Thursday, July 31, 2008
My 6th month post-op check up
Just wanted to update everyone that my test results all came back with everything in normal ranges. I have been lucky with the consequences of my decision to donate. My blood pressure never increased and my only complaint is the itching of the Love Scar. In my next post, I am going to post some info about FSGS. This is the disease that caused Greg's kidney failure. I thought it would be a good idea to spend some time here talking about what causes kidney failure and FSGS seems like a good place to start. If anyone has something they would like me to write about, leave me a comment and I will do my best to find information for you.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Medicare Bill Passed By Senate!!
Yippee, the Senate approved the Medicare bill passed by the House in June! It is veto-proof with a 69-30 vote!! I am pasting the info from an email I received from the AMA Patient's Action Network below:
Great news! On Wednesday, July 9, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 6331, the “Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008,” by a veto-proof majority of 69-30.
Eighteen Republican senators joined Senate Democrats to make this a truly bipartisan process. See how your senators voted here, and send an e-mail to say thank you for voting on behalf of patients and the doctors who care for them.
Thank you so much for your tireless efforts. This was a monumental grassroots effort that really turned the tide, and we proved that together we are stronger!
The bill must now be signed into law by President George W. Bush, who has signaled on more than one occasion that he intends to veto it. However, given the fact that the payment cuts have already occurred and that the bill passed both chambers of Congress with the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto, there is some reason to question the next steps by the White House. Of course, we will keep you apprised as we learn more.
Again, many thanks for your help in this effort!AMA Patient's Action Network. Please take some time to thank your congressional representatives.
Great news! On Wednesday, July 9, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 6331, the “Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008,” by a veto-proof majority of 69-30.
Eighteen Republican senators joined Senate Democrats to make this a truly bipartisan process. See how your senators voted here, and send an e-mail to say thank you for voting on behalf of patients and the doctors who care for them.
Thank you so much for your tireless efforts. This was a monumental grassroots effort that really turned the tide, and we proved that together we are stronger!
The bill must now be signed into law by President George W. Bush, who has signaled on more than one occasion that he intends to veto it. However, given the fact that the payment cuts have already occurred and that the bill passed both chambers of Congress with the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto, there is some reason to question the next steps by the White House. Of course, we will keep you apprised as we learn more.
Again, many thanks for your help in this effort!AMA Patient's Action Network. Please take some time to thank your congressional representatives.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Some Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease
I thought it might be helpful to post some facts about chronic kidney disease. If left untreated, this will lead to end stage renal failure. To live with end stage renal failure requires either dialysis for life or transplant.
I urge everyone to be checked for kidney disease. It only requires a simple blood and urine test. Chronic kidney disease can be treated and is manageable. Don't allow it to proceed to kidney failure. The following facts are courtesy of the National Kidney Foundation.
The Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
26 million Americans have CKD and another 20 million more are at increased risk.
Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure.
Heart disease is the major cause of death for all people with CKD.
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best estimate of kidney function.
Hypertension causes CKD and CKD causes hypertension.
Persistent proteinuria means CKD.
High risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension and family history of kidney disease.
African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and Seniors are at increased risk.
Three simple tests can detect CKD: blood pressure, urine albumin and serum creatinine.
More than 500 million persons worldwide - 10% of the adult population - have some form of kidney damage, and every year millions die prematurely of cardiovascular diseases linked to CKD.
Globally the most common causes of CKD have been nephrotic or inflammatory diseases of the kidney, infections, obstruction in the urinary tract and inherited disorders like polycystic kidney disease. This is changing in both developed and developing nations towards diabetes and hypertension, which are also the most common causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
If you link to the National Kidney Foundation website, www.kidney.org, there is a link for free screening tests. This means there is absolutely no reason not to be tested. It's free!
I urge everyone to be checked for kidney disease. It only requires a simple blood and urine test. Chronic kidney disease can be treated and is manageable. Don't allow it to proceed to kidney failure. The following facts are courtesy of the National Kidney Foundation.
The Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
26 million Americans have CKD and another 20 million more are at increased risk.
Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure.
Heart disease is the major cause of death for all people with CKD.
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best estimate of kidney function.
Hypertension causes CKD and CKD causes hypertension.
Persistent proteinuria means CKD.
High risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension and family history of kidney disease.
African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and Seniors are at increased risk.
Three simple tests can detect CKD: blood pressure, urine albumin and serum creatinine.
More than 500 million persons worldwide - 10% of the adult population - have some form of kidney damage, and every year millions die prematurely of cardiovascular diseases linked to CKD.
Globally the most common causes of CKD have been nephrotic or inflammatory diseases of the kidney, infections, obstruction in the urinary tract and inherited disorders like polycystic kidney disease. This is changing in both developed and developing nations towards diabetes and hypertension, which are also the most common causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
If you link to the National Kidney Foundation website, www.kidney.org, there is a link for free screening tests. This means there is absolutely no reason not to be tested. It's free!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Love Scar, 5 months post-op
Sorry, it is a little dark but I think it looks like it is healing nicely and maybe fading a little!H.R. 6331 in the House of Representatives today
I received an email yesterday from the American Medical Association. I am pasting it below. It relates to stopping the cuts in Medicare to patients and providers. This is extremely important for people who have received a transplant and are not able to go back to work immediately. Please sign up with the AMA to stay informed of this action. Also, take action with your local representatives!!
