Tuesday, July 26, 2011

This is my 6th hemodialysis treatment. First, i was there on time, actually fifteen minutes early. I went through the usual rital, (my weight and vitals were taken). The nurse does the prepping to connect me to the dialyzer. I am now on my way, i was eating some ice chips, when i began to cough, uncontrollably, it became a bother, when i would cough, it would disturb the blood flow of the treatment. Finally, after the nurse had to come over four times to tend to those alarms, she decided to administer some benadryl, to help with the coughing. Getting this benadryl, i got very sleepy, and of course the coughing stop cold turkey. Then about fifteen minutes after getting the benadryl, i became nauseated, and of course, yes, you guess it, i began to vomit. I had warned the nurse and tech, that i was feeling very nauseated, and they took forever to bring me a barf bag to relieve myself, but of course, i ended up throwing up all over my blanket, and into my purse, in which it was stationed on the side of my chair (because of possible thieves at the unit), and guess what, i threw up my dinner from the night before (spaghetti and meat balls), all that came up. I am very concerned about this, and i hope it doesn't have anything to do with this darn umblicical hernia and my bout with recent bowl obstruction. Well i am feeling better. The dietitian comes over to me, to discuss a certain lab result, that gives her much concern. It is my PTH levels, that is rapidly rising to the 1,000 mark. Now, mind you, when i was previously on hemo, during my prior ten year run, i did have very serious issues with my PTH level, i was told that if i keep my phosphorus levels in normal range, it would help to keep the PTH tamed, but that was not the case, my PTH was continuing to rise, and at the time, i was being followed by the unit nephrologist, and all he was doing was re adjusting my rocatrol (vitamin D)med, like rotating to every other day at times, or just take it M-F, or double up on the weekends, and this was not showing any improvement, until by the Grace of God, Kaiser decided to have their nephrolgist follow the kaiser patients, and that was a God send thing to happen, because right after being assigned to this neph, he immediately had a very serious concern for my PTH levels, and he asked why haven't i had my glands removed. And of course, i didn't have an answer for him, as i was being followed by the unit neph, whom i thought knew what he was doing, and that he could eventually remedy this high PTH issue. Well, to make a long story short, the new kaiser neph, scheduled to have my glands removed immediately, and i never had any issues with my PTH rising ever since, now returning to hemo, my PTH is rapidly rising go figure! my phosphorus is in normal range, as well as my Calcium, so what gives. I need to research this further, to find out if my diet on hemo, has changed somewhat, and that this maybe causing my PTH to begin to rise., because i sure do not want to have my glands removed again, and that is mainly because having this surgical procedure, the calcium can drastically plummet, and this is what i experienced back in 1999. Well, that is it for my blogging today. take care and until next blog, all the best to my bloggers.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Hi All, I am now on my 5th hemodialysis treatment. All is going well, i got up on time, and was there ten minutes early to be exact. I went in, and was instructed to take my weight and then sat at station 3. The nurse comes over to start the preparation of the catherer hookup. I came in at 51.8, so it was decided that 3 would be taken off. Everything went well that day. I didn't have any bleeding from my catherer, like the previous incidences after treatment. I went home, and ate lunch, a chef salad, and then i took a nap for about two hours. later on that evening, we planned to go to the State Fair. We were on our way to State Fair, arrived, but were finding it difficult to find handicapped parking. After about three drives around the parking lot, my husband finally spots a handicapped spot, not too far from the entrance of the park. how lucky was that, i ask you. We went into the park, and i saw a fellow dialysis pts. from my unit there. We conversated for a few minutes, and i said to him, i am glad to see a dialysis pts. like myself, still enjoying life and having fun, inspite of this dialysis life that we have to cope with, and he nodded, yeah, i wasn't going to miss seeing War, and in which this was the very same reason why i wanted to go to the state fair. I said i hope you have a great time today, and he said the same in return. That was so sweet, that truly made my day, to see a fellow dialysis pt., at the state fair as well. After entering the fair, we got something to eat, and i chose a basket of plain fries, (for one thing, my potassium was on the low end of norm, so i didn't have any concerns with high potassium levels, so the fries, were fine), though i did try one of my husbands chicken nuggets, because they looked so good, and of course, one wouldn't kill me right? and of course, i had the homemade lemonade, which was very refreshing, but i didn't over indulge on the fluid intake. After we finished eating, we walked around, and decided to go over to the art exhibit, which housed a quilt exhibit, weird and odd art, (in my opinion),(not knowing what it is, you know that kind of art), there was this one art piece, that appeared to be the belly of a whale, made from metal, and it had an unique feature, though it appeared to be the belly of the whale, it was also shaped like a gazebo inside, you can actually sit on the metal like benches inside. I also visit, the hall of fame exhibit, rock & roll - featuring memorabilia from elvis pressely colection, the beattles, kiss, (in which there was this black tall high wedge boots, with stars on them, that my husband thought might belong to George Clinton, (who is his idol of course), but it wasn't it was for the kiss group. They also had a display with michael jackson's gloves, and his famous red beat it jacket. We saw a hypnosis act, prior to the War concert. Checking out inventions, jewelry counters and finally it is time for the concert, so we all gathered to get a great viewing spot to see the show, but when we got there, there was only standing room left, but where we were standing we could see the show, just fine, and plus there were large viewing monitors on either side of the stage. It was a great concert, playing all the sounds we grew up on. So many fans, just like ourselves there. My husband striked up a conversation with a devoted fan, he happen to be latin descent. They were conversating so much and so loud, that other guys began to chime in, sharing all their reminiscing times, about the weed (you know, blunts, joints, reefer, whatever)infested concerts, it was always there, my husband replied, some were talking about the concerts in Long Beach, another guy talked about the concert in the late 70's in Detroit, and there was one that even talked about a concert he remembered in New York. The conversation kept going on and on, there were times when one would take a break and get a cup of beer. While they were having their reminiscing conversation, i continued to groove to all the tunes, but i was a little disapointed that they didn't play my favorite song, "Where was you at", i truly wanted to hear that song, of course, i enjoyed hearing such hits as cisco kid, me & baby brother, and why can't we be friends, slipping into darkness, and don't let know one get you down, just to name a few, i did enjoy the concert, so my evening after dialysis today, was quite enjoyable. As i was going home, i was thinking about that fellow dialysis pt. that i bumped into at the fair, and i think, why can't we dialysis pt. live a somewhat productive life, this i have realized the second time around (my return to hemo, you know). I was thinking when i first started dialysis way back in 1990, i was so skeptical about even trying to have any fun, i was so scared to go out anyway in public, i was so paranoid, thinking that if i were to go out, that i may get sick while i was out, but i soon got over being paranoid, and began to live my life, and most importantly enjoy my life, inspite of dialysis. Well that is it for my blogging today. take care and all the best to my bloggers, and i hope that all dialysis pts. continue to enjoy their lives to the utmost, don't let dialysis control your life. Glo

