Post-Transplant Rejection Update: 28 May 2021

 I was finally able to get the first of my Wuhan Virus vaccinations on Tuesday (25 May).

I had the Pfizer vaccine injected into my L deltoid, and awaited the onset of symptoms.

These started during the night when I awoke to empty my bladder and noticed that I was noticeably warmer.

As the night progressed, a definitely non-TMD headache started coming on that was very intense. This has persisted through as of this writing today (28 May), and will likely continue. The headache is centered just behind my temples, and feels far different from any TMD headache. Even meds barely keep it in check.

On Wednesday morning, I was feeling OK; but as the day progressed, I started feeling like I had the flu. Even two days after the onset, I still feel like that!

Additionally, I've had body aches, lack of hunger, lethargy, and even had my eyesight compromised like I've had an eye exam and my pupils were dilated. This fuzziness is better today, but still present; and, it seems to get worse as the evenings come on.

So, all of this is still happening three days after my first shot! I've talked to numerous people who have had symptoms [following the first Pfizer vaccine] last maybe two days, but rarely three. If I feel like this following the "introductory" vaccine,   I am absolutely justified in my worry with the side effects will have on my poor immune system with the second dose; which will be on 15 June.

So much to look forward to!  :o(

Alright...Next week I have June labs, as well as my next Nephrology visit. I will write another entry afterwards.

Until then, I hope that my US readers will have a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend! I encourage you to take even just a few moments to remember that this "holiday" is not just a long weekend for travel, camping, cookouts or the start of summer; but for remembering all of those men and women in our history who fought and died so that we might be free from tyranny, and then to preserve our freedoms from those who would take it away. Their lives and sacrifices must never be forgotten!

Good Health to All!

ScottW

Post-Transplant Rejection Update: 17 May 2021

I cannot believe that 25 days have passed since my previous post. 

My sincerest apologies for the delay!

Let me get you caught up...

Just two days after the last entry, my wife had three cysts removed from her scalp that had been there since her days in the US Army back in the late 70s and early 80s. I spent a few days taking care of her, during which I exhausted myself intensely. Between getting my pitiful energy level back, and trying to tamp down the intense and prolonged headache that ensued, I spent about a week recovering from that.

Then, in the time that followed until now, I have used my energy cooking, running a few errands, going to doctor appointments, doing some housework, and working out the few times my energy was elevated a little. In between, I was taking lots of impromptu naps, and just trying to keep my mind in a good place. 

That's all.

Also, I had my May labs done a couple of weeks ago. The results follow...

04 May 21 Labs:

*Creat:   3.33 (+0.17) 

*HCT:   34.7 (+1.9) Low

*Hemo:   10.9 (+0.4) IR

*Lymph:   Not taken

*Lymph ABS: Not taken

*RBC:   3.86 (+0.27) Extremely Low

*WBC:   7.4 (-0.6) IR

*BUN:   44 (NC) Extremely High

*CA:   9.1 (-0.7) IR

*GFR:   19 (-2) Extremely Low

*Gluc:   108

*K+:   3.8 (-0.3) IR

*NA+:   139 (+2) IR

*Phos:   3.9 (-0.3) IR

               NC= No change     IR= In Range

I am glad to see the Creatinine behaving, and remaining fairly stable for the first time in many months!

And for the most part, most of my other labs are also somewhat stable. The big difference are the Hematocrit and the Red Cells. Because of the rise in my RBC's, my Hematocrit also rose. This also allowed my body to absorb more oxygen, which of course, gave me the extra energy I needed to get a few regular workouts done. 

My May infusion of Belatacept was last Tuesday. The nurse stuck the canulation of my L arm on the first try--which I always appreciate!--and the infusion went smoothly, and zero side effects afterwards.

Tomorrow, 18 May, I will finally receive my first vaccine of the Wuhan Virus. Because of my very poor immune system, I am still very nervous about how my body will react. The Kidney Clinic has recommended that I get the Pfizer vaccine, which only has a three week window before my second dose. And as nervous as I am about the first dose, it is the second that will be much harder on me. I think that I'd rather have another surgery than have to go through what others have said is hard on healthy adults.   There is always the off chance that the second dose side effects will be minimal, so I'll try to think the good thought...

Unfortunately for me, even after I am fully vaccinated, I will still have to wear my mask whenever I am shopping, or am around others indoors because of the possible virus variants; but mainly because of my immune system. I realize that many people will look at me quizzically for a while, and if asked, I will politely explain about my failing transplant and poor immune response to viruses, colds etc. That'll take care of any questions.

Everything else seems to be in sort of a holding pattern. My sleep is fitful, et best, my dreams remain under my control, the headaches keep chugging along but never get too bad, I continue doing chiropractic and acupuncture twice every week and have seen the headaches staying in check and my feet slowly gaining more feeling on the tops of both feet, as well as on the toes and parts of the bottom of both feet.

That's it for today. I will check in later this week to tell you have my body responds to the inoculation tomorrow.

Until then, stay safe, and continue to strive to do and be your very best at all times, and in everything you do!

Good Health to All!

ScottW

21 May 21

Well, it was the shot that wasn't!

I went to receive my Wuhan Virus vaccine as scheduled, but when I arrived, I was greeted with the news that they did NOT, in fact, have the Pfizer vaccine; but the Moderna. Wanting to stick with the recommendation of the Kidney Clinic, I decided to wait.

So, this afternoon, I rescheduled the first vaccine dose, this time at the Intermountain Medical Center main campus, where the Kidney Clinic is located.   It is a bit of a drive, but I have other errands to run near there that same day.

So...next week...