I have another meeting with another Surgeon on Tuesday. After that I should know how soon before I will be doing dialysis at home. My diet would become less restrictive when that happens. The only thing I would have to worry about is salt.
January 18 I have a meeting with the transplant folks to start my transplant evaluation. They will do blood tests to figure out my perfect match, map out my arteries and veins, as well as figure out if I am mentally and emotionally stable. About a month after that, I will be officially placed on the transplant list and they will begin to test the now 10 people that have voluntered to see if they are a match, beginning with family. I figure the earliest would be April for a transplant but this summer is more realistic.
Words cant adequately express the gratitude I feel to the 10 people that have volunteered. I have told them all thanks but that doesnt seem to be enough. Anyway, thank you again to those people and to all of the people that are sending me their support, encouragement, and prayers.
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Today in History
Fifty years ago today, a man received the first organ transplant. It was a kidney from his brother. With the invention of anti-rejection drugs and new surgical procedures, people that receive kidney transplants can live a long and normal life.
Things I Hate
1) Drivers that ignore pedestrians in crosswalks. I now carry pennies in my hand as I cross busy streets. If someone decides to drive on through (despite it being illegal to do so), I fling the pennies against the car.
2) Wal-Mart. I hate that fact that they dont think I should be able to hear whatever I choose to hear. I recently was in the mood for Johnny Cash so I bought his greatest hits. When I listened to it, I was shocked that when I got to the part in "Boy Named Sue" where Sue calls his dad a SOB there was a beep where the phrase should be. Nowhere on the CD did it say "clean version" or that Sue was a "radio edit." In Wal-Mart I can buy "Goodfellows" on DVD and listen to Joe Pesci drop the F-Bomb over 3 dozen times. I can buy a video game where I can choose to kill some people. I can go to the sporting goods section and buy a knife or bullets that I can use to commit bodily harm but I cant listen to "Boy Named Sue" as Johnny Cash, one of the best artists of the late 20th century, meant for me to hear it. Something is wrong here.
Things I Hate
1) Drivers that ignore pedestrians in crosswalks. I now carry pennies in my hand as I cross busy streets. If someone decides to drive on through (despite it being illegal to do so), I fling the pennies against the car.
2) Wal-Mart. I hate that fact that they dont think I should be able to hear whatever I choose to hear. I recently was in the mood for Johnny Cash so I bought his greatest hits. When I listened to it, I was shocked that when I got to the part in "Boy Named Sue" where Sue calls his dad a SOB there was a beep where the phrase should be. Nowhere on the CD did it say "clean version" or that Sue was a "radio edit." In Wal-Mart I can buy "Goodfellows" on DVD and listen to Joe Pesci drop the F-Bomb over 3 dozen times. I can buy a video game where I can choose to kill some people. I can go to the sporting goods section and buy a knife or bullets that I can use to commit bodily harm but I cant listen to "Boy Named Sue" as Johnny Cash, one of the best artists of the late 20th century, meant for me to hear it. Something is wrong here.
Sunday, December 12, 2004
me and blogging
When I first started my blog, I had a vision of what I would do here. I would rant sometimes, I would use it as a diary at other times, and fill-in the blanks with observations and general wackiness. My diagnosis of renal failure October 6 changed all of that. I now use it mostly as a way to let friends and family know what is going on in my life with regards to the renal failure. Although I proof the blog before posting, I dont spell check (which may be obvious) and I dont edit that much as I feel it captures accurately who I am and what I am going through.
Today, I want to take a small step away from the norm and go on a rant (although it is related to my situation). I just want to share my feelings about tort reform. Several people say that the reason medical malpractice insurance is so high is because of the high number of lawsuits. I disagree with that strongly and will outline what I believe is the true reasons for high insurance costs for doctors.
1) lack of competition. In this state, there is really only ONE medical malpractice insurance company which is ran by the medical trade association. Basic business classes teach you that if you have a monopoly, you can charge whatever you want.