Friday, July 22, 2011 - My In between Hemo Day

Hi All, I didn't think i would have anything to blog about today, especially it being my off day of hemo, most the drama happens, when i am at the unit, but anyway, i had to write about my day today. Like Ice Cube would say in one of his songs - "It was a good ole day", and yes it was, first, i awaken feeling a little bit down on myself, you know coping with my return to hemo, and that hideous catherer accessory that i am forced to sport around (lol). I tuned into the view, in which i truly religously watch on the regular, and they had quite a show today. It was one of those where are they now? shows, and it featured the Monkees, remember the Monkees, i use to love to watch this sitcom in the late 60's. It brought back so many memories, i think i was about 10 or 11 at that time, and just like i religiously watch the view, i did the same with the Monkee sitcom. I think i still remember, all their songs.and all of the stars of the show (Michael, Mickey, Davy, & Peter), ain't that something, I think i liked the Monkees, better than i liked the beattles, go figure! though i do like all the beattles cuts. After being entertained by the Monkees, i started my productive day. First, i went on facebook to check my message on the Nat'l Kidney Foundation Forum, and to answer as many as i can. I also check my contact the author messages on my publishers website. I spent a couple of hours, (off and on), on that. Now, i am going to go to my craft/library room upstairs, and work on my craft project for awhile, this does give me much serenity. I will work on a few homemade birthday cards, and also a plastic canvas project that i had been working on for awhile, that i put on hold, when i first had to return to hemo. Well, i am back to doing what makes me happy, crafting. Right now, i am getting ready to go to my favorite store (Michael's) to see what they have new and to also get some crafting supplies of such. Well, that is it for my blogging for now, take care and all the best to my bloggers, and i hope everyone has an enjoyable and relaxing weekend. Glo

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Hi All, My morning didn't start off so good, for some reason my alarm didn't go off, so i was about 1/2 hour late for my hemo treatment. I phoned the unit, to tell them i would be late and why, but no one answered the phone, i called three times, so i just went about getting ready to go to the unit. I arrived about a 1/2 hour late for my appointment, and i was so ashamed, i told my husband and daughter to go in first, and then my husband explained to the nurse manager the reason for my late arrival. She really didn't respond, all she told me was to take my weight and go to station 3. As she began to setup my treatment summary, i was told my treatment session would be for 2 1/2 hours, instead of the usual 3 hr. 15 min. session. I signed the get off early form to go foward with today's treatment. After all the usual protocol to get prepared, it was time to rock and roll. Treatment began, i was waiting patiently for someone to come over and ask me what happen and why i was late, but no one approached me, and i guess it was because of what i observed at station 1 - no show patient - and as i was having treatment, a tech and nurse were conversating around me, and talking about the station 1 patient - saying that a tech saw her enter the parking lot, and she was about ten minutes early, when she arrived in the parking lot, but as the tech continued to look at her, she didn't get out of the car and just drove off, with no explanation whatsoever, go figure! i truly would like to know what is her excuse for not coming in, because it was apparent that she wasn't late at all, as that was my excuse. I am still feeling so ashamed, (i was so chicken, i didn't want to look any of the techs or nurses in the eye), i think it need to purchase a new alarm clock, as i have had this for some time, i purchased it sometime ago in Long Beach, i guess it was on its last leg. about two hours after the hemo treatment began, my neph and case manager came over - it was time for my monthly checkup, this felt so weird to me, because a month ago, i had just seen my neph in the PD department. We discuss the incidence first,that happen last Saturday, and then we went on to what is planned to transpire in the next few weeks, you know regarinding the repair of my umblicial hernia and removing a kidney at the same time. However, there was a neurologist appt. scheduled for Augus 5, this can't happen soon enough for me,(in my book), as i am not enjoying hemodialysis with a temp cath, one bit. I told my neph, that i can't wait to return to PD.(he just responded with a little chuckle). He also discuss how my labs have differ since beginning Hemo, for instance my phosphorus was a little elevated - 5.7 - and just recently my phosphorus was always in normal range on PD. However, i did tell him, that i think it is because, when i was on PD, i only took five renagel, and now on hemo, i will probably have to go back to taking six renagel, like i was previously on hemo for ten years, go figure! It is obvious i won't be following my renal diet on hemo, like i did on PD. The renal diet does vary with hemo and PD, with some similarities, that is why i labeled this diet early on in my hemo life, a very complex diet to follow. I share this in my first book, (and it bares repeating) as well as my second book. This is the main reason why most dialysis pts. have issues with managing good health with this diet, so many restrictions of what to eat, what not to eat, and what to be eaten in moderation, a person can go in sane. Following this diet for well over two decades, it has truly become second nature to me, yet i am still human, and i can slip from time to time, because i just can't give up certain things, such as cheese, i truly adore, what can i say, i try my best to eat it in moderation and to try to cook with the lowest and moderate cheeses, when i cook dishes with cheese, especially mac and cheese, (where i have tried my best to make it as renal friendly as possible). Oh, i almost forgot, i got several compliments on my tube top. How about that, still looking stylish and trendy, inspite of having to sport that catherer accessory (lol) As always, until next blog, i wish all my bloggers all the best. Stay healthy and compliant. Glo

off day - from hemo - Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Hi all, as this is one of my in between treatment days or (off day), i didn't think i would blog today, but anyway, i felt compelled to right about today. Tuesday when i had treatment, my nurse was having the most difficult time with my blouse and getting to the catherer, i had to practically take the blouse off, so i got to thinking today, what about a tube top, and yes, a tube top would truly work with getting to my catherer. My daughter and I went shopping at our Neighborhood Mall and i was astonished at the variety of tube tops to choose from, (the array of colors and styles), and i can still stay in style (lol), as i was going to just get some plain colored tube tops, but i ended up with a beautiful lace one, even one that had zipping detail in front, and also a stretch ruffle one, so now i am set and ready for tommorrow to show off my gorgeous tube tops. Well today turn out to be very productive for me, though i didn't mention, that because of the catherer, i woke up with edema in my face, neck and my arms. Although i was warned by the surgeon, that because of all my previous access problems during my ten year run with hemo, i will have edema issue during this temporary saga, well it may not be so bad, because i would only have to endure this edema for a few months, as when i endured it back in my old hemo days, this edema issue went on for over two years, but this time, since i am sort of a pro at all this edema, i will examine religously how much fluid i consume, especially on the weekend (two days of fluid monitoring), and this will help to calculate the amount of fluid vs. the visible edema, and how much fluid to take off. I truly don't want this edema issue to result to the development of congestive heart failure, in which i did develop, during my previous ten year hemo run. So much drama, right! my sentiments exactly, but i will triumph just the same, with my faith and belief in him, i will get through this temporary hemo saga. I can't wait to return to PD. I must continue to practice PD, so that i won't become rusty with PD manual or cycler exchanges. Well, that is it for now, got to go to bed now, because i have a 5:30 AM treatment session, in which i truly dread already, it is just way too early for me, oh well, i will make the sacrifice, that is what this dialysis world is all about, (changes and sacrifices). Until next blog, Have a great day! and i hope all you hemo patients have a very smooth and relaxing treatment day, like i hope i do as well Glo

