Today's Appointment with the Nephrologist
Comments
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Marthamp327 said:Notes From Kidney Seminar
Notes From Kidney Seminar on 12/8/2015
My husband and I attended the educational seminar at the dialysis center yesterday, and as promised, I am passing on some important information presented. We were the only ones in attendance, which was nice because it allowed us to freely ask questions. So, without getting into too much detail about late-stage Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), I will focus on some general information that I hope will be helpful for everyone regarding causes, detection, maintenance and prevention.
Kidney function decreases with age. The two main causes of CKD are hypertension and diabetes. One important test that measures kidney function is the GFR—Glomerular Filtration Rate, which measures the rate at which the kidneys eliminate waste from the blood.
The Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease are as follows:
Stage 1—GFR greater than 90
Stage 2—GFR 60 to 89
Stage 3—GFR 30 to 59
Stage 4—GFR 15-29
Stage 5—GFR less than 15
Other blood tests that may be included in a renal panel can also indicate reduced kidney function, including:
Creatinine (measures level of waste product from muscles—usually higher in men than women).
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen). This measures the waste product from protein.
Albumin (Measures nutrition and protein status)
BUN/Creatinine Ratio (calculated using creatinine and BUN levels)
My last creatinine level was .90, which is within normal limits. However, due to my CKD, the nephrologist would like to see it even lower. My last GFR was 69, which puts me at Stage 2.
A few very important things I have learned are:
A urinalysis alone cannot detect CKD—blood tests are needed to measure how well the kidneys are removing wastes from the blood, which leave the body through urination. Also, urine output is no indication of either healthy kidneys or poorly functioning kidneys. My urinalysis results have all been normal, despite my diagnosis of CKD.
Kidney function can fluctuate, even in short periods of time. In my case, my renal panel was normal on a Friday, but abnormal the following Tuesday. When a person is monitored for possible CKD, their physician is looking for an overall trend in their lab results over a 3-month period. Fluctuations may be present, but an overall "trending down" in their lab results can indicate possible renal impairment.
Dehydration causes our kidneys to have to work harder to remove waste and may, over time, cause kidney damage so drink up! The recommended amount of fluid intake per day for healthy kidneys is 2 liters. Anyone diagnosed with CKD needs at least 72 ounces of fluid per day. Water is best, but even coffee counts, according to my nephrologist. Also, anything that melts at room temperature adds to our fluid intake.
Things that can damage our kidneys include NSAID’s (Advil, Aleve, Motrin, Naproxin, etc.) and should be avoided whenever possible. Long term use, as in my case, can cause kidney damage. The good news for me is my CKD may be partially reversible, since I do not have hypertension or diabetes. My goal is to get back to Stage 1 CKD.
High protein diets for extended periods over time can cause kidney damage. I am guilty as charged! We all know we should follow a healthy diet and that sodium is not good for us or our blood pressure!
Some prescription medications, OTC medications, supplements and vitamins can cause kidney damage, so make your doctor aware of all that you are taking.
Since we have all been diagnosed with cancer and are subjects of lots of lab tests, scans, etc., I think it’s very important to know this: IV Contrast used for CT scans CAN damage your kidneys! I would highly recommend that before anyone has a CT scan, that they ask their doctor to check their kidney function beforehand to make sure it is safe for them to have the contrast/scan. Then, and I cannot emphasize this enough, be sure to drink LOTS of water prior to and after having a CT scan. This will flush it out of your body, inasmuch as is possible. It is probably impossible to get rid of it all immediately. Whenever I’ve had scans, I am always handed a slip of paper advising me to drink a certain amount of water after the scan. However, I was unaware until my CKD diagnosis how vitally important this was to protect my kidneys.
If I think of anything else to pass on, I will. I hope this information is helpful.
I am glad you received better news and appreciate all the info you have provided. I do remember having blood tests before each scan. I was told that the combination of chemo and scans can be hard on the kidneys. I think it is great that you are questioning whether or not you need a scan after 7 years. I am anxious to hear your doctor's response.
