Yesterday was a long day. My appt. was at 10:45 and it was 11:30 before I was called back. The nurse took my vitals and put me in a room. The doctor didn't come in until almost 1:00. We have never had to wait more than a few minutes before. He did apologize and said if I'd make my appointments earlier in the day, the wait would be shorter. He doesn't rush people through and as long as they have questions he stays with them. I like that. I don't mind the waiting if I know that I'm gonna get the same courtesy. I try to have my questions written down so we can go right through them. Otherwise, I'll forget what I wanted to ask. It's very frustrating to go through the whole appt. routine, then leave and realize you forgot half the questions you were going to ask.
The dr. was pleased with my overall progress. Renewed a prescription. Added zyrtec for my allergy/sinus problem. Up until this time I've been seeing a doctor every week. He said this time I've been reprieved and come back in a month! Of course, I can contact them if I have any problems. I am very, very pleased with the whole results.
~Later
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Vanderbilt today
Well, these last two posts are a little whacko. Sometime when I have the time I'll try to figure it out and keep one that works and delete everything else.
I have an appt. today at Vanderbilt. Wow, when I think of some of the past appts. and see where I am today, I praise God for the passing of time. There is nothing left that needs taking out. PTL! At my last appt. with the urologist, the dr. asked if I had anything to say, or comments to make. I told him I did have one, that I thought anything they put in you while you were asleep ought to be taken out while you were asleep. I still stand by that statement. LOL
Most of my pain from CIPS is gone. My right foot and leg gives me some problems. Incision is looking good. Let's see, I need to build my strength badly. I feel like a marshmallow on a hot day. I'm a little shaky all the time. Emily has me in training for the Kidney Walk. You'd think I was running a marathon! Bless her little heart! (IWUE) ~Later
I have an appt. today at Vanderbilt. Wow, when I think of some of the past appts. and see where I am today, I praise God for the passing of time. There is nothing left that needs taking out. PTL! At my last appt. with the urologist, the dr. asked if I had anything to say, or comments to make. I told him I did have one, that I thought anything they put in you while you were asleep ought to be taken out while you were asleep. I still stand by that statement. LOL
Most of my pain from CIPS is gone. My right foot and leg gives me some problems. Incision is looking good. Let's see, I need to build my strength badly. I feel like a marshmallow on a hot day. I'm a little shaky all the time. Emily has me in training for the Kidney Walk. You'd think I was running a marathon! Bless her little heart! (IWUE) ~Later
Friday, April 17, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Another Doctor's Appointment
Yesterday was my last appointment with one of the doctors I've been seeing. And I am finally rid of the 29 staples they used to close the incision. Wonderful relief!!
I had visions of me journaling all the details of my journey through transplant, but somehow I've found it too tedious, yes, even for me. So, I'm managing to hit the high spots and hope that is helpful. All my days seems to run together. I have been able to see some improvement each week and that's very encouraging.
Yesterday after my appt. my dear sweet hubby took us to the Olive Garden. M--m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-! One of my favorites! Didn't have time to do any shopping though. We just barely made it home in time to go to church.
The kidney walk is in about two weeks. I guess I'm prepared, but not as much as I would like to be. The surgery put me behind, but everybody has done well so I'm not complaining. Hope you will support the National Kidney Foundation wherever you live. It's a good cause.
~Later
I had visions of me journaling all the details of my journey through transplant, but somehow I've found it too tedious, yes, even for me. So, I'm managing to hit the high spots and hope that is helpful. All my days seems to run together. I have been able to see some improvement each week and that's very encouraging.
Yesterday after my appt. my dear sweet hubby took us to the Olive Garden. M--m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-! One of my favorites! Didn't have time to do any shopping though. We just barely made it home in time to go to church.
The kidney walk is in about two weeks. I guess I'm prepared, but not as much as I would like to be. The surgery put me behind, but everybody has done well so I'm not complaining. Hope you will support the National Kidney Foundation wherever you live. It's a good cause.
~Later
Saturday, April 11, 2009
I never have anything simple.
CIPS is the diagnosis of my severe foot and leg pains I've been having since last weekend. I googled it and this is the best at explaining it in fairly plain English.
Calcineurin-inhibitor induced pain syndrome (CIPS): a severe disabling complication after organ transplantation.