Dear Kelly:
As we mentioned in our last Medicare update, “the Medicare issue is still very much alive, but the situation will remain fluid and potentially change quickly.” Well, that prediction is coming true!
The U.S. House of Representatives plans to take up a bill tomorrow—on Tuesday, June 24—to stop the Medicare cuts that are coming on July 1.
Please call Representative Tiberi NOW and urge a YES vote on H.R. 6331, the “Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008.” Use our hotline at (888) 434-6200.
There is not enough time for e-mails—phone calls are the only way to make your voice heard in time!
If you’ve never called a congressional office before, check out our guide to “Communicating with Congress.” To see how the cuts will impact patients and physicians in your state, click here and pull down your state.
Thank you for your tireless work on this issue. Your participation in the Patients Action Network is very important and deeply appreciated!
Dear Kelly:
As we mentioned in our last Medicare update, “the Medicare issue is still very much alive, but the situation will remain fluid and potentially change quickly.” Well, that prediction is coming true!
The U.S. House of Representatives plans to take up a bill tomorrow—on Tuesday, June 24—to stop the Medicare cuts that are coming on July 1.
Please call Representative Tiberi NOW and urge a YES vote on H.R. 6331, the “Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008.” Use our hotline at (888) 434-6200.
There is not enough time for e-mails—phone calls are the only way to make your voice heard in time!
If you’ve never called a congressional office before, check out our guide to “Communicating with Congress.” To see how the cuts will impact patients and physicians in your state, click here and pull down your state.
Thank you for your tireless work on this issue. Your participation in the Patients Action Network is very important and deeply appreciated!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Feeling Fearful
As my 37th birthday quickly approaches, I am feeling a little frightened. It seems that so many friends close to my age are having serious health problems.
For instance, last year, Greg was diagnosed with end stage renal failure at the age of 41, my friend Fred had a serious heart attack at age 42, Amy, 35, had a scare with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and my friend Scott's wife died in her early 30's. In December, my Aunt Joyce died from cancer, she had lung cancer and a brain tumor. She was in her 60's, smoked all of her life and had been ill for sometime so this wasn't really unexpected.
I recently got news that Scott (mentioned in above paragraph) now has a brain tumor the size of a golf ball. He is 39. The tumor caused him to have a stroke and he was hospitalized for 5 days with little memory of that time. He was scheduled to have brain surgery on June 16 but his surgeon has decided to try a different procedure tomorrow morning. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
One other note, Amy and Scott are smokers. I have been begging them to stop. Are a few cigarettes really worth the horrible health problems they cause? Are they worth your life? So to them and any other smokers, PLEASE STOP SMOKING!!!
For instance, last year, Greg was diagnosed with end stage renal failure at the age of 41, my friend Fred had a serious heart attack at age 42, Amy, 35, had a scare with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and my friend Scott's wife died in her early 30's. In December, my Aunt Joyce died from cancer, she had lung cancer and a brain tumor. She was in her 60's, smoked all of her life and had been ill for sometime so this wasn't really unexpected.
I recently got news that Scott (mentioned in above paragraph) now has a brain tumor the size of a golf ball. He is 39. The tumor caused him to have a stroke and he was hospitalized for 5 days with little memory of that time. He was scheduled to have brain surgery on June 16 but his surgeon has decided to try a different procedure tomorrow morning. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
One other note, Amy and Scott are smokers. I have been begging them to stop. Are a few cigarettes really worth the horrible health problems they cause? Are they worth your life? So to them and any other smokers, PLEASE STOP SMOKING!!!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Greg's Lab results for today
Greg's labs for today are as follows:
Creatinine- 1.8
BUN- 19
Glucose- 96
His white blood count is 3.2 and is slowly increasing. This is a good sign.
I am having issues with the "Love Scar." It has been itching like crazy for the past couple of weeks. I have been moisturizing like a mad woman but it still itches! The last time it was itching this much was during the first month or so after surgery then it stopped. If anyone has ideas that will keep me from scratching, I would be forever greatful! I have tried hydrocortisone cream, lots of lotion, including cocoa butter and am still using Mederma. If any of you happen to visit me at work and see me rubbing at my left side, you'll know why : )
I am moving this coming weekend. I have the Uhaul reserved now I just need to recruit some friends to help! Friends, let me know if you can help me! I will supply snacks and some beverages if necessary for bribery.
Creatinine- 1.8
BUN- 19
Glucose- 96
His white blood count is 3.2 and is slowly increasing. This is a good sign.
I am having issues with the "Love Scar." It has been itching like crazy for the past couple of weeks. I have been moisturizing like a mad woman but it still itches! The last time it was itching this much was during the first month or so after surgery then it stopped. If anyone has ideas that will keep me from scratching, I would be forever greatful! I have tried hydrocortisone cream, lots of lotion, including cocoa butter and am still using Mederma. If any of you happen to visit me at work and see me rubbing at my left side, you'll know why : )
I am moving this coming weekend. I have the Uhaul reserved now I just need to recruit some friends to help! Friends, let me know if you can help me! I will supply snacks and some beverages if necessary for bribery.
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