Liz
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Lizlizdeli said:Martha
I am glad you received better news and appreciate all the info you have provided. I do remember having blood tests before each scan. I was told that the combination of chemo and scans can be hard on the kidneys. I think it is great that you are questioning whether or not you need a scan after 7 years. I am anxious to hear your doctor's response.
Liz
I don't remember ever having bloodwork prior to scans. I now know that was NOT good! Rather, I would have the scan, then see my med onc a few days later to discuss the results, at which time blood work would be done. I still haven't heard anything from my doctor after dropping off the letter. I'll post when I do, you can be sure!
Martha
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Kidney diseasemp327 said:Liz
I don't remember ever having bloodwork prior to scans. I now know that was NOT good! Rather, I would have the scan, then see my med onc a few days later to discuss the results, at which time blood work would be done. I still haven't heard anything from my doctor after dropping off the letter. I'll post when I do, you can be sure!
Martha
I took a look at the chart that you printed, my results haVe consistently been greater than 89 NB. Whaaatttttt! No one has ever mentioned kidney disease to me. I am shooting an e mail to my doctor immediately!
THANK YOU MARTHA!
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PheobesnowPhoebesnow said:Kidney disease
I took a look at the chart that you printed, my results haVe consistently been greater than 89 NB. Whaaatttttt! No one has ever mentioned kidney disease to me. I am shooting an e mail to my doctor immediately!
THANK YOU MARTHA!
If your GFR results are always higher than 89, then that's great! It means that you have kidneys that are functioning well, so you are in good shape! As I stated in my post, kidney function declines as part of the normal aging process and it's doubtful that anyone will ever test at 100% (which would be a reading of 100 GFR).
Martha
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Marthamp327 said:Pheobesnow
If your GFR results are always higher than 89, then that's great! It means that you have kidneys that are functioning well, so you are in good shape! As I stated in my post, kidney function declines as part of the normal aging process and it's doubtful that anyone will ever test at 100% (which would be a reading of 100 GFR).
Martha
Hi,
In reviewing the charts at times it was as low as 71! I am waiting to hear from my doctor.
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PhoebesnowPhoebesnow said:Martha
Hi,
In reviewing the charts at times it was as low as 71! I am waiting to hear from my doctor.
The thing to remember is that an overall trend is what is looked for over a period of at least 3 months. Kidney function fluctuates greatly, even from day to day, which is why kidney function should be evaluated for at least a 3-month period to see if the numbers continue to get worse. Something as simple as dehydration can cause numbers to be abnormal, which is obviously easily resolved just by hydrating. Other things that can influence numbers are strenuous exercise done within 48 hours of the tests, use of caffeine and high protein diet.
Please let me know what your doctor has to say.
Martha
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GREAT infomp327 said:Notes From Kidney Seminar
Notes From Kidney Seminar on 12/8/2015
My husband and I attended the educational seminar at the dialysis center yesterday, and as promised, I am passing on some important information presented. We were the only ones in attendance, which was nice because it allowed us to freely ask questions. So, without getting into too much detail about late-stage Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), I will focus on some general information that I hope will be helpful for everyone regarding causes, detection, maintenance and prevention.
Kidney function decreases with age. The two main causes of CKD are hypertension and diabetes. One important test that measures kidney function is the GFR—Glomerular Filtration Rate, which measures the rate at which the kidneys eliminate waste from the blood.
The Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease are as follows:
Stage 1—GFR greater than 90
Stage 2—GFR 60 to 89
Stage 3—GFR 30 to 59
Stage 4—GFR 15-29
Stage 5—GFR less than 15
Other blood tests that may be included in a renal panel can also indicate reduced kidney function, including:
Creatinine (measures level of waste product from muscles—usually higher in men than women).
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen). This measures the waste product from protein.
Albumin (Measures nutrition and protein status)
BUN/Creatinine Ratio (calculated using creatinine and BUN levels)
My last creatinine level was .90, which is within normal limits. However, due to my CKD, the nephrologist would like to see it even lower. My last GFR was 69, which puts me at Stage 2.