2) failure to police themselves. For years, doctors have fought legislation to get rid of the incompetent quacks by saying that they need to police themselves. As a result, few doctors have been punished for being idiots and as a result all doctors have to pay the inflated costs to cover these quacks. The quacks keep practicing and keep on being incompetent and the result is higher costs to insure the good doctors. Florida just passed an intiative that provides for 3 strikes and your out for doctors. I think this will go a long way in getting rid of doctors that shouldnt be practicing anyway.
Those that blame the lawyers say that if you cap the rewards to $250,000 that are awarded when doctors screw up and are sued, that you will reduce the number of suits and the prices for medical malpractice insurance will drop. Of course this will protect the incompetent doctors and allow them to keep practicing and keep making mistakes (further driving up the costs). Here is what else really happens when you cap damages: The person injured by the doctor loses hugely. Lawyers take medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis. They dont take cases unless they think they can win and then they charge from 40-50% for their services (which usually includes the costs of experts from both sides, and court costs). The $250,000 cap doesnt include "actual damages" which is the costs for hospital stays and the like (which has to be repayed to the insurance company). Suppose you are 30 years old and a doctor does something stupid and you cant work for the rest of your life. You sue and get the $250,000 awarded to you by a jury. Your lawyer gets half leaving you with $125,000. Uncle Sam gets at least $45,000 leaving you with $80,000. Of that $80,000 you will have to pay for ongoing medical bills for the rest of your life, as well as feed, clothe and shelter yourself. Meanwhile, the doctor is free to go on injuring other people. Although this isnt the case with me, I still think that it is not right for people to be considering changing the laws of this country in such a stupid way.
In other news, I made it official last week and retained the services of an attorney to go after the doctor that didnt follow appropriate medical protocol and got me into this condition. I am trying to get in to see another Nephrologist but his dialysis clinic is full so I have to wait for them to get an oppening. I am also trying to get outpatient surgery scheduled soon so I can change to dialysis that I do at home while I sleep (they have to put something into your abdominal cavity to do this). I am also trying to get my evaluation scheduled so I can get placed on the transplant list (they have to do blood tests to determine your perfect match, map out your arteries and veins, and then I have to meet with a shrink to see if I am mentally stable). So far I have 8 people that wish to be tested to see if they are match. Words cant describe the gratitude I have towards these people. I would like to think that I would do the same thing if the roles were reversed but I cant guarantee what I would do.
Today, I want to take a small step away from the norm and go on a rant (although it is related to my situation). I just want to share my feelings about tort reform. Several people say that the reason medical malpractice insurance is so high is because of the high number of lawsuits. I disagree with that strongly and will outline what I believe is the true reasons for high insurance costs for doctors.
1) lack of competition. In this state, there is really only ONE medical malpractice insurance company which is ran by the medical trade association. Basic business classes teach you that if you have a monopoly, you can charge whatever you want.
2) failure to police themselves. For years, doctors have fought legislation to get rid of the incompetent quacks by saying that they need to police themselves. As a result, few doctors have been punished for being idiots and as a result all doctors have to pay the inflated costs to cover these quacks. The quacks keep practicing and keep on being incompetent and the result is higher costs to insure the good doctors. Florida just passed an intiative that provides for 3 strikes and your out for doctors. I think this will go a long way in getting rid of doctors that shouldnt be practicing anyway.
Those that blame the lawyers say that if you cap the rewards to $250,000 that are awarded when doctors screw up and are sued, that you will reduce the number of suits and the prices for medical malpractice insurance will drop. Of course this will protect the incompetent doctors and allow them to keep practicing and keep making mistakes (further driving up the costs). Here is what else really happens when you cap damages: The person injured by the doctor loses hugely. Lawyers take medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis. They dont take cases unless they think they can win and then they charge from 40-50% for their services (which usually includes the costs of experts from both sides, and court costs). The $250,000 cap doesnt include "actual damages" which is the costs for hospital stays and the like (which has to be repayed to the insurance company). Suppose you are 30 years old and a doctor does something stupid and you cant work for the rest of your life. You sue and get the $250,000 awarded to you by a jury. Your lawyer gets half leaving you with $125,000. Uncle Sam gets at least $45,000 leaving you with $80,000. Of that $80,000 you will have to pay for ongoing medical bills for the rest of your life, as well as feed, clothe and shelter yourself. Meanwhile, the doctor is free to go on injuring other people. Although this isnt the case with me, I still think that it is not right for people to be considering changing the laws of this country in such a stupid way.
