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.
Friday, October 22, 2004
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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