Sleep Much?
Nope. Not me. They raised my dry weight on Saturday. One doctor wants to raise it half a kilo every week. The other doctor wasn't too sure about it. And this weekend when they did raise it I couldn't breath and my feet and ankles swelled. I asked them to bring me back down today. We'll see how it goes.
Machine Trouble
It's not my lucky day today. The first machine they tried me on wouldn't start up. So I was moved to another machine. They started me on it and it wouldn't return my blood. Next we had to take 20 minutes to change out the system. They finally got me going an hour after I was supposed to be on. So frustrating. But I can really feel the fluid coming off. I hope I feel better tonight.
Nobody seems to be in much of a hurry today. All five of us in the Pod got on late today. I'd imagine that puts everyone behind for the rest of the day.
OB Nurse
She just got up and ran away. When she returned she said she's not feeling well. Great, another puker.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Dialysis Day 62
Saturdays Are Boring
It's Saturday and everyone is in a good mood. Not much is going on and I didn't have any appointments yesterday. So there isn't much to report. My nurse was here early so I got on right on time. This one's a good one. She is always here on time and is very personable. She talks to me sometimes and other times just reads her book. Just what I like.
My blood pressure was 121/82. Hooray!
It's Saturday and everyone is in a good mood. Not much is going on and I didn't have any appointments yesterday. So there isn't much to report. My nurse was here early so I got on right on time. This one's a good one. She is always here on time and is very personable. She talks to me sometimes and other times just reads her book. Just what I like.
My blood pressure was 121/82. Hooray!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Dialysis Day 61
More On The Ultrasound
If you read the Ultrasound Update, then you know that my appointment went well. The baby gained a large amount of weight since two weeks ago. She weighs 2 pounds 12 ounces. And if she continues at the same pace then she could possibly be 6 pounds 8 ounces in four weeks! They are still saying that her head and abdomen are measuring small. But, they are growing at a constant rate. That's good news.
I asked lots of questions at this OB appointment. The one that was most important to us was "What should we expect after delivery? Will she be whisked away or get to stay in the room with us?" Jason and I are really concerned about this. We just want to know what to expect. The doc said if she's at least 34 weeks then there is no reason to expect that she'd need to leave us. Jason and I have already talked about what I want HIM to do if she does leave us. I'd rather he go with her than stay in the room with me. I'll be fine.
I asked if I need to talk to our pediatrician about our situation to make sure they are aware. The doc said it might be worth a call but there is no reason to make an appointment.
I asked about steroids to help develop her lungs. The doctor said that she's been through alot of stress and stress is actually good for developing baby's lungs. She said that if MY health starts to decline and they feel like we need to deliver to save me then they'll do steroid shots for the baby. But until then, we'll forget about it.
The OB doctor also said we need to start coming up with a plan for dialysis after delivery. When you deliver you are given fluids, so I'm going to be getting more fluid than I'm supposed to get in one day. If it's not my day to dialyze, they might want to send me down anyway. I'm excited that we're starting to talk about delivery plans. If I knew the baby would be healthy I'd want her out now!
Ultrasounds Yesterday
I had an upper abdomen ultrasound yesterday to prep for transplant. They took a look at my liver, pancreas and gall bladder. The first thing the ultrasound tech said when she started was, "Oh! You're pregnant! I wasn't sure!" I know I'm small, but I think it's starting to become visually obvious that I'm pregnant. She's a new mom, so she stopped the upper abdomen ultrasound and started looking at the baby instead. I think she thought she was doing me a favor, letting me see the baby. I didn't have the heart to tell her that I've seen her enough! She said that when she was pregnant she did an ultrasound on herself once a week. She lost her first baby, so I guess I probably would have done the same thing.
I also had and ultrasound on my fistula to see if it is ready to use. The doctor wanted it to be 7 millimeters in diameter all of the way up my arm. Unfortunately, there were several spots smaller than that. There were also spots as wide as 10 millimeters. So he doesn't want them to use it until he can do an angioplasty. That's when they take a balloon and send it up the vein and stretch it to the diameter that they want. It involves radiation, so he's decided to wait until after the baby is born, just to be safe. That means I'm keeping the catheter until I deliver. Maybe they'll do it while I'm inpatient after the baby is born.