My return to hemo continues - Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Hi All, I know you maybe anxious to hear how my day went today, especially since what transpired on my second return to hemo, on Saturday, July 16, 2011. Well first after speaking to my neph Dr. Ahmad and also the case manager - Ray about what transpired on Saturday, July 16, 2011. Ray ask, if the set schedule for my treatment, could have conflicting issues. i replied with yes, well it is not conflicting for me the patient, but for my family, who are accomdating me and compromising their schedules, in order for me to be able to get to the unit for my hemodialysis treatment. I love them so much for all they sacrifice (my husband's work schedule, as well as my daughter's school and work schedule). Well back to the topic at hand, after talking to ray, he had Tina (unit cordinator), call me, first she was gracious enough to apologize for the incident that happen last Saturday, (by now you know the date, so i shouldn't have to repeat the date anymore, right!) She ask me if 5:30 AM - T TH Sat, would be a more feasible schedule, and of course, that would help a great deal in not conflicting my husband and daugher's schedule any further. So, i agree to the new time, however, i got to thinking after i gave my OK, and said, how in the world, am i going to be able to comply to this schedule on a regular basis. Getting up early three days a week, (well at least two days a week and one day on the weekend), Tuesday morning on my lst day of my new schedule, i was awaken by my husband, (who truly never have any issues with getting up early), so i did rely on him to wake me up. It is 4:45 am and i was in such a daze, i setup in bed for about five minutes, struggling to get the cobwebs out of my head, and finally i am fully awake. Did the usual, godliness and i got dressed and gather up my what i call my dialysis gear (my blanket, e-book, word search booklet, unsalted crackers (if needed for a snack) and of coure, my coat (because of the chilly weather in the morning) yeah it is summer, but it is always chilly in the early morning and of course my purse. I am now on my way to the unit, i arrive at about 5:15 AM. This early in the morning, they do keep the front door of the unit open, but i do notice that when i was on the third shift, the door is always closed, and you have to inform the receptionist that you are hear, and then that is when you are called in by the tech or nurse assigned to you. First my weight is taken, and i am pretty pleased with the outcome, i went home over the weekend at 50.6 and i returned after the weekend (which is the test, to see if i had went overboard with my fluid intake for two days). My reading was 52.6, so i had only put on 2.0 kg, so that was truly good for the weekend. I was assigned to a seat this time up front, and this time, i was so happy to see some familiar faces from my ole' hemo days. They were happy to see me all the same. While going through the vitals and then the nurse doing the usual preparation to connect me to the dialyzer and the tech showing me the little white tab, to give my OK that it was clear, it is now time to rock and roll. While watching Good Morning America, the nurse manager Tina,comes over, and she first ask, how is the new schedule working out for you. I replied it is great, thank you so much for putting me on the first schedule, it works out great with my husband and daughter's schedule. She then brings up the incidence from Saturday once again. I simply said, these things happen, and i am sorry that i had to seek medical attention at Kaiser, because it seem like they felt this whole situation should have been avoided, because of the fact, that a nurse doesn't close your unit on Saturday. I told Tina, The nurse at Kaiser stated, you never know when you will have an incidence like this, or anything emergency wise, that could occur as a result of hemo treatment. And then after listening to me, she replies with i am glad that the situation was remedied and i hope you have a smooth treatment session and that this doesn't occur again. About an hour into my treatment, one of the fellow pts. across from me, had her grandson come over to me, and i was truly wondering why he was approaching me, he said hi and that his grandmother remembers me from a long time ago on hemo, well anyway, my grandmother is concerned about you placing your purse down on the floor on the side of your chair, because there has been very serious stealing in the unit, like she mentioned one of the pts. had a very expensive camera stolen from him, while he was sleeping. She even told me that it wouldn't even be safe, stationed right by me in the chair, she told me to place it at the back shelf behind my chair, because even if the purse is by your side in the chair, if you happen to fall to sleep, it can be stolen just like that, in a matter of seconds. So, i told her i think it will be find by my side, as i don't intend to fall to sleep. And of course i didn't, i watched the entire segment of GMA, and then proceeded to do some of my word search booklet and also read one of my books on my nook. Soon, i only had about ten minutes left for my treatment to end. My husband arrived and then it was time to disconnect me. The nurse did the usual disconnecting and changing the dressing as well. I then packed everything up and did the usual weight, and it was 50.7, Steven ( i don't need to keep saying husband right!) and I left and as i was getting into the car, i felt a wet feeling once again, and notice sho nuff, that i was bleeding, this time i was still at the unit, so i immediately went back in the unit, and the nurse promptly tells me to have a sit and she began applying pressure to the bleeding area for about five minutes, she then instructs me to hold it further, i guess she didn't really have the time to just sit there and hold pressure to my chest. Of course, i couldn't hold it with my left hand, as i do have RA, so i used my right hand, but it was a little bit awkward, boy! is my left hand missed, because my right hand is just so helpless, i don't think i will ever be able to use my right hand, like i relied on my left hand in the past, (trying to put cologne on this morning, was most difficult, i had to use my teeth to open up the bottle, go figure!), yes i couldn't hold the bottle in my left hand as usual and use my right hand to unscrew the top. oh well, i will do my best to hold it with as much pressure as i can. Steven then walks over to see what was up with all this, and i told him i am just holding pressure to my catherer area. My hand began to cramp, and i told Steven and then he masked and glove up and took over the holding pressure to the site. The nurse then comes back over and then she tells Steven to remove the gauze, to see if the bleeding had stopped, so she examined it very closely, to see exactly where the bleeding was coming from, and it was discovered that the bleeding was coming from the hole of the incision, she then says i know exactly why you are having all this bleeding, it is because of the amount of heparin that you are administered during the hemo treatment, to keep your blood from clotting and causing problems in the dialyzer. You see you have to have heparin to thinning the blood, so that the treatment can run smoothly and the blood flow rate is a good level. So, after talking to my nephrologist, he informed her to only give me heparin for an hour into the treatment, and that should remedy this bleeding issue. So, we will see, when i have my next scheduled treatment on Thursday, if this will truly be the solution, and if not, and this occurs again, it maybe an issue where the surgery, would have to examine the catherer, and determine if further surgery needs to be done to repair this problem. I am finally on my way home and it seems that everything is OK. I ate my lunch and took my usual NAP to rejuvenate after a 3 1/2 hemo treatment, cleaning my blood (removing the toxins and excess fluid) from my body, you need to rejuvenate, so the blood can began to circulate at normal capacity. After about a 2 hour NAP, i felt pretty OK and the catherer site seem fine also (no bleeding). Well, that is it for now, until my next blog after my next hemo treatment, to see if this less heparin thing is going to work, i will keep you posted on the outcome. Take care and all the best to my bloggers, stay healthy and compliant. Glo

