I think I found the source of why I was feeling bad. I got a new med and was taken off the old one today. I think it is going to make things better.
So, my boyfriend and I went to see this townhouse that we where interested in. It was horrible..It smelled like clorox, pet spray, and glue. The carpet was filthy and the halls look like they lost the fight. A very nice neighborhood, but it sucked!!!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Feeling Bad Today!!!
Today has been a rough day. I have not felt well all day. I took half of a percocet last night and it has made my day horrible. I missed my 5:45 pm class because I was so sleepy I couldn't get up. I feel sick to my stomach. I'm not sure if it is the aspirin, percocet, or my kidney's that is making me feel like this. I have really felt bad for over two weeks, but I just keep on holding on.
This has nothing to do with anything, but I'm taking Physical Science this semester and I had 7 problems and they are hard as hell. I don't know about this class..pray for me!!!
If anyone has any questions that they wabt to ask please fell free to ask and I will do my best to answer.
This has nothing to do with anything, but I'm taking Physical Science this semester and I had 7 problems and they are hard as hell. I don't know about this class..pray for me!!!
If anyone has any questions that they wabt to ask please fell free to ask and I will do my best to answer.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Full Of Joy
I was able to speak to the patient. We had a great phone conversation. It is good to know that I can now speak to some one who is going through some of the same things. I will give more on her story a bit later. I have to see how she feels about sharing her story with others.
RegisterArticle Link: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/chronic-kidney-disease-topic-overview?
This is an overview that I got from webmd.com
What is chronic kidney disease?
Having chronic kidney disease means that for some time your kidneys have not been working the way they should. Your kidneys have the important job of filtering your blood. They remove waste products and extra fluid and flush them from your body as urine. When your kidneys do not work right, wastes build up in your blood and make you sick.
Chronic kidney disease may seem to have come on suddenly. But it has been happening bit by bit for many years as a result of damage to your kidneys.
Each of your kidneys has about a million tiny filters, called nephrons. If nephrons are damaged, they stop working. For a while, healthy nephrons can take on the extra work. But if the damage continues, more and more nephrons shut down. After a certain point, the nephrons that are left cannot filter your blood well enough to keep you healthy.
What causes chronic kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease is caused by damage to the kidneys. The most common causes of this damage are:
High blood pressure.
High blood sugar (diabetes).
Other things that can lead to chronic kidney disease include:
Kidney diseases and infections, such as polycystic kidney disease, pyelonephritis, and glomerulonephritis, or a kidney problem you were born with.
A narrowed or blocked renal artery. The renal artery carries blood to the kidneys.
An enlarged prostate gland, kidney stones, or a tumor that keeps urine from flowing out of the kidneys.
Lead poisoning.
Long-term use of medicines that can damage the kidneys. Examples include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil) or celecoxib (Celebrex), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and certain antibiotics.
What are the symptoms?
You may start to have symptoms only a few months after your kidneys begin to fail. But most people do not have symptoms early on. In fact, many do not have symptoms for as long as 30 years or more. This is called the "silent" phase of the disease.
How well your kidneys work is called kidney function. As your kidney function gets worse, you may:
Urinate less than normal.
Have swelling from fluid buildup in your tissues. This is called edema (say "ih-DEE-muh").
Feel very tired or sleepy.
Not feel hungry, or you may lose weight without trying.
Often feel sick to your stomach (nauseated) or vomit.
Have trouble sleeping.
Have headaches or trouble thinking clearly.
How is chronic kidney disease diagnosed?
What is chronic kidney disease?
A narrowed or blocked renal artery. The renal artery carries blood to the kidneys.
An enlarged prostate gland, kidney stones, or a tumor that keeps urine from flowing out of the kidneys.
Lead poisoning.
Long-term use of medicines that can damage the kidneys. Examples include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil) or celecoxib (Celebrex), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and certain antibiotics.
What are the symptoms?
You may start to have symptoms only a few months after your kidneys begin to fail. But most people do not have symptoms early on. In fact, many do not have symptoms for as long as 30 years or more. This is called the "silent" phase of the disease.
Your doctor will do blood and urine tests to help find out how well your kidneys are working. These tests can show signs of kidney disease and anemia. (You can get anemia from having damaged kidneys.) You may have other tests to help rule out other problems that could cause your symptoms.
Your doctor will ask questions about any past kidney problems, whether you have a family history of kidney disease, and what medicines you take-both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
You may have a test that lets your doctor look at a picture of your kidneys, such as an ultrasound or CT scan. These tests can help your doctor measure the size of your kidneys, estimate blood flow to the kidneys, and see if urine flow is blocked. In some cases, your doctor may take a tiny sample of kidney tissue (biopsy) to help find out what caused your kidney disease.
How is it treated?
Chronic kidney disease is usually caused by another condition. So the first step is to treat the disease that is causing kidney damage.