The reduction of cyclosporine- or tacrolimus trough levels and the administration of calcium channel blockers led to relief of pain. The Calcineurin-inhibitor Induced Pain Syndrome (CIPS) is a rare but severe side effect of cyclosporine or tacrolimus and is accurately diagnosed by its typical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging and bone scans. Incorrect diagnosis of the syndrome will lead to a significant reduction of life quality in patients suffering from CIPS.
Bone pain after transplantation is a frequent complication that can be caused by several diseases. Treatment strategies depend on the correct diagnosis of the pain.
Now, in my own words. I have a deficiency of vitamin D and calcium in my system so it is drawing them from my bones which causes severe pain. The dr. put me on a supplement of calcium and vitamin D and the pain has begun diminishing. Right now the majority of pain is only in my right foot and right leg. I hope it keeps diminishing and will soon be healed. When it does I may just go absolutely and positively bonkers. Ya-hooooo!
Calcineurin-inhibitor induced pain syndrome (CIPS): a severe disabling complication after organ transplantation.
The reduction of cyclosporine- or tacrolimus trough levels and the administration of calcium channel blockers led to relief of pain. The Calcineurin-inhibitor Induced Pain Syndrome (CIPS) is a rare but severe side effect of cyclosporine or tacrolimus and is accurately diagnosed by its typical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging and bone scans. Incorrect diagnosis of the syndrome will lead to a significant reduction of life quality in patients suffering from CIPS.
Bone pain after transplantation is a frequent complication that can be caused by several diseases. Treatment strategies depend on the correct diagnosis of the pain.
Now, in my own words. I have a deficiency of vitamin D and calcium in my system so it is drawing them from my bones which causes severe pain. The dr. put me on a supplement of calcium and vitamin D and the pain has begun diminishing. Right now the majority of pain is only in my right foot and right leg. I hope it keeps diminishing and will soon be healed. When it does I may just go absolutely and positively bonkers. Ya-hooooo!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Not Fun Stuff
I've had an interesting, albeit painful, week. Starting during the weekend, I began experiencing pain all over my body; joints, muscles, feet, hands, elbows, knees, thighs, you name it. At first it was kind of like a good case of fibromyalgia flair up, perhaps caused by the weather. But, as time went on, I was noticing that nothing helped. I tried tylenol first with no results, and then I tried my pain meds from the surgery. It helped some but did not get rid of it, nor has it gotten any better the days hence.
I checked my notebook and it said to call the Vanderbilt team if I had pain or flu-like symtoms. I've never had the actual flu, but from all the descriptions I've heard, this would qualify. The nurse I spoke with said she had never gotten symptoms like this and didn't know what I should do. She called the dr. and he said to take 1 or 2 pain pills every 4-6 hours. He preferred one pill every six hours. So, that is where I am. I've also tried being very still and relaxed in the recliner and even tried using the heating pad.
I went to sleep in the chair and thought I could get some sleep, but later I awoke thinking it was early morning. It was early all right and still dark out. I got up and looked at the clock. It said 1:05 and I thought the clock must have stopped. I looked at a couple more clocks and they also said 1:05. I had not slept long at all. I'm anxious to get to my appt. tomorrow and see if we can figure out what's going on. I'm hoping and praying that I can get the drainage tube removed tomorrow. arrrrgh! Besides my aches and pains, my hands and feet have been cramping! I'm so ready to be healed. ~Later
I checked my notebook and it said to call the Vanderbilt team if I had pain or flu-like symtoms. I've never had the actual flu, but from all the descriptions I've heard, this would qualify. The nurse I spoke with said she had never gotten symptoms like this and didn't know what I should do. She called the dr. and he said to take 1 or 2 pain pills every 4-6 hours. He preferred one pill every six hours. So, that is where I am. I've also tried being very still and relaxed in the recliner and even tried using the heating pad.
I went to sleep in the chair and thought I could get some sleep, but later I awoke thinking it was early morning. It was early all right and still dark out. I got up and looked at the clock. It said 1:05 and I thought the clock must have stopped. I looked at a couple more clocks and they also said 1:05. I had not slept long at all. I'm anxious to get to my appt. tomorrow and see if we can figure out what's going on. I'm hoping and praying that I can get the drainage tube removed tomorrow. arrrrgh! Besides my aches and pains, my hands and feet have been cramping! I'm so ready to be healed. ~Later
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