Kidney Disease Support

Question:

hugs I can get…Pat   Keep us posted and let us know what is going on.  Take care and lots more {{{hugs}}} and prayers, too!

Response:

I think that was why I had Tamox in the first place from my first Onc..Thanks for the support. I will take all the hugs I can get…Pat – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Pat, interestingly some who are er- still respond to Tamoxifen.  I think the reason is that they are weakly er+  and/or that some of the cancer cells may be er+  I know some patients report that their oncologists still give them Tamoxifen on the chance that it could possibly be somewhat helpful.  I have no idea if it would or wouldn’t in your case.  My suggestion–if at all possible get a second opinion, if at all possible at a major cancer center.   Take care and wishing you the best!  {{{Hugs}}}

Response:

Pat, interestingly some who are er- still respond to Tamoxifen.  I think the reason is that they are weakly er+  and/or that some of the cancer cells may be er+  I know some patients report that their oncologists still give them Tamoxifen on the chance that it could possibly be somewhat helpful.  I have no idea if it would or wouldn’t in your case.  My suggestion–if at all possible get a second opinion, if at all possible at a major cancer center.   Take care and wishing you the best!  {{{Hugs}}}

Response:

Here is my receptor Report Estrogen shows weak positivity Progesterone receptors are negative and c-erB-2 is weakly positive.. That’s all there is.. I was taken off tamoxifen last year after about 2.5 years as he said my first Onc was not very scientific in his treatments..Since then my markers went up gradually. The lowest was 40 for a year..then 80 then when he took me off the tamox it had risen to 120..then he wouldn’t order the test 4 months ago then 1300 this last one..Quite a jump for 8 months. I had, last year, a bone, CT PET and exrays..and nothing was found. that was at the high of 120…I am scheduled for a CT and bone on the 26th, HMO willing…I am very close to Loma Linda about 45 minutes..I can check into trials..     No, I have had nothing but the original treatments and the 2.5 years of Tamoxifen..The sore spots get worse after a night of clogging for a few days and then taper off. Sometimes the spots are sore to the touch and then they are not really sore, but I can feel they are there, but don’t really hurt if you get my drift..MY Primary said they didn’t present as cancer. They are the only complaint I have. Tho it seems that I tire more quickly than I used to after small chores..Like gardening and when  I am on my feet for a while…. I will read up on the Miltex and keep it in mind if worse comes to worse…Thanks for the info, I appreciate your help. I start reading all that technical stuff and just get lost. I do need an interpreter…Pat from Apple Valley, CA – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – until it gets bad then treat the end..I’m afraid I don’t believe this..I feel I should hit it hard asap.. Pat, I so very much agree with you and am afraid that’s the belief of our HMO. It may be a long shot but some stage IV’s  can be brought into long-term remission.  We should have that right.  We need to demand that this backwards treatment protocol be changed.  Treatment can and does make a difference!  Have you been tested for Her2+?  If you are positive, have you had Herceptin?  If not there are some vaccine trials with and without Herceptin at the University of Washington for which you may be eligible.  I am guessing that although not close that you are not that far from the City of Hope or even Loma Linda Univ which may also have some clinical trials for which you may be eligible.   The sores in your scalp may be cutaneous mets.  There is a cream which can help with those, but it is from Germany.  It has not yet been approved for use in the U.S. (and I am not sure why other  than we were not the ones to make it so it may not be cost effective), but you can get it through ‘compassionate use.’ If your oncologist isn’t aware of it, I would recommend a second opinion a.s.a.p.  Take care and wishing you all the best!  {{{Hugs}}} http://breastcancer.about.com/library/weekly/aa111601a.htm "Miltex Shows Results" "by Margaret Chiffriller What is Miltex

Question:

That article was written by my BCLD!  Good grief!  What are the odds? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Martin wrote: > Here’s an interesting article I found in the net titled " How should a > patient with an isolated GGT elevation be evaluated?". In my case – > GGT is four times the maximum normal range and the other liver enzymes > only slightly elevated. Anyway – I tested negative for hepatitis and > am awaiting the results of a liver / gallbladder ultrasound. > Here’s the article (from Cleveland Journal of Medicine"   > http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/ccjm/may2000/ccjmoneminutemay.htm > "Firestar" <mara…@nzia.net> wrote in message <news:5cpNb.303$1f.292283@monger.newsread.com>… >>"Thomas Wagner" <t…@capecod.com> wrote in message >>news:mu18005f8n7gnnlbh44v63u3c3cgf2pavj@4ax.com… >>>On 13 Jan 2004 06:22:10 -0800, martsadow…@yahoo.com (Martin) wrote: >>>>I just received a phone call from my MD saying that my further blood >>>>testing shows negative for hepatitis. So what could be quadrupling my >>>>GGT level and slightly elevating other liver enzymes? In the >>>>literature they mention Dilantin, Phenobarbital and drugs that induce >>>>liver (microsomal) enzymes as possible culprits. I do not take any of >>>>them. Anyway – I’m getting an ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder >>>>on Friday. >>>Maybe your Atkins diet? I know the proponents vehemently deny any danger >>>to the liver, but any extreme diet that uses unbalanced nutrients (and >>>Atkins certainly falls into that category) can cause your body to react >>>in strange and mysterious ways. I had hepatits and went through Atkins >>>without adverse effects, but I’ve seen folks in online forums reporting >>>elevated liver enzymes and other lab anomalies while on Atkins. Might be >>>transitory and harmless, but you might also want to think about >>>returning to a more sensible diet. >>>Thomas >>>– >>>To reach me, complete my last name in the address. >>My two cents: >>Enzyme levels in general can, and do, fluctuate for many reasons (the >>transaminases are enzymes).  You can find plenty of literature on that >>topic.  Having said that, a fourfold increase is unusual.  It may be a true >>result, but any apparently aberrant lab result should be confirmed by repeat >>testing of a new sample. >>There are many preanalytical variables that can drastically affect results. >>These include the ease of the venipuncture, specimen processing and storage >>temperature, mechanical handling of the specimen, sufficient clot formation >>before centrifugation, multi-centrifugation of  serum or plasma separator >>tubes (the ones with the gel in the bottom of the tube), and leaving >>serum/plasma aliquots uncapped for extended periods of time.  The actual >>affects are somewhat predictable (if the variable is known), but not >>quantifiable. >>Then there are the analytical variables that have to do with the actual >>testing.  Instrument calibration, chemical reagents, hardware and software >>functions, line voltage fluctuations, are a few of the many variables that >>can all affect results. >>I won’t detail post-analytical variables (even more boring than the stuff >>I’ve already typed!).   They exist. >>Decent labs will perform a quality systems audit to investigate unusual >>results upon physician request.  Most will also offer a no charge repeat if >>the physician calls and tells them the result is unexpected and/or >>clinically unsupported. >>Clinical reasons for single enzyme spikes generally involve very specific >>localized damage (eg.: infection, infarction, trauma).  These tend to be >>acute and/or emergent medical situations.   Certain occult malignancies will >>also produce elevated (sometimes wildly elevated) enzyme levels.  Others in >>the ng have already mentioned possible dietary and medication >>considerations. >>Some chronic diseases may cause elevated GGT levels.  A badly damaged liver >>may show AST and ALT levels at normal to below normal range.  In these >>cases, the liver has fewer functional cells.  Therefore, these ‘reactive’ >>transaminases are produced at a lower level, or hardly at all (GGT >>production is not affected to the same extent).  My old biochem instructor’s >>scientific explanation was:  "You don’t get much juice out of a dried up >>orange." >>My advice:  Talk to your physician.  Ask to have the lab verify the original >>report.. >>                   Have the test repeated.  It’s best to go directly to the >>lab, or the lab’s >>                   patient service center, to have your blood drawn. >>                   Talk to your physician. >>Good Luck! >>Thom