2nd Hemo Treatment - Saturday, July 16, 2011 - And the saga continues

Hi All,
My 2nd temporary (notice i said temp) hemodialysis treatment. I was told on the last treatment session on Thursday, to be at the unit at 3:45 PM. Well I arrived on time, but when i entered the unit, my usual vitals were taken, the tech assigned to me, began to setup my time for treatment, and then informed me that my treatment would be cut by 15 minutes, because i was late. I wasn't late, i was told by the nurse in charge to be here by 3:45 PM. Well he then said in a very smart tone, you need to be here 15 minutes before your actual treatment time. I remark to him, i wasn't aware of this, had i known about this, i would have been fifteen minutes early. I was here for my first day way ahead of time, and of course, you guys were still behind schedule putting me on, on time. After that, he didn't say anymore. Later, he felt the need to explain to me why this rule is in place, saying something like there are four other people besides yourself that have catherers and we don't have but one nurse today, because i don't have the authority to do catherers, i can only do the vitals and setup the dialyzer for the patient. Now, i guess he really doesn't know much about me, because everything that he shared with me, was just wasted breath. Being previously on hemo for ten years, i should know by now, all these scenarios, about who can and can not do whatever in the unit. I just sat there, and let him have his moment in the sun. I must pat myself on the back,(i would have been quite a actor), right! because i just responded with oh yeah, is that right! Now, on with the nurse connecting me to the dialyzer. This time i was better prepared, i had my headphones, (in which i purchased some inexpensive ones at the 99 cent store). I also brought my nook, to read one of my books, and also a word search, just in case, i got bored reading. Although i had all this to keep me busy and entertained, i was still a little pissed off, with this schedule issue. As i was taking another glimpse around the room, i was noticing there were just like the tech said, i notice the four other patients, who were also sporting matching catherers, like myself (lol). So on with the treatment, i got through the entire treatment without any alarms going off, or any cramping or b/p plummeting, it appeared to be an awesome treatment day for me. The nurse came over after ten minutes of my dialyzer alarming that the treatment was over, the red light above just blinking away, (like a slot machine that just hit the jackpot). Finally she comes over and begans to disconnect me and do the usual bandaging of the dressing. My daughter arrived to drive me home, and we were on our way. We first stopped by the bank to make a withdrawal, then on to home. I arrived at home, and went inside and as i was walking up the stairs, my blouse began to feel a little wet, and then i looked down and my blouse was saturated with blood. That is when i had my daughter call the unit, and of course, no one answered right away, and then after the six ring, the tech that was assigned to me, answered, and told my daughter that he was the only one left there to close and the nurse had gone home, so he told us to call 911, but instead i applied pressure to my chest and also put a towel over the catherer as well. My husband panic, when he saw all that blood on my blouse, so he immediately ran out of the house with me, and i noticed he didn't have a shirt on, so he ask my daughter to get one for him, and we were on our way to ER in Vacaville. We arrived after fifteen minutes, and as soon as we got into the lobby of the ER, my daughter promptly yelled out, my mom is bleeding, and of course, this clerk or nurse, whatever he was, just told her to wheel me to the lobby, because he was busy taking care of this other patients registration business of such, (he appeared to me,to not be in any pain or discomfort, whatsoever), oh well, that clerk or nurse, was so nonchalant about my situtation. As i was sitting in the wheelchair, a lady notice that i was bleeding heavy, and she told me to go ahead of her, although she was also in a wheelchair as well. Well, the drama begins, my husband enters and notice that i am sitting in the lobby, of course, you can guess what was his reaction was, Why are you sitting here?,((in a very panic tone), just bleeding, did you inform him that you are bleeding. Yes i did, i replied. so of course, my husband then goes to the desk, and inquires as to why it is taking so long. He also remarks (with one of his many military stories), (lol) when i was in the military for 20 years, i was told that if you are not breathing or you are bleeding, those situations take presidence over any other ER case, and should get immediate attention. The clerk just ignored him. I had to attempt to get my husband to calm down. I gave him my puppy dog eyes, and said don't fret! everything is under control, he is helping to stop the bleeding, so please baby, go have a sit, OK. I know he was ferious, but he complied all the same. After the nurse did the usual take my usual hospital info, he told me to go to the fourth door and wait in front, and someone will be out shortly to get me. And yes, the nurse was there in about 2 minutes. They immediately took me in, when they saw my blouse saturated with blood. The nurse then attempted to open my blouse and indicate where the bleeding is coming from. She then said, we got to get this area cleaned, because this is the perfect breathing ground for bacteria to develop, and i know these catherers have to be protected from potential infection. She then began to clean the area with betadine and made sure that the bleeding had stopped. My blood was very thin from the heparin, so it was running like water. So she said we don't have this kind of dressing,so she put a dressing on, that has the ability to hold the catherer very firmly, more so than that inexpensive crap that they used at the unit. Now, as the nurse was bandaging my catherer, she said to me, your unit couldn't remedy this situation for you, and of course, i replied with, the tech was the only person left there to close the unit, so he couldn't help me. The nurse,shooked her head, and said, that is not a good thing, especially on the weekend, they should have a nurse there to close on the weekend, in case of an emergency, and of course, i agreed with her, but she said if you have any further bleeding, just come straight to ER. She told me to sit for a few minutes, to make sure the bleeding had truly subsided. As i was leaving, she was so nice, she gave me a bottle of perioxide (i hope i spelled that right),so that i can remove the blood from my blouse. My husband still fussing and ranting about all the unit and their unprofessionalism, said first thing Monday morning he is going to call my neph, Dr. Ahmad, and inform him of this, and also inquire about being reimbursed by Davita for this very unnecessary ER co-pay, because after all it wasn't my fault, the nurse just didn't secure my catherer, she was in such a hurry to go home, just rushing me out of the unit, their demeanor was so different from my first treatment on thursday, i guess having to work the start of the weekend, they want to have at least the rest of the first day of the weekend to enjoy, go figure! You still need to take your time, regardless, because a pt's health and well being is very importantly, if you are going to work in this kind of facility. Having a job like this, you have to have much compassion for the patient, it is just not a job, it is a mandatory requirement in my book. Well, this day was beginning on a sour note, with all this schedule shit (excuse my french), i guess you can tell i am still a little pissed about all this. it is a given, (why i feel the way i do at this moment), i am a cool and very pleasant soul most of the time. After saying my treatment went very well, and for the evening to end this way, i just will look forward to tommorrow being a more pleasant, enjoyable and relaxing day. I will just pray in church tommorrow, and pray that i can get through this temporary dialysis, without anymore drama or issues of such. So that is it for my very serious, and i mean serious blogging for today. Until next blog, i wish all my bloggers all the best and i hope no hemodialysis pts. has to endure what i had to today, ever. take care Glo

