27 March 2017

It isn't the best of days for me to be writing an update; but if I don't get to it now, another week or more will slip by before I get to writing again.

Today is...challenging, to say the least. After an all too brief respite of two consecutive weekends, my body has once again poured all incoming fluids underneath my diaphragm, making breathing difficult, and sleep highly elusive in any position. Naturally, this leaves me exhausted, frustrated, uncomfortable, etc. The good news is that I have dialysis tomorrow morning. YAY!!

And on top of everything else I'm dealing with this weekend, my body has decided that I don't need to have a BM for the last three days. So, I get to have a rumbly, tight and very uncomfortable lower abdomen, too. Talk about having a party!  ;o)

Dialysis Weights:

14 Mar 17

Starting Weight:  99.2 Kg

Ending Weight:  97.1 Kg

Water Removed:  2.10 Kg

Start BP:  197/115     End BP:  164/101

16 Mar 17

Starting Weight:  99.0 Kg

Ending Weight:  96.9 Kg

Water Removed:  2.10 Kg

Start BP:  188/104     End BP:  178/89

18 Mar 17

Starting Weight:  99.8 Kg

Ending Weight:  96.7 Kg

Water Removed:  3.10 Kg

Start BP:  181/108     End BP:  177/96

21 Mar 17

Starting Weight:  99.3 Kg

Ending Weight:  97.1 kg

Water Removed:  2.10 Kg

Start BP:  202/119     End BP:  170/97

23 Mar 17

Starting Weight:  100.6 Kg

Ending Weight:  96.5 Kg

Water Removed:  4.10 Kg

Start BP:  186/99     End BP:  178/100

25 Mar 17

Starting Weight:  98.7 Kg

Ending Weight:  96.6 Kg

Water Removed:  2.10 Kg

Start BP:195/106     End BP:  189/97

My dry weight is finally coming down to target! Along with that is the obligatory cramping; though it isn't as bad as it was just a couple of weeks ago. My body is getting used to the lower weight, so I might further decrease my dry weight in the next few Tx's.

Hand in hand with the lowering dry weight is my lowering BP. While the ending systolic remains a bit high, the end diastolic is much improved. So far, my BP has not compromised my artificial graft. I still have a ways to go before that happens, so I really won't be concerned about that. Keep and eye on, Yes. Worry, No.

March 2017 Labs

*Albumin (21 Mar): 4.30 g/dL     (+0.10 from 21 Feb)
  (A measure of Protein in the blood)     NR (Normal Range) 4.0 g/dL or Higher

*Hemoglobin (21 Mar): 9.70 G/dL    (-0.70 g/dL from 21 Feb)
  (A Measure of Anemia)

*Ca Corrected (07 Mar): 9.80 mg/dL     (-0.50mg/dL from 07 Feb)
  (A measure of Heart and Bone health)     NR 8.40 to 10.20 mg/dL

*Phosphorous (07 Mar):  4.60 mg/dL    (+0.50 mg/dL from 07 Feb)
  (High Phosphorous affects the health of your Heart and Bones)     NR 3.0 to 5.5 mg/dL

*PTH Intact (21 Mar):  487 pg/mL     (-7 pg/mL 21 Feb)
  (A measure of Vitamin D absorption and bone and tissue health)     NR 150 to 600 pg/mL

*K+ (21 Mar):  5.2 mEq/L    (-0.20 mEq/L from 28 Feb)
  (Proper potassium levels keep your nerves and muscles working well)     NR 3.5 to 5.5 mEq/L

*spKdt/V Dialysis (07 Mar):  1.81     (+0.12 from 07 Feb)
  (A measure of the effectiveness of dialysis and blood filtering.)     NR 1.20 or Higher  

My labs this month are fantastic! ALL GREEN's! And what do all green numbers mean? (Repeat with me...) "I am doing everything that is required so that I am as healthy as possible going into transplant!"  Despite the fact I don't know when my call will come in, I must be prepared at all times for it to happen! After all, you don't want to get your call, arrive ready and raring to go, only to be turned away because your potassium is too high, or your phosphorous is out of whack, etc. THAT would be a huge bummer!!!

While we're on the subject of the transplant call, I have NOT received any calls over the past month. Yet, with the calls I got in February, I know that I am now in the Top 5 for my blood type. Even though I have no idea when my call will arrive, just knowing I am so close is a tremendous comfort. No longer is it "if" I get my call, it is now a matter of "how much longer?"

