Hello dear friends!
Yes, it’s been a few weeks since my last blog…I needed to get the red “fruit punch” bag stuff under control- thankfully, it did clear within the 24 hours. I have had some other personal issues too- I will not get into that.
I have indeed started the coumadin blood thinner. I have been on it now almost 3 weeks. I mentioned in my previous blog that I get my finger pricked each week to see how thin my blood is getting. Yes, this is loads of fun; especially when they prick my middle finger, ha! Having a bandaid on it makes it automatically stick up…I am very conscientious of not flipping people off; especially while driving. After being on coumadin 5 days, my PCP was suprised my blood had not changed at all- it wasn’t thinning. So, she doubles the dose. Then, after 10 days, it changed to .1 yes that is correct; point 1%. She was really suprised that it only thinned that little. She said it normally does not take this long to take effect. Of course, I once again have to be “the rare exception…” So, she doubled my dose again. Now, it has gone up to .6. Good improvement; not thin enough.
I saw my nephrologist last week and I had excellent labs! My Albumin (protein) is 4.0- A+, perfect score! My Hemoglogin is still really good, 13.5; A++ as normal range is between 10-12. My calcium is good, 9.5; A- as normal range is 8.4 to 10.2. My phosporus is great, 3.0– this dropped down from 6.2 last month. I have been quite disciplined by reducing my dairy- ice cream, cheese, also chocolate; and many other things. You have no idea how difficult this is! My PTH (parathyroid hormone) is excellent! it’s 137; below the normal range of 150-600. This also dropped from 313 last month. My potassium’s a little low 3.4; normal range is 3.5-5.5. My cholesterol’s still a little high: 226; normal is 100-200. I still cannot fatham this for my below average weight; especially since I have dropped 5 pounds of hidden fluid weight. My blood pressure has continued to maintain normal; even on the lower side. Since I had excellent labs- my Dr has reduced some of my meds, yay!! I’m taking a half a pill for my blood pressure!
I am feeling pretty good these days- with my iron being back up; I should not be as tired; although some days I am; go figure. I really do not try to make sense of any of this; I just go with it. If I’m tired, I take a nap; now matter what time of day it is. We all should- after a 20 minute “power nap”; you feel rejuvinated!
Well, after several months of complaining of my very incompetent nurse coordinator and still not getting the service that I need; after an interesting coincidence, and the fact that my insurance will change in a couple weeks, I have officially decided to switch hospitals. My dad had called me a couple weeks ago after he attended a prayer meeting. He met or got reaquainted with the wife of our famil doctor when we first moved to KC 22 yrs ago. He had a kidney transplant and low and behold his donor was a pastor that my dad had worked alongside at a church that he was on staff. What a small world! She spoke extremely highly of this particular surgeon as my nephrologist and social worker had….My dad told her my story and all the complications and lack of service I have gotten. She told my dad that I need to have my surgery done at this hospital and this particular surgeon will guarantee that I receive a kidney in 4 weeks! I was shaking! Now, I am really questioning my heart and gut– am I really, truly ready for this???
I spoke with the admin and she gave me a rundown of what to expect– I have to go to a class as it’s protocol. I may have to redo some things like heart test; I really don’t know… I’ll wait until I receive the paperwork in the mail. Just think, I could have a new kidney by this time next month…
I am still meeting new people and getting in touch with friends from the past that I share my story with and give out my fliers. Speaking of, I am going to have to redo my flier with my new nurse coordinator’s info. Oh well! My picture’s kinda old on it anyway and needs to be updated…;) I am still touched by the postive encouragement that strangers give me!
That’s all the medical updates. Now for the “fun stuff”… Chloe, my adorable puppy is 1 years old! She gets more playful every day and she’s a very loyal companion. She’s newly groomed as looks like a soft lamb- too adorable! She’s doing better too- never really quite figured out what was ailing her…I started praying the same scripture verse (Galatians 3:13, “Christ has redeemed me from the curse of the law. Therefre, I have been redeemed from (name of sickness).”)) that I have been praying since I read this devotional back on March 14 for myself. I am very much still believing for total and complete healing; not needing transplant surgery.
Other fun stuff– I have been enjoing going out- whether it’s out to eat; to a movie; a wedding; shopping with girlfriends; birthday parties… my friends are still quite amazed at my energy. I am still looking forward to dancing again , soon! This I really miss! Oh and I cannot forget hot tubs, swimming pools, and relaxing baths!
One thing that is challenging now with the summer approaching and going to a lot of barbeque cookouts is the fun “foo foo” drinks like mojitos, daquiris, sangrias, margaritas, and just plain old wine,… I asked the DR yesterday if i can have a glass of wine once in a while. She said no; just a sip. Well friends, have one for me!
I still get asked “when am I due?” I told a lady today, August. Ha! You should have seen her eyes pop out! I look like I am 4 maybe 5 months along… I do tell them that it’s a hernia from a failed kidney transplant. Then, you see them swallow a rock and feel dumb. I reassure them that I am used to it. Then I share with them that I park in the expectant mother’s parking at the grocery stores. They commend me. Some guy told me:” you look like you swallowed a basketball.” I said thank you. He wasn’t sure how to respond. I tell him it’s a hernia from a failed kidney transplant. People are so clueless. They also provide me more entertaining material for me to blog about :)!
Well, I believe that is all for now…
Thank you for the continued dedicated love, prayers, and encouraging support!
