Good Morning Dialyisis Lover!
Doing okay. Had a little trouble with dialyis Tues. They forgot to add the heparin so all my tubing clotted and had to start over after an hour.
Pain in hip is still there. Have appt. at eye dr. to see how surgery is doing.
Also have an appt. with my doctor and hopefully will see reults of culture and mri. We'll see.
I'm leaning towardw a pity party. You're all invited to urge me on!
Pray for Dwayne, Jim P. ' s dad and Bill C. I've been looking for the right kind of pants for Bill but haven't found the right ones yet.
Thanks for your prayers and encouragement. They mean a lot to me.
Dan
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Will I get a gold star?
Had an adventurous week and a half. Have a lot of interesting and good things to tell.
It was great to be out of the hospital Sunday and to be able to go to the church picnic yesterday. Boy, do we have a great group of people. Thank you Lord for that blessing!
I'm still having problems but hope to get them resolved eventually. One thing is that I've been endowed with a cane. So I really look the part now! Cane, suspenders, dark sunglasses for my cataract surgeries. I'm movin and a cruisin!
I'm kind of tired after dialysis so I'll share some other things maybe later or tomorrow.
So, what's the gold star about? Well, when I was about 8 years old my parents gave me a choice between learning to tap dance or play the accordion. I took the latter. Every week after accordion lessons, if I did a good job the teacher would give me a red star (booh), a silver start (not bad) or a gold start (oh yah). Well, today I got my results of my blood tests that shows how I've been behaving.
My previous results are posted towards the bottom of the screen on the right side. But here' this week's results.
Albumin - 3.7 (booh) needs to be 4.0 and above. Need more steaks
Calcium 8.9 (8.4-9.4) normal
Phosphorus 4.2 (3.5 to 5.5) normal..... It has been running 8.1 so that is a breakthrough
Potassium 4.6 (3.5 to 5.5) is normal
KT/V UKM delivered .5 (1.4 or higher) booh.... that's from not having complete dialysis
HGH A1C is 5.79 Normal range. A1C is my sugar glucose for the last 3 months. I have been a good boy in other words.
Thanks for your prayers. Now I just need to start eating more steaks!
Love you all. And Please remember Dwayne, Bill C., Jim P.'s dad
Friday, May 25, 2007
Lookikng for a good zombie?
I'm still in the hostpitao. Sometimes I'm a blithering idiot. R I ight nowI an think omewhat. can'tdo tooo good I'll ign offd
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Oww!
Man do I hurt!
Got home yesterday from the hospital, and now my left leg and hip is killing me. The girls think I must have hurt myself. Not that I know of. I just got out! So I'm not looking to going back in.
Tomorrow I'm supposed to make an appointment to get my catheter out. So if it's still hurting, I'll make an appt. with my doctor. Oh Joy!
Speaking of Joy, if you have nothing else to do read this
Remember our friends Caroly and Dwayne and Jim's dad.
Stay tuned for more adventures!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
I'm Out!
It's true, the doctors discharged me today.
It's great to be out.
I'd like to say I'm doing good, but that would be lying. Better than Friday though.
It seems I'll be getting my 14th (yes 14th!) catheter. My nephrologist said that was a record. Well, if you're going to do something you might as well excel in it!
Monday or Wednesday they'll take out the old catheter and put in the new. The doctor said it will continue to be a problem because the catheter cuts the blood flow in my body and the surgery in my arm kind of added to the problem.
I had some good nurses and aids and at times had some fun kidding around with them.
Don't ask me about the food!
One thing as I suspected, my dependency on insulin for my diabetes is almost nil. Once things get settled down, I'll need to get it rechecked. I haven't had any insulin at home for probably at least 2 months.
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. I needed it, believe me.
Let's keep praying for the Osborne's and also I see Jim P.'s dad needs our prayers.
Not sure if I'll be able to come to church tomorrow but I'll try if I'm able.