Poor "Monica"
"Monica's" fistula looked nasty. And I guess it wasn't working, either. Yesterday she had surgery to remove it, get a graft and a catheter. She needs the catheter until the graft is mature enough to use. She's a mess now. She's in pain. The doctors gave her lost of pain medicine...but you know how that makes some people react...throw up. Yeah, and she's the loud puker. Can't wait for today!
If you read the Ultrasound Update, then you know that my appointment went well. The baby gained a large amount of weight since two weeks ago. She weighs 2 pounds 12 ounces. And if she continues at the same pace then she could possibly be 6 pounds 8 ounces in four weeks! They are still saying that her head and abdomen are measuring small. But, they are growing at a constant rate. That's good news.
I asked lots of questions at this OB appointment. The one that was most important to us was "What should we expect after delivery? Will she be whisked away or get to stay in the room with us?" Jason and I are really concerned about this. We just want to know what to expect. The doc said if she's at least 34 weeks then there is no reason to expect that she'd need to leave us. Jason and I have already talked about what I want HIM to do if she does leave us. I'd rather he go with her than stay in the room with me. I'll be fine.
I asked if I need to talk to our pediatrician about our situation to make sure they are aware. The doc said it might be worth a call but there is no reason to make an appointment.
I asked about steroids to help develop her lungs. The doctor said that she's been through alot of stress and stress is actually good for developing baby's lungs. She said that if MY health starts to decline and they feel like we need to deliver to save me then they'll do steroid shots for the baby. But until then, we'll forget about it.
The OB doctor also said we need to start coming up with a plan for dialysis after delivery. When you deliver you are given fluids, so I'm going to be getting more fluid than I'm supposed to get in one day. If it's not my day to dialyze, they might want to send me down anyway. I'm excited that we're starting to talk about delivery plans. If I knew the baby would be healthy I'd want her out now!
Ultrasounds Yesterday
I had an upper abdomen ultrasound yesterday to prep for transplant. They took a look at my liver, pancreas and gall bladder. The first thing the ultrasound tech said when she started was, "Oh! You're pregnant! I wasn't sure!" I know I'm small, but I think it's starting to become visually obvious that I'm pregnant. She's a new mom, so she stopped the upper abdomen ultrasound and started looking at the baby instead. I think she thought she was doing me a favor, letting me see the baby. I didn't have the heart to tell her that I've seen her enough! She said that when she was pregnant she did an ultrasound on herself once a week. She lost her first baby, so I guess I probably would have done the same thing.
I also had and ultrasound on my fistula to see if it is ready to use. The doctor wanted it to be 7 millimeters in diameter all of the way up my arm. Unfortunately, there were several spots smaller than that. There were also spots as wide as 10 millimeters. So he doesn't want them to use it until he can do an angioplasty. That's when they take a balloon and send it up the vein and stretch it to the diameter that they want. It involves radiation, so he's decided to wait until after the baby is born, just to be safe. That means I'm keeping the catheter until I deliver. Maybe they'll do it while I'm inpatient after the baby is born.
Poor "Monica"
"Monica's" fistula looked nasty. And I guess it wasn't working, either. Yesterday she had surgery to remove it, get a graft and a catheter. She needs the catheter until the graft is mature enough to use. She's a mess now. She's in pain. The doctors gave her lost of pain medicine...but you know how that makes some people react...throw up. Yeah, and she's the loud puker. Can't wait for today!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Ultrasound Update
I wasn't sure if some of you could wait until Friday to hear about today's ultrasound. I was a bit upset at first because the ultrasound tech made a comment about her belly "really falling off." Then she said, "she's only 2 pounds 12 ounces." Two pounds 12 ounces? She gained 13 ounces in 2 weeks! The doctor called her an over-achiever and said she was very happy with her growth since the last ultrasound. More to come...but in the meantime...good news! I needed some good news.
Dialysis Day 60
No Sleep Again
At least I wasn't throwing up. But I had a terrible time breathing again. I feel out of breath when I do something as simple as walk to the bathroom or roll over in bed. It feels like I'm running a marathon! I'm wondering if it has to do with my elevated heart rate. It's been in the 120's for a while now. The doctor said he can't give me any meds for it since I'm pregnant.
So, this morning I'm on lots of monitors. First, the two tubes to the dialysis machine. Then one for oxygen, the tube for the blood pressure cuff, three cords for my heart monitor, a tube to measure my blood oxygen and two cords to monitor the baby's heart rate and contractions.
