Medical Issue Update

On New Year’s Day, I wrote a long post that lists everything that was medically wrong with me. It’s three weeks later (almost) and time for an update.

• ESRD: still on dialysis (six months)
• Dialysis access: surgeon wants to perform full surgery with general anesthesia; surgery scheduled for 1/31/2020; recovery schedule unknown (3 weeks)
• Cardiac Rehab Program: started program; one session down, 23 remaining (6-8 weeks)
• Peripheral neuropathy: no real change but hoping that some will wear off as amiodarone side effect; started acupuncture to treat symptoms (unknown)
• Hypertension: still high; increased Metoprolol prescription and added two new medication (few weeks hopefully_
• Back pain and pressure in chest: marginally better but chest still hurts when coughing/sneezing and sleeping on back/sides (unknown)
• Minimal urine production: feels like no progress; dialysis center didn’t ask for 24 hour urine sample for this month’s labs (unknown to six months)
• Insomnia: improved sleeping duration but still very inconsistent (few weeks to months)
• Blister on left foot: podiatrist said fully healed; gave several medication for fungal infection however (90 days)
• Dental issues: first set of root canals Monday; need to schedule rest; one tooth still in question (few months; need dental clearance for transplant)
• Endocrinologist: still scheduled; no earlier cancellations so far (two months)
• Lumps in left leg: vascular surgeon said will go away by itself; ultrasound scan during lower arterial exam found no vein blockage; likely hematoma from missing vein removed for bypass surgery (few weeks to months)
• Constipation: still taking Senokot; regular bowel movement every few days

Looks like things are progressing but nothing is resolved. In the parenthesis, I put down my estimate of how long it will take to resolve the issue. Work is still stressing me out a bit. I need to get more paperwork to either extend my leave or to return to work. The private disability insurance with The Hartford ended on 1/12/2020; I don’t know when I’m approved to at the EDD but so far they paid to 1/13/2020.