A few very important things I have learned are:
A urinalysis alone cannot detect CKD—blood tests are needed to measure how well the kidneys are removing wastes from the blood, which leave the body through urination. Also, urine output is no indication of either healthy kidneys or poorly functioning kidneys. My urinalysis results have all been normal, despite my diagnosis of CKD.
Kidney function can fluctuate, even in short periods of time. In my case, my renal panel was normal on a Friday, but abnormal the following Tuesday. When a person is monitored for possible CKD, their physician is looking for an overall trend in their lab results over a 3-month period. Fluctuations may be present, but an overall "trending down" in their lab results can indicate possible renal impairment.
Dehydration causes our kidneys to have to work harder to remove waste and may, over time, cause kidney damage so drink up! The recommended amount of fluid intake per day for healthy kidneys is 2 liters. Anyone diagnosed with CKD needs at least 72 ounces of fluid per day. Water is best, but even coffee counts, according to my nephrologist. Also, anything that melts at room temperature adds to our fluid intake.
Things that can damage our kidneys include NSAID’s (Advil, Aleve, Motrin, Naproxin, etc.) and should be avoided whenever possible. Long term use, as in my case, can cause kidney damage. The good news for me is my CKD may be partially reversible, since I do not have hypertension or diabetes. My goal is to get back to Stage 1 CKD.
High protein diets for extended periods over time can cause kidney damage. I am guilty as charged! We all know we should follow a healthy diet and that sodium is not good for us or our blood pressure!
Some prescription medications, OTC medications, supplements and vitamins can cause kidney damage, so make your doctor aware of all that you are taking.
Since we have all been diagnosed with cancer and are subjects of lots of lab tests, scans, etc., I think it’s very important to know this: IV Contrast used for CT scans CAN damage your kidneys! I would highly recommend that before anyone has a CT scan, that they ask their doctor to check their kidney function beforehand to make sure it is safe for them to have the contrast/scan. Then, and I cannot emphasize this enough, be sure to drink LOTS of water prior to and after having a CT scan. This will flush it out of your body, inasmuch as is possible. It is probably impossible to get rid of it all immediately. Whenever I’ve had scans, I am always handed a slip of paper advising me to drink a certain amount of water after the scan. However, I was unaware until my CKD diagnosis how vitally important this was to protect my kidneys.
If I think of anything else to pass on, I will. I hope this information is helpful.
Once again, thank you for sharing this.
I've never been told to drink lots of water prior to scans, in fact most times I have to fast 8-12 hours before. This last time is the 1st I remember being to told to drink a lot of water afterwards (but no reason why.)
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Good news
I'm glad for this good news Martha!
Note to everyone ... It is a basic standard of care to check creatinine prior to administering contrast. If they don't, they are not following evidence based practices and they should not administer contrast. Be sure to ask and know! FYI.
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72437243 said:Good news
I'm glad for this good news Martha!
Note to everyone ... It is a basic standard of care to check creatinine prior to administering contrast. If they don't, they are not following evidence based practices and they should not administer contrast. Be sure to ask and know! FYI.
Thank you for that reminder! In all the years I've been having CT scans, my local hospital has never checked my creatinine level prior to the scan, but has only asked on the form I fill out for the last date it was checked and the reading. Now, always took that information with me, knowing it would be asked. But I have to wonder how many people do not and they get the scan anyway. It is disturbing to me!
I thank you for your support and congrats on my recent improved numbers!
Martha
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Clarification ... A recentmp327 said:7243
Thank you for that reminder! In all the years I've been having CT scans, my local hospital has never checked my creatinine level prior to the scan, but has only asked on the form I fill out for the last date it was checked and the reading. Now, always took that information with me, knowing it would be asked. But I have to wonder how many people do not and they get the scan anyway. It is disturbing to me!
I thank you for your support and congrats on my recent improved numbers!
Martha
Clarification ... A recent test is acceptable, however top-notch centers want a current creatinine level performed at their lab. OR They can do it as a "point of care" test ... FYI.