In other news, I made it official last week and retained the services of an attorney to go after the doctor that didnt follow appropriate medical protocol and got me into this condition. I am trying to get in to see another Nephrologist but his dialysis clinic is full so I have to wait for them to get an oppening. I am also trying to get outpatient surgery scheduled soon so I can change to dialysis that I do at home while I sleep (they have to put something into your abdominal cavity to do this). I am also trying to get my evaluation scheduled so I can get placed on the transplant list (they have to do blood tests to determine your perfect match, map out your arteries and veins, and then I have to meet with a shrink to see if I am mentally stable). So far I have 8 people that wish to be tested to see if they are match. Words cant describe the gratitude I have towards these people. I would like to think that I would do the same thing if the roles were reversed but I cant guarantee what I would do.
Sunday, December 05, 2004
Most recent news
Yesterday I got a call from my soon to be ex-Nephrologist with the news that my kidneys are 80% damaged and that the damage is irreversible. I am now on the transplant list. Soon I will be on a different dialysis that I have talked about that I do at the my house while I sleep. I also hope to have another Nephrologist by the end of next week.
What really pisses me off is that the Nephrologist called me to tell me this and didnt think that this type of information should be handled one on one.
I think I am handling the information pretty well. As is my wife and my parents (the first people I told). I can live a long, normal life with only one kidney.
If you or anybody you know is 18-60, healthy, have O+ blood, and interested in giving me a kidney, please let me know. Thanks.
What really pisses me off is that the Nephrologist called me to tell me this and didnt think that this type of information should be handled one on one.
I think I am handling the information pretty well. As is my wife and my parents (the first people I told). I can live a long, normal life with only one kidney.
If you or anybody you know is 18-60, healthy, have O+ blood, and interested in giving me a kidney, please let me know. Thanks.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Another reason I hate my Nephrologist
IF YOU ARE EATING OR HAVE A WEAK STOMACH, YOU MIGHT WANT TO SKIP THIS ONE.
Last week after they injured my renal artery, I had a lot of blood in my urine, as one would expect. The day I got out of the hospital, I had the feeling I had to go pee but nothing would come out (a feeling I told the kidney doctor about earlier in the week but at that time was still able to pee). A catheter was used to drain my bladder and then removed. I peed normally and was discharged. I came home, ate lunch, peed again, and then took a nap. When I awoke the feeling was back and I couldnt pee. After eating turkey, I went to the ER where another catheter was installed and left in.
Today I went to an Urologist. I told him of what had happened and he said that this would be easy to fix. He seemed shocked when he asked if I had seen an urologist while in the hospital and I told him no. I have a couple of prescriptions and the catheter comes out tomorrow.
A lot of people have asked what it is like on dialysis. The answer is pretty boring. They hook you up to the machine and a blood pressure monitor. You weigh in before and after dialysis, which for me lasts 3.5 hours. There are around 20 people on dialysis at the same time and place I am. Usually 5 nurses are there. They rotate who has which group of patients each month. This month I am lucky to have the nurse that all of my fellow patients try to avoid. She is extremely lazy and not much of a bedside manner. I have been spoiled the last 2 months with the 2 nurses that everybody loves to have. Anyway, while on dialysis you are supposed to be still. Most people sleep. I usually bring a portable DVD player and watch a movie. In my end of the room there is a guy in his 60's that is almost blind and had a foot amputated. He makes musical notes when he snores and has an airbrushed T-shirt that proclaims he has his oil changed 3 times a week (a reference to the dialysis). Next to him is a woman that talks to herself and wears a shirt that says not to talk to her when she is talking to herself. There is another woman at the end that I havent gotten to know as she comes in and goes straight to sleep. Next to me is the first patient to have received dialysis from the clinic. Nice grandfather type. He reads the paper and listens to a walkman to kill time. A few people down is a guy that didnt come too often until the staff threatened to put him in the hospital. At the far end is "chatty cathy". Not sure of her real name but she likes to talk to everybody about everything. There is 2 office staff people that come in and out, a director of nursing that used to be at the clinic all of the time but is having to spend some time at another clinic right now due to some staff problems, a dietition that comes in and out, a social worker that comes in and out, and then the occasional visit by a doctor. I am the youngest person there. Some are there because of genetics others because of hypertension or diabetes and then there is me, who is there because of an incompetent quack. On Mondays, a lot of the patients are there really early because they are miserable, most likely from not following their suggested diet, since they havent been on dialysis for 2 days. Sounds like a fun place to be, huh?
