Phillip and I were back for a checkup this week. I know better than this. I know that I should stay in the moment, say my affirmations and expect the best. But that’s the ideal and sometimes the ideal just isn’t where I am at on a particular day.
Waiting with Phillip
I go to the kidney specialist (nephrologist) every three months to review my blood work, which reveals my kidney function, and to discuss the game plan. I typically end up with some medications adjusted or new dietary restrictions.
In May 2012, my function was at 20%, July 18%, October 17%. Not the best of trends. I was fully expecting to be somewhere around 15 or 16%. I know that my expectations were protective. I was pretty upset after my checkup in October and wanted to be emotionally prepared for tough news.
Our appointment was at 3pm. We waited 50 minutes to see the doctor. Phillip and I got caught up on the day and talked about life’s great mysteries, oh, and the cupcake I was planning to reward myself with afterward.
Lovely Decor
At 3:30 the doctor came in with the a.m.a.z.i.n.g news, I was back to 20% kidney function. Back to May 2012! We asked what caused the uptick as my diet and routine have not changed. He said that these things can vary somewhat and that we look at the trend over time rather than just one lab reading. The conclusion is: STABLE!
With kidneys there is little hope of actual improvement. Once the damage is done, it’s done. The goal is to preserve the remaining kidney function as best as possible by managing diet, medication and stress. I know that going from 17% function in October to 20% in January most likely doesn’t mean that my function is actually improving, it just means that it probably isn’t getting worse. The lab values can also vary based on time of day and what I ate before the blood draw.
It was really great news. I celebrated with a vegan chocolate cupcake. Delicious in every way!
Vegan Chocolate Cupcake