Love you all,
Dan
Friday, May 18, 2007
Hey, I was looking for something to do...
I can't believe it. After going on almost 4 weeks of succesful dialysis, I'm back in the hospital again. First they said I might have pneumonia, but now they think I have an infection in my catheter! All I know is I've been sick. I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired.
They scheduled me for dialysis today at 11 am.
So it looks like I'll be here a few days at least.
It's okay though. I know the Lord will take care of me.
And speaking of being cared for...
My daughter Joy informed me that I wss put on the "geriatric" ward! She's such a brat! They told me I was going onto the pneumonia floor. Joy said, well dad, mostly old people get pneumonia! The only comfort I have is that time will fly for her to.... she's right behind me.
Her and Sher take such good care of me that I have to let her get in a dig every once in a while.
I ask that you continue to pray for Carolyn and her husband Dwayne. And if you think of it for my attitude that I would be a good witness.
Stay tuned! Thanks for your prayers
They scheduled me for dialysis today at 11 am.
So it looks like I'll be here a few days at least.
It's okay though. I know the Lord will take care of me.
And speaking of being cared for...
My daughter Joy informed me that I wss put on the "geriatric" ward! She's such a brat! They told me I was going onto the pneumonia floor. Joy said, well dad, mostly old people get pneumonia! The only comfort I have is that time will fly for her to.... she's right behind me.
Her and Sher take such good care of me that I have to let her get in a dig every once in a while.
I ask that you continue to pray for Carolyn and her husband Dwayne. And if you think of it for my attitude that I would be a good witness.
Stay tuned! Thanks for your prayers
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Tues. May 15 - 7:05 am
After 3 succesful weeks of dialysis, it's getting harder to remember the bad days of dialysis (about 4 months worth!). I'm thankful to you who prayed for me (and still do) and to those who encouraged me. I thank the Lord for sending you to me.
This week my mind is on Dwayne O. and Carolyn. If anyone need prayers it's them. They are going through real difficult times and my heart goes out to them. I know God will give her the grace to get through this. She mentioned a request for prayer to me Sun. and I'd like to ask you to pray for God to answer it if it's His will. What is the request? For now, let's just know that she and God knows the request.
We have a wonderful God whose grace is sufficient at all times in all ways.
Have a great day. Be a testimony of God's goodness today@
This week my mind is on Dwayne O. and Carolyn. If anyone need prayers it's them. They are going through real difficult times and my heart goes out to them. I know God will give her the grace to get through this. She mentioned a request for prayer to me Sun. and I'd like to ask you to pray for God to answer it if it's His will. What is the request? For now, let's just know that she and God knows the request.
We have a wonderful God whose grace is sufficient at all times in all ways.
Have a great day. Be a testimony of God's goodness today@
Tues. May 15 - 7:05 am
After 3 succesful weeks of dialysis, it's getting harder to remember the bad days of dialysis (about 4 months work!). I'm thankful to you who prayed for me (and still do) and to those who encouraged me. I thank the Lord for sending you to me.
This week my mind is on Dwayne O. and Carolyn. If anyone need prayers it's them. They are going through real difficult times and my heart goes out to them. I know God will give her the grace to get through this. She mentioned a request for prayer to me Sun. and I'd like to ask you to pray for God to answer it if it's His will. What is the request? For now, let's just know that she and God knows the request.
We have a wonderful God whose grace is sufficient at all times in all ways.
Have a great day. Be a testimony of God's goodness today@
This week my mind is on Dwayne O. and Carolyn. If anyone need prayers it's them. They are going through real difficult times and my heart goes out to them. I know God will give her the grace to get through this. She mentioned a request for prayer to me Sun. and I'd like to ask you to pray for God to answer it if it's His will. What is the request? For now, let's just know that she and God knows the request.
We have a wonderful God whose grace is sufficient at all times in all ways.
Have a great day. Be a testimony of God's goodness today@
Monday, May 14, 2007
addition...