I had PET - CT scans every 3 - 4 mmonths for 2 years and CT with and without contrast every 6 months up to this last one at 5 years post treatment. My kidney functions were tested at every scan. Currently normal ... Important to track this. I have access to all labs and every scan result via "my chart" EPIC electronic medical record.
After long discussion with my oncology team, I accepted the risk of scans for the benefit of early detection of recurrence. A tough decision ... Because there are many risks, like kidney damage and radiation exposure (Exposing me/us to other cancers). Navigating cancer treatment and subsequent follow-up surveillance is not a task taken lightly. Each of us must educate ourselves about the options and participate in our care decisions ... We must expect and demand informed consent. And then we choose ... Not easy. Especially considering this is our life, our long-term daily quality of life, physically and emotionally. Not to mention we are usually scared shitless ... Literally!
And so, we do our best. This is not the journey I would ever choose, however it is where I found myself. After 5 years I'm still figuring my way ... Through the haze that is cancer.
Peace to all of you navigating this same course ... at times I have a strong hand on the rudder, others, it's a rough ride. Thank you for being here for me ...
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Kidney disease7243 said:Clarification ... A recent
Clarification ... A recent test is acceptable, however top-notch centers want a current creatinine level performed at their lab. OR They can do it as a "point of care" test ... FYI.
I had PET - CT scans every 3 - 4 mmonths for 2 years and CT with and without contrast every 6 months up to this last one at 5 years post treatment. My kidney functions were tested at every scan. Currently normal ... Important to track this. I have access to all labs and every scan result via "my chart" EPIC electronic medical record.
After long discussion with my oncology team, I accepted the risk of scans for the benefit of early detection of recurrence. A tough decision ... Because there are many risks, like kidney damage and radiation exposure (Exposing me/us to other cancers). Navigating cancer treatment and subsequent follow-up surveillance is not a task taken lightly. Each of us must educate ourselves about the options and participate in our care decisions ... We must expect and demand informed consent. And then we choose ... Not easy. Especially considering this is our life, our long-term daily quality of life, physically and emotionally. Not to mention we are usually scared shitless ... Literally!
And so, we do our best. This is not the journey I would ever choose, however it is where I found myself. After 5 years I'm still figuring my way ... Through the haze that is cancer.
Peace to all of you navigating this same course ... at times I have a strong hand on the rudder, others, it's a rough ride. Thank you for being here for me ...
I am happy to say that I do not have kidney disease. The other tests performed are all normal. Thank you for this information and yours 7243.
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PhoebesnowPhoebesnow said:Kidney disease
I am happy to say that I do not have kidney disease. The other tests performed are all normal. Thank you for this information and yours 7243.
I'm so glad your tests were normal! I hope you are feeling more at ease now.
Martha
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Updatemp327 said:Phoebesnow
I'm so glad your tests were normal! I hope you are feeling more at ease now.
Martha
Hello Everyone--
I hope you all enjoyed your holidays and are looking forward to a healthy and happy new year.
I wanted to catch you up on my situation. As I stated in an earlier post, my kidney function was improved with the last round of testing. However, while out of town for Christmas, I seem to have had a possible gout attack. I woke up Monday morning and could barely walk, with pain, stiffness and swelling in my left big toe. Since gout is caused by excess uric acid that has not been removed by the kidneys, I can only presume this is what's going on, since gout often manifests itself in the joint of the big toe. I know, self diagnosis can be dangerous.
Now for some very sad news. I was out of town visiting family for Christmas and received a phone call Sunday evening from my friend and neighbor who is a radiologist at the local hospital. He called to inform me that my medical oncologist dropped dead over the weekend while doing yard work. I am quite devastated. He was such an excellent doctor and not only an M.D. but also a PhD.--a brilliant man. He was an advocate for his patients and loved by all. Despite spending day after day seeing patients who were very sick or dying, he was always pleasant and took time with me and all of his patients, never making one feel rushed. He had the knowledge to save many peoples' lives, but in his moment of crisis, there was no one there to save him. As we traveled home yesterday and passed a federal prison, I thought how unfair life can be sometimes. Prisoners who, some of them are incarcerated for taking a human life, live on and even get free medical care from taxpayers dollars. Then there is this dear man who had spent his career helping people who were very sick, saving many lives, including mine, and he was taken out. I am heartbroken. As a cancer patient, I know how much faith we put in our doctors, and I could only imagine the crushing blow this news will have on his patients, especially those who just began their treatment. How do you walk into the chemo infusion room for that first round of chemo and have hope when you've just learned that your doctor has died? I am beyond sad.