Response:

I guess the odds are low. Maybe you (Or I) should play the lottery this week (lol)! Anyway I just got the results of my liver ultrasound and am not quite sure if it should worry me or not. My regular doctor is unavailable – but I was able to obtain the report(included below). What do you think? Abdominal sonogram: The liver is unremarkable in size, contour and echogenicity. There is an echogenic mass in the porta hepatis, measuring 3.5 j 1.6 x 1.6 cm. and one in the left lobe, measuring .7 x.6 x .8 en There is a calcification in the left lobe, measuring .7 cm. in greatest diameter.  There is no intrahepatic bile duct dilatatic The common duct is unremarkable.  Examination of the gallbladder is unremarkable.  There are no calculi.  There is no ascites.  1 pancreas and spleen are unremarkable.  There is no hydronephrosis The right kidney measures 10.7 cm. and the left kidney measures 11.5 cm.  The visualized upper abdominal aorta and XVC are unremarkable. Conclusions: Echogenic masses in the right and left lobes of the liver, most c/w hemangiomas.  Advise correlation M.R.I, or tagged red cell nuclear medicine study for confirmation. Granuloma in the left lobe of the liver. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Songbird <songbir…@netscape.net> wrote in message <news:pjBOb.1989$Fp1.1290930@news1.news.adelphia.net>… > That article was written by my BCLD!  Good grief!  What are the odds? > Martin wrote: > > Here’s an interesting article I found in the net titled " How should a > > patient with an isolated GGT elevation be evaluated?". In my case – > > GGT is four times the maximum normal range and the other liver enzymes > > only slightly elevated. Anyway – I tested negative for hepatitis and > > am awaiting the results of a liver / gallbladder ultrasound. > > Here’s the article (from Cleveland Journal of Medicine"   > > http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/ccjm/may2000/ccjmoneminutemay.htm > > "Firestar" <mara…@nzia.net> wrote in message <news:5cpNb.303$1f.292283@monger.newsread.com>… > >>"Thomas Wagner" <t…@capecod.com> wrote in message > >>news:mu18005f8n7gnnlbh44v63u3c3cgf2pavj@4ax.com… > >>>On 13 Jan 2004 06:22:10 -0800, martsadow…@yahoo.com (Martin) wrote: > >>>>I just received a phone call from my MD saying that my further blood > >>>>testing shows negative for hepatitis. So what could be quadrupling my > >>>>GGT level and slightly elevating other liver enzymes? In the > >>>>literature they mention Dilantin, Phenobarbital and drugs that induce > >>>>liver (microsomal) enzymes as possible culprits. I do not take any of > >>>>them. Anyway – I’m getting an ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder > >>>>on Friday. > >>>Maybe your Atkins diet? I know the proponents vehemently deny any danger > >>>to the liver, but any extreme diet that uses unbalanced nutrients (and > >>>Atkins certainly falls into that category) can cause your body to react > >>>in strange and mysterious ways. I had hepatits and went through Atkins > >>>without adverse effects, but I’ve seen folks in online forums reporting > >>>elevated liver enzymes and other lab anomalies while on Atkins. Might be > >>>transitory and harmless, but you might also want to think about > >>>returning to a more sensible diet. > >>>Thomas > >>>– > >>>To reach me, complete my last name in the address. > >>My two cents: > >>Enzyme levels in general can, and do, fluctuate for many reasons (the > >>transaminases are enzymes).  You can find plenty of literature on that > >>topic.  Having said that, a fourfold increase is unusual.  It may be a true > >>result, but any apparently aberrant lab result should be confirmed by repeat > >>testing of a new sample. > >>There are many preanalytical variables that can drastically affect results. > >>These include the ease of the venipuncture, specimen processing and storage > >>temperature, mechanical handling of the specimen, sufficient clot formation > >>before centrifugation, multi-centrifugation of  serum or plasma separator > >>tubes (the ones with the gel in the bottom of the tube), and leaving > >>serum/plasma aliquots uncapped for extended periods of time.  The actual > >>affects are somewhat predictable (if the variable is known), but not > >>quantifiable. > >>Then there are the analytical variables that have to do with the actual > >>testing.  Instrument calibration, chemical reagents, hardware and software > >>functions, line voltage fluctuations, are a few of the many variables that > >>can all affect results. > >>I won’t detail post-analytical variables (even more boring than the stuff > >>I’ve already typed!).   They exist. > >>Decent labs will perform a quality systems audit to investigate unusual > >>results upon physician request.  Most will also offer a no charge repeat if > >>the physician calls and tells them the result is unexpected and/or > >>clinically unsupported. > >>Clinical reasons for single enzyme spikes generally involve very specific > >>localized damage (eg.: infection, infarction, trauma).  These tend to be > >>acute and/or emergent medical situations.   Certain occult malignancies will > >>also produce elevated (sometimes wildly elevated) enzyme levels.  Others in > >>the ng have already mentioned possible dietary and medication > >>considerations. > >>Some chronic diseases may cause elevated GGT levels.  A badly damaged liver > >>may show AST and ALT levels at normal to below normal range.  In these > >>cases, the liver has fewer functional cells.  Therefore, these ‘reactive’ > >>transaminases are produced at a lower level, or hardly at all (GGT > >>production is not affected to the same extent).  My old biochem instructor’s > >>scientific explanation was:  "You don’t get much juice out of a dried up > >>orange." > >>My advice:  Talk to your physician.  Ask to have the lab verify the original > >>report.. > >>                   Have the test repeated.  It’s best to go directly to the > >>lab, or the lab’s > >>                   patient service center, to have your blood drawn. > >>                   Talk to your physician. > >>Good Luck! > >>Thom

Response:

