"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand." ~Randy Pausch



Tuesday, May 31, 2011

One More Day??

Today is Tuesday, and my next dialysis day is Thursday. And that (should be) the last day that I have dialysis and then school. We're officially done with school on Friday, and I can't wait!

I suppose that I might have to do dialysis again in the fall when I start back to school. But things still seem to be moving forward for the transplant. I haven't heard from my donor in a while, but the last time we were in touch she said she's still on board. And I keep getting bills for her appointments.

Still waiting, and staying hopeful.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Still Waiting

School is almost out. Just one week to go. I would love to have surgery sometime soon, but I'm still waiting to hear. I feel terrible bugging my donor, but I'm so out of the loop. I want to email her again.

Is that bad?

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Not Again

So, my phosphorus is high again. It's got to be one of two things...

1. The protein shakes I've been drinking. Anything with protein has phosphorus. I need to take extra binders when I drink them.
or
2. It could be the several days when I had 5 bowls of Honey Combs each day. Yeah, that could be a problem.

I have to watch it for the next couple of days or the doctor may want to add my 15 minutes back on. I guess it's not that big of a deal since school will be out soon. I won't have to rush around to get home and back to school.

Remember when we were young-er and we could eat whatever we wanted? I miss that.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

New Seat

I got my new seat today and it is a little bit closer to the loud ladies. And they were loud again today. But, the good news is that I can't see the other lady that picks her nose. I guess that's good.

I've realized that the reason I'm getting so frustrated with the progress of the transplant is because I'm not in control of what happens. I hate that. I feel like I need to know where the kids are going to be when I'm recovering and I need to plan meals for the family while I'm in the hospital. I'm a planner...in case you didn't know.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Moving Again

Since my time was reduced by 15 minutes it apparently messes up the schedule at dialysis. So I'm getting moved to another chair. It will still be one chair away from the loud ladies, but away from the lady who talks to herself. Could work out.

My donor was supposed to meet with a social worker last week but the social worker had to reschedule. It seems like nobody is really in a hurry to get us in and checked out.

I never got my hopes up this time...but they are starting to fall.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

"Happy" Anniversary

One year ago...I was sick. Really sick. I was in the hospital on May 13th and started dialysis on May 14th.

One year ago...We weren't sure what was going to happen to Anna. Honestly, we didn't think she was going to make it.

One year ago...Jason told my parents I was dying. I guess I was.

One year ago...My life changed. It will never be the same.

One year ago...they saved me.

"Happy" Anniversary.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Ahh...No Rushing

I was let off the machine 15 minutes early today. It was great! I had time to get home, shower, stop and get lunch, and still get to school to make copies and finish my plans for the day. It was great and I feel alot more relaxed.

We finished up transfering the title to my Cavalier to the lady on our street. It's nice to have a bigger vehicle.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Good Appointment

I met with my nephrologist today. He was happy with my blood pressure, to a certain extent. We made one medication correction. He was even HAPPIER with my phosphorus levels. So, I asked him how much a milk shake would change my phosphorus levels. He said he'd never admit that he said it, but I can have a milk shake as long as I take a couple extra pills. I just can't do it all the time.

Guess what I did on the way home...got a malt! Yep, it was delicious.

And he also reduced my time by 15 minutes. An eternity!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Fun!

I spoke to three Anatomy classes yesterday because they are learning about the kidneys. It was great! They asked so many great questions and I let them feel my arm. It was the talk of the town! It's cool to be able to tell my story and think that someone may be learning something.

Maybe they'll become organ donors.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Uneventful

Saturday was uneventful. Not much happened during dialysis...but we bought an SUV afterwards! We got a good deal and since we sold my Cavalier it ends up working out well for us!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Seriously?

The ladies at the end of the row were pretty quiet today. Not so bad. And the lady next to me that normally talks in her sleep wasn't too bad, either. But then when the nurse was unpacking a box the lady on the other side of me was so excited to see that there was bubble wrap in each box. She asked for the wrap since it was getting thrown away...

And instead of taking it home she started popping it! Each and every bubble...pop! Pop!

Are you kidding?

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

I Don't Remember

So, as I left diaylsis yesterday a lady yelled out, "You didn't get a kidney yet?" I turned around and looked at her, thinking "If I did, would I be here?" I guess I looked at her funny because she said, "You don't remember me, do you?" I didn't.

It was a lady from Good Sam Dialysis who apparently transfered to Delhi Davita. She asked how the baby is...very nice. I still can't remember her from the hospital. I keep trying to think of each chair, but I just can't remember. I'm usually pretty good at that.

Maybe dialysis sucks your brain out, too...