My appetite remains the same, as does my sleep (overall), headaches, energy level (again, overall), etc. About the only thing that's different is my determination to be ready for transplant. I am sooooooo close, and at this point, I refuse to sabotage myself whenever my call does come in. Doing anything otherwise would be downright foolish of me, or anyone else!

That's all I have for now.

Stay tuned...my call could be here at any time now...

Good Health to All!

ScottW

13 March 2017

I looked on my blog this morning and discovered that my last entry was over a month ago...

...please accept my apologies for the delay. I have no excuse other than time just passed so quickly. (And NO, I have NOT gotten my call for transplant...unfortunately.)

So, let's get caught up...

Dialysis Weights:

07 Feb 17

Starting Weight:  99.2 Kg

Ending Weight:  97.4 Kg

Water Removed:  1.80 Kg

Start BP:  208/121     End BP:  160/93

09 Feb 17

Starting Weight:  100.0 Kg

Ending Weight:  97.3 Kg

Water Removed:  2.70 Kg

Start BP:  186/97     End BP:  157/97

11Feb 17

Starting Weight:  99.9 Kg

Ending Weight:  97.4 Kg

Water Removed:  2.50 Kg

Start BP:  208/111     End BP:  163/99

14 Feb 17

Starting Weight:  99.1 Kg

Ending Weight:  97.4 Kg

Water Removed:  1.70 Kg

Start BP:  179/115     End BP:  154/92

16 Feb 17

Starting Weight:  100.0 Kg

Ending Weight:  97.3 Kg

Water Removed:  2.70 Kg

Start BP:  196/114     End BP:  163/100

18 Feb 17

Starting Weight:  99.2 Kg

Ending Weight:  97.3 Kg

Water Removed:  1.90 Kg

Start BP:  196/115     End BP:  156/97

21 Feb 17

Starting Weight:  100.5 Kg

Ending Weight:  97.5 Kg

Water Removed:  3.00 Kg

Start BP:  208/118     End BP:  163/101

23 Feb 17

Starting Weight:  99.6 Kg

Ending Weight:  97.1 Kg

Water Removed:  2.50 Kg

Start BP:  198/110     End BP:  164/103

25 Feb 17

Starting Weight:  99.5 Kg

Ending Weight:  97.1 Kg

Water Removed:  2.40 Kg

Start BP:  186/110     End BP:  157/96

28 Feb 17

Starting Weight:  100.2 Kg

Ending Weight:  97.2 Kg

Water Removed:  3.00 Kg

Start BP:  210/118     End BP:  136/96

02 Mar 17

Starting Weight:  99.0 Kg

Ending Weight:  97.0 Kg

Water Removed:  2.00 Kg

Start BP:  182/112     End BP:  175/92

04 Mar 17

Starting Weight:  99.2 Kg

Ending Weight:  96.8 Kg

Water Removed:  2.40 Kg

Start BP:  194/111     End BP:  161/104

07 Mar 17

Starting Weight:  100.3 Kg

Ending Weight:  97.1 Kg

Water Removed:  3.20 Kg

Start BP:  183/107     End BP:  161/99

09 Mar 17

Starting Weight:  100.0 Kg

Ending Weight:  97.0 Kg

Water Removed:  3.00 Kg

Start BP:  195/118     End BP:  172/103

11 Mar 17

Starting Weight:  99.7 Kg

Ending Weight:  ???

Water Removed:  ???

Start BP:  199/121     End BP:  ???

*???= Electricity Outage at the dialysis clinic. My Tx ended over 45 minutes early. I was manually rinsed back, but could not get my post-weight, nor my final BP.

As of now, my dry weight target is 96.7 Kg. I have been trying to go down below 97.0 Kg for a few weeks, but my body has been reluctant to give all the fluids I am trying to remove. As a result, I have been consistently above my target water loss by 0.3-0.5 Kg just about every single day.

No matter that I am having difficulty hitting my dry weight, though. After every dialysis session I have been having terrible leg cramps post-Tx. I'm talking bolt up from a dead sleep into a standing position so you can get the cramping to stop, type cramping. Nasty,horrible cramps! Until these go away I will not try to go any lower than 96.7 Kg.

Along those lines, I spoke with my Nephrologist last Tuesday about my BP. He is starting to get concerned about the high level, but wants to try to avoid any BP meds at this point due to my impending transplant. As we are seeing definite progress with lowering my BP with my dropping dry weight, the plan is to continue working on my dry weight as the means of reducing my BP...for now. This could always change.