Here’s an interesting article I found in the net titled " How should a patient with an isolated GGT elevation be evaluated?". In my case – GGT is four times the maximum normal range and the other liver enzymes only slightly elevated. Anyway – I tested negative for hepatitis and am awaiting the results of a liver / gallbladder ultrasound. Here’s the article (from Cleveland Journal of Medicine"   http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/ccjm/may2000/ccjmoneminutemay.htm – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -"Firestar" <mara…@nzia.net> wrote in message <news:5cpNb.303$1f.292283@monger.newsread.com>… > "Thomas Wagner" <t…@capecod.com> wrote in message > news:mu18005f8n7gnnlbh44v63u3c3cgf2pavj@4ax.com… > > On 13 Jan 2004 06:22:10 -0800, martsadow…@yahoo.com (Martin) wrote: > > >I just received a phone call from my MD saying that my further blood > > >testing shows negative for hepatitis. So what could be quadrupling my > > >GGT level and slightly elevating other liver enzymes? In the > > >literature they mention Dilantin, Phenobarbital and drugs that induce > > >liver (microsomal) enzymes as possible culprits. I do not take any of > > >them. Anyway – I’m getting an ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder > > >on Friday. > > Maybe your Atkins diet? I know the proponents vehemently deny any danger > > to the liver, but any extreme diet that uses unbalanced nutrients (and > > Atkins certainly falls into that category) can cause your body to react > > in strange and mysterious ways. I had hepatits and went through Atkins > > without adverse effects, but I’ve seen folks in online forums reporting > > elevated liver enzymes and other lab anomalies while on Atkins. Might be > > transitory and harmless, but you might also want to think about > > returning to a more sensible diet. > > Thomas > > — > > To reach me, complete my last name in the address. > My two cents: > Enzyme levels in general can, and do, fluctuate for many reasons (the > transaminases are enzymes).  You can find plenty of literature on that > topic.  Having said that, a fourfold increase is unusual.  It may be a true > result, but any apparently aberrant lab result should be confirmed by repeat > testing of a new sample. > There are many preanalytical variables that can drastically affect results. > These include the ease of the venipuncture, specimen processing and storage > temperature, mechanical handling of the specimen, sufficient clot formation > before centrifugation, multi-centrifugation of  serum or plasma separator > tubes (the ones with the gel in the bottom of the tube), and leaving > serum/plasma aliquots uncapped for extended periods of time.  The actual > affects are somewhat predictable (if the variable is known), but not > quantifiable. > Then there are the analytical variables that have to do with the actual > testing.  Instrument calibration, chemical reagents, hardware and software > functions, line voltage fluctuations, are a few of the many variables that > can all affect results. > I won’t detail post-analytical variables (even more boring than the stuff > I’ve already typed!).   They exist. > Decent labs will perform a quality systems audit to investigate unusual > results upon physician request.  Most will also offer a no charge repeat if > the physician calls and tells them the result is unexpected and/or > clinically unsupported. > Clinical reasons for single enzyme spikes generally involve very specific > localized damage (eg.: infection, infarction, trauma).  These tend to be > acute and/or emergent medical situations.   Certain occult malignancies will > also produce elevated (sometimes wildly elevated) enzyme levels.  Others in > the ng have already mentioned possible dietary and medication > considerations. > Some chronic diseases may cause elevated GGT levels.  A badly damaged liver > may show AST and ALT levels at normal to below normal range.  In these > cases, the liver has fewer functional cells.  Therefore, these ‘reactive’ > transaminases are produced at a lower level, or hardly at all (GGT > production is not affected to the same extent).  My old biochem instructor’s > scientific explanation was:  "You don’t get much juice out of a dried up > orange." > My advice:  Talk to your physician.  Ask to have the lab verify the original > report.. >                    Have the test repeated.  It’s best to go directly to the > lab, or the lab’s >                    patient service center, to have your blood drawn. >                    Talk to your physician. > Good Luck! > Thom

Response:

"Thomas Wagner" <t…@capecod.com> wrote in message

news:mu18005f8n7gnnlbh44v63u3c3cgf2pavj@4ax.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> On 13 Jan 2004 06:22:10 -0800, martsadow…@yahoo.com (Martin) wrote: > >I just received a phone call from my MD saying that my further blood > >testing shows negative for hepatitis. So what could be quadrupling my > >GGT level and slightly elevating other liver enzymes? In the > >literature they mention Dilantin, Phenobarbital and drugs that induce > >liver (microsomal) enzymes as possible culprits. I do not take any of > >them. Anyway – I’m getting an ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder > >on Friday. > Maybe your Atkins diet? I know the proponents vehemently deny any danger > to the liver, but any extreme diet that uses unbalanced nutrients (and > Atkins certainly falls into that category) can cause your body to react > in strange and mysterious ways. I had hepatits and went through Atkins > without adverse effects, but I’ve seen folks in online forums reporting > elevated liver enzymes and other lab anomalies while on Atkins. Might be > transitory and harmless, but you might also want to think about > returning to a more sensible diet. > Thomas > — > To reach me, complete my last name in the address.

My two cents: Enzyme levels in general can, and do, fluctuate for many reasons (the transaminases are enzymes).  You can find plenty of literature on that topic.  Having said that, a fourfold increase is unusual.  It may be a true result, but any apparently aberrant lab result should be confirmed by repeat testing of a new sample. There are many preanalytical variables that can drastically affect results. These include the ease of the venipuncture, specimen processing and storage temperature, mechanical handling of the specimen, sufficient clot formation before centrifugation, multi-centrifugation of  serum or plasma separator tubes (the ones with the gel in the bottom of the tube), and leaving serum/plasma aliquots uncapped for extended periods of time.  The actual affects are somewhat predictable (if the variable is known), but not quantifiable. Then there are the analytical variables that have to do with the actual testing.  Instrument calibration, chemical reagents, hardware and software functions, line voltage fluctuations, are a few of the many variables that can all affect results. I won’t detail post-analytical variables (even more boring than the stuff I’ve already typed!).   They exist. Decent labs will perform a quality systems audit to investigate unusual results upon physician request.  Most will also offer a no charge repeat if the physician calls and tells them the result is unexpected and/or clinically unsupported. Clinical reasons for single enzyme spikes generally involve very specific localized damage (eg.: infection, infarction, trauma).  These tend to be acute and/or emergent medical situations.   Certain occult malignancies will also produce elevated (sometimes wildly elevated) enzyme levels.  Others in the ng have already mentioned possible dietary and medication considerations. Some chronic diseases may cause elevated GGT levels.  A badly damaged liver may show AST and ALT levels at normal to below normal range.  In these cases, the liver has fewer functional cells.  Therefore, these ‘reactive’ transaminases are produced at a lower level, or hardly at all (GGT production is not affected to the same extent).  My old biochem instructor’s scientific explanation was:  "You don’t get much juice out of a dried up orange." My advice:  Talk to your physician.  Ask to have the lab verify the original report..                    Have the test repeated.  It’s best to go directly to the lab, or the lab’s                    patient service center, to have your blood drawn.                    Talk to your physician. Good Luck! Thom

Response:

It is the Vioxx…it’s probably the WORST thing you can take. It rips a liver to shreds, even healthy ones. Kap — "It’s not easy being green."

Response:

On Thu, 15 Jan 2004 01:24:50 GMT, "Bill Earls" <b_ea…@pacbell.net> wrote: >It is the Vioxx…it’s probably the WORST thing you can take. It rips a >liver to shreds, even healthy ones.

That’s a pretty nonsensical statement, but Vioxx, like the other NSAIDs, can indeed in rare cases cause liver damage: Hepatic Effects – Generic Vioxx Borderline elevations of one or more liver tests may occur in up to 15% of patients taking NSAIDs, and notable elevations of ALT or AST (approximately three or more times the upper limit of normal) have been reported in approximately 1% of patients in clinical trials with NSAIDs. These laboratory abnormalities may progress, may remain unchanged, or may be transient with continuing therapy. Rare cases of severe hepatic reactions, including jaundice and fatal fulminant hepatitis, liver necrosis and hepatic failure (some with fatal outcome) have been reported with NSAIDs, including Generic Vioxx. In controlled clinical trials of Generic Vioxx, the incidence of borderline elevations of liver tests at doses of 12.5 and 25 mg daily was comparable to the incidence observed with ibuprofen and lower than that observed with diclofenac. In placebo-controlled trials, approximately 0.5% of patients taking rofecoxib (12.5 or 25 mg QD) and 0.1% of patients taking placebo had notable elevations of ALT or AST. http://www.drugfinder.net/genvioxx-desc/prescription-drug-genvioxx-de… Thomas — To reach me, complete my last name in the address.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Thomas Wagner wrote: > On 13 Jan 2004 06:22:10 -0800, martsadow…@yahoo.com (Martin) wrote: > >I just received a phone call from my MD saying that my further blood > >testing shows negative for hepatitis. So what could be quadrupling my > >GGT level and slightly elevating other liver enzymes? In the > >literature they mention Dilantin, Phenobarbital and drugs that induce > >liver (microsomal) enzymes as possible culprits. I do not take any of > >them. Anyway – I’m getting an ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder > >on Friday. > Maybe your Atkins diet? I know the proponents vehemently deny any danger > to the liver, but any extreme diet that uses unbalanced nutrients (and > Atkins certainly falls into that category) can cause your body to react > in strange and mysterious ways. I had hepatits and went through Atkins > without adverse effects, but I’ve seen folks in online forums reporting > elevated liver enzymes and other lab anomalies while on Atkins. Might be > transitory and harmless, but you might also want to think about > returning to a more sensible diet. > Thomas > — > To reach me, complete my last name in the address.