Martha0 -
Drmp327 said:Update
Hello Everyone--
I hope you all enjoyed your holidays and are looking forward to a healthy and happy new year.
I wanted to catch you up on my situation. As I stated in an earlier post, my kidney function was improved with the last round of testing. However, while out of town for Christmas, I seem to have had a possible gout attack. I woke up Monday morning and could barely walk, with pain, stiffness and swelling in my left big toe. Since gout is caused by excess uric acid that has not been removed by the kidneys, I can only presume this is what's going on, since gout often manifests itself in the joint of the big toe. I know, self diagnosis can be dangerous.
Now for some very sad news. I was out of town visiting family for Christmas and received a phone call Sunday evening from my friend and neighbor who is a radiologist at the local hospital. He called to inform me that my medical oncologist dropped dead over the weekend while doing yard work. I am quite devastated. He was such an excellent doctor and not only an M.D. but also a PhD.--a brilliant man. He was an advocate for his patients and loved by all. Despite spending day after day seeing patients who were very sick or dying, he was always pleasant and took time with me and all of his patients, never making one feel rushed. He had the knowledge to save many peoples' lives, but in his moment of crisis, there was no one there to save him. As we traveled home yesterday and passed a federal prison, I thought how unfair life can be sometimes. Prisoners who, some of them are incarcerated for taking a human life, live on and even get free medical care from taxpayers dollars. Then there is this dear man who had spent his career helping people who were very sick, saving many lives, including mine, and he was taken out. I am heartbroken. As a cancer patient, I know how much faith we put in our doctors, and I could only imagine the crushing blow this news will have on his patients, especially those who just began their treatment. How do you walk into the chemo infusion room for that first round of chemo and have hope when you've just learned that your doctor has died? I am beyond sad.
MarthaMartha, I am sorry to hear about your Dr. I know the attachment that can develop, my Oncologist stoped seeing patients a year ago in clinic as he is moving towards retirement ( he was my favorite). I hope you can get relief for you toe as I know you like to run. Take care.
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nonicholnonichol said:Dr
Martha, I am sorry to hear about your Dr. I know the attachment that can develop, my Oncologist stoped seeing patients a year ago in clinic as he is moving towards retirement ( he was my favorite). I hope you can get relief for you toe as I know you like to run. Take care.
Thank you so much.
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Martha......mp327 said:Update
Hello Everyone--
I hope you all enjoyed your holidays and are looking forward to a healthy and happy new year.
I wanted to catch you up on my situation. As I stated in an earlier post, my kidney function was improved with the last round of testing. However, while out of town for Christmas, I seem to have had a possible gout attack. I woke up Monday morning and could barely walk, with pain, stiffness and swelling in my left big toe. Since gout is caused by excess uric acid that has not been removed by the kidneys, I can only presume this is what's going on, since gout often manifests itself in the joint of the big toe. I know, self diagnosis can be dangerous.
Now for some very sad news. I was out of town visiting family for Christmas and received a phone call Sunday evening from my friend and neighbor who is a radiologist at the local hospital. He called to inform me that my medical oncologist dropped dead over the weekend while doing yard work. I am quite devastated. He was such an excellent doctor and not only an M.D. but also a PhD.--a brilliant man. He was an advocate for his patients and loved by all. Despite spending day after day seeing patients who were very sick or dying, he was always pleasant and took time with me and all of his patients, never making one feel rushed. He had the knowledge to save many peoples' lives, but in his moment of crisis, there was no one there to save him. As we traveled home yesterday and passed a federal prison, I thought how unfair life can be sometimes. Prisoners who, some of them are incarcerated for taking a human life, live on and even get free medical care from taxpayers dollars. Then there is this dear man who had spent his career helping people who were very sick, saving many lives, including mine, and he was taken out. I am heartbroken. As a cancer patient, I know how much faith we put in our doctors, and I could only imagine the crushing blow this news will have on his patients, especially those who just began their treatment. How do you walk into the chemo infusion room for that first round of chemo and have hope when you've just learned that your doctor has died? I am beyond sad.