Doing good today. I've added a way (I hope) for you to get any new blog I post automatically through email.
- Scroll down to the lower right of this site to where it says "Subscribe via email"
- Enter your email address, and the "word verification"
- You'll get an email asking you to verify you want to get emails from me
- You'll only receive emails from me if/when I add a new post to my blog
This should save you time from having to see if any new updates have been posted.
Let me know what you think.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
A Maverick Molecule?
"There is not a maverick molecule in the universe...
...God's plan is all inclusive"
quoted from Pastor Ken Brown
Lest We Forget
I'm happy to report that my dialysis days continue to do good. Other than some operator errors it has been smooth sailing. In that part I'm grateful.
...but lest we forget how I got here, I'd like to refresh your memory.
Several years ago I had a streptococcal infection in my leg that required hospitalization. After 3 days in the hospital with antibiotics given, the nurse came in and told me they'd have to discontinue the antibiotics as it was damaging my kidney. After I was out of the hospital my dishcarge required follow up care at the doctor that was taking care of me in the hospital. I did follow up for several visits and the Doctor told me that I was "border-line diabetic" and to "watch it".
Now fast forward a few more years where I ended up in emergency with extremely high glucose reading that caused me to pass out. After the dust settled and I was told I was diabetic and had kidney disease and told to see a nephrologist (kidney doctor), the doctor said that we should first see what was causing the diabetes and kidney disease. After all, there may be a possibility of some kind of blockage that could be corrected.
When the tests came back the nephrologist told me that my diabetes was from the kidney disease rather than the kidney disease was from the diabetes, and further, that I had the kidney disease when I was seeing the doctor after I was in follow-up care after the leg infection! He stated that my diabetes and kidney disease was not from "being overweight, or other usual suspects" but was caused by something more immediate. I asked him if it was from the antibiotics and stated that I wasn't interested in suing and he said, "well that doesn't matter anymore. The good thing was that you probably won't progress like most kidney disease patients" because of reason I got it in the first place.
Unfortunately, the original doctor didn't tell me I had kidney disease and just told me to be careful because of the "border-line" diabetes. So this is why my disease did not progress as normal diabetic patients were doing.
Last year I went to the doctor due to my failing health and the doctor after looking at my previous records said, "I'm not big on suing but because of the antibiotics that were given to you, you'd have a good case. (I was actually given the antibiotics at 2 different times and told both times about it damaging my kidneys)".
Well, folks, I'm not that kind of person. I realize that the doctors were doing their best to try to help me at the time. Unfortunately it had dire consequences. I'm not bitter about it as I realize doctors are human beings. I'm a little upset about the doctor that had the reports that showed I had early kidney disease but just told me I was "border-line" diabetic.
Why am I telling you this? Because sometimes we jump to conclusions. "Dan's overweight so that's why he got diabetes and that ended up with kidney disease and then kidney failure" But that's not the case at all. Medications given in good faith damaged my kidneys and brings me here today with kidney failure. The end result, of course, is still the same. I'm in dialysis 3 days a week. But the way the failure is progressing is not like most normal dialysis patients. I'm thankful for that.
I think that there are many fantastic doctors and health care professionals, but they are all human beings with human flaws. Through this whole adventure I've come to appreciate the professionals that are serious about their job and are not so arrogant to forget just who they are. But more than that, I'm even more in awe to the God that made my body and how wonderfully made it is!
I thank the Lord for good doctors, nurses, and technicians, but I don't put my faith and trust in them, but in the God who controls their minds and life. And if the results don't end up the way I want it to, well, then I ask you to pray that I accept it with the right attitude and use the circumstance to bring honor and glory to Him. We're only in this world for a short time.
This has been hanging over me for a while and I just wanted to let you know.
Dan
...but lest we forget how I got here, I'd like to refresh your memory.