Diabetes and high blood pressure cause most cases of chronic kidney disease. If you keep your blood pressure and blood sugar near normal, you may be able to slow or stop the damage to your kidneys. Losing weight and getting more exercise can help. You may also need to take medicines.
Kidney disease is a complex problem. You will probably need to take a number of medicines and have many tests. To stay as healthy as possible, work closely with your doctor. Go to all your appointments, and take your medicines just the way your doctor says to.
Lifestyle changes are an important part of your treatment. Taking these steps can help slow down kidney disease and reduce your symptoms. They may also help with high blood pressure, diabetes, and other problems that make kidney disease worse.
Follow a diet that is easy on your kidneys. A dietitian can help you make an eating plan with the right amounts of salt (sodium) and protein. You may also need to watch how much fluid you drink each day.
Make exercise a routine part of your life. Work with your doctor to design an exercise program that is right for you.
Do not smoke or use tobacco.
Do not drink alcohol.
Always talk to your doctor before you take any new medicine, including over-the-counter remedies, prescription drugs, vitamins, or herbs. Some of these can hurt your kidneys.
What happens if my kidney disease gets worse?
When kidney function falls below a certain point, it is called kidney failure. Kidney failure affects your whole body. It can cause serious heart, bone, and brain problems and make you feel very ill.When you have kidney failure, you will probably have two choices: start dialysis or get a new kidney (transplant). Both of these treatments have risks and benefits. Talk with your doctor to decide which would be best for you.
Dialysis is a process that filters your blood when your kidneys no longer can. It is not a cure, but it can help you feel better and live longer.
Kidney transplant may be the best choice if you are otherwise healthy. With a new kidney, you will feel much better and will be able to live a more normal life. But you may have to wait for a kidney that is a good match for your blood and tissue type. And you will have to take medicine for the rest of your life to keep your body from rejecting the new kidney.
Making treatment decisions when you are very ill is hard. It is normal to be worried and afraid. Discuss your concerns with your loved ones and your doctor. It may help to visit a dialysis center or transplant center and talk to others who have made these choices.
I hope this has ben very helpful. I am so passionate about getting the word out about this disease. WebMD.com is a really good source for health question you may have.
Your doctor will ask questions about any past kidney problems, whether you have a family history of kidney disease, and what medicines you take-both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
You may have a test that lets your doctor look at a picture of your kidneys, such as an ultrasound or CT scan. These tests can help your doctor measure the size of your kidneys, estimate blood flow to the kidneys, and see if urine flow is blocked. In some cases, your doctor may take a tiny sample of kidney tissue (biopsy) to help find out what caused your kidney disease.
How is it treated?
Chronic kidney disease is usually caused by another condition. So the first step is to treat the disease that is causing kidney damage.
Diabetes and high blood pressure cause most cases of chronic kidney disease. If you keep your blood pressure and blood sugar near normal, you may be able to slow or stop the damage to your kidneys. Losing weight and getting more exercise can help. You may also need to take medicines.
Kidney disease is a complex problem. You will probably need to take a number of medicines and have many tests. To stay as healthy as possible, work closely with your doctor. Go to all your appointments, and take your medicines just the way your doctor says to.
Lifestyle changes are an important part of your treatment. Taking these steps can help slow down kidney disease and reduce your symptoms. They may also help with high blood pressure, diabetes, and other problems that make kidney disease worse.
Follow a diet that is easy on your kidneys. A dietitian can help you make an eating plan with the right amounts of salt (sodium) and protein. You may also need to watch how much fluid you drink each day.
Make exercise a routine part of your life. Work with your doctor to design an exercise program that is right for you.
Do not smoke or use tobacco.
Do not drink alcohol.
Always talk to your doctor before you take any new medicine, including over-the-counter remedies, prescription drugs, vitamins, or herbs. Some of these can hurt your kidneys.
What happens if my kidney disease gets worse?
When kidney function falls below a certain point, it is called kidney failure. Kidney failure affects your whole body. It can cause serious heart, bone, and brain problems and make you feel very ill.When you have kidney failure, you will probably have two choices: start dialysis or get a new kidney (transplant). Both of these treatments have risks and benefits. Talk with your doctor to decide which would be best for you.
Dialysis is a process that filters your blood when your kidneys no longer can. It is not a cure, but it can help you feel better and live longer.
Kidney transplant may be the best choice if you are otherwise healthy. With a new kidney, you will feel much better and will be able to live a more normal life. But you may have to wait for a kidney that is a good match for your blood and tissue type. And you will have to take medicine for the rest of your life to keep your body from rejecting the new kidney.
Making treatment decisions when you are very ill is hard. It is normal to be worried and afraid. Discuss your concerns with your loved ones and your doctor. It may help to visit a dialysis center or transplant center and talk to others who have made these choices.