Returning to Hemo Temporary - thursday, July 14, 2011

Hi All, Returning to Hemo wednesday, July 14, 2011, should have been like de ja vu, but for some strange reason, i was experiencing so much anxiety, having to face going back to Hemo, three days a week. First, i wasn't too pleased with my schedule, as i guess that is the only spot they had open at this time. My schedule is for T, TH, Sat - at 3:45 PM, 3 hours 15 minute treatment session. I think back to my hemo days, of when i would have a M, W, Fri, schedule and i only was on the dialyzer for 2 1/2 hours. I guess with a catherer and my flow only being tolerable at 350, the treatment is run a little slower, than in the past. Well, getting back to the scenarios that surround my first day back on hemo. I arrived at 3:15 PM, and of course, when i walked into the waiting room, the first person i see is my PD nurse Susan, it is always nice to see her, but not under these circumstances, so i wasn't as pleasant as i usually am. A little bitter about all these changes at the moment, i guess i will adjust soon enough. Seems nothing has changed, i discovered they were a little behind schedule, so i had to wait for about 1/2 hour, before i was called in. Finally i am called in, and i have to do the usual protocol, sign some papers, to give my permission to have hemo treatment. I wasn't bombarded with so many papers to sign, like before, when i first started my initial hemo treatment back in 1990, and this was due to the fact, that i was already a PD patient at the unit, so many of the paperwork was already in place. The tech introduced himself, and escorted me to the back of the unit, actually by the back door, (that the staff leave from after their shifts are over). Well, anyway, he took the usual vitals (b/p standing & sitting, and temp), and they were pretty normal, so i was very pleased with this. While he was preparing the dialyzer, the nurse comes over, and introduce herself as well, and then she ask a few questions, like when was this catherer put in, and as she attempt to look at it, she notices the dry blood visible through the bandage, and then she notice the dressing, and informs me that they don't have that kind of gel dressing, so they used their kind of dressing instead. She then notices that my daughter has accompanied me in the unit, and told her that she will need to have a mask and lab coat covering on, during the preparation of connecting my catherer to the dialyzer. I was given a mask as well, and then the nurse proceeded. She only took about ten minutes to connect me, and then the tech does the usual protcol, (that i know all too well), it was though i never truly forgotten all this, he shows me the little white tab, to get the OK from me on whether or not it is clear or not, and that indicates it is time to rock and roll. Before starting,(i guess by me being an expert so to speak for my many years of hemo history), they ask me for the first time, how much do i desire to be taken off, and because i know my body all too well, i told them no more than two (the amount of fluid to take off), because i heard them both discussing taking off 3 or 3/1/2, and that is when they referred to me, and ask me, i was so flattered, because this is the first time in history that the tech or nurse has ask me what amount i desire for them to take off. Now the treatment begans, i took a quick glimpse around the unit, and i didn't see any staff member or patient for that matter, that i recognized from my past hemo days. However, i did see a tech (Amy), who had just returned from her break. I chatted with her for a minute, it was great to see one staff member from my glory days of hemo. Of course, hemo can be quite boring, if you don't have a plan in place, on what to do about boredom. There was a TV for viewing, but i didn't have any headphones, and wasn't told that i needed them to watch the TV. I remember, the old unit that they were at before, where you didn't need headphones to watch the TV, as there weren't individual TV sets, like they are now. We would view TV, that were stationed high in the ceiling. Well anyway, while having treatment, i was chatting with my daughter for awhile, and then the nurse returns and begans to chat with me, asking how long i had been on dialysis, and then my daughter proudly chimes in, and says my mom has published two books about her life on dialysis, and the nurse was then astonished by this, and then she ask where can she purchase my books, and i told her she can purchase them directly from my publisher or she can just go online to amazon.com, and order that way. I brought my word search book with me, and the trip thing about this, is that i had just got about three more copies, from my subscription, and when i started PD, back in 2000, i just put them up on a shelf in my library room upstairs, and hadn't looked at them since, now a decade later, having to return back to hemo, i took them off the shelf, and now back to doing word search while i am on the machine, and yes, this felt like dejavu once again. The Saga continues - i am now getting restless, i have about 45 minutes before my treatment session is over. My husband arrives, because it is time for my daughter to leave for her evening class. With only 4 minutes to go, i suddenly get a cramp in the lower left leg,(and then i say to myself, "Welcome Back To Hemo, Glo) but it got so excruiating, that it alarmed the tech and he immediately comes over to give me some relieve, he said you only have a few minutes left, so i will turn off your UF, and then i was feeling better, the cramp was miraculously gone in seconds, but the tech did commend me, on calling it almost to a T - (you know only take 2 off), in his book that was a perfect estimate of how much fluid to remove. The nurse at the moment is a little pre occupied with another patient's disconnecting her catherer. Finally after about 15 minutes, she comes over to me, and begans to disconnect me as well. The only advantage about having a catherer for hemo, is that there is no bleeding time necessary, and i know all too well in the past, how long it takes for me to stop bleeding, as there was times when i would appear to stop bleeding and the sucker starts to bleed as soon as i start to drive home, and of course, i have to immediately apply pressure to the site, to help it stop bleeding, but like i said, i don't have this worry anymore. Hallejah! i am now on my way home. Need to eat first, because i am starving like marving, and then i will take my usual two hour nap to rejuvenate. Well, that is all for the first episode of Gloria Returning to Hemo (but remember, it is only temporary). I should be returning to PD in about six weeks or so, can't wait, because i don't particulary like dealing with hemo on these terms, having to practially sit real still, because of the sensitivity of having this catherer. Enduring this catherer, ain't no joke, the potentialy risk of an infection developing, and all the stigma of retrictions place on this catherer, can't take a shower, bird baths (i truly despised) and the can't drive or sit up right, you have to lie down practically all the time, all well, it is only temporary, right! Until the next blog, take care and all the best to you guys, stay well and compliant. Glo