Did you know that Oro wheat is making Atkins Diet bread? It is very tasty.  I like it better than their whole wheat bread. The diet was modified quite a bit from the 70’s when it first came out. It allows more carbs than the first one. Hoof

Response:

On 13 Jan 2004 06:22:10 -0800, martsadow…@yahoo.com (Martin) wrote: >I just received a phone call from my MD saying that my further blood >testing shows negative for hepatitis. So what could be quadrupling my >GGT level and slightly elevating other liver enzymes? In the >literature they mention Dilantin, Phenobarbital and drugs that induce >liver (microsomal) enzymes as possible culprits. I do not take any of >them. Anyway – I’m getting an ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder >on Friday.

Maybe your Atkins diet? I know the proponents vehemently deny any danger to the liver, but any extreme diet that uses unbalanced nutrients (and Atkins certainly falls into that category) can cause your body to react in strange and mysterious ways. I had hepatits and went through Atkins without adverse effects, but I’ve seen folks in online forums reporting elevated liver enzymes and other lab anomalies while on Atkins. Might be transitory and harmless, but you might also want to think about returning to a more sensible diet. Thomas — To reach me, complete my last name in the address.

Response:

I just received a phone call from my MD saying that my further blood testing shows negative for hepatitis. So what could be quadrupling my GGT level and slightly elevating other liver enzymes? In the literature they mention Dilantin, Phenobarbital and drugs that induce liver (microsomal) enzymes as possible culprits. I do not take any of them. Anyway – I’m getting an ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder on Friday. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -"heppiechik" <canyougetme…@eatspam.spam> wrote in message <news:1003dodquhp4ldf@corp.supernews.com>… > I’m with Elmo. I thought of myself as really healthy until I had some preop > blood work done and say my Alt was 88 and my ast was also high. No symptoms > of hcv, not a one. > Get it checked fast! > hc > <elmoemer…@webtv.net> wrote in message > news:4797-40017D8B-51@storefull-3256.bay.webtv.net… > Fourfold increase in Gamma GTP levels due to??? > Group: alt.support.hepatitis-c Date: Sun, Jan 11, 2004, 2:58am (EST+5) > From: martsadow…@yahoo.com > I just had my blood drawn and to my surprise my GGTP level is 212 , > ALT=59 and AST is 45. In the past 2 years my liver enzymes were within > normal, although I was never tested for GGTP before. I’ve ben taking > Vioxx 25mg daily for the past 4 years. (Had a back surgery 4 years ago). > I’m scheduled for liver sonogram and am waiting for hepatitis workup > results to arrive. I also started on Atkins diet about 4 months ago, > lost 14 pounds and my weight /height ratio is normal now. Still on > maintenance Atkins. I do not have jaundice or other medical problems and > feel otherwise OK. Other lab values within normal range. Any ideas???? > Marty in NYC > XXXXXXXX > Yes, Marty.  See a doctor at your earliest convenience. > Elmo > http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile

Response:

I’m with Elmo. I thought of myself as really healthy until I had some preop blood work done and say my Alt was 88 and my ast was also high. No symptoms of hcv, not a one. Get it checked fast! hc <elmoemer…@webtv.net> wrote in message

news:4797-40017D8B-51@storefull-3256.bay.webtv.net… Fourfold increase in Gamma GTP levels due to??? Group: alt.support.hepatitis-c Date: Sun, Jan 11, 2004, 2:58am (EST+5) From: martsadow…@yahoo.com I just had my blood drawn and to my surprise my GGTP level is 212 , ALT=59 and AST is 45. In the past 2 years my liver enzymes were within normal, although I was never tested for GGTP before. I’ve ben taking Vioxx 25mg daily for the past 4 years. (Had a back surgery 4 years ago). I’m scheduled for liver sonogram and am waiting for hepatitis workup results to arrive. I also started on Atkins diet about 4 months ago, lost 14 pounds and my weight /height ratio is normal now. Still on maintenance Atkins. I do not have jaundice or other medical problems and feel otherwise OK. Other lab values within normal range. Any ideas???? Marty in NYC XXXXXXXX Yes, Marty.  See a doctor at your earliest convenience. Elmo http://community.webtv.net/elmoemerson/DocElmosHepFile

Response:

Fourfold increase in Gamma GTP levels due to???   Group: alt.support.hepatitis-c Date: Sun, Jan 11, 2004, 2:58am (EST+5) From: martsadow…@yahoo.com I just had my blood drawn and to my surprise my GGTP level is 212 , ALT=59 and AST is 45. In the past 2 years my liver enzymes were within normal, although I was never tested for GGTP before. I’ve ben taking Vioxx 25mg daily for the past 4 years. (Had a back surgery 4 years ago). I’m scheduled for liver sonogram and am waiting for hepatitis workup results to arrive. I also started on Atkins diet about 4 months ago, lost 14 pounds and my weight /height ratio is normal now. Still on maintenance Atkins. I do not have jaundice or other medical problems and feel otherwise OK. Other lab values within normal range. Any ideas????

Question:

Hi Tim; No they didn’t try either of those, to my knowledge.  Expense wouldn’t matter because we have an excellent health care plan for drug benefits. Wish I’d known about those possibilities before.  Ah well, too late now. Marianne – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Did they try an intravenous serotonin blocker eg Kytril or Zofran ( generic names end in ….setron) -with- the chemo?  One of these works for most people, and it works a whole lot better than taking the drugs orally -after- the infusion.  But  they are expensive drugs.

Response:

Thanks, Mazza! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Congrats Marianne , its great to hear such good news . Keep smiling, Luv Mazza xxx

Response:

Hi Marianne, That’s great news!  I’m so glad for you.  Treatment decisions aren’t always easy  What really matters is that you are comfortable with what you decide. I did a full year of CMF because I just couldn’t live with the idea that I hadn’t done absolutely everything that was possible.  (I wasn’t nauseous and vomiting).  We do what we can.  Hope that you are soon feeling well. Best wishes, Barb

Response:

ALL of this is just my "two cents" here and don’t mean to offend you by posting this. And I might add your perfectly free to ignore me as well..others do I’m used to it by now…{lol!} You posted to "Tim" that you weren’t offered those anti-nausea meds. You slso made the comment "well, too late now" {or something close to that?} Why not ask for one of these meds so you can get through the last one? I was too much of a whoozie not to finish all my treatments. I have always thought/beleived that the "number" of treatments chosen for a person’s therapy are decided on for a particular reason. There must be some things in a persons dx that make that number necessary for successful treatment. and the best chance that you get this taken care of the first time around.  I could be wrong…it’s been known to happen here..not very often of course…{lol!!} Take care there dear and just be very comfortable with whatever you finally decide..I’d just hate for you to regret anything you decide now, a few years down the road. This is crud, and no one should have to do this more then once.. God bless you annie p/s I’m now going back to my corner and try to behave myself…I said "try" Ultimately…..we know deeply that the other side of every fear is a freedom. "Courage"…is *fear* that has said it’s prayers.