I hope this has ben very helpful. I am so passionate about getting the word out about this disease. WebMD.com is a really good source for health question you may have.
CNN.COM/Heros: Faith Coleman
I just saw the best story on this website. This lady found out she had kidney cancer and no health insurance. She mortgaged her home to pay for the surgery. From this, she started a clinic for the un-insuranced. WOW! Is waht I said. I would to make an impact on the worls like that. To know that you have helped save someone's life. A free clinic to give health care to people who otherwise couldn't recieve the care. I great story.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Helping Other Patients
I got a letter from my Kidney Coordinator last week asking if I would like to speak to a patient about Kidney Disease. I was delighted and I'm so looking forward in meeting her and hoping that I will be able to share her story with you all.
Kidney Disease News
My name is Latonya "Michelle" Speight I have End Stage Renal Disease. What does that mean? I have Kidney Disease that has gone almost into the last stage. Kidney Disease has six (6) stages, with stage 1 being in the early stage and stage 5-6 is what is called End Stage (Final Stage) of the disease. At this point there is no treatment or medicine that can turn this disease around. Your options of survival are: Dialysis or a Kidney Transplant.
I have have this disease now for over 6 years and it has been a long and sometimes hard road. Through of all the up's and down's I have had to stay positive and keep the faith that it will all work out in the end.
I am located in North Carolina. I am on the National Donor's Registery in to different cities here in N.C. I have been on the Transplant list at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, N.C. for 3 years. I am on the Transplant list at Carolina's Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C. for a year. Why be on two different lists? Well, they service two different sections of the Carolina's and the more lists that your on the better your chances could be to recieve a transplant.
I have to say that I am a very lucky and blessed person to not be on Dialysis at this point. Doctor's have said, " you should have been on Dialysis by now, but your not". I always smile and look up to the sky and say a silent thank you, because I know to whom that I've made this far and not had to be placed on Dialysis.
The reason why I wanted to start this blog is to inform anyone out there who knows nothing or a little bit about this disease. I want everyone to be aware that this is a serious problem in our community and no one is really talking about it. I'm sure you know a person that has it or either has died from it. I want people to understand that we need more Donor's and how that process works. People far the unknown. I believe that you should always do research on things you don't know or understand.
When you decide that you may want to give an organ to someone you should first do your research. If there is something you Do Not understand then ask questions so you can get a better under standing. You will then be contacted from the hospital. They will have you come in a take a series of test and the person receiving the transplants insurance covers that testing. The testing may take some time because of scheduling, but once all of the testing is done they will let you know your results. I left out an important first step. You need to know what your blood type is and if it is compatible to the recipients. If they feel your health is going to be compromised in any compacity they will not allow you to even do the transplant. The testing is so thorough and YOU CAN LIVE WITH ONLY ONE KIDNEY YOU DON'T NEED BOTH OF THEM.
So for now I hope that this has got you at least thinking about Kidney Disease. As time goes on you will know so much about this disease and you may be able to educate someone about this disease.
I have have this disease now for over 6 years and it has been a long and sometimes hard road. Through of all the up's and down's I have had to stay positive and keep the faith that it will all work out in the end.
I am located in North Carolina. I am on the National Donor's Registery in to different cities here in N.C. I have been on the Transplant list at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, N.C. for 3 years. I am on the Transplant list at Carolina's Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C. for a year. Why be on two different lists? Well, they service two different sections of the Carolina's and the more lists that your on the better your chances could be to recieve a transplant.
I have to say that I am a very lucky and blessed person to not be on Dialysis at this point. Doctor's have said, " you should have been on Dialysis by now, but your not". I always smile and look up to the sky and say a silent thank you, because I know to whom that I've made this far and not had to be placed on Dialysis.
The reason why I wanted to start this blog is to inform anyone out there who knows nothing or a little bit about this disease. I want everyone to be aware that this is a serious problem in our community and no one is really talking about it. I'm sure you know a person that has it or either has died from it. I want people to understand that we need more Donor's and how that process works. People far the unknown. I believe that you should always do research on things you don't know or understand.
When you decide that you may want to give an organ to someone you should first do your research. If there is something you Do Not understand then ask questions so you can get a better under standing. You will then be contacted from the hospital. They will have you come in a take a series of test and the person receiving the transplants insurance covers that testing. The testing may take some time because of scheduling, but once all of the testing is done they will let you know your results. I left out an important first step. You need to know what your blood type is and if it is compatible to the recipients. If they feel your health is going to be compromised in any compacity they will not allow you to even do the transplant. The testing is so thorough and YOU CAN LIVE WITH ONLY ONE KIDNEY YOU DON'T NEED BOTH OF THEM.
So for now I hope that this has got you at least thinking about Kidney Disease. As time goes on you will know so much about this disease and you may be able to educate someone about this disease.
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