My body has continued to put most all of my water gain [between dialysis Tx's] underneath my diaphragm, and causing continued issues with breathing easily. While my days between Tx's have had some issues, it's my Mondays that have been a terrible struggle to get through. Trying to stand, sit or relax comfortably is a serious issue on Mondays, and sleeping is nearly impossible. As a result, I go into my Tuesday dialysis in serious sleep deficit, then end up sleeping 20-24 hours over a day and a half. This is repeating itself every Tuesday/Wednesday. At least I am getting the sleep I need, right?

As far as my appetite, it remains poor, at best. One decent meal per day is the norm, with a small breakfast or lunch besides. Plus, a little snacking may or may not happen during the day. Conversely, my energy remains low, and my ability to be active is minimized. I do as much as I can every day, though even that is becoming less and less.    I don't like this development, but, it is what it is. I cannot do what I cannot do. Fretting about this does absolutely no good; nor for anyone around me.

On things that are changing for the better--I know, these are few and far between at this point--as the season changes from Winter to Spring, I have discovered that I am not as cold as I have been over the last 7 years. I don't know when, how or why this has changed, and I am not griping about it. I am just grateful for this development! Don't get me wrong...I still get cold. Just not so damned cold that I have to be under blankets in a 74 degree room. And with the local weather getting warmer than normal, I am actually going to my early morning dialysis with just a windbreaker instead of a fleece or warmer jacket on. If this continues I will soon be wearing shorts every day...Aaahhhhh........!!!  :o)

Well, I think that's about all for today. At least, I'm getting so tired that I cannot think of anything else!

I continue to await my call. I anticipate that my placement is now easily in the Top 5 for my bloodtype. And that means that my call could come in at any time. So, my phone is charged and on full volume 24/7/365.

Until next time...

Good Health to All!

ScottW

06 February 2017

Since so much time has passed since my last full entry--30 Nov 2016--I will not even try to get fully caught up. Instead, I will simply give you the highlights and an overall summary of things since that post.

Dialysis Weights:

02 Feb 17

Starting Weight:  99.7 Kg

Ending Weight:  97.8 Kg

Water Removed:  1.90 Kg

Start BP:  195/106   End BP:  165/100

04 Feb 17

Starting Weight:  100.2 Kg

Ending Weight:  97.7 Kg

Water Removed:  2.50 Kg

Start BP:  180/100   End BP:  174/89

While I realize this sampling of my pre and post dialysis weights is limited, I thought to include the brief monthly numbers anyhow to illustrate the new dry weight I am shooting for...97.7 Kg. My ongoing efforts to lower my BP are leading me dry weight ever lower once again. I am doing this so that I can [hopefully] avoid having to start back up on any BP meds. Ever since my BP began to inexplicably rise again, my weight has continued to decline. The dialysis machine's BP readings have a tendency to be higher than any readings done by hand, so the true numbers are actually lower than what we see.

In this game of BP numbers versus keeping my graft open, I must tread lightly to keep from having another central line inserted ahead of my impending transplant.

Speaking of transplant, I received another call from my transplant team offering what is called a "high-risk" acceptance for possible transplant. In this case, the donor has previously had an outbreak of Hepatitis C. The high risk aspect is that as a recipient, I would be vulnerable to contracting Hep C, should I come in contact with the disease. While there is no guarantee that, as the recipient, I would or would not contract Hepatitis, the likelihood of successful treatment of Hep C is about 95%.

The transplant team member talked with me thoroughly about the organ, and I then had to speak with my wife about whether or not to accept the possibly offer.

My dad had contracted Hepatitis C when I was about eight years old. He was healthy at the time, and it knocked him for a serious loop for months; which I had to consider in my decision.

So, partly out of fear (which I openly admit), and partly because I want as healthy of a kidney as possible, I called the team member and politely declined the possible offer. She completely understood my position, and thanked me for considering the offer.

Over the past couple of months my body had been deciding to put almost all my water weight gain underneath my diaphragm. While most days this doesn't bother me, on my Monday's this makes my breathing difficult, and lends itself to also making me extremely nauseated. There is absolutely nothing I can do to make to water go elsewhere

in my body, so sleeping becomes an issue whether I am laying down, or in a semi-recumbent position. So, I have been trying various positions to sleep in and have found that sitting on a couch with my feet on the floor, and my head supported from behind is the best position for me to sleep. This keeps my airway as open as possible, even though I get a bit uncomfortable. Plus, when my breathing is hampered, I must be pretty much exhausted in order for me to be able to sleep despite the  DiB (Difficulty in Breathing). This is not ideal by any stretch, but at least I can get a few hours of rest before heading into my Tuesday dialysis.