Surgery Preparation Today - Temp Cath Insert - he Dialysis Saga Continues

HI All,

So much drama in my dialysis life lately. Now, as you all now, i was recently hospitalized, and today is my set date for surgery. My neph didn't waste anytime squeezing me into the surgery schedule, but i am greatful, that i will soon have this dreadful umblicial hernia repaired, but for now, i am having a temp cath put in place for temporary hemodialysis treatment. It is about 9:00 AM and i just finished my PD nightly cycler treatment, all went well. All the protocol after disconnecting from the cycler has been done and i have taken care of the next best thing to Godliness. Now back to my bedroom, to take my usual abundance of meds, and i was instructed that i may eat a light breakfast, boy! has things changed since my last time with this bout, there was a time a decade ago, that you were told to not eat anything after midnite, yes, they have learned a great deal about this dialysis life, that truly helps to make things much easier for dialysis pts. Just sitting and waiting until it is time to go to the hospital for the procedure. Working out a plan for a family member to drive me to the hospital and stay with me until the procedure is over, this is truly conflicting my husband and daughter's schedule, but that's life, right! I usually don't burden them much, when it was PD, but now i am transitioning back to Hemo, but it is only temporary. My husband had to switch shifts with another co-worker, so that he can drive me to the hospital, but the co-worker was so gracious about all this, that he said he would stay and do a double shift and that my husband would have to work the evening shift, so that worked out OK. Now, my daughter is off the hook, as she would have an evening class that starts at 5:30 PM, well enough about that. I arrived 15 minutes early, and went to the front desk to get registered, and as i was registering one of the assistance to the surgeon, came out and escorted me to the room, ain't that something! i didn't even have to sit in the waiting room and wait to be called, they were actually waiting for me, i felt like a rock star, awaiting my turn to open the show (lol) Well, i went to the back to another room, and my husband joined us as well. It was another awaiting room outside the OR. About ten minutes later, the surgeon enters the room, and discusses the scenarios around the surgical procedure, and what he plans to do, the possible and the definite as well. You see i am a very difficult case for this procedure, or as the surgeon Dr. Kaplan puts it, i have never had a case like you before, so this is going to be a very difficult and challlenging procedure this time, though i have done hundreds of these procedures in the past. He was already familiar with me, as i am very well known in the vascular surgeon department of this hospital, so when he came into the room, i immediately recognized him, i don't know why i didn't promptly remember him from his name, i guess that is because i have had so many doctors from many sectors of professionalism, enter my life, since starting dialysis, that it is way too many to keep up with, yet alone remember their names. (lol) I was also visited by a Dr. Dajani, head of the neph department at the hospital, who came to see me personally, ain't that something! i was truly flattered and felt so special. He came to wish me luck, and hopes that everything works out with my catherer, and that i am able to do hemo the following day with much success, and he did share how very anxious he is to have my hernia repaired as soon as possible, and also to removed my left kidney as well, so that i can once again, be ready for my IVIG procedure, (which was put on hold, because of this hernia and kidney removal plight), but like i always say (something my mom taught me), God only knows. Finally i disrobed and of course, like i said, the dialysis world has changed so much in the last fifteen or so years, I was surprised that i could walk into the OR after disrobing, (in the past, i was wheeled in, after being sedated), but they sedate you in the OR now. I was scrubbed down thorougly and my top half was draped with a blue paper like covering, so i couldn't see a thing of course, and maybe they didn't want me to see anything, and knowing me, may freak out, if i were to see all this cutting going on, right! And then an IV was being put in place, but of course, if you have read my second book, you know i am not a good candidate for an IV, and this is because of my unfriendly veins, due to the torture of the needle sticks during my ten year run on hemo. It took two tries, and they finally got a successful IV in place, but this was such a touchy IV, that they put a little plank substance to keep it in place. I was first given a sedative, and then the surgeon did an ultrasound to see if my veins in the upper part of my body had maybe open up by chance, and he first checked my left side, and found that there could be a possibly, so he also did an ultrasound on the right side, and he was truly pleased with the results of this, it was as though (and i could hear it in his voice), oh wow! this will truly work, definitely, (and this is the possibly and definite that i mentioned early on), and he informed me (in my drowsy state), that he didn't have to put a temp cath in my left groin hallejah! i was so pleased with this, but because i was almost in la la land, i couldn't show much enthusiam, i just said hooray! real lazy like, because i truly dreaded having a cath in my groin back in 2006, so that was truly a blessing for me. So on with the procedure, Dr. Kaplan began to tell me what he is going to do step by step, first he said he will administer some lidocaine in several areas of my chest and neck area. The lidocaine stick only hurt for a minute or so, but i had to endure it several times, during the procedure, no Dr. Kaplan gets his cutting on. While he getting on their the cutting of the procedure, Dr. Kaplan and some of the nursing assistanting had nerve to be joking and talking about everyday life, i heard someone talking about they need to give their house a good cleaning, and one said her housekeeper does the most lousy job of cleaning, that she is considering firing her, then someone was talking about something that happen on a TV show, as they continue to talk, i began to drift off and i guess i went completely to sleep. While i was (i guess sleeping), i began to do some very deep thinking, and i guess when you are on the OR table, you have nothing but time to think about every and anything possible. First, i was thinking about how they were having difficulty getting an IV on me, they started on my right arm, and that failed, and then they had to remove my b/p cuff to try the other arm, and that is when i thought, maybe that is why God gave us two of each, two arms, two hands, two legs, two feets, two etc., and of course two of the most important parts two kidneys, (in which two kidneys didn't help me a bit, because i can't even fall back on the either one, right!) that is the main reason, why i am in this perdictament, right! because we all know that you can live a long and productive life with one good kidney. Thinking about all this, (while in my deep sleep), yes, two of each does make life so much easier in the world of health. If you can't get one arm to cooperate with an IV, then the other arm comes into play, and truly doesn't want to fail, it is like the other arm, has to show off, (like i am better than you right arm) (laugh). And i then i continued by thinking about bills, and of course, the progress of my two published books, and of course, thinking about my third book, and if this temp hemo, will interfere and i will have to put the completion of my 3rd book on hold, maybe. And thinking about all the beautiful, concerned and thoughtful facebook msgs, that i received from many of the people in the renal/dialysis world, who have purchased my books from all over the world, this help a great deal in my speedy recovery. also thinking about my daughter and her well being, on how things will be, when she enteres San Jose State in the fall, she has always been my top priority, and of course, like i have always stated in my books, she is the most important part of my existence. I love her and my husband so much, they are very much, a big part of what keeps me grounded and confident through whatever i have to endure through this very unique renal/dialysis life. Well, the procedure is finally over about two hours, and like i said things have changed a great deal since my first time having a temp cath, i no longer am admitted to the hospital overnigh. About an hour later, i am discharged and allowed to go home, but it is mandatory that i have a driver, (in which i already had my husband there). I was wheeled to the lobby of the front door of the hospital, and a nurse helped me into the car, and i was on my way home. i got home and sat in bed, and had lasanga and baked chicken for dinner. I had lasanga, because this was my last day for awhile having PD, so my diet was going to change, when i return to hemo real soon, my potassium will once again be in question, something i didn't really have an issue with high potassium levels, it was from time to time more like low potassium level issues, so i was allowed to eat as much potassium as i wanted, so now, back to monitoring my potassium levels, so tomato sauce had to be eaten once again in moderation (just a handful of lasagana, (i hope i spelled that right), but tonight i will eat as much lasagana as i want to (lol). That is why this renal diet can be so complex with hemo as well as PD, (in which i know all too well) and of course, my medication regiment will change as well temporary, like i won't have to take vitamin D, iron & potassium orally for awhile, the advantage of being on hemo and yes, there is an advantage to being on hemo, your vitamin D, iron & potassium can be administered through your tubing, oh and yeah! don't forget EPO, i don't have to have EPO shots orally for awhile, that too is administered through the tubing. Well, that is enough for blogging at this time, as my subclavian is starting to give me pain, i need to stop typing now and also get started on my last ten hour PD cycler treatment for awhile. I will keep you posted on my temp hemo saga. for now, all the best to my bloggers, until next blog. Stay well and compliant CKD/dialysis pts. Glo