Last week after they injured my renal artery, I had a lot of blood in my urine, as one would expect. The day I got out of the hospital, I had the feeling I had to go pee but nothing would come out (a feeling I told the kidney doctor about earlier in the week but at that time was still able to pee). A catheter was used to drain my bladder and then removed. I peed normally and was discharged. I came home, ate lunch, peed again, and then took a nap. When I awoke the feeling was back and I couldnt pee. After eating turkey, I went to the ER where another catheter was installed and left in.
Today I went to an Urologist. I told him of what had happened and he said that this would be easy to fix. He seemed shocked when he asked if I had seen an urologist while in the hospital and I told him no. I have a couple of prescriptions and the catheter comes out tomorrow.
A lot of people have asked what it is like on dialysis. The answer is pretty boring. They hook you up to the machine and a blood pressure monitor. You weigh in before and after dialysis, which for me lasts 3.5 hours. There are around 20 people on dialysis at the same time and place I am. Usually 5 nurses are there. They rotate who has which group of patients each month. This month I am lucky to have the nurse that all of my fellow patients try to avoid. She is extremely lazy and not much of a bedside manner. I have been spoiled the last 2 months with the 2 nurses that everybody loves to have. Anyway, while on dialysis you are supposed to be still. Most people sleep. I usually bring a portable DVD player and watch a movie. In my end of the room there is a guy in his 60's that is almost blind and had a foot amputated. He makes musical notes when he snores and has an airbrushed T-shirt that proclaims he has his oil changed 3 times a week (a reference to the dialysis). Next to him is a woman that talks to herself and wears a shirt that says not to talk to her when she is talking to herself. There is another woman at the end that I havent gotten to know as she comes in and goes straight to sleep. Next to me is the first patient to have received dialysis from the clinic. Nice grandfather type. He reads the paper and listens to a walkman to kill time. A few people down is a guy that didnt come too often until the staff threatened to put him in the hospital. At the far end is "chatty cathy". Not sure of her real name but she likes to talk to everybody about everything. There is 2 office staff people that come in and out, a director of nursing that used to be at the clinic all of the time but is having to spend some time at another clinic right now due to some staff problems, a dietition that comes in and out, a social worker that comes in and out, and then the occasional visit by a doctor. I am the youngest person there. Some are there because of genetics others because of hypertension or diabetes and then there is me, who is there because of an incompetent quack. On Mondays, a lot of the patients are there really early because they are miserable, most likely from not following their suggested diet, since they havent been on dialysis for 2 days. Sounds like a fun place to be, huh?
Friday, November 26, 2004
One in a million, that is me
So Tuesday of this week I went to the Hospital to have another Kidney biopsy done. You may recall that the last biopsy was inconclusive since they got the wrong part of the kidney so they had to do another one. There is less than a 2% chance that you will have some bleeding from the biopsy but instead of my luck going to important things like lottery tickets mine goes to things like having kidney failure and, in the case of the biopsy, having your renal ARTERY "knicked" just a little bit. So I had the pleasure of staying in the hospital a couple of extra days. I came home Thanksgiving around noon and was fine until I awoke from a nap. The family came over for dinner and I ate reclined on the couch. Nice Huh? So after dinner the wife and I asked everybody to lock up and let the dogs back in as we left for the ER. About 4 hours later I am back home and feeling better. I'll spare you of all of the gory details.
My impressions on my stay: The nurses were wonderful. The vascular surgeon team is incredible. My nephrologist and the other doctors in her practice I am not impressed with. She was adamant about my staying at the hospital even before the little "knick" but she didnt file any of the paper work for me to have a hospital room, or meals (particularly ones that I could eat because of my diet). Any wonder why I am counting down the days until she is my former nephrologist?
