So this week started out with seven scheduled appointments, but we ended up with NINE doctor visits. But (a) we survived it and (b) we both got some good news!
Chris' mole was benign (YEAY!) and the doctor said they did get all of it. Also, his stitches are out.
The kidney folks think the infection is not at the site of his catheter, but maybe a hair follicle under the skin or something like that. He's on a fourth round of oral antibiotics starting today.
Kim's long-term blood sugar [A1C] was down to 6.5 (it was 7.0 in July and 6.7 in October), so that's great! Kim was worried that it would be much higher because she has admittedly been indulging in some after-Christmas discounted holiday candy. (Can't resist a bargain!) Also, her blood pressure was so low that the doctor scheduled a 1-month follow-up to determine whether her blood pressure meds should be reduced or withdrawn altogether.
Next week will be much more mild, with just the counseling appointments for us both on Monday and then Chris has physical therapy/rehab on Wednesday & Friday... and maybe a visit to DaVita to show them the infection near his exit site. A relaxing week! :)
Showing posts with label Kim. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kim. Show all posts
Friday, January 04, 2013
Monday, December 31, 2012
Hoping for a Rockin' 2013!
Twenty twelve has stunk, and we're happy to bid farewell to it. Here's where things are right now:
Chris' health:
- He just passed his one-year anniversary on dialysis. The arduous routine is getting on his nerves. With any luck at all, next NYE can be spent without worrying about the machine.
- He met with a pain specialist to see if there could be improvements made in his quality of life and give him some relief from the back pain, leg cramp pain, post-surgical chest pain, etc. He started physical therapy and has been to three sessions so far.
- We're dealing with a lot of stress, so Chris has started seeing a counselor weekly to help him deal with the medical issues, treatments, appointments, loss of freedom, etc. At his session today, he said his counselor felt like he was sinking deeper into the depression. This may be a seasonal thing, or it could be related to a recent medication adjustment. He's going to talk to the medication manager next time he sees her to see if they need to be readjusted.
- Just when it seemed like one more thing might send one or both of us over the edge, we noticed that Chris had a mole on his abdomen that looked suspicious. A dermatologist agreed and removed it. He called Chris back to have the "margin" (some additional normal-looking skin surrounding the mole) removed. Removing the margin maximizes the chance that all the bad cells will be removed. He's getting his stitches removed from the margin excision this week.
- Chris was active on the kidney transplant list for about 48 hours before he got an infection near the site of his dialysis tube. After three rounds of oral antibiotics and an infusion, it does not seem to have subsided.
- He still has some dental work to get done. Hoping to be able to afford that soon.
- We're wondering if he hit the million dollar mark for medical this year. It'll be February or so before the final 2012 numbers come in, and we'll keep you posted.
Kim's health:
- A1C sugar was 6.7 on October 1. This is lower than the 7.0 threshold for diabetic medication (Yeay!). She's occasionally wishing she had a Coke in-hand, but is drinking water like it's going out of style. In the last two weeks, she's been indulging in some holiday candy... but is hopeful that her next A1C test on Dec. 3rd will be OK.
- She has been spending some more time doing her rubber stamping hobby in an attempt to relieve some stress and be among friends.
- Kim is experiencing some of the side-effects of the diabetes which include joint pain (in the knees), tingling & numbness (in the legs for her), and fatigue.
- Her depression isn't doing very well. Personal care is still an issue, as she tends to focus on Chris' needs. She has started a weekly therapy session, too, and her counselor is using EMDR methods. Her counselor brought up that Kim is displaying a large number of symptoms of PTSD, and that traumatic events have overwhelmed her usual cognitive and neurological coping mechanisms. (Yes, they have. They are. They do.) Hopefully this treatment and the two antidepressants she's on will help with that.
- Eyes are a big issue with diabetes, and her doctor sent her for a thorough eye exam. The prescription has changed a bit and Kim has been squinting a lot, so we're checking around for good deals on a new pair of glasses. It's been 5 or more years since she got new ones, so it's time.
- She has dental work to get done, too. Because Chris' is needed for his transplant, he'll go first.
Digit is aging and we're worried.
- Her fur was getting matted, and we were able to remove the mats. Some by shave, others by scissors.