Update on my recent hospitalization

Hi bloggers,


I was hospitalized from Friday, July 8, 2011 to Monday, July 11, 2011. I was having excruiating pain during the day, and when i started my PD cycler treatment, the pain got more intensed, so i decided to stop the therapy in which i was in dwell 3 of 5 at the time. I strongly didn't believe it was peritonitits, but to be on the safe side, i disconnected my drain bag, and brought the specimen in, that i had drained so far, after arriving at the ER, I was wheeled in, because the pain was too much to bare, and walking would have been very difficult for me. My husband was told to wheel me into the ER waiting room, but as i was sitting in the wheelchair, the pain was getting so unbearable, that i stood up and started walking back and forth, and that is when the receptionist or nurse, whoever, called for some assistance, because he said i didn't look very good. There was a lady at the time inside his partition, getting registered, (and to me), she didn't look like she was in much pain or discomfort, but that is my opinion. The nurse came out and took me right in, and of course, that lady looked at me, and said in an angry like voice, why is she going in before me, (priority baby, i said to myself in all that pain, right!) and (and she gave me a very dirty look), but anyway, i was immediately taken to a room, and told to disrobe from the waist down. Boy! i was in so much pain, i couldn't even lie on the bed, it seems every way i try to get comfortable, just wasn't working for me. Of course, my vitals were taken, such as the temp, b/p and the tape substance on the finger, (to monitor my breathing of the room temperature), you know the drill. After that was done, they attempted to put an IV in place, and of course, if you read any of my previous blogs, that i stated that i have very small veins (courtesy of my mom, lol). Well anyway, the physician was in the room in no time (very unusual, from the numerous times i have visit the ER, doctors usually come in the room, maybe 45 minutes after you are attended by the nurse. He first ask what is going on with my health, and he then checks my belly, and then examines the hernia with his gloved hands, to determine what position the umblicial hernia was in. He actually called it, before i even had a CT Scan or an X-ray done. He immediately says, it could be a bowel obstruction. He gave the order to administer morphine by IV, because he wanted me to be stable, when i go to have the CT Scan and X-ray. About 15 minutes after receiving the morphine, i began to feel so much better to the point that i began to get drowsy. The results came back in 30 minutes, and it did indicate a bowel obstruction in the small intestine. I was then told that i needed to have a tube in place, to drain anything from my stomach and intestines. The tube was thread through my nose, i was very devastated by this, because i truly don't like anything in my nose, (you would think this wouldn't be frightening to me, because of all i have been through these past 20 some years, right!), well like i said, i don't like nothing up my nose. I was then told to place my chin in my chest and drink some water from a straw, while the nurse begans to thread the tube into my nose, that felt so strange and funny to me, but i got through it. Though the tubing was very irriating and i had a great deal of discomfort from it, i notice when i tried to swallow, it was a little difficult and it hurt also, so you know i was trying to keep from swallowing, but that is just a human instinct to swallow, you can't avoid it, in which i tried my best, but no dice, i still had to swallow from time to time. I also found it very difficulty to speak, so i wasn't doing much talking while this tube was in my nose. The tubing was finally removed by the neph, on Sunday evening. I was also getting daily injections in my stomach of heparin, in which i despised (lol). I have been coping with this hernia since 2006, and wasn't having any pain or discomfort of any kind, until February of this year, i had to seek attention at ER, three times, because the hernia wouldn't go back in when i lie down, so it had to be pushed back in, three times, but this time, it was so severe. This hernia has truly wreak havoc on my body. As a warning for anyone who chooses PD for that form of dialysis treatment and you maybe small framed like myself, be aware of the possibility of the development of a umblicial hernia, this occurs over time, because of the amount of dialysate that is being dwelled in the abdomen. I think in my opinion, that if they are aware that the patient is very small framed, that the prescription for dwelling should be at a minimum, so that it won't be taxing on the body and can cause a hernia to develop, usually when a hernia develops the patient has to return to hemo temporary, until the hernia repair heals, but in my case, because of my ten years of dealing with graft accesses and catherers, my veins are truly shot, i only can dialyze in the right groin, and that is very risky, because of the high risk of infections and clotting issues, however, i did go through this back in 2006, when i had to go back to hemo temporary, because of the development of a fungus, in which my PD catherer had to be completely removed, and that is when they told me that i had an existing hernia, in which i wasn't aware of, it wasn't even visible at all, so they call themselves repairing a non-existing hernia (in my opinion), but soon after the hernia was repaired, about a month later, i did developed a hernia that was very visible. I am scheduled for surgery tommorrow, to have a temporary cath put in place in my right groin for temp hemo, in which i should only be on hemo for a couple of months, and then i will have another PD catherer put in place to return to PD. I will keep you posted on my progress, throughout this ordeal with temporary hemo. That is it for now, all the best to my bloggers. And again, thank you guys so much for those very uplifting, touching and spiritual words of hope. Much Love Glo

July 5 - Recap of my 4th july holiday

Hi all, Although today is Tuesday, July 5, 2011, and really it is not a positive day for many, like myself, who sit and waited until 11:15 AM (Pacific Time), (as it interrrupted Young & Restless Soap), to hear the verdict for Casey Anthony. After hearing it, i felt a sense of emptiness, because the result of this, is no justice for that little angel, Caylee, who's life was taken away from her so young and such a senseless way for anyone to die, especially a little toddler, I still can't understand why the jury of twelve, couldn't see through all the lies she told to the cops alone, come now, finding the kid in the woods, mouth duck taped and in a garbage bag, and she Changing her story, like she changes clothes. What a screwed up jury. Just sitting there all dressed up for this verdict to be announced, in which they already knew, say what! were they all dressed to kill to celebrate or what! Well, all i can say is God knows who is guilty, and if it is Casey, and if she truly loved her daughter, (especially from what i saw in the vidoes and pics that Nancy Grace shared on her show) I must admit this little girl, looked very happy in all these videos and pics, and her mother appears to be truly happy to have her in her life, what gives, so i don't know really what to think about this case. To me she is not a caring mother, if she goes out partying and having a good time, even after reporting her little girl missing, didn't the jury take this into account at all. Her demeanor alone, prove something isn't right with this women, i truly don't think she has all. And those parents, don't get me started on them, they should have step up and raise their grand daughter on their own, and put that little lying spun of theirs out on the streets to fence for herself. Rest in Peace, Caylee, you will be missed by many, even strangers, like myself. I just had to get that off my chest. Now, Back to my July 4th holiday. Yes, my husband barbequed at home, and we had a wonderful day, cooking, grilling and watching the Twilight Zone marathon. I even got to see some episodes of a past co-worker, we both worked in the Chemistry Lab at Long Beach Memorial Hosp. Her name is Terry Burnham. She was on several episodes as a little girl. My husband barbequed some Baby Backs in which i made my own homemade dry rub, (so to make it renal friendly to accomodate my renal diet), i also prepared a viniagrette pasta salad (with mushrooms & olives) and of course corn on the cob. I also made up homemade hamburger patties, that my husband grilled, and of course, a cold fruit salad (watermelon, pineapple chunks, strawberries, cantulope, and bing cherries). And homemade Lemonade. That was quite a treat. I tried my best not to over indulge and of course, i took extra binders to be on the safe side. Well, because of the Casey verdict today, i am a little out of sorts, so i will close this blog, as for some reason, i can't seem to focus. Until next blog, take care and all the best to you guys.
Glo

4th of July, is coming, be careful dialysis pts. with your renal diet

As the summer is finally here, well in the bay area of California, which seemed to just recently show signs of it being summer, the holiday is approaching and it is that time for BQ. Just be careful with the potato salad (potassium for sure), just eat a little in moderation, and of course, check to make sure the BQ sauce is suitable for your renal diet intake, or better yet make your own homemade barbeque sauce from scratch, i make my own and i will share my recipe (or should i say my husband's recipe) (lol), at the end of this blog. I also make up some homemade hamburger patties, and of course, yes, i do eat a hot dog or hot link (which we were told to stay away from these meats, bull! it won't hurt to eat one, come now! moderation OK! You can even make my homemade orzo w/vegetable salad, (one of the many pasta dishes i share in my first as well as my second book), but i can also share the recipe for my orzo w/vegetable in this blog as well.