Response:

There are so many darned names for these drugs, it’s confusing.  Actually, I guess they did try that.  I was given Anzemet 100mg in pill form (also says Dolasetron Mesylate) to take before the chemo.  The last treatment I forgot, so they put a bag in by intraveinous just before starting the nasty drugs. Marianne

Yes, that is one of the same class, I think the most recent one.  There is one more thing they could have or might have tried, apart from switching between different serotonin blockers, and that is adding dexamethosone to the mix.  It is a steroid and boosts the effect of the other anti-emetics. They would probably give metacloprominde too, which works on the dopamine system.  It’s a good anti-emetic but it doesn’t seem to help much in the chemo-induced setting. Tim

Response:

<snip I’ve completed 5 out of 6 treatments of FEC-100 and made the decision that this is the end of it.

Hi Marianne, My wife Liz had FEC too, and was able to resume work usually three days after treatment.  She was given dexamethazone, granisetron (Kytril) and domperidone (Motilium) to counter the sickness and mausea.  After that, she went on for radiotherapy and Tamoxifen (6 months so far). She says you could ask about these "Don’t stop now!", as she was sick only once, and the worst of the nausea went after two days.  She kept really well hydrated (3l water/day) and snacked frequently.  We also found ginger very useful – either snacks or in drinks. It may be worth a try – email if you’d like more info. Best wishes, Peter (& Liz)

Response:

Hi Shaz, I just finished talking at length with my onc’s nurse, and decided to go back for the final treatment on the 30th.  While I’m sorry you had all the problems I’ve had, it’s nice to know I’m not alone. Marianne

Response:

I was diagnosed last Sept&had my chemo soon after. I had my mascectomy on the 14th April and am now am two days from finishing my rads, of which i’ve had 15. Then i have finished my treatment and can get back to some kind of normal life again! YIPEE!

Wow — good for you!  *Celebrate* that big milestone! Ann T.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Marianne Glad to hear that your onc nurse has persuaded you to finish your last chemo treatment. It’s for the best. They give each person an individual dose and number of treatments for a reason and these treatments should be finished if you want them to work to their full potential and get the best outcome. Hopefully this last time won’t be as bad. My last one wasn’t as bad (probably coz in my head i knew it was the end of these ghastly treatments) and my nausea subsided slightly. Which made it all a whole lot more bearable. Here’s hoping that you have better luck with your anti-nausea drugs this time. Try asking for them by I.V again, it did help me slightly. Good luck, Don’t forget to keep on smiling, P.S Keep me up to date on how you’re getting on, Take Care, Shaz x Hi Shaz, I just finished talking at length with my onc’s nurse, and decided to go back for the final treatment on the 30th.  While I’m sorry you had all the problems I’ve had, it’s nice to know I’m not alone. Marianne

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Marianne Glad to hear that your onc nurse has persuaded you to finish your last chemo treatment. It’s for the best. They give each person an individual dose and number of treatments for a reason and these treatments should be finished if you want them to work to their full potential and get the best outcome. Hopefully this last time won’t be as bad. My last one wasn’t as bad (probably coz in my head i knew it was the end of these ghastly treatments) and my nausea subsided slightly. Which made it all a whole lot more bearable. Here’s hoping that you have better luck with your anti-nausea drugs this time. Try asking for them by I.V again, it did help me slightly. Good luck, Don’t forget to keep on smiling, P.S Keep me up to date on how you’re getting on, Take Care, Shaz x Hi Shaz, I just finished talking at length with my onc’s nurse, and decided to go back for the final treatment on the 30th.  While I’m sorry you had all the problems I’ve had, it’s nice to know I’m not alone. Marianne

Response:

There are so many darned names for these drugs, it’s confusing.  Actually, I guess they did try that.  I was given Anzemet 100mg in pill form (also says Dolasetron Mesylate) to take before the chemo.  The last treatment I forgot, so they put a bag in by intraveinous just before starting the nasty drugs. Marianne

Response:

Hi Annie; Of course you don’t offend me!  I post and read this lovely group for advice and I know that not all advice will be right for me.  Or maybe it will be right, and I might be too stubborn to see it. Actually, when I read the label on one of these pill bottles, I guess I was given one of the drugs Tim referred to.  At least, the name ends in "setron" and the pills cost $80 each.  My last treatment I forgot to take one, so they put in in by intraveinous solution just before the other drugs. Annie, from reading your other posts, I know you have gone through much more than I have.  You’re a brave strong person.  Me too, but I really have reached the limit.  Who knows, perhaps when I tell Oncology of my decision they may manage to talk me out of it. But I don’t know, even the nurse said, during my last treatment, that she didn’t know if I could get through another one. There are no veins useable left now in my arm.  Last treatment I was throwing up while they were doing it.  The drug flow kept stopping, and burning and my arm was so red and sore.  They had to move the IV line 3 different times and I was there for over 9 hours. All of this crud has been going on since last October when the cancer was first found.  One surgery in October, a severe lymph node area infection for all of November and December, second surgery (mastectomy) in January and I think chemo began in March.  Now I have at least 3 kidney stones that they know of stuck causing a blockage and hydronephrosis in one kidney.  One Tuesday I’m supposed to have a day surgery to try and get rid of the blockage.  Throughout the past 4 months I’ve had terrible attacks of kidney stones trying to get out every two or three weeks. Sorry, I sound like I’m whining.  This past weekend my 4-month old grandson was here and I held him in my arms and cried because I’ve only seen him 3 times.  I’m too carsick to drive 4 hours to visit. I really need to get on with living NOW, right now, and start to heal in body and soul.  I was a (beginning) Potter before all this crud.  Last night I picked up some clay for the first time since last fall and threw a beautiful pot.  It felt so healing.  Yesterday I trimmed some shrubbery in my garden, managed to cut my finger, but it felt wonderful to be doing something other than laying in bed making mad dashes to the bathroom.  Then I ran inside and threw up.  Enough rambling. Marianne

Response:

Hi Marianne, I don’t blame you for wanting to quit your treatment before it is due to end. I also thought about this, coz of such terrible nausea&CHRONIC vomiting. I hasd the same experience, where i was throwing up while they were administring the A/C! I would have given up, but my husband made me finish my treatments,of which i had 6. I know exactly how you feel. You get so fed up of being sick constantly and you just want to be normal again, whatever that is? But you end up getting so depressed and wonder why you’re putting yourself through all of this. None of the drugs they give you work! I had Granisetron, which are supposed to be quite strong and tend to work for most people. But we just happen to be the ones it doesn’t work for! I can’t advise you on what decision you should make, as it such a huge and very personal one, only you and your family could possibly make. I just thought i would share my experience with you, to let you know that you’re not the only one this has happened to. I got through it and so can you! I was diagnosed last Sept&had my chemo soon after. I had my mascectomy on the 14th April and am now am two days from finishing my rads, of which i’ve had 15. Then i have finished my treatment and can get back to some kind of normal life again! YIPEE! All the best, Let me know what you decide, Shaz x