My impressions on my stay: The nurses were wonderful. The vascular surgeon team is incredible. My nephrologist and the other doctors in her practice I am not impressed with. She was adamant about my staying at the hospital even before the little "knick" but she didnt file any of the paper work for me to have a hospital room, or meals (particularly ones that I could eat because of my diet). Any wonder why I am counting down the days until she is my former nephrologist?
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Unusual Good News Bad News
So today I went to see an attorney that specializes in airplane crashes and medical malpractice. Since I the last airplane crash I was a part of that I can remember was probably when I was around 10 and I made one of those rubber band powered plane made of balsa wood (Do they still make those?) or maybe a paper airplane but the paper planes have a less spectacular crash.
Anyway, it is obvious why I was there. We talked for awhile (he used to live about 4 or 5 houses down from me many years ago but more importantly he came highly recommended by a few legal minds that I trust) and he thinks I have a good case. The main problem is the good news I am alive, my kidneys are recovering and I should recover. The bad news is this isn't exactly the best news for the law suit (ie, less $ for me, the insurance company, and the attorney) but I am ok with that.
In an unrelated story, I began the process of switching Nephrologists. I called my primary care doctor to get a referral to a doctor that used to be the head of the state nephrology association. Once I get the refferral (probably on Friday) then I can call and try to get a doctor's visit scheduled. I will be ecstatic when that happens.
They took more blood to run more tests last week. Hopefully they will have that tomorrow.
Anyway, it is obvious why I was there. We talked for awhile (he used to live about 4 or 5 houses down from me many years ago but more importantly he came highly recommended by a few legal minds that I trust) and he thinks I have a good case. The main problem is the good news I am alive, my kidneys are recovering and I should recover. The bad news is this isn't exactly the best news for the law suit (ie, less $ for me, the insurance company, and the attorney) but I am ok with that.
In an unrelated story, I began the process of switching Nephrologists. I called my primary care doctor to get a referral to a doctor that used to be the head of the state nephrology association. Once I get the refferral (probably on Friday) then I can call and try to get a doctor's visit scheduled. I will be ecstatic when that happens.
They took more blood to run more tests last week. Hopefully they will have that tomorrow.
Monday, November 08, 2004
An update on my kidneys and I still hate Doctors
So my nephrologist, soon to be former nephrologist, was at the clinic today. She had the results from the tests for the last 2 weeks. Most things are in the normal range and what isn't, for the most part is barely outside of the normal range except for one number which is still really high. Normal is between 1-4 (not sure 1 to 4 what) and I am at 7.5 now and was at 9.2 week before last. When I went into the hospital it was around 33. Most people on dialysis are around 15-16. So it looks like the dialysis is working and hopefully I will be off of it soon.
Now that I have the good news over with let me rant on my nephrologist. I have never been impressed with her level of competency. She started today with saying that she thought another Doctor that is in her practice and that I saw originally in the hospital was going to be in charge of monitoring my care and asked if I had seen or talked with him. I said no and asked if that meant that nobody had been monitoring my care for the last 4 weeks or so since I left the hospital. She just kept repeating that she thought the other doctor was going to be in charge. I asked if she had gotten hold of the quack that had prescribed the drug that got me into this mess to begin with to see if he had ever done any tests on my kidney's function. She had not and asked for his name (which had to be the third or fourth time I had given her his name and his office location). I asked if she had the tests results from when I left the hospital. Nope. I am proud that I kept my voice down so only the nephrologist and a nurse heard my ranting. I also was able to refrain from using "colorful" words that you would hear on a naval base. But there is no doubt in her mind what I think of her.
Tomorrow I will have several phone numbers and names of excellent Nephrologists (it is helpful that I have done pro-bono work for the Kidney Foundation). Then I will have to check and see which are covered by my insurance and soon I will be switching doctors...
And an update on another front
A week from tomorrow I am having lunch with an attorney that specializes in medical malpractice. Any guesses on what we are talking about?