Once on treatment, I can actually feel the tightness across my diaphragm decrease after only twenty minutes, or so, and I can once again breathe without any difficulty or discomfort, and sleeping is also no longer a problem.

My appetite has been up and down. Right now, I am eating just one decent meal per day, and snack the rest of the day. I just don't want more than that right now.

As far as sleep, I am getting about 15 total hours around each dialysis session...down from about 21 hours just a few weeks ago. I attribute this to a increased feeling of loss of control as I continue to feel blah most of the time, and I feel worse on my weekend than I did previously. I fight this feeling with keeping my brain active and distracted, and through mental discipline and prayer. Sometimes my efforts pay off with good and increased sleep, and other times, not so much. The closer I get to transplant the more opposition I feel in trying to get enough sleep, which lessens my ability to stay strong, focused and able to rise above frustration. This isn't a coincidence.

My great challenge right now is to keep doing what I can to prepare myself for the impending transplant, and to keep my mind in a strong, positive place. When you are increasingly tired, that become more and more difficult.

The headaches are better, overall. Some days are much worse, and others are so good that I take only Excedrin, or nothing at all. This indicates that I will once again get my TMD headaches under complete control once I have the new kidney.

My energy level is, alongside my decreased appetite, down, as well. IF I can eat more, my energy rises a bit. In order to do that I must actually want to eat more. With so many things either forbidden by the renal diet, or just plain unappetizing, eating more will be quite difficult. I just remember the people and doctors I've spoken with who all say that once a kidney is implanted, that food will once again taste good and the appetite will increase dramatically.  (THAT will be awesome!!) On a side note, my wife and I were given a gift certificate to a really nice restaurant that we are saving until after I am healed from the transplant surgery. To use it before then would just be a waste on my part as I would eat very little, and probably end up feeling lousy at the dinner itself. So, we wait so that the food is appreciated and enjoyed!

I think that that is about all I have for you today.

My transplant grows ever closer, and should be very soon. Even after I get my kidney, keep reading my blog as I talk about the long physical rehab ahead of me, and about how my body adjusts to the anti-rejection meds, how I am doing in general, etc.

This journey is still far from over, and I have much yet to experience, and to discuss once the transplant has happened.

Until next time...

Good Health to All!

ScottW

25 January 2017

I realize that I haven't updated my blog as I had promised, but I have some exciting news today...

While I was sleeping yesterday from my post-D nap, I received a phone call from Transplant!

Yep! You read that correctly...I received a call from transplant!  :o) 

They did NOT officially offer me a kidney, but asked the following questions as a screening process for a possible donation:

-Are you, or have you been sick at any time in the last week?  (No)

-When was your last dialysis session?  (Today)

-Have you received any blood transfusions recently?  (No)

-Have you had any recent hospitalizations?  (No)

The Transplant Rep then explained that while a kidney was becoming available, the likelihood that I would be offered this kidney was somewhat low, but that I should stand by my phone should I be the right fit. Also, my latest monthly lab draw for the transplant committee was being cross-matched for antigens (antibodies), which I know to be zero--a very good thing. Further, I would be called again within four to five hours with the lab results and a possible offer.

So, I could no longer sleep--quite understandably!--but spent my afternoon trying to keep my excitement in check. I notified a few people of the possibility, then waited until just after 800p, when the Transplant Rep called once again.

She stated that while my antigens were indeed at zero, I was not being offered the kidney. However, I was to still keep my phone on and charged should the situation change over the following 10-12 hours. as of now, another twelve hours has passed with no further contact from transplant.

The exciting part here is that, after almost seven and a half years that has passed since this all began, and after four and a half years on dialysis, I am finally getting calls about possible transplant offers! I am soooooooo close to getting my kidney! When I say that it could be at any time, I mean that in the most literal sense!

I am NOT disappointed that I wasn't offered the kidney. Not at all! I am just excited that my turn is finally close! I already knew that once you start receiving calls, a kidney is not far behind, so why would I be anything but excited?!