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Annie; Of course you don’t offend me!  I post and read this lovely group for advice and I know that not all advice will be right for me.  Or maybe it will be right, and I might be too stubborn to see it. Actually, when I read the label on one of these pill bottles, I guess I was given one of the drugs Tim referred to.  At least, the name ends in "setron" and the pills cost $80 each.  My last treatment I forgot to take one, so they put in in by intraveinous solution just before the other drugs. Annie, from reading your other posts, I know you have gone through much more than I have.  You’re a brave strong person.  Me too, but I really have reached the limit.  Who knows, perhaps when I tell Oncology of my decision they may manage to talk me out of it. But I don’t know, even the nurse said, during my last treatment, that she didn’t know if I could get through another one. There are no veins useable left now in my arm.  Last treatment I was throwing up while they were doing it.  The drug flow kept stopping, and burning and my arm was so red and sore.  They had to move the IV line 3 different times and I was there for over 9 hours. All of this crud has been going on since last October when the cancer was first found.  One surgery in October, a severe lymph node area infection for all of November and December, second surgery (mastectomy) in January and I think chemo began in March.  Now I have at least 3 kidney stones that they know of stuck causing a blockage and hydronephrosis in one kidney.  One Tuesday I’m supposed to have a day surgery to try and get rid of the blockage.  Throughout the past 4 months I’ve had terrible attacks of kidney stones trying to get out every two or three weeks. Sorry, I sound like I’m whining.  This past weekend my 4-month old grandson was here and I held him in my arms and cried because I’ve only seen him 3 times.  I’m too carsick to drive 4 hours to visit. I really need to get on with living NOW, right now, and start to heal in body and soul.  I was a (beginning) Potter before all this crud.  Last night I picked up some clay for the first time since last fall and threw a beautiful pot.  It felt so healing.  Yesterday I trimmed some shrubbery in my garden, managed to cut my finger, but it felt wonderful to be doing something other than laying in bed making mad dashes to the bathroom. Then I ran inside and threw up.  Enough rambling. Marianne

Response:

Marianne, so sorry to hear of the difficulties you have been having with the treatments.  No fun  I do hope that you are more comfortable with any future treatments and that some positive intervention might be done beforehand to make it much more tolerable.  My best thoughts and prayers are with you. {{{Hugs}}}

Response:

My wife Liz had FEC too, and was able to resume work usually three days after treatment.  She was given dexamethazone, granisetron (Kytril) and domperidone (Motilium) to counter the sickness and mausea.  After that, she went on for radiotherapy and Tamoxifen (6 months so far).

I heard that domperidone is for some reason not widely available in the US. Metaclopromide (Reglan) is similar. Tim

Response:

I thought I would share my good news.  The lump I found is my other breast is not cancer.  It’s some kind of fibroid thing, and harmless, and was there before.  The reason I can feel it now is because the breast tissue is less dense since I’ve been off HRT for about 7 months. I’ve completed 5 out of 6 treatments of FEC-100 and made the decision that this is the end of it.  The treatments, I mean.  Enough is enough, and since my nodes were negative, I feel I’ve done all I can manage.  Had my nodes been positive then I would force myself through the last one.  But now, all I want to do is get better and start to heal.  From the discovery of the cancer until now, it’s been over 8 months (including 2 surgeries and an infection).  Time to heal, now. My family think I should continue, but I can’t.  Vomiting and nausea never, ever, stops no matter what I take.  I want my life back now and hope I’m doing the right thing, for me. Marianne

Response:

Fantastic—glad to hear the good news!

Response:

Marianne Glad to hear the contralateral was negative. Sorry you are having a hard time with FEC Did they try an intravenous serotonin blocker eg Kytril or Zofran ( generic names end in ….setron) -with- the chemo?  One of these works for most people, and it works a whole lot better than taking the drugs orally -after- the infusion.  But  they are expensive drugs. Tim Jackson

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I thought I would share my good news.  The lump I found is my other breast is not cancer.  It’s some kind of fibroid thing, and harmless, and was there before.  The reason I can feel it now is because the breast tissue is less dense since I’ve been off HRT for about 7 months. I’ve completed 5 out of 6 treatments of FEC-100 and made the decision that this is the end of it.  The treatments, I mean.  Enough is enough, and since my nodes were negative, I feel I’ve done all I can manage.  Had my nodes been positive then I would force myself through the last one.  But now, all I want to do is get better and start to heal.  From the discovery of the cancer until now, it’s been over 8 months (including 2 surgeries and an infection).  Time to heal, now. My family think I should continue, but I can’t.  Vomiting and nausea never, ever, stops no matter what I take.  I want my life back now and hope I’m doing the right thing, for me. Marianne

Response:

Congrats Marianne , its great to hear such good news . Keep smiling, Luv Mazza xxx – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I thought I would share my good news.  The lump I found is my other breast is not cancer.  It’s some kind of fibroid thing, and harmless, and was there before.  The reason I can feel it now is because the breast tissue is less dense since I’ve been off HRT for about 7 months. I’ve completed 5 out of 6 treatments of FEC-100 and made the decision that this is the end of it.  The treatments, I mean.  Enough is enough, and since my nodes were negative, I feel I’ve done all I can manage.  Had my nodes been positive then I would force myself through the last one.  But now, all I want to do is get better and start to heal.  From the discovery of the cancer until now, it’s been over 8 months (including 2 surgeries and an infection).  Time to heal, now. My family think I should continue, but I can’t.  Vomiting and nausea never, ever, stops no matter what I take.  I want my life back now and hope I’m doing the right thing, for me. Marianne

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — Yes, all of the feelings you describe are "normal". Although you may experience SOME discomfort as the stone is passed; the MAJORITY of the pain is related to SPASMS and not the stone "scraping" the urethra. You mean the ureter, right?  The stone cannot possibly be in the urethra You are correct. Sorrry! The pain from kidney stones ranks with the worst that I encounter in the emergency room. It presents typically as unilateral flank pain radiating to the lower abdomen or groin. Vomiting is common. . Once as I.V. is established, narcotic analgesia, usually morphine or Demerol

Question:

Bryna, PLEASE don’t take another dose of Zomig. My daughter inlaw had a miscarriage caused by taking triptans before she realized she was pregnant. I don’t know of any neuro who specializes in pregnancy AND Migraine, but a good Migraine specialist is your best bet. Unfortunately, there’s not going to be much you can take while pregnant. Are you in NYC? You can find a directory of specialists and clinics on my site at http://www.headaches.about.com/cs/headacheclinics/. I honestly don’t know how far you are from Stamford Connecticut, but they’re the very best clinic in the new England area and one of the best in the country. Here’s an excerpt from the prescribing info for Zomig. All the triptans say about the same: "Pregnancy: Category C:   There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women; therefore, zolmitriptan should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. In reproductive toxicity studies in rats and rabbits, oral administration of zolmitriptan to pregnant animals was associated with embryolethality and fetal abnormalities. When pregnant rats were administered oral zolmitriptan during the period of organogenesis at doses of 100, 400 and 1200 mg/kg/day, there was a dose-related increase in embryolethality which became statistically significant at the high dose. The maternal plasma exposures at these doses were approximately 280, 1100 and 5000 times the exposure in humans receiving the maximum recommended total daily dose of 10 mg. The high dose was maternally toxic, as evidenced by a decreased maternal body weight gain during gestation. In a similar study in rabbits, embryolethality was increased at the maternally toxic doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg/day (maternal plasma exposures equivalent to 11 and 42 times exposure in humans receiving the maximum recommended total daily dose of 10 mg), and increased incidences of fetal malformations (fused sternebrae, rib anomalies) and variations (major blood vessel variations, irregular ossification pattern of ribs) were observed at 30 mg/kg/day. Three mg/kg/day was a no effect dose (equivalent to human exposure at a dose of 10 mg). When female rats were given zolmitriptan during gestation, parturition, and lactation, an increased incidence of hydronephrosis was found in the offspring at the maternally toxic dose of 400 mg/kg/day (1100 times human exposure). Nursing Mothers:   It is not known whether zolmitriptan is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when zolmitriptan is administered to a nursing woman. Lactating rats dosed with zolmitriptan had milk levels equivalent to maternal plasma levels at 1 hour and 4 times higher than plasma levels at 4 hours." Good luck, — Teri Robert, Ph.D. About Guide to Headaches/Migraine http://headaches.about.com Visit our forums at       http://headaches.about.com/mpboards.htm MAGNUM Migraineur Support Advisor www.migraines.org **Whatever the question is, compromising patient needs and rights is not the answer.**