- She looks skinnier. Maybe partially because of the shorter fur, but she's definitely losing weight. We've been giving her chunky wet food in addition to the dry food we leave out for them. She's eating it.
So this week is a busy one -- we have SEVEN doctor appointments to be squeezed into the four business days this week. Here's hoping for a great 2013!
Chris' health:
- He just passed his one-year anniversary on dialysis. The arduous routine is getting on his nerves. With any luck at all, next NYE can be spent without worrying about the machine.
- He met with a pain specialist to see if there could be improvements made in his quality of life and give him some relief from the back pain, leg cramp pain, post-surgical chest pain, etc. He started physical therapy and has been to three sessions so far.
- We're dealing with a lot of stress, so Chris has started seeing a counselor weekly to help him deal with the medical issues, treatments, appointments, loss of freedom, etc. At his session today, he said his counselor felt like he was sinking deeper into the depression. This may be a seasonal thing, or it could be related to a recent medication adjustment. He's going to talk to the medication manager next time he sees her to see if they need to be readjusted.
- Just when it seemed like one more thing might send one or both of us over the edge, we noticed that Chris had a mole on his abdomen that looked suspicious. A dermatologist agreed and removed it. He called Chris back to have the "margin" (some additional normal-looking skin surrounding the mole) removed. Removing the margin maximizes the chance that all the bad cells will be removed. He's getting his stitches removed from the margin excision this week.
- Chris was active on the kidney transplant list for about 48 hours before he got an infection near the site of his dialysis tube. After three rounds of oral antibiotics and an infusion, it does not seem to have subsided.
- He still has some dental work to get done. Hoping to be able to afford that soon.
- We're wondering if he hit the million dollar mark for medical this year. It'll be February or so before the final 2012 numbers come in, and we'll keep you posted.
Kim's health:
- A1C sugar was 6.7 on October 1. This is lower than the 7.0 threshold for diabetic medication (Yeay!). She's occasionally wishing she had a Coke in-hand, but is drinking water like it's going out of style. In the last two weeks, she's been indulging in some holiday candy... but is hopeful that her next A1C test on Dec. 3rd will be OK.
- She has been spending some more time doing her rubber stamping hobby in an attempt to relieve some stress and be among friends.
- Kim is experiencing some of the side-effects of the diabetes which include joint pain (in the knees), tingling & numbness (in the legs for her), and fatigue.
- Her depression isn't doing very well. Personal care is still an issue, as she tends to focus on Chris' needs. She has started a weekly therapy session, too, and her counselor is using EMDR methods. Her counselor brought up that Kim is displaying a large number of symptoms of PTSD, and that traumatic events have overwhelmed her usual cognitive and neurological coping mechanisms. (Yes, they have. They are. They do.) Hopefully this treatment and the two antidepressants she's on will help with that.
- Eyes are a big issue with diabetes, and her doctor sent her for a thorough eye exam. The prescription has changed a bit and Kim has been squinting a lot, so we're checking around for good deals on a new pair of glasses. It's been 5 or more years since she got new ones, so it's time.
- She has dental work to get done, too. Because Chris' is needed for his transplant, he'll go first.
Digit is aging and we're worried.
- Her fur was getting matted, and we were able to remove the mats. Some by shave, others by scissors.
- She looks skinnier. Maybe partially because of the shorter fur, but she's definitely losing weight. We've been giving her chunky wet food in addition to the dry food we leave out for them. She's eating it.
So this week is a busy one -- we have SEVEN doctor appointments to be squeezed into the four business days this week. Here's hoping for a great 2013!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Phosphorus Again & Dental Issues
Chris' phosphorus was up last time we saw Jen, so she recommended doubling up on the Renvala to 2 with each meal. Chris thought maybe his increased intake of Kool-Aid was causing the problem and Jen agreed. Chris is laying off the Kool-Aid for now, and we'll see when his next tests come back whether that was the culprit. If not, 2 Renvalas per meal it is.
Chris had a big dental check-up and X-rays last week. Several cavities. These all must be fixed so he can stay on the transplant list. His first appointment for fillings is today, and he has his antibiotic to take beforehand.