Stay tuned!  :o)

ScottW

05 January 2017

 It has been way too long since my last post (30 Nov), and I have much to catch up everyone on.
However, I have dialysis in a few hours, so I will only say a few brief things for today, and write again on Friday; my next 'off day.'

December came and went without my call for transplant. I was hoping it would be otherwise, but always knew there was a possibility for the year to close out before I received my kidney. I am not so much disappointed as I am anxious to begin the next chapter in this great adventure called life. Ahh well...soon!

December whizzed by me before I knew where it went! With Christmas shopping, present wrapping, tree decorating, treat making...my time every day was just gone. I did my dialysis treatments, slept, and worked on the aforementioned list whenever I wasn't sleeping.

All in all, my Christmas was a terrific success! We enjoyed the season more than in several years past!

I am scheduled for a new walking endurance test next week. I have these about every two years, and mine is past due. The Transplant Committee likes to assure compliance, which I am only too happy to meet. IF I get my call beforehand, I can always do the test after my recovery, if it is still needed.

The weather here in my area is VERY snowy...which is potentially good for me--and any other transplant recipients, no matter the required organ. Again, it's a sad, morbid reality that bad weather is great news for any transplant patient. It means they get to move up the list. So, in that spirit...

"GO SNOWFALL, GO!" 

That's all I have time for tonight.

I WILL catch up on Friday!

Good Health to All!

ScottW

30 November 2016 (News!)

Just a brief note today...

I had an opportunity to speak with my Transplant Coordinator and she gave me a bit of news that I was not trying to find...

As of this morning, I am at #5 on the Utah List (for my blood type) !

This is, of course, for those with a zero PRA (Antigens).

If you include all patients in my blood type--including those with a high PRA--then I am at #10.

So, it is looking highly probable that I will be getting my long-awaited transplant by the end of 2016. My coordinator also stated that I am in strong favor with the Transplant Committee because of my 100% compliance in doing everything they ask!

Woo-Hoo!!  :o)

Good Health to All!

ScottW

22 November 2016

I cannot believe it has been a month since my last entry. I have no excuse other than time flying by. I sat down today thinking it has been about two weeks only to discover my error in the passage of time. So, a month of info, here I go...

Dialysis Weights:

25 Oct 16

Starting Weight:  103.00 Kg

Ending Weight:  100.6 Kg

Water Removed:  2.40 Kg

Start BP:  195/114     End BP:  140/104

27 Oct 16

Starting Weight:  102.7 Kg

Ending Weight:  100.7 Kg

Water Removed:  2.00 Kg

Start BP:  160/104     End BP:  153/98

29 Oct 16

Starting Weight:  103.7 Kg

Ending Weight:  100.7 Kg

Water Removed:  3.00 Kg

Start BP:  157/115     End BP:  136/86

01 Nov 16

Starting Weight:  103.1 Kg

Ending Weight:  100.2 Kg

Water Removed:  2.90 Kg

Start BP:223/114     End BP:  166/96

03 Nov 16

Starting Weight:  102.6 Kg

Ending Weight:  100.3 Kg

Water Removed:  2.30 Kg

Start BP:  193/103     End BP:  133/75

05 Nov 16

Starting Weight:  102.0 Kg

Ending Weight:  100.3 Kg

Water Removed:  1.70 Kg

Start BP:  186/106     End BP:  131/73

08 Nov 16

Starting Weight:  103.2 Kg

Ending Weight:  100.2 Kg

Water Removed:  3.00 Kg

Start BP:  191/111     End BP:  185/105

10 Nov 16

Starting Weight:  101.2 Kg

Ending Weight:  99.8 Kg

Water Removed:  1.40 Kg

Start BP:  184/119     End BP:  136/89

12 Nov 16

Starting Weight:  102.5 Kg

Ending Weight:  99.8 Kg

Water Removed:  2.70 Kg

Start BP:  193/100     End BP:  183/87

15 Nov 16

Starting Weight:  101.5 Kg

Ending Weight:  99.9 Kg

Water Removed:  1.60 Kg

Start BP:  144/114     End BP:  182/108

17 Nov 16

Starting Weight:  101.4 Kg

Ending Weight:  99.8 Kg

Water Removed:  1.60 Kg

Start BP:  195/109     End BP:  139/94

19 Nov 16

Starting Weight:  102.2 Kg

Ending Weight:  99.8 Kg

Water Removed:  2.40 Kg

Start BP:  194/121     End BP:  142/84

21 Nov 16

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