MarthaI am so very sorry about the unexpected loss of your doctor......a similar situation happened in my area last year with one of our oncologist, but he had a fatal heart attack while in his own office at work with patients in the waiting room! (This was not my doctor) Earthly life does surely seem unfair at times but I am reminded that it is not we who are the final judges of that, none the less, difficult to accept, especially in a situation such as this.
I will pray that your "self-diagnosed" gout does not present you with continued problems, as well as keeping all the lives of people your doctor has touched (including you) in my thoughts and prayers that continued hope is abundant in this New Year!
katheryn
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oh, so sorrymp327 said:Update
Hello Everyone--
I hope you all enjoyed your holidays and are looking forward to a healthy and happy new year.
I wanted to catch you up on my situation. As I stated in an earlier post, my kidney function was improved with the last round of testing. However, while out of town for Christmas, I seem to have had a possible gout attack. I woke up Monday morning and could barely walk, with pain, stiffness and swelling in my left big toe. Since gout is caused by excess uric acid that has not been removed by the kidneys, I can only presume this is what's going on, since gout often manifests itself in the joint of the big toe. I know, self diagnosis can be dangerous.
Now for some very sad news. I was out of town visiting family for Christmas and received a phone call Sunday evening from my friend and neighbor who is a radiologist at the local hospital. He called to inform me that my medical oncologist dropped dead over the weekend while doing yard work. I am quite devastated. He was such an excellent doctor and not only an M.D. but also a PhD.--a brilliant man. He was an advocate for his patients and loved by all. Despite spending day after day seeing patients who were very sick or dying, he was always pleasant and took time with me and all of his patients, never making one feel rushed. He had the knowledge to save many peoples' lives, but in his moment of crisis, there was no one there to save him. As we traveled home yesterday and passed a federal prison, I thought how unfair life can be sometimes. Prisoners who, some of them are incarcerated for taking a human life, live on and even get free medical care from taxpayers dollars. Then there is this dear man who had spent his career helping people who were very sick, saving many lives, including mine, and he was taken out. I am heartbroken. As a cancer patient, I know how much faith we put in our doctors, and I could only imagine the crushing blow this news will have on his patients, especially those who just began their treatment. How do you walk into the chemo infusion room for that first round of chemo and have hope when you've just learned that your doctor has died? I am beyond sad.
Marthawords escape me.... i know that you are very sad about this.....i am sorry that you have to feel this emotional pain for your friend and doctor.....i do so hope you find relief for the gout.... my goodness... it just goes on and on.....hugs to you....sephie
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Marthasephie said:oh, so sorry
words escape me.... i know that you are very sad about this.....i am sorry that you have to feel this emotional pain for your friend and doctor.....i do so hope you find relief for the gout.... my goodness... it just goes on and on.....hugs to you....sephie
I am so sorry to hear your news!
It's hard to make sense of life sometimes. There are those who abuse their bodies with drugs, alcohol & just plain bad behaviour, sometimes just plain evil, but they go on to live life, whereas, like your oncologist who does nothing but good, or little children born with terrible conditions, or develop awful diseases. Where is the sense in it all?
Hope your physical pain eases soon. My old neighbour used to suffer with bouts of gout if he overdid the wine. It looked mightily painful.
Virtual hugs and Joe's ice cream (made in Wales and many consider to be the best in the World)
Liz
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Marthamp327 said:Update
Hello Everyone--
I hope you all enjoyed your holidays and are looking forward to a healthy and happy new year.