Several years ago I had a streptococcal infection in my leg that required hospitalization. After 3 days in the hospital with antibiotics given, the nurse came in and told me they'd have to discontinue the antibiotics as it was damaging my kidney. After I was out of the hospital my dishcarge required follow up care at the doctor that was taking care of me in the hospital. I did follow up for several visits and the Doctor told me that I was "border-line diabetic" and to "watch it".
Now fast forward a few more years where I ended up in emergency with extremely high glucose reading that caused me to pass out. After the dust settled and I was told I was diabetic and had kidney disease and told to see a nephrologist (kidney doctor), the doctor said that we should first see what was causing the diabetes and kidney disease. After all, there may be a possibility of some kind of blockage that could be corrected.
When the tests came back the nephrologist told me that my diabetes was from the kidney disease rather than the kidney disease was from the diabetes, and further, that I had the kidney disease when I was seeing the doctor after I was in follow-up care after the leg infection! He stated that my diabetes and kidney disease was not from "being overweight, or other usual suspects" but was caused by something more immediate. I asked him if it was from the antibiotics and stated that I wasn't interested in suing and he said, "well that doesn't matter anymore. The good thing was that you probably won't progress like most kidney disease patients" because of reason I got it in the first place.
Unfortunately, the original doctor didn't tell me I had kidney disease and just told me to be careful because of the "border-line" diabetes. So this is why my disease did not progress as normal diabetic patients were doing.
Last year I went to the doctor due to my failing health and the doctor after looking at my previous records said, "I'm not big on suing but because of the antibiotics that were given to you, you'd have a good case. (I was actually given the antibiotics at 2 different times and told both times about it damaging my kidneys)".
Well, folks, I'm not that kind of person. I realize that the doctors were doing their best to try to help me at the time. Unfortunately it had dire consequences. I'm not bitter about it as I realize doctors are human beings. I'm a little upset about the doctor that had the reports that showed I had early kidney disease but just told me I was "border-line" diabetic.
Why am I telling you this? Because sometimes we jump to conclusions. "Dan's overweight so that's why he got diabetes and that ended up with kidney disease and then kidney failure" But that's not the case at all. Medications given in good faith damaged my kidneys and brings me here today with kidney failure. The end result, of course, is still the same. I'm in dialysis 3 days a week. But the way the failure is progressing is not like most normal dialysis patients. I'm thankful for that.
I think that there are many fantastic doctors and health care professionals, but they are all human beings with human flaws. Through this whole adventure I've come to appreciate the professionals that are serious about their job and are not so arrogant to forget just who they are. But more than that, I'm even more in awe to the God that made my body and how wonderfully made it is!
I thank the Lord for good doctors, nurses, and technicians, but I don't put my faith and trust in them, but in the God who controls their minds and life. And if the results don't end up the way I want it to, well, then I ask you to pray that I accept it with the right attitude and use the circumstance to bring honor and glory to Him. We're only in this world for a short time.
This has been hanging over me for a while and I just wanted to let you know.
Dan
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Going for a record
Heading for 3 continuous weeks with good dialysis!
Eyesight continues to improve after cataract surgery!
Eyesight continues to improve after cataract surgery!
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
I can see clearly now the rain must fall!..... la la la la la!
... or as the song goes. Actually it is raining and I can see better.
Vision is getting better in the left eye. Still blurry, but I don't have that white cloud that prevailed over everything I looked at. Evidently most of the problem was the left eye as that has cleared up about 80 percent compared to yesterday.
And yes, being the medical critic that I am, I can honestly say that this was one procedure that I really don't have anything to complain about. Not that I'm a complainer... actually yes, I am a complainer. Must have forgot :)
I went to the "friends" breakfast this morning with a nice pirate patch over one eye. I should have got a sword and a nice sash to complete the wardrobe.
I know there's a lot of people to remember in prayer, but Dwayne and Bill C. comes especially to mind today. Of course we need to remember to prayer for their families as well.
Hope to see many of you at church tonight!
Dan
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Out of Surgery!