Now that I have the good news over with let me rant on my nephrologist. I have never been impressed with her level of competency. She started today with saying that she thought another Doctor that is in her practice and that I saw originally in the hospital was going to be in charge of monitoring my care and asked if I had seen or talked with him. I said no and asked if that meant that nobody had been monitoring my care for the last 4 weeks or so since I left the hospital. She just kept repeating that she thought the other doctor was going to be in charge. I asked if she had gotten hold of the quack that had prescribed the drug that got me into this mess to begin with to see if he had ever done any tests on my kidney's function. She had not and asked for his name (which had to be the third or fourth time I had given her his name and his office location). I asked if she had the tests results from when I left the hospital. Nope. I am proud that I kept my voice down so only the nephrologist and a nurse heard my ranting. I also was able to refrain from using "colorful" words that you would hear on a naval base. But there is no doubt in her mind what I think of her.
Tomorrow I will have several phone numbers and names of excellent Nephrologists (it is helpful that I have done pro-bono work for the Kidney Foundation). Then I will have to check and see which are covered by my insurance and soon I will be switching doctors...
And an update on another front
A week from tomorrow I am having lunch with an attorney that specializes in medical malpractice. Any guesses on what we are talking about?
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Glad October is done
I have never been more glad to see a month come and go as I was to see October end. I started the month off with kidney failure and a hospital stay and ended the month with me saying good by to my maternal grandmother. She was in her 80's and her health was deteriating. She pretty much willed herself to die. We drove up Sunday to see her one last time in the Hospice and then passed away Tuesday.
Update on me
Last week the dialysis clinic drew blood and ran some tests. Finally got the results back yesterday. Literally, they handed the results to me with no explanation. They also drew some more blood for more tests. Most of the things they look for are in the normal range and the few things that are not in the normal range are barely outside what is considered normal. I called my nephrologist to have the results translated into english and to confirm what I think they say. She returned my call but had not seen the results yet. She said that she would be at my dialysis clinic either Monday or Wednesday of next week and would discuss these results and the tests they ran yesterday with me then.
Why I am leary of Doctors right now
First of all to be on a prescription that the Physicians Desk Reference says in big bold type that if you prescribe it you need to check the patient frequently to make sure their kidneys are functioning properly and then not check the patient for the 5 to 6 years that they are on it doesn't really instill faith in the medical profession with me. And then I have a Nephrologist that doesnt seem focused on trying to get me better. When I checked out of the Hospital, the Doctor told me that I should make an appointment to see her the following week and they would run tests and see if my kidneys are working. I make an appointment, go see her, wait for 30 minutes and then was told by the nurse that I was wasting my time there, whatever tests they need to run will be done at the dialysis clinic and for me to go home. The next day at the clinic I relay what I had been told and they schedule the tests to be done . 2 days after the blood is drawn for the tests, my nephrologist is at the clinic and tells me that I need to schedule an appointment to see her or someone else in her doctors office as an outpatient. I laughed at her and told her that I had but was told that I was wasting my time. She then said that she needed to schedule some tests to be ran on me. I laughed again and questioned her competency since they had already ran tests and she doesnt seem to know about it. I'm sure that when she shows up at the clinic next week I will have some words with her...
A word of warning
Most of you know that I am not someone you want to have peturbed at you. I have been known to do things of a devious nature (some have even nicknamed me the devil). Consider yourself warned.
Update on me
Last week the dialysis clinic drew blood and ran some tests. Finally got the results back yesterday. Literally, they handed the results to me with no explanation. They also drew some more blood for more tests. Most of the things they look for are in the normal range and the few things that are not in the normal range are barely outside what is considered normal. I called my nephrologist to have the results translated into english and to confirm what I think they say. She returned my call but had not seen the results yet. She said that she would be at my dialysis clinic either Monday or Wednesday of next week and would discuss these results and the tests they ran yesterday with me then.