I wanted to catch you up on my situation. As I stated in an earlier post, my kidney function was improved with the last round of testing. However, while out of town for Christmas, I seem to have had a possible gout attack. I woke up Monday morning and could barely walk, with pain, stiffness and swelling in my left big toe. Since gout is caused by excess uric acid that has not been removed by the kidneys, I can only presume this is what's going on, since gout often manifests itself in the joint of the big toe. I know, self diagnosis can be dangerous.
Now for some very sad news. I was out of town visiting family for Christmas and received a phone call Sunday evening from my friend and neighbor who is a radiologist at the local hospital. He called to inform me that my medical oncologist dropped dead over the weekend while doing yard work. I am quite devastated. He was such an excellent doctor and not only an M.D. but also a PhD.--a brilliant man. He was an advocate for his patients and loved by all. Despite spending day after day seeing patients who were very sick or dying, he was always pleasant and took time with me and all of his patients, never making one feel rushed. He had the knowledge to save many peoples' lives, but in his moment of crisis, there was no one there to save him. As we traveled home yesterday and passed a federal prison, I thought how unfair life can be sometimes. Prisoners who, some of them are incarcerated for taking a human life, live on and even get free medical care from taxpayers dollars. Then there is this dear man who had spent his career helping people who were very sick, saving many lives, including mine, and he was taken out. I am heartbroken. As a cancer patient, I know how much faith we put in our doctors, and I could only imagine the crushing blow this news will have on his patients, especially those who just began their treatment. How do you walk into the chemo infusion room for that first round of chemo and have hope when you've just learned that your doctor has died? I am beyond sad.
MarthaI'm so sorry about the sad news of your doctor's passing. I immediately thought of his patients. It will be such a hard thing for them and for his staff.
As for your health, I hope you get some relief soon for the gout or whatever is causing the pain in your toe.
Always wishing you the best,
Janet
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Marthamp327 said:Update
Hello Everyone--
I hope you all enjoyed your holidays and are looking forward to a healthy and happy new year.
I wanted to catch you up on my situation. As I stated in an earlier post, my kidney function was improved with the last round of testing. However, while out of town for Christmas, I seem to have had a possible gout attack. I woke up Monday morning and could barely walk, with pain, stiffness and swelling in my left big toe. Since gout is caused by excess uric acid that has not been removed by the kidneys, I can only presume this is what's going on, since gout often manifests itself in the joint of the big toe. I know, self diagnosis can be dangerous.
Now for some very sad news. I was out of town visiting family for Christmas and received a phone call Sunday evening from my friend and neighbor who is a radiologist at the local hospital. He called to inform me that my medical oncologist dropped dead over the weekend while doing yard work. I am quite devastated. He was such an excellent doctor and not only an M.D. but also a PhD.--a brilliant man. He was an advocate for his patients and loved by all. Despite spending day after day seeing patients who were very sick or dying, he was always pleasant and took time with me and all of his patients, never making one feel rushed. He had the knowledge to save many peoples' lives, but in his moment of crisis, there was no one there to save him. As we traveled home yesterday and passed a federal prison, I thought how unfair life can be sometimes. Prisoners who, some of them are incarcerated for taking a human life, live on and even get free medical care from taxpayers dollars. Then there is this dear man who had spent his career helping people who were very sick, saving many lives, including mine, and he was taken out. I am heartbroken. As a cancer patient, I know how much faith we put in our doctors, and I could only imagine the crushing blow this news will have on his patients, especially those who just began their treatment. How do you walk into the chemo infusion room for that first round of chemo and have hope when you've just learned that your doctor has died? I am beyond sad.
MarthaI'm so sorry about your oncologist, I know I have bonded with mine over the years and would'nt want anything to happen to him. I asked him one time how do you do it and he jokingly said I see a therapist and then he said he was kidding, he has a funny sense of humor but, I know I would have to see a therapist if I had to watch what my patients had to go through. He then said I see all the good things that treatment helps people to live. Some people are just made to be care givers. It makes me wonder how much stress our drs really have going on inside of them. Lori
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