Tues. - 05-08-07
I'm out of cataract surgery! Everything seemed to go well. Took about 3 hours, no pain or discomfort.
I have to wear a patch over the eye, so not sure what kind of results yet. When taking it off to put on eye drops everything looks blurry, which they told me it would at first.
Stay tuned!
Signed,
One-eyed Dan
Monday, May 7, 2007
Mon. 05-07-07 - What a Life!
Good morning all!
I'm in dialysis today instead of tomorrow because tomorrow is my cataract surgery. I'm trying not to get my hopes up but the thought of being able to read and see better has a certain attraction to me. Whatever the end result, I thank God for loving me and watching over me.
The dialysis are still going good. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. If I could be so bold to ask you to continue to pray for me. I value your prayers.
Last night was without pain and without pain pills! Amen!
I enjoyed church yesterday. It's always great to hear God's word and to be with His people.
I told some friends of mine last night that my illness doesn't bother me as much as having the right attitude. That's where I need your prayers the most. I owe everthing to the Lord and it's the least I could do to be a good testimony for him.
Love friend in Christ, Dan
I'm in dialysis today instead of tomorrow because tomorrow is my cataract surgery. I'm trying not to get my hopes up but the thought of being able to read and see better has a certain attraction to me. Whatever the end result, I thank God for loving me and watching over me.
The dialysis are still going good. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. If I could be so bold to ask you to continue to pray for me. I value your prayers.
Last night was without pain and without pain pills! Amen!
I enjoyed church yesterday. It's always great to hear God's word and to be with His people.
I told some friends of mine last night that my illness doesn't bother me as much as having the right attitude. That's where I need your prayers the most. I owe everthing to the Lord and it's the least I could do to be a good testimony for him.
Love friend in Christ, Dan
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Sat. 04-05-07
Good day at dialysis - 8th in a rowt
The machine was going off about every 5 minutes for a about an hour and a half, but not sure why.
The only big thing I have is pain. Either in my legs at night or my right arm in the day.
I got a nice surprise after dialysis. Two of my grandsons came with Sher to pick me up. We went out to eat afterwards. They are very polite, but they crack me up with some of the talk.
I was talking to one of the techs today about children and after talking to her, it made we want to break out an praise the Lord for my daughters. They have been excellent caregivers to me and my wife previously. I have been blessed in so many ways it still causes me to wonder why the Lord takes thought of me. I know He loves me but it certainly is because only because what His son Jesus Christ did for me.
See ya later, Dan
The machine was going off about every 5 minutes for a about an hour and a half, but not sure why.
The only big thing I have is pain. Either in my legs at night or my right arm in the day.
I got a nice surprise after dialysis. Two of my grandsons came with Sher to pick me up. We went out to eat afterwards. They are very polite, but they crack me up with some of the talk.
I was talking to one of the techs today about children and after talking to her, it made we want to break out an praise the Lord for my daughters. They have been excellent caregivers to me and my wife previously. I have been blessed in so many ways it still causes me to wonder why the Lord takes thought of me. I know He loves me but it certainly is because only because what His son Jesus Christ did for me.
See ya later, Dan
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Thur. - 04-03-07
6:47 am- Good morning! I'm in dialysis, hooked up and ready for my 5 and 1/2 hour adventure,
Dialysis has been going good. My nights have been very painful with this neuropathy in my legs. The doctor gave me some medicaton for it and I took it one night and it still hurt. Talked to the nephrologist (kidney doctor) the other day and he says you have to take it for about a month for it to start working. Oops!
Surgery in my arm seem to be healing good. My arm is still swollen. Not sure if that will stay like that. Final surgery in 2 months.
I've been enjoying the series Pastor has been doing on Wed. night. He's doing a summary of the Bible and how to apply it. I'm sorry I haven't taped it for you, as it is so useful. His mastery of God's word really is enjoyable. You know, I've read and heard these things through the years, but looking at it as an overview really makes it pop out. God really knew what He was doing. We sure have a great God!