Why I am leary of Doctors right now
First of all to be on a prescription that the Physicians Desk Reference says in big bold type that if you prescribe it you need to check the patient frequently to make sure their kidneys are functioning properly and then not check the patient for the 5 to 6 years that they are on it doesn't really instill faith in the medical profession with me. And then I have a Nephrologist that doesnt seem focused on trying to get me better. When I checked out of the Hospital, the Doctor told me that I should make an appointment to see her the following week and they would run tests and see if my kidneys are working. I make an appointment, go see her, wait for 30 minutes and then was told by the nurse that I was wasting my time there, whatever tests they need to run will be done at the dialysis clinic and for me to go home. The next day at the clinic I relay what I had been told and they schedule the tests to be done . 2 days after the blood is drawn for the tests, my nephrologist is at the clinic and tells me that I need to schedule an appointment to see her or someone else in her doctors office as an outpatient. I laughed at her and told her that I had but was told that I was wasting my time. She then said that she needed to schedule some tests to be ran on me. I laughed again and questioned her competency since they had already ran tests and she doesnt seem to know about it. I'm sure that when she shows up at the clinic next week I will have some words with her...
A word of warning
Most of you know that I am not someone you want to have peturbed at you. I have been known to do things of a devious nature (some have even nicknamed me the devil). Consider yourself warned.
Friday, October 22, 2004
Living with a Renal Diet
This is not as hard as I thought. Because of my acute renal failure, I have a strict diet I have to follow. It limits the toxins that your kidneys filter such as sodium, phosphorus, and potassium. I also have to limit the amount of fluids I take in to 8 cups a day and 8 ounces after cooked of protein. Of course I do miss Ketchup, tomato sauce, pizza, mustard, bacon, hot dogs, and ham.
Grocery shopping is a long ordeal. You have to read the ingredients and compare levels. We have found that many of the things labeled "Health" or "Light" or "Lite" actually are worse on the sodium levels than the normal items.
Cooking is about the same just a lot more herbs and spices (Thank God for all of the Mrs Dash blends of no salt seasoning) to make it taste good.
Last night we went to see a movie. Let me fill you in on what I can have from the refreshment stand: Sprite. That's it. Some theatres have bottled water which of course I could have, too. But no chocolate, no popcorn because of their seasoning mix, no nuts, no chocolate raisins, no nachos (not that I have ever ordered nachos at the movies), and no hot dogs. Not sure on Twizzlers... need to read up on that.
And for the question that everyone seems to ask. Did you have problems urinating? Not sure why everybody has asked that question but the answer is no problems. Everything still works there. No burning sensations. Just because your kidneys quit working doesn't necessarily mean you quit peeing.
Tests are scheduled for Monday a.m. to find out if my kidneys are getting back to normal. I'll let you know.
Grocery shopping is a long ordeal. You have to read the ingredients and compare levels. We have found that many of the things labeled "Health" or "Light" or "Lite" actually are worse on the sodium levels than the normal items.
Cooking is about the same just a lot more herbs and spices (Thank God for all of the Mrs Dash blends of no salt seasoning) to make it taste good.
Last night we went to see a movie. Let me fill you in on what I can have from the refreshment stand: Sprite. That's it. Some theatres have bottled water which of course I could have, too. But no chocolate, no popcorn because of their seasoning mix, no nuts, no chocolate raisins, no nachos (not that I have ever ordered nachos at the movies), and no hot dogs. Not sure on Twizzlers... need to read up on that.
And for the question that everyone seems to ask. Did you have problems urinating? Not sure why everybody has asked that question but the answer is no problems. Everything still works there. No burning sensations. Just because your kidneys quit working doesn't necessarily mean you quit peeing.
Tests are scheduled for Monday a.m. to find out if my kidneys are getting back to normal. I'll let you know.
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
FAQ
What is dialysis? The short answer is a process that blood is removed from your body and sent through a series of filters before being returned to your body. If you want the details look at http://www.kdf.org.sg/healthtopics/haemo.htm
What happens when you are on dialysis? You sit in a chair for a couple of hours watching tv, sleeping or reading while your blood is removed, filtered and returned by a machine about the size of an ATM.
What caused your kidney failure? They are not sure but they are leaning towards a side effect of a prescription drug I have been on for 5 years.
How do you feel? I feel great... of course I thought I felt fine before being sent to the hospital.
