Today was Jim’s 3 month checkup with Dr. Rothstein his kidney doctor. While his kidney function continues to deteriorate, he still is feeling good. He actually gained weight, which the doctor said was a good sign. Once he starts to lose weight, has no appetite, (yea….like that’s ever going to happen), or has a metallic taste in his mouth, those are signs that the toxins in his body are building up from lack of kidney function and would then have to start dialysis.
His next step is to have a fistula put into his arm for when or if he would have to start hemodialysis. A fistula is an enlarged vein (usually in your arm), created by connecting an artery directly to a vein. Connecting the artery to the vein creates much greater blood flow into the vein. As a result, the vein enlarges and strengthens, making inserting of needles for hemodialysis treatments easier. This is done as an outpatient procedure by a vascular surgeon. Lois, the nurse coordinator, is setting up an appointment with a surgeon to have this done in the next few weeks.
It is best to have this done ahead of starting dialysis. If you wait too long and may require dialysis sooner than expected, and do not have a fistula for access, a catheter is inserted into your neck or leg as a temporary access.
Vicki, the social worker, came in and talked to us about dialysis. While our plan is to still have a living donor transplant, she has to tell us all the options in case that doesn’t happen. She told us about Dr. Koch who has a dialysis center in Fairview Heights that they refer patients to. While it would be more convenient, Jim seems to like them at the Barnes dialysis center and would be ok going there.
Dr. Rothstein then came in and wanted to make sure we knew of all the dialysis options. He talked about peritoneal dialysis (which is what Lorraine did at home). It is done with a machine while you sleep every night. Initially this was Jim’s 1st choice, but with his work schedule, it may not be viable. I think he is finally ok with the hemodialysis. Our hope is that he won’t have to make that choice.
I am still working on my blood pressure with one medication. I see my doctor next week and hopefully we will be able to find something that works.
Jim has to now start going once a month now for blood work and will continue to see the doctor every 2 months.Please keep him in your prayers.....
My Thoughts....I can't help wonder how many people are not organ donors. I hope you have the organ donor box checked on your drivers license and talk to your family about it. This simple thing could save so many lives. Someday YOU may need it.
No comments:
Post a Comment