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been suffering terrible migraines that last for days.  Since I am 7 weeks pregnant, I am not supposed to take Zomig, which is my usual medication, and have been prescribed narcotics.  After two days, they stopped working and finally, in desperation, I took a Zomig.  I am very concerned that I have hurt my baby, and also realize that I need to find a neurologist who specializes in pregnancy migraines to help me manage them.  I live in the NY area — does anyone know where I should go?  Also, has anyone else had experience with triptans during pregnancy?  Thank you! Bryna

Response:

I have been suffering terrible migraines that last for days.  Since I am 7 weeks pregnant, I am not supposed to take Zomig, which is my usual medication, and have been prescribed narcotics.  After two days, they stopped working and finally, in desperation, I took a Zomig.  I am very concerned that I have hurt my baby, and also realize that I need to find a neurologist who specializes in pregnancy migraines to help me manage them.  I live in the NY area — does anyone know where I should go?  Also, has anyone else had experience with triptans during pregnancy?  Thank you! Bryna

Response:

Also, Dr. Mark Green at Columbia is good…as is Dr. Lawrence Newman, Manhatten.There is a pregnancy registry with sumatriptan going on, for those who have taken sumatriptan during preg., and they have, in general, not been finding problems with the kids…we will absolutely NOT be able to recommend triptans during preg., and you should not take them, but the available evidence is that they are not likely to produce any problems.  Lawrence Robbins M.D. www.headachedrugs.com

Thank you!  That concurs with the information I got from the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago, which is a real relief to me.   Bryna

Response:

Either David Coddon (neurology-Manhattan) or Arthur Elkind (Int. Med. in Mt. Vernon). Feel free to use my name. Jack Sandweiss

Thanks!

Response:

Also, Dr. Mark Green at Columbia is good…as is Dr. Lawrence Newman, Manhatten.There is a pregnancy registry with sumatriptan going on, for those who have taken sumatriptan during preg., and they have, in general, not been finding problems with the kids…we will absolutely NOT be able to recommend triptans during preg., and you should not take them, but the available evidence is that they are not likely to produce any problems.  Lawrence Robbins M.D. www.headachedrugs.com

Response:

Either David Coddon (neurology-Manhattan) or Arthur Elkind (Int. Med. in Mt. Vernon). Feel free to use my name. Jack Sandweiss Research Associate California Medical Clinic for Headache Santa Monica, CA – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been suffering terrible migraines that last for days.  Since I am 7 weeks pregnant, I am not supposed to take Zomig, which is my usual medication, and have been prescribed narcotics.  After two days, they stopped working and finally, in desperation, I took a Zomig.  I am very concerned that I have hurt my baby, and also realize that I need to find a neurologist who specializes in pregnancy migraines to help me manage them.  I live in the NY area — does anyone know where I should go?  Also, has anyone else had experience with triptans during pregnancy?  Thank you! Bryna

Response:

Question:

Hi guys.  Just a brief visit to let you know what has been going on. Ger, he has either adrenal insufficiency from his diabetes or a tumor or both.  Don’t know which.  They started him on cortisone and he is a new man. he was so dehydrated he still is not adequately hydrated after 5 days.  They will be testing to see if he has a tumor or not on his adrenal gland. His kidney function took a nose dive and it was determined that part of it was due to the fact that he doesn’t empty his bladder totally.  So they will be giving him an internal catheter sort of like a colostomy with a small bag he will have to empty.  No more incontinence. Yea!  He is still in the hospital and we don’t know for how long, but at least we are making some headway.  Hopefully, the hydronephrosis will clear up with the bladder solved. I am just trying to deal with the stress which is very heavy. Exhaustion is a real problem. On a good note, I am now a PlanetRx.com chat host.  I host diabetes chats Tues and Thursday 1-3 EDT and a weight loss chat on Fridays from 5-7 pm EDT. The weight management chat doesn’t start till the 5th of may.  I hope to see some of you there. I haven’t really read the group, but just wanted to update you personally this time!  Thanks for all your concern, prayers and good thoughts. Anyone who wants to reach me must e-mail me. — claudia   Private Weight Loss Consultant and Author 615/377/157  To email me remove the potatoes Tipletter Writer for Dieting CyberTip4theDay Subscribe today:  http://www.CyberTip4theDay.com For hundreds of free low-fat recipes and info visit Claudia’s Corner http://dietchef.ecorp.net

Response:

Good to hear that Ger seems to be improving.  Hope they figure out what it is soon so they can fix it.  In the meantime, make sure you take some time out to get some well-deserved rest! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi guys.  Just a brief visit to let you know what has been going on. Ger, he has either adrenal insufficiency from his diabetes or a tumor or both.  Don’t know which.  They started him on cortisone and he is a new man. he was so dehydrated he still is not adequately hydrated after 5 days.  They will be testing to see if he has a tumor or not on his adrenal gland. His kidney function took a nose dive and it was determined that part of it was due to the fact that he doesn’t empty his bladder totally.  So they will be giving him an internal catheter sort of like a colostomy with a small bag he will have to empty.  No more incontinence. Yea!  He is still in the hospital and we don’t know for how long, but at least we are making some headway.  Hopefully, the hydronephrosis will clear up with the bladder solved. I am just trying to deal with the stress which is very heavy. Exhaustion is a real problem. On a good note, I am now a PlanetRx.com chat host.  I host diabetes chats Tues and Thursday 1-3 EDT and a weight loss chat on Fridays from 5 -7 pm EDT. The weight management chat doesn’t start till the 5th of may. I hope to see some of you there. I haven’t really read the group, but just wanted to update you personally this time!  Thanks for all your concern, prayers and good thoughts. Anyone who wants to reach me must e-mail me. — claudia   Private Weight Loss Consultant and Author 615/377/157  To email me remove the potatoes Tipletter Writer for Dieting CyberTip4theDay Subscribe today:  http://www.CyberTip4theDay.com For hundreds of free low-fat recipes and info visit Claudia’s Corner http://dietchef.ecorp.net

– KC (to reply by e-mail, please take out the dog) —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Hi guys.  Just a brief visit to let you know what has been going on.