Speaking of Contractions
I'm having them, still. I have more during dialysis than when I'm home. They are not consistent and don't really hurt. It just feels like the baby is balling up in my stomach. I get an ultrasound and see the OB today. I'm wondering if they will do an exam to see if I'm dilated. I might ask them to just in case since I keep having the contractions.
Insulin
I started my insulin shots yesterday. I was scared until I did it. The needle is so small. It's thin and short. I did feel a little funny doing it all in the car in Breugger's parking lot. I guess it worked. I ate a bagel and my sugar was within normal range when I was done. Good deal.
Echo Yesterday
My echo yesterday looked good. It was a different doctor that read the ultrasound, so two doctors think things look good. I have two more echos (two weeks and four weeks from now). As long as things look good during these two appointments then we can stop with the appointments. Fewer appointments...I love it.
At least I wasn't throwing up. But I had a terrible time breathing again. I feel out of breath when I do something as simple as walk to the bathroom or roll over in bed. It feels like I'm running a marathon! I'm wondering if it has to do with my elevated heart rate. It's been in the 120's for a while now. The doctor said he can't give me any meds for it since I'm pregnant.
So, this morning I'm on lots of monitors. First, the two tubes to the dialysis machine. Then one for oxygen, the tube for the blood pressure cuff, three cords for my heart monitor, a tube to measure my blood oxygen and two cords to monitor the baby's heart rate and contractions.
Speaking of Contractions
I'm having them, still. I have more during dialysis than when I'm home. They are not consistent and don't really hurt. It just feels like the baby is balling up in my stomach. I get an ultrasound and see the OB today. I'm wondering if they will do an exam to see if I'm dilated. I might ask them to just in case since I keep having the contractions.
Insulin
I started my insulin shots yesterday. I was scared until I did it. The needle is so small. It's thin and short. I did feel a little funny doing it all in the car in Breugger's parking lot. I guess it worked. I ate a bagel and my sugar was within normal range when I was done. Good deal.
Echo Yesterday
My echo yesterday looked good. It was a different doctor that read the ultrasound, so two doctors think things look good. I have two more echos (two weeks and four weeks from now). As long as things look good during these two appointments then we can stop with the appointments. Fewer appointments...I love it.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Dialysis Day 59
More Trouble Sleeping
Last night was probably my worst night sleep so far. I fell asleep fine around 9:30 and I slept until around 11:30. Then things got bad. I had trouble breathing and made several trips to the bathroom. The last one around 12:30 was to throw up. I haven't thrown up since I first started dialysis. I spent the rest of the night sitting up on the couch downstairs. I was a sweaty mess when Jason came to get me at 6:20.
When I got here and told the nurse what was going on she asked what my input and output were. Um, I could probably estimate my fluid intake and output, but I didn't think they really wanted me to measure it. And the bottle of water that I thought was 12 ounces really is 17 ounces. Oops.
I'm feeling really good now, just tired. Might be one of the few days that I get some sleep during a treatment.
OB Nurse Scared Me
I have a nurse that has been here before. She's really nice. She asked how the baby was growing and I told her about the baby's head and abdomen measuring small. I also told her that she gained over 300 grams instead of 400 in a month and she asked me if the doctors have talked to me about putting me in-patient...strict bed rest. I want nothing to do with that! I still have 10 weeks left until I'm full term. That's 10 weeks without being at home with Jason and Alli. Can't happen.
Diabetes
They didn't use the word "diabetes" but I'm starting to give myself insulin today at lunch time. They don't usually have ladies taking insulin at lunch time. And I was told that most women give themselves 100 units of insulin per dose. I'm only taking 4 units. Seems like a waste of my time to me. Is it really necessary?
Last night was probably my worst night sleep so far. I fell asleep fine around 9:30 and I slept until around 11:30. Then things got bad. I had trouble breathing and made several trips to the bathroom. The last one around 12:30 was to throw up. I haven't thrown up since I first started dialysis. I spent the rest of the night sitting up on the couch downstairs. I was a sweaty mess when Jason came to get me at 6:20.
When I got here and told the nurse what was going on she asked what my input and output were. Um, I could probably estimate my fluid intake and output, but I didn't think they really wanted me to measure it. And the bottle of water that I thought was 12 ounces really is 17 ounces. Oops.
I'm feeling really good now, just tired. Might be one of the few days that I get some sleep during a treatment.