Well, I'll talk to you later after dialysis and let you know how it went.
1:36 pm - Another succesful dialysis! - Other than the tech forgetting to turn the heparin (blood thinner) on it went well! I could get used to this!
Dialysis has been going good. My nights have been very painful with this neuropathy in my legs. The doctor gave me some medicaton for it and I took it one night and it still hurt. Talked to the nephrologist (kidney doctor) the other day and he says you have to take it for about a month for it to start working. Oops!
Surgery in my arm seem to be healing good. My arm is still swollen. Not sure if that will stay like that. Final surgery in 2 months.
I've been enjoying the series Pastor has been doing on Wed. night. He's doing a summary of the Bible and how to apply it. I'm sorry I haven't taped it for you, as it is so useful. His mastery of God's word really is enjoyable. You know, I've read and heard these things through the years, but looking at it as an overview really makes it pop out. God really knew what He was doing. We sure have a great God!
Well, I'll talk to you later after dialysis and let you know how it went.
1:36 pm - Another succesful dialysis! - Other than the tech forgetting to turn the heparin (blood thinner) on it went well! I could get used to this!
Thur. - 04-03-07
6:47 am- Good morning! I'm in dialysis, hooked up and ready for my 5 and 1/2 hour adventure,
Dialysis has been going good. My nights have been very painful with this neuropathy in my legs. The doctor gave me some medicaton for it and I took it one night and it still hurt. Talked to the nephrologist (kidney doctor) the other day and he says you have to take it for about a month for it to start working. Oops!
Surgery in my arm seem to be healing good. My arm is still swollen. Not sure if that will stay like that. Final surgery in 2 months.
I've been enjoying the series Pastor has been doing on Wed. night. He's doing a summary of the Bible and how to apply it. I'm sorry I haven't taped it for you, as it is so useful. His mastery of God's word really is enjoyable. You know, I've read and heard these things through the years, but looking at it as an overview really makes it pop out. God really knew what He was doing. We sure have a great God!
Well, I'll talk to you later after dialysis and let you know how it went.
Dialysis has been going good. My nights have been very painful with this neuropathy in my legs. The doctor gave me some medicaton for it and I took it one night and it still hurt. Talked to the nephrologist (kidney doctor) the other day and he says you have to take it for about a month for it to start working. Oops!
Surgery in my arm seem to be healing good. My arm is still swollen. Not sure if that will stay like that. Final surgery in 2 months.
I've been enjoying the series Pastor has been doing on Wed. night. He's doing a summary of the Bible and how to apply it. I'm sorry I haven't taped it for you, as it is so useful. His mastery of God's word really is enjoyable. You know, I've read and heard these things through the years, but looking at it as an overview really makes it pop out. God really knew what He was doing. We sure have a great God!
Well, I'll talk to you later after dialysis and let you know how it went.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
a, b, c
I had 3 things in mind today when I was in dialysis today. Now if I could remember what they were!
Dialysis went well today. That makes about 6 in a row! Thanks for your prayers.
The 2nd thing I was thinking about today was to ask you to be alert when you drive. Your life is important to me.
The 3rd thing is that I have been building up my anticipation for my eye surgery next Tues. I know I shouldn't but I'm lookiung forward to seeing again. Thanks to Bonnie who gave me a Bible on DVD so I can listen to the Bible. I transferred Philippians to my portable player for use at dialysis.
Have a blessed day.
Dan
Dialysis went well today. That makes about 6 in a row! Thanks for your prayers.
The 2nd thing I was thinking about today was to ask you to be alert when you drive. Your life is important to me.
The 3rd thing is that I have been building up my anticipation for my eye surgery next Tues. I know I shouldn't but I'm lookiung forward to seeing again. Thanks to Bonnie who gave me a Bible on DVD so I can listen to the Bible. I transferred Philippians to my portable player for use at dialysis.
Have a blessed day.
Dan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
