq/L (-0.20 mEq/L from 18 Oct)
(Proper potassium levels keep your nerves and muscles working well) NR 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L
*spKdt/V Dialysis (08 Nov): 1.83 (+0.16 from 04 Oct)
(A measure of the effectiveness of dialysis and blood filtering.) NR 1.20 or Higher
Great labs! The only new Red--on the Calcium Corrected--is due to the Vitamin D added during my dialysis Tx's. When I saw my doctor last week, he did a cessation order of the Vitamin D, so that lab result should be down next month.
The other Red number--on PTH Intact--has not yet been drawn this month.
With the certainty of my transplant getting close I am double checking everything in my home preparations. My "Go Bag," as I call it, is ready and in the car 24/7. My current Med list has been updated, my contact list is current, my "To Grab" list is ready and my phone is on at full volume all day, every day. I am as ready as I can be.
Additionally, we have made a habit of keeping our gas tank no less than half full. That way we never have to worry about having to stop for gas, should The Call come in. We just grab a few things and get out the door and on our way within minutes.
Even my wife has her own Go Bag for her first two or three days of being at the hospital. Her items are mostly clothing, personal hygiene items, power cords for her phone, tablet, etc, and a few other things she wants access to.
While we think we are ready, I'm sure there will be things we haven't considered. If there are, at least we have everything else ready to go, so thinking of those other things will be a whole lot easier.
On the fifteenth of this month I observed the 3rd Anniversary of my Radical Double Nephrectomy. I can't believe it has already been that long! Three years without peeing...
so long that I can no longer remember how that feels. I've been told that when I start urinating again that my bladder will be significantly smaller, so I will end up peeing numerous times every day. Luckily for me, while I'm in the hospital there will be a catheter to my bladder, so there won't be any running to the bathroom. Once I'm home however, that will definitely change. Over time my bladder will return to its normal size, and the sensation of needing to urinate so frequently will subside.
Well, I think that I have caught up.
I will try to make my entries more frequent until I go in for transplant. That way I only need to update you on the transplant and my time in the hospital, rather than anything from the time prior to receiving my call.
May you all have a Very Happy Thanksgiving!
Remember all that you have, revel in your family and 'give 'Thanks' for your blessings and the love you receive throughout the year!
Happy Thanksgiving!
ScottW
