December 2006 Lab Report

Hello everyone!

It is time once again for the monthly lab report. That's right, boys and girls. Every month, Uncle Nathan posts his dialysis "patient report" for all the world to see (and taunt). And, since I figured out how to use the scanner at work, I usually post the graphs that the dietitian prints out for us to show us our progress (or not).

First off this month is Albumin. The definition page tells me that Albumin is a protein in my blood that helps fight infections and aids in healing. My albumin was 5.0. The goal is between 3.8 and 4.5. The dietitian said that I am VERY healthy, based on this number.

Next up is the enPCR. This is the protein catabolic rate, which suggests if I am eating enough fish, chicken, beef, and other protein foods to meet my daily needs. The dietitian continues to remind me that this number may seem unnaturally low because they do not calculate the protein output in my urine. My number this month is 0.59. The scale says you should be above 0.8. But, she also told me that I am obviously doing fine and to just ignore this number (as always).

eKdrt/V: Tells how well my dialysis treatment is working and if I am receiving enough dialysis to clean my blood. The goal is greater than 1.2, and I am at 1.46. As you can see from the chart, I have been receiving enough dialysis for the past six months, which is great. I can really feel the difference when I am getting repeated good treatments.

Potassium is a mineral that is needed for normal heart rhythm and muscle function. The goal is between 3.5 and 6, and mine is at 4.2, which is slightly below the half-way point. This is good, since too much potassium can make your heart stop. I am not having any problems with potassium in my diet, which is nice, because I enjoy potatoes.

Calcium is a mineral needed to make healthy bones and muscles. You get it from things like milk, even though I am not allowed to have any dairy products (because of the phosphorus). I did not take any of the calcium-based phosphorus blockers this month, and my number dropped down to 9.3. The goal is to be between 8.4 and 9.5. I have been slightly higher in the past, but I think that was due to taking the other phosphorus blockers.

Speaking of phosphorus, my level was 5.5 this month, which is right at the top of the range (3.5 to 5.5). I think that may also be related to me not taking any of the calcium-based phosphorus blockers. I have two blockers. The calcium-based ones are to take before meals, and the others are for after meals. I almost always take the after meal pill, but did not take the pre-meal pills at all last month. I think I will opt for a slightly higher calcium level than to risk a higher phosphorus level.

Finally on the list is the average fluid weight gains. If you cannot see the chart clearly because of its size, I think you can click on it to see it full-sized. The chart is accurate through November. It looks like my average monthly fluid gains dropped dramatically, even though my weekend gains were about the same as the last six months. I do not know if there was an error in the calculations, or maybe my one lowly kidney was working a little extra in November. Either way, I am within my safe ranges, not having edema or any other fluid-gain problems.

The dietitian did not print out a chart showing my PTH, but she said that it had gone up again. It seems that the range is between 200 and 400 or something similar to that. In October, it came up at around 800 or 900, so they decided to give me Vitamin D to bring it down. In November, it showed that it was 100, so they wanted to take me off the Vitamin D. I told them that it might be a false reading and that I should stay on a small dose. The doctor agreed, and kept giving me Vitamin D. This month, the PTH was around 500, which is high, so they are going to increase the dose of Vitamin D. I am glad that I argued for them not to take me off of the medication completely. I had watched the number jump high and low every other month and was able to make the connection that I need at least some Vitamin D. I think now, they just have to figure out how much I need every month to maintain a balance.

My hemoglobin this month was 14.2. The goal range is between 11 and 12. They said that they are going to stop giving me Epogen, which is the hormone replacement that prompts my body to make red blood cells. They told me that it is shown that there is no help to be above 12, I guess the marked benefits don't climb as quickly after 12. That seems strange, since you are much higher than that if you do not have a kidney disease. The doctor was not there on Tuesday night, but if he comes on Thursday, I will try and talk to him to see if I can understand why they want to keep my hemoglobin down (and keep me feeling more anemic).

So, as you can see, my lab reports are overall good, and they have been for at least the last six months. I am glad that the doctor has figured out what I need and has gotten everything in balance. Of course, now that I have it all worked out, I am getting ready to sign up for transplant surgery.

Kala sent me an e-mail, letting me know that she has the first of her two tests scheduled for January 2. After that, it is one test, and then the official "OK" from the transplant committee.

Continue to pray for patience (from me) as we wait for test results and committee meetings. Please pray that I continue to stay healthy so that when it is time to schedule the surgery, that there are no health-related delays.

By the way, I have been getting several e-mails from readers recently. It is absolutely wonderful to hear from everyone that reads my blog. There are some interesting stories, and I am working on replying to you, if you wrote to me. I always enjoy hearing from people, and it is neat to see that there are actually people that stumble across the blog that stop and read it.

So, send me an e-mail if you get a chance, or just comment directly on the blog. I would love to hear from you. Have a wonderful day (and thanks for reading such a long post).