The Homemade Barbeque Sauce:

Ingredients: 1 cup - ketchup, 1 tbsp - worchestire sauce, zest and juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp - extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp - dijon mustard, 1 tbsp - Mrs. Dash (table blend), 1 tsp - garlic and onion powder, 1 tsp - season salt - 1 tbsp - minced garlic, 1 tbsp - chopped ginger, a pinch of nutmeg and 1/2 tsp - honey. Combine all these ingredients in a bowl, and pour into a medium saucepan and set to boil. Remove and set aside, until ready to be warmed up to brush over whatever you decide to barbeque (burgers, sausage, shrimp, ribs, whatever your preference).

ORZO W/Vegetable Recipe:

Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup - dry orzo pasta
3 quarts - water or low-sodium broth (more flavor if you use broth instead)
2 tsp - garlic & onion powder
1 1/2 tbsp - extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp - italian seasoning (preferably Mrs. Dash brand) - Glo's tip
1/2 tsp - creole seasoning (my favorite seasoning)
1 tbsp - grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp - rice wine vinegar
1/2 cup - carrots, finely chopped
1/2 cup - celery, finely chopped
1/2 cup - shallots, chopped
1/2 cup - fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 cup - fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions: First bring 3 quarts of water or broth to a boil, then add the orzo pasta to the water or broth and stir. Return to a boil and cook, covered for about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat and drain well in a colander. Pour drained pasta into a serving bowl. Add olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, italian seasoning, creole seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Meanwhile saute the carrots, celery and shallots in coated skillet w/ 1 tsp - butter for about five mintues, or until the vegetables have soften. Add the vegetables to the orzo and mix well. Add the chopped cilantro and parsley at the end. You can eat this pasta salad cold or hot, but it taste the best when it is chilled, well to me (lol).

Nutritional facts: (if you are interested) - based on a 1//2 cup serving

calories - 137 protein - 6.5g, sodium - 30 mg, potassium - 76mg fat content - 3g
phosphorus - 92 mg (but remember dialysis pts. to take your binders always)

Potassium issues on dialysis

Hi all, i just saw a facebook message from my dear friend Paula, and she was a little disgusted at a America Kidney Fund post just recently, about bananas (which is a high potassium fruit). Of course, when i first was diagnosed with ESRD in 1990, and then a couple of months later started my initial hemodialysis treatment, i was immediately told by the unit dietitian, about potassium, and how high potassium levels in the body can be potentially harmful for a dialysis pts. and yes, i soon discovered that the potassium needed to be monitored and well controlled, because of the potential danger to the heart. Here is a little literature on potassium - Potassium is normally a heart healthy nutrient, when the kidneys are working at normal capacity, but when you become a dialysis pt., you could either experience issues with low potassium, as well as high potassium levels in the body from time to time. Potassium is a mineral and is needed to keep your nerves and muscles working properly. Too much potassium or too little potassium can cause your muscles not to work normally. Of course, your heart is a muscle, and it is the biggest muscle in your body. Low or high potassium levels can cause irregular heartbeats and even can cause your heart to stop beating. Too much potassium in the body can cause you to have a heart attack. Hemodialysis treatments does not filter excess potassium as well as a person with normal kidney function, however, peritoneal dialysis treatment removes potassium so much more easily, so it is not usually difficult to control, so every once in awhile, the labs will show that the potassium levels are below normal range, and needs to be addressed, first, it is advisable to try eating more high potassium foods, and of course, with me, and other PD patients, that is easier said than done, i tend to run on the low end of norm with my potassium levels, so i am then prescribed a potassium supplement to take from time to time. Orange juice and bananas are a great source of potassium, i do drink a glass of OJ in the mornings, but i don't particularly like bananas, that is because of the texture (something that i have had a pet peeve for as long as i can remember, (lol) This is a trip, "during my ten year run on hemo, i had the most difficult task of watching my potassium intake, (like a hawk), because just about everything that you consume in your diet, has some potassium in its intake, so monitoring my potassium wasn't a piece of cake for me, but like i said, the twisted thing about all this, is for ten years i had high potassium issues, but since my ten year run on peritoneal dialysis, i have had major issues with low potassium in my diet. I tried truly hard to eat enough potassium rich foods, but for some reason, the more potassium i ate, the more is drained out during each PD exchange, so yes, i have to take a potassium supplement from time to time, my potassium levels are always in question, having to have my blood drawn for potassium testing on the regular, when if my potassium levels would stay in the norm, i wouldn't have to have blood drawn so often, whereas my k+ would be normally drawn during my scheduled monthly lab draw, yes, so much drama right! Well, anyway i have tried a few of the tips given to me early on by my dietitian about eating high potassium fruits and vegetables, such as extra avacadoes in my salad - avacadoes have about 487 mg of potassium, and also use avacadoes and make a homemade pesto, that i can spread on my sandwich bread, instead of mayonnaise or salad spread, that taste better and will give me more potassium that way. Also tomatoes are another fruit, that i try to put more in my salads, or on my sandwich as a garnish - tomatoes have about 353 mg of k+ in a medium size fruit. I also make a artichoke dip, as well as i use artichoke hearts chopped in a viniagrette pasta salad (orzo, to be exact) artichoke has about 424 mg of k+ for a medium size one. I also discovered that nectars are a great source of potassium (but beware of the fluid intake, dialysis pts.). And of course, there are cases, where the potassium levels needs to be well controlled in the body, and by the potassium being soluble based, say for example - if you cook carrots (like boil them in a pot of water--some of the potassium will be removed form the vegetable and will deposit in the boiling water, this would be very beneficial to a dialysis patient that has issues with high levels of potassium, but in any case where a dialysis pt. may need more potassium in their body, is is advisable for them to steam their vegetables to retain more potassium to help in meeting their potassium intake needs. I adore mashed potatoes, and of course, mashed potatoes are lower in potassium than a baked potatoe and remember as a rule of thumb frozen and canned vegetables are lower in potassium than fresh vegetables and the same goes for canned fruits as well. (i share all this in my first book - My Renal Life (i know it, i live it) and it does bare repeating, that i also decided to share it in my second book - (My Twenty Year Journey with PKD in the Dialysis World), as well.

The normal range for potassium for a dialysis pts. is 3.5 - 5.5 mg - which will help you to say heart healthy. So, dialysis pts. lets keep the heart smiling and pretty. So, you see dialysis pts. potassium is very serious in the body. I am not quite sure how that works with CKD patients, but just be wise to your particular potassium levels. Remember Knowledge is Key, and knowing how the minerals work in the body, and how important they are in keeping them in normal range as best as you can, will keep the heart happy. Staying Compliant is key, and yes, that is easier said than done, (potassium), just one of the important minerals in your body, like some other minerals are as well, just way too much to go into on this blog at this time, but maybe in another blog as we continue to blog. That is why i call this renal diet a very complex diet to attempt to stay compliant with. To my bloggers, if you have an issue with any minerals, that you need to better understand, just hit me up, anytime, as i have been following this diet for well over two decades, i share my plight with varies minerals, throughout my 20 yr. journey so far. Until next blog, take care and all the best to my bloggers. Glo