Medical Issues 3/2/2020

Another six weeks has gone by since my last update so let see if I made any progress:

• ESRD: still on hemodialysis; time has been extended to 3:45 per session (4-6 months until possible transplant)
• Dialysis access: fistula in and maturing; PD catheter was removed on 1/31/2020 (4-6 weeks until fistula ready for use)
• Cardiac Rehab Program: nine sessions done with 15 to go (4-6 weeks until completion)
• Peripheral neuropathy: probably not related to amiodarone medication; acupuncture seems to have increased both feeling and intensity of numbness in feet; marginally worse overall (unknown)
• Hypertension: on four prescriptions; two of them appears to be prescribed for heart benefit effects; only NIFEdipine seems to have any impact on actual blood pressure
• Back pain and pressure in chest: back pain better with occasional pain from sitting in dialysis chair; still cannot sleep to left; better overall (unknown)
• Minimal urine production: no change; likely permanent reduction in residual kidney function from failed peritoneal dialysis (wait for transplant)
• Insomnia: better but waking up from night sweats and increased neuropathy (unknown)
• Dental issues: root canals done with a lot of crowns; may need to extract one tooth but on track for dental clearance (few weeks to months)
• Endocrinologist: no change on upcoming appointment (3 weeks)
• Lumps in left leg: no change (unknown)
• Constipation: still taking Senokot; no change

So overall, very minimal improvements. High blood pressure seems to be better controlled if I take all four medications, and making slow progress with Cardiac Rehab Program. Spent a lot of time and money on dental appointments but only cavities left after this Thursday’s appointment. Not sure what to do with acupuncture since it seems to make the neuropathy more intense. Chest still hurts and also not getting enough sleep. From what my friend in Canada told me, you never really fully recover from heart surgery. He still feels the effects of his quadruple bypass surgery almost a decade later.