How bad were you? The doctor that read my original charts and ordered me to the hospital said that with some of the results he was seeing on my tests he was shocked that I was walking and talking (before having me DRIVE to the hospital, by the way). My Nephrologist (kidney doctor) said I am the only person he has seen alive with those kind of numbers (before dialysis) or not in a coma.
Is the damage reversible? They believe so. The ultrasound shows my kidneys are normal size. Tests are now showing that my kidneys are starting to work again.
How was your hospital stay? Long. I missed my wife, my dogs, and my bed. I deeply appreciate Rochelle and Barb (two of my many nurses) and of course all of the ladies in the dialysis clinic. I am not going to miss being awakened a couple of times a night to be asked if you need something to help you sleep. Nor will I miss the nurse that had to stick me 3 or 4 times each time she needed to draw blood.
Is it true you look like Drew Carey? That nurse is crazy. I see no resemblance. None.
Did you have any symptoms before being sent to the hospital? No. I was having cramps in my feet and hands which is why I went to the doctor.
How long will you have to be on dialysis? Since they think it is reversible they are not sure. I am now on steroids for the next week or so as well as having to continue dialysis on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
What happens when you are on dialysis? You sit in a chair for a couple of hours watching tv, sleeping or reading while your blood is removed, filtered and returned by a machine about the size of an ATM.
What caused your kidney failure? They are not sure but they are leaning towards a side effect of a prescription drug I have been on for 5 years.
How do you feel? I feel great... of course I thought I felt fine before being sent to the hospital.
How bad were you? The doctor that read my original charts and ordered me to the hospital said that with some of the results he was seeing on my tests he was shocked that I was walking and talking (before having me DRIVE to the hospital, by the way). My Nephrologist (kidney doctor) said I am the only person he has seen alive with those kind of numbers (before dialysis) or not in a coma.
Is the damage reversible? They believe so. The ultrasound shows my kidneys are normal size. Tests are now showing that my kidneys are starting to work again.
How was your hospital stay? Long. I missed my wife, my dogs, and my bed. I deeply appreciate Rochelle and Barb (two of my many nurses) and of course all of the ladies in the dialysis clinic. I am not going to miss being awakened a couple of times a night to be asked if you need something to help you sleep. Nor will I miss the nurse that had to stick me 3 or 4 times each time she needed to draw blood.
Is it true you look like Drew Carey? That nurse is crazy. I see no resemblance. None.
Did you have any symptoms before being sent to the hospital? No. I was having cramps in my feet and hands which is why I went to the doctor.
How long will you have to be on dialysis? Since they think it is reversible they are not sure. I am now on steroids for the next week or so as well as having to continue dialysis on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Friday, October 01, 2004
Doctor's Office Rants
If you have an appointment at a certain time shouldn't the doctor try to keep it? For example if you are scheduled to see the Doctor at 2, by 2:15 the Doctor should be asking you to open your mouth and say 'ahhhh' unless there is some critical emergency. He also shouldnt stop in the middle of an exam to go see the pharmaceutical rep.
If Doctors are going to have you wait, make it comfortable for us. Give us some Lazy-boys. Put in a jukebox and a dozen or so tvs so we can watch sports or the news or something, not the health channel tv where they are showing the latest in cancer treatements. Maybe have a bar where we could enjoy some frosty beverages and munch on so me nachos or wings while we wait for the doctor. Our HMO's could give us 2 for 1 coupons to make us go to the Doctor more often and get our wellness check ups.
Finally, if they are drawing blood, you should be able to cause bodily harm to the PA or RN if they cant get the vein on the first try. Maybe patients could attempt and miss to draw blood everytime the medical person misses on us.
If Doctors are going to have you wait, make it comfortable for us. Give us some Lazy-boys. Put in a jukebox and a dozen or so tvs so we can watch sports or the news or something, not the health channel tv where they are showing the latest in cancer treatements. Maybe have a bar where we could enjoy some frosty beverages and munch on so me nachos or wings while we wait for the doctor. Our HMO's could give us 2 for 1 coupons to make us go to the Doctor more often and get our wellness check ups.
Finally, if they are drawing blood, you should be able to cause bodily harm to the PA or RN if they cant get the vein on the first try. Maybe patients could attempt and miss to draw blood everytime the medical person misses on us.
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