We're both suffering from dry-mouth. I think this is due to medications we take. I purchased Biotene rinse, spray, gel, and toothpaste. These are supposed to help with dry-mouth. We didn't realize this, but the dentist told us that dry-mouth is a big factor in cavities! This may help explain why Chris has several... he has only had ONE up to this point in his whole life.
He's keeping up with cardiac rehab and doing very well. He does this Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Next kidney appointment is next week.
Chris had a big dental check-up and X-rays last week. Several cavities. These all must be fixed so he can stay on the transplant list. His first appointment for fillings is today, and he has his antibiotic to take beforehand.
We're both suffering from dry-mouth. I think this is due to medications we take. I purchased Biotene rinse, spray, gel, and toothpaste. These are supposed to help with dry-mouth. We didn't realize this, but the dentist told us that dry-mouth is a big factor in cavities! This may help explain why Chris has several... he has only had ONE up to this point in his whole life.
He's keeping up with cardiac rehab and doing very well. He does this Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Next kidney appointment is next week.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Caregiver Stress Syndrome
I knew this caregiving stuff was stressful, but I didn't know it was a recognized condition!! Reading this article today was like looking in a mirror. It's from Yahoo! news.
Self-care started by accident, with the broken tooth, but now I'm about a month in -- at least with taking blood-pressure meds and going to the dentist. Have a ways to go with other care topics, but I'm starting.
Please, dear readers, if you see me displaying signs of dementia PLEASE let me or Chris know. I have all the other symptoms already.
The average caregiver in the U.S. is a woman in her late 40s. Many are "sandwichers," looking after both children and aging parents. With little time or opportunity for adequate self-care, they're prone to "caregiving stress syndrome," a condition linked to a medical chart full of health woes, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, dementia, and back strain. More than 70 percent of family caregivers show signs of depression.Men care for loved ones, too, of course. But women tend to have more negative experiences as caregivers than men, who focus more on problem-solving and less on emotional nuances, says I-Fen Lin, a sociologist at Bowling Green State University. Wives caring for husbands report the highest stress load, her research shows.Emotional eating is a common coping strategy that backfires on health.Silver lining: When stress is managed with good self-care and time off, many caregivers report a deeply enriching experience. Some caregivers even show improved longevity, better memory, and better physical strength, as well as a sense of meaning and purpose, say Boston University researchers.
Self-care started by accident, with the broken tooth, but now I'm about a month in -- at least with taking blood-pressure meds and going to the dentist. Have a ways to go with other care topics, but I'm starting.
Please, dear readers, if you see me displaying signs of dementia PLEASE let me or Chris know. I have all the other symptoms already.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Kim's Doctor Visit
Okay, I admit that I did squeeze in a few garage sales before my 9:30 appointment. It's easy when they start at 7!
I saw Dr. Troy at the Middleton office. I felt very well cared-for.
My blood pressure was still as high as it had been on Thursday, so he called in a prescription to WalMart so I could pick it up and start taking it right away. It's a combination of Lisinopril (for high blood pressure) and Hydrochlorothiazide (helps rid the body of excess water). He also wrote two other scripts for me and a lab order. He wants me to have these done at their Nampa facility next week.
He thought that counseling might be a good idea. It would give me a chance to have someone listen to all the things we're dealing with and offer up some strategies to help deal with all this. I agreed, and explained that I had been referred by my regular doctor at least once in the last 2 years. I told him about his doctor's network and how they served every area in the Treasure Valley EXCEPT Eagle where we live. He said he's have someone call me Monday about it.
We stopped at the pharmacy on the way home, paid the $4 for generic, and I took the first one in the car.
I saw Dr. Troy at the Middleton office. I felt very well cared-for.
My blood pressure was still as high as it had been on Thursday, so he called in a prescription to WalMart so I could pick it up and start taking it right away. It's a combination of Lisinopril (for high blood pressure) and Hydrochlorothiazide (helps rid the body of excess water). He also wrote two other scripts for me and a lab order. He wants me to have these done at their Nampa facility next week.
He thought that counseling might be a good idea. It would give me a chance to have someone listen to all the things we're dealing with and offer up some strategies to help deal with all this. I agreed, and explained that I had been referred by my regular doctor at least once in the last 2 years. I told him about his doctor's network and how they served every area in the Treasure Valley EXCEPT Eagle where we live. He said he's have someone call me Monday about it.
