I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Pre-Dialysis => Topic started by: AnnieB on August 17, 2012, 11:46:55 AM

Title: Latest Labs
Post by: AnnieB on August 17, 2012, 11:46:55 AM
Well, I had my latest labs done and they actually show some improvement  :cheer:

My potassium went down to within normal range, is now 4.2 down from 5.6 (see what happens when you give up chocolate). My BUN is still high, went up to 53 from 48, but my creatinine went down to 3.37 from 3.61. My eGfr is now 14 instead of 13.  :2thumbsup;  These are good changes, probably mostly due to changing eating habits and trying to exercise more.

I realize this is probably only postponing the inevitable, but the longer I can put off dialysis, the better.

Now for that ice cream cone I had promised myself when my labs came back..... :yahoo;
Title: Re: Latest Labs
Post by: boswife on August 17, 2012, 12:38:59 PM
 :clap;  and just ONE ice cream cone for you   >:D  Hope you stay off for a longgggg long time  :flower;
Title: Re: Latest Labs
Post by: natnnnat on August 18, 2012, 07:50:38 AM
I am sure that your careful eating will help, and even more sure that exercise will help.  Gregory says that when he feels "a bit renal" he goes for a walk and feels better.  Except just now, its after midnight and he feels renal now.  We're going to turn in.  Sleep is a wondrous thing.
Title: Re: Latest Labs
Post by: natnnnat on August 18, 2012, 08:00:14 AM
Actually I should add that our neph doesn't think that taking care of Gregory's diet will help him, and so we stopped worrying (Gregory got sick of worrying, he stopped worrying, I worried more, but I worry too much apparently ;-).  His creatnine is up and his eGFR is down... but that would have happened anyway, right?  All I know is, he chose to enjoy his food and stop fretting over everything.  He still avoids salt. His other numbers (potassium, phosphate etc) are alright. 
Title: Re: Latest Labs
Post by: AnnieB on August 18, 2012, 11:55:58 AM
Yes, elevated creatinine and decreased eGFR are to be expected when your kidneys don't work well. In my case, I think the elevated potassium had more to due with my love of chocolate and fast food; so when I started trying to eat healthier that improved dramatically. I know, I know, I should have been trying to eat healthier long ago but I have a thing about McDonald's and love french fries (and chocolate).....I am sure when I see my neph next month he is going to make a comment about my sudden potassium improvement. Oh, and other good signs I forgot to mention here in my initial post was an increase in RBC and slight increase in Platelets. So even though my kidneys are still droopy their function improved somewhat. 

I have heard here and elsewhere that exercise does make you feel better...if you can get over your fatigue enough to go work out and get the benefit of endorphins!   :bandance;
Title: Re: Latest Labs
Post by: Sax-O-Trix on August 18, 2012, 05:46:40 PM
AnnieB - switch to "Tootsie Rolls" for your chocolate flavor fix. I know it's not even close, but at least you can get a tiny bit of chocolate flavoring to satisfy your cravings.  I have always thought of TR's as the "Cheese-Whiz" of chocolate, but sometimes desperate times call for drastic measures ;D
Title: Re: Latest Labs
Post by: AnnieB on August 18, 2012, 07:16:30 PM
Alas, I have crowns so tootsie rolls might not work. Dunno, it's sort of a 'sticky' situation <sorry>  ;D
Title: Re: Latest Labs
Post by: Sax-O-Trix on August 18, 2012, 07:59:09 PM
Suck on them, don't chew them.  Just think how long they will last!
Title: Re: Latest Labs
Post by: MaryD on August 18, 2012, 08:51:01 PM
AnnieB

Or allow yourself one square of Lindt a day - and savor it slowly
Title: Re: Latest Labs
Post by: Sweet Blood on August 19, 2012, 09:59:19 AM
I buy a bag of chocolates and keep them in my daughters room who alots me two peices a day.

Sweet Blood
Title: Re: Latest Labs
Post by: AnnieB on August 19, 2012, 02:59:48 PM
Either your daughter is extremely trustworthy, or she doesn't like candy. Plus I have been known to be able to ferret out chocolate from even the most obscure hiding places. Just ask my mother.

 ;D
Title: Re: Latest Labs
Post by: Sweet Blood on August 19, 2012, 04:14:10 PM
Nah, she loves chocolate, she just has better self control then I do. :flower;