OB Nurse Scared Me
I have a nurse that has been here before. She's really nice. She asked how the baby was growing and I told her about the baby's head and abdomen measuring small. I also told her that she gained over 300 grams instead of 400 in a month and she asked me if the doctors have talked to me about putting me in-patient...strict bed rest. I want nothing to do with that! I still have 10 weeks left until I'm full term. That's 10 weeks without being at home with Jason and Alli. Can't happen.
Diabetes
They didn't use the word "diabetes" but I'm starting to give myself insulin today at lunch time. They don't usually have ladies taking insulin at lunch time. And I was told that most women give themselves 100 units of insulin per dose. I'm only taking 4 units. Seems like a waste of my time to me. Is it really necessary?
Monday, August 2, 2010
Dialysis Day 58
I Forgot
I forgot one more thing that made Friday bad. They reviewed my blood sugar and now they want me to start giving myself insulin shots at lunchtime. I'm sure the reason my sugar is high after dialysis is because I have to eat on the run between appointments. It would be easier to eat right if I could just go home and relax. A nurse is coming down to dialysis this morning to show me how to give myself the shots. Apparently I'm supposed to shoot myself if the "fat" part of my stomach. Hmm...I don't have any fat around my stomach. Guess we'll figure something out.
Clotting
I clotted the machine again on Saturday. Part of it has to do with not getting blood thinners like the other patients. Adding to that is the fact that my hemoglobin is getting higher. I started out with a blood count of 5.8 which is terribly low. I was transfused with 3 units of blood and they've been giving me a medicine called Epogen which helps my body make its own red blood cells. Now my count is above 12 which is great! In fact, they didn't give me my Epogen today since it was so high.
Crazy Schedule
Last week my schedule wasn't too bad, but this week is out of control. Monday: Dialysis, Alli to the dentist, Alli's soccer pick-up, and to visit our friends' new baby at Christ. Tuesday: Dialysis and echo at Children's. Wednesday: Dialysis, ultrasound and ob appointment. Thursday (my "day off"): Gall bladder ultrasound and ultrasound of my arm. Friday: Dialysis. I hope I can keep it all straight.
Causing Problems Again Today
I'm not sure what "conductivity" means in terms of the dialysis machines, but my machine was having troubles gaining "conductivity." So about 45 minutes into my treatment they had to wheel me to another machine. It was a loss of time, but not a loss of blood. Now I'm in the center of the Pod and there is a cooling vent right over my head. My hands are already getting cold. I might just need a blanket this time.
OB Nurse
She looks ticked off that she has to be here. She has a book to read but every once in a while she gives me a look that could kill. Sorry to bother her.
I forgot one more thing that made Friday bad. They reviewed my blood sugar and now they want me to start giving myself insulin shots at lunchtime. I'm sure the reason my sugar is high after dialysis is because I have to eat on the run between appointments. It would be easier to eat right if I could just go home and relax. A nurse is coming down to dialysis this morning to show me how to give myself the shots. Apparently I'm supposed to shoot myself if the "fat" part of my stomach. Hmm...I don't have any fat around my stomach. Guess we'll figure something out.
Clotting
I clotted the machine again on Saturday. Part of it has to do with not getting blood thinners like the other patients. Adding to that is the fact that my hemoglobin is getting higher. I started out with a blood count of 5.8 which is terribly low. I was transfused with 3 units of blood and they've been giving me a medicine called Epogen which helps my body make its own red blood cells. Now my count is above 12 which is great! In fact, they didn't give me my Epogen today since it was so high.
Crazy Schedule
Last week my schedule wasn't too bad, but this week is out of control. Monday: Dialysis, Alli to the dentist, Alli's soccer pick-up, and to visit our friends' new baby at Christ. Tuesday: Dialysis and echo at Children's. Wednesday: Dialysis, ultrasound and ob appointment. Thursday (my "day off"): Gall bladder ultrasound and ultrasound of my arm. Friday: Dialysis. I hope I can keep it all straight.
Causing Problems Again Today
I'm not sure what "conductivity" means in terms of the dialysis machines, but my machine was having troubles gaining "conductivity." So about 45 minutes into my treatment they had to wheel me to another machine. It was a loss of time, but not a loss of blood. Now I'm in the center of the Pod and there is a cooling vent right over my head. My hands are already getting cold. I might just need a blanket this time.
OB Nurse
She looks ticked off that she has to be here. She has a book to read but every once in a while she gives me a look that could kill. Sorry to bother her.
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