We stopped at the pharmacy on the way home, paid the $4 for generic, and I took the first one in the car.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Highs & Lows
My dad offered to drive me out to the dentist in Middleton this morning. I filled out the paperwork and was seen very quickly. The assistant took my blood pressure and went off to see the dentist. The dentist didn't even say hello -- it was, "Did you take your blood pressure medication today?" Um, no, I don't have any.
It turns out that my blood pressure was 164/112, and she wouldn't be able treat me in that condition. I semi-joked that I was afraid of the dentist, so toward the end of our discussion she decided to take it again to see how much I had calmed down. Nope, apparently not. This time it was 180/114. Whoops!
So Dad ran me back to Boise so I could take Chris to his cardiac rehab. While I waited, I called my doctor's office and they couldn't get me in until July 19th. They said I could try calling every morning at 8am to see if there were any cancellations. Great.
Immediately following rehab, we went to DaVita for his appointment. His blood pressure was very low again and, while Dr. Mallea was in the room, I joked that he could borrow some of mine since it's 180/114. Oh boy. Dr. Mallea did not like that one bit. He said, "You don't want to become one of my patients, do you? That needs to be handled immediately!" Okay, so the appointment in July isn't going to cut it.
Dr. Mallea and Jen evaluated Chris' catheter site and said it still looked like it might have an infection, so they put Chris on another week of Cephalexin antibiotics twice a day. It had also been leaking a little bit of blood there, so they're concerned that Chris might be over-doing it at rehab.
When I was at my dental appointment this morning, I noticed a "Medical" check-in window right next to the "Dental" window. I called out there, and they said they could get me in on Saturday morning. Garage sales out, Doctor's appointment in.
It turns out that my blood pressure was 164/112, and she wouldn't be able treat me in that condition. I semi-joked that I was afraid of the dentist, so toward the end of our discussion she decided to take it again to see how much I had calmed down. Nope, apparently not. This time it was 180/114. Whoops!
So Dad ran me back to Boise so I could take Chris to his cardiac rehab. While I waited, I called my doctor's office and they couldn't get me in until July 19th. They said I could try calling every morning at 8am to see if there were any cancellations. Great.
Immediately following rehab, we went to DaVita for his appointment. His blood pressure was very low again and, while Dr. Mallea was in the room, I joked that he could borrow some of mine since it's 180/114. Oh boy. Dr. Mallea did not like that one bit. He said, "You don't want to become one of my patients, do you? That needs to be handled immediately!" Okay, so the appointment in July isn't going to cut it.
Dr. Mallea and Jen evaluated Chris' catheter site and said it still looked like it might have an infection, so they put Chris on another week of Cephalexin antibiotics twice a day. It had also been leaking a little bit of blood there, so they're concerned that Chris might be over-doing it at rehab.
When I was at my dental appointment this morning, I noticed a "Medical" check-in window right next to the "Dental" window. I called out there, and they said they could get me in on Saturday morning. Garage sales out, Doctor's appointment in.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Low Blood Pressure & Not Sleeping
Chris has been participating in Cardiac Rehab when he can but, because of his low blood pressure, he has missed a session or two. He also missed a session on Tuesday, 6/12, because he hadn't been sleeping.
His big Baxter supply delivery was on 6/11 and then rehab. We made some calls about his Lipitor, Lopressor and Cymbalta pills not being sufficient in supply for the next week, so hopefully they'll get here as planned.
In other news, I broke a tooth in half a couple of weeks ago. I've been going nuts trying to get an appointment at one of the local low-cost clinics, and finally got someone to agree to see me early Thursday morning, 6/14. I'm in a little bit of pain but I'm so afraid of the dentist, I'd put it off forever if I could.
His big Baxter supply delivery was on 6/11 and then rehab. We made some calls about his Lipitor, Lopressor and Cymbalta pills not being sufficient in supply for the next week, so hopefully they'll get here as planned.
In other news, I broke a tooth in half a couple of weeks ago. I've been going nuts trying to get an appointment at one of the local low-cost clinics, and finally got someone to agree to see me early Thursday morning, 6/14. I'm in a little bit of pain but I'm so afraid of the dentist, I'd put it off forever if I could.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)