Got my RBCs to their highest level yet (8+) after the 4th transfusion. Let’s see if this RBC-producing drug keeps the number there. That would be a very good sign. The prevalent theory now is since they can’t find any bleeding, my body may not be producing enough RBCs to compensate. Healthy men are 14-17 gm/dL (women 12-15 gm/dL). I…
So very concerning update. My red blood cells are dropping again despite the blood transfusions. They’re doing a 4th bag right now to get my red blood back up. They have been unable to find internal or external bleeding so the question is “where is the blood going?” I shouldn’t google things or self-diagnose but of course I did and…
My life is over and I begin a new one today. There are moments in life that launch a new chapter. Sometimes you’re aware of it, sometimes you’re not. For example, the day I decided to become a dog owner and met Raindrop Yorkie for the first time. Little did I know that would be the start of my longest…
As I sit here getting my first dialysis treatment, I’m reading about the potential side effects, including things like dementia, personality changes, hallucinations, loss of coordination and spatial recognition. I’m sharing this so I can confirm that I’m able to put my thoughts to words. These risks are all terrifying and I pray they do not happen but there’s a…
Nephrologist just told me in 15 years he’s never seen kidney function this bad, yet no idea how I’m not symptomatic. He called it a medical mystery. He said, and I quote “your kidneys fell asleep.” He said dialysis is most likely to be a lifelong treatment for me. Pretty scary and heartbreaking to learn I’ll be dependent on machines…
Apparently I’ll be in the hospital for 48 hours or so. They’re giving me 2 units of blood to start. I was severely anemic. They said my blood volume was about 1/3rd of where it should be and it’s bizarre that I’m not symptomatic. Tomorrow they’ll be installing a catheter so they can begin emergency dialysis. After a few treatments…
A lot of people are reaching out. Thank you. The number one question I’m getting is “are you ok?” If you asked me a week ago, I would have said yes. If I was able to forget for a moment the diagnosis that the doctor gave me yesterday, then the answer would also be yes. I feel great. Physically. I…
Turns out my body has been fighting gout for the last 2 months (since late-March). Long overdue bloodwork determined I was in the midst of a flare up, not the sprained ankle or tendonitis I thought it was. My body tricked me because I had a few days of relief 5 weeks ago and then a few days last week….