Bless you Claudia. Remember, sometimes it’s OK not to be strong. Sending you and your love, yukari

Response:

hi Claudia. Glad to hear there is some headway being made for Ger. I wish him well. You mentioned he is going to have an internal catheter.. do you mean a nephrostomy tube insterted into the kidney that drains out of his kidney instead of his bladder? Anyways, I am so glad to hear he is feeling better on the cortisone. My dad got put on that too, and he feels much better too.. ) Please take time for you too Claudia. It is great you are a chat host on PlanetRx, but I hope that you find time for just you.. take a moment from your day for you, and just let your troubles and worries take the back seat. ~~Joanie~~ 245/217.8/215 minigoal#6  glasses of H2O today 2/12 started ww nov 22/99  pounds left to lose  72.8  pounds divorced- 27.2 Destination 2000 – goal = 12,000 minutes exercise 3815/12,000 Goal -Vegas 1398 miles 443.6/1398  miles * 8.6 min exercise = 1 mile

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi guys.  Just a brief visit to let you know what has been going on. Ger, he has either adrenal insufficiency from his diabetes or a tumor or both.  Don’t know which.  They started him on cortisone and he is a new man. he was so dehydrated he still is not adequately hydrated after 5 days. They will be testing to see if he has a tumor or not on his adrenal gland. His kidney function took a nose dive and it was determined that part of it was due to the fact that he doesn’t empty his bladder totally.  So they will be giving him an internal catheter sort of like a colostomy with a small bag he will have to empty.  No more incontinence. Yea!  He is still in the hospital and we don’t know for how long, but at least we are making some headway.  Hopefully, the hydronephrosis will clear up with the bladder solved. I am just trying to deal with the stress which is very heavy. Exhaustion is a real problem. On a good note, I am now a PlanetRx.com chat host.  I host diabetes chats Tues and Thursday 1-3 EDT and a weight loss chat on Fridays from 5-7 pm EDT. The weight management chat doesn’t start till the 5th of may.  I hope to see some of you there. I haven’t really read the group, but just wanted to update you personally this time!  Thanks for all your concern, prayers and good thoughts. Anyone who wants to reach me must e-mail me. — claudia   Private Weight Loss Consultant and Author 615/377/157  To email me remove the potatoes Tipletter Writer for Dieting CyberTip4theDay Subscribe today:  http://www.CyberTip4theDay.com For hundreds of free low-fat recipes and info visit Claudia’s Corner http://dietchef.ecorp.net

Response:

Hi guys.  Just a brief visit to let you know what has been going on. Ger, he has either adrenal insufficiency from his diabetes or a tumor or both.  Don’t know which.  They started him on cortisone and he is a new man. he was so dehydrated he still is not adequately hydrated after 5 days.  They will be testing to see if he has a tumor or not on his adrenal gland. claudia   Private Weight Loss Consultant and Author

Claudia, It’s so good to hear that Ger is feeling better.  I hope he continues to improve.  Take care of yourself.  You and Ger are in my thoughts and prayers. Beverly 148 (177 orig) /141/135  Lifetime Weight Watcher member Destination 2000 – 5K run in Oct 6000 – 1015 exercise minutes 5K stats – 45 total (20 run/25 walk)

Response:

Thanks for letting us know Ger is improving. My thoughts & prayers are with you both. Try to get some rest also. Great news about you being a chat host! God bless. Gayle *take the fly out of the spiderweb to reply*

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi guys.  Just a brief visit to let you know what has been going on. Ger, he has either adrenal insufficiency from his diabetes or a tumor or both.  Don’t know which.  They started him on cortisone and he is a new man. he was so dehydrated he still is not adequately hydrated after 5 days. They will be testing to see if he has a tumor or not on his adrenal gland. His kidney function took a nose dive and it was determined that part of it was due to the fact that he doesn’t empty his bladder totally.  So they will be giving him an internal catheter sort of like a colostomy with a small bag he will have to empty.  No more incontinence. Yea!  He is still in the hospital and we don’t know for how long, but at least we are making some headway.  Hopefully, the hydronephrosis will clear up with the bladder solved. I am just trying to deal with the stress which is very heavy. Exhaustion is a real problem. On a good note, I am now a PlanetRx.com chat host.  I host diabetes chats Tues and Thursday 1-3 EDT and a weight loss chat on Fridays from 5-7 pm EDT. The weight management chat doesn’t start till the 5th of may.  I hope to see some of you there. I haven’t really read the group, but just wanted to update you personally this time!  Thanks for all your concern, prayers and good thoughts. Anyone who wants to reach me must e-mail me. — claudia   Private Weight Loss Consultant and Author 615/377/157  To email me remove the potatoes Tipletter Writer for Dieting CyberTip4theDay Subscribe today:  http://www.CyberTip4theDay.com For hundreds of free low-fat recipes and info visit Claudia’s Corner http://dietchef.ecorp.net

Response:

Thanks for taking the time for an update.  I’m glad Ger is doing better. You are an amazing woman!  Your drive and determination seems to have no bounds! — Lisa B. 243/184.5/145

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi guys.  Just a brief visit to let you know what has been going on. Ger, he has either adrenal insufficiency from his diabetes or a tumor or both.  Don’t know which.  They started him on cortisone and he is a new man. he was so dehydrated he still is not adequately hydrated after 5 days. They will be testing to see if he has a tumor or not on his adrenal gland. His kidney function took a nose dive and it was determined that part of it was due to the fact that he doesn’t empty his bladder totally.  So they will be giving him an internal catheter sort of like a colostomy with a small bag he will have to empty.  No more incontinence. Yea!  He is still in the hospital and we don’t know for how long, but at least we are making some headway.  Hopefully, the hydronephrosis will clear up with the bladder solved. I am just trying to deal with the stress which is very heavy. Exhaustion is a real problem. On a good note, I am now a PlanetRx.com chat host.  I host diabetes chats Tues and Thursday 1-3 EDT and a weight loss chat on Fridays from 5-7 pm EDT. The weight management chat doesn’t start till the 5th of may.  I hope to see some of you there. I haven’t really read the group, but just wanted to update you personally this time!  Thanks for all your concern, prayers and good thoughts. Anyone who wants to reach me must e-mail me. — claudia   Private Weight Loss Consultant and Author 615/377/157  To email me remove the potatoes Tipletter Writer for Dieting CyberTip4theDay Subscribe today:  http://www.CyberTip4theDay.com For hundreds of free low-fat recipes and info visit Claudia’s Corner http://dietchef.ecorp.net

Response:

hugs to you Claudia, you are in my thoughts. Julie

Response:

Claudia asked me to post this. The surgery is to insert an internal catheter into his bladder which will exit in his tummy between his hairline and navel.  There will be a tube which will lead to a bad strapped to his leg.  It is called a peri something.  But it drains the bladder, not the kidneys.This will be such a blessing since he has been almost totally incontinent since Dec and has always had a problem.  In fact, we were considering writing a book critiquiting bathrooms!  LOL  The freedom he will have is incredible.  he used to get up every 2 hours at night to pee.  Now he will be able to sleep all night long. The other good news is that by draining his bladder completely, his kidney functions have improved to almost normal. The surgery is Friday and hopefully he will be home by Sunday.  We will spend next week getting back to normal, or normal for us. This has all been such a gift.  I have the man I married back after three years of suffering, pain and crisis.  It is like a miracle.  I had lost hope, yet there it was peeing out at me in the most unlikely way and place! As for taking care of me, I am trying to.  Not reading the groups actually helps since it takes time I just don’t have.with visiting the hospital.  I will be back next week though!.  I am having difficulty sleeping because the pain is worse, of course, from stress.But I am trying to rest, take quiet times when I can and take my medication. The biggest problems I feel are the sleeping, the extreme itching on my arms and that feeling if never quite relaxing.  I would give anything to sink into a comfy chair and have the "ah" feeling.  But it will return with time.  it;s just that after 3 years, I have no stress reserve left!. Planet Rx came along at the wrong time life wise but the right time career wise, so I guess it;s a trade off.  the worst of that is over though since training is done and I have gotten my feet wet with the diabetic chats.  I hope those here with diabetic issues can join me Tuesdays and Thursdays 1-3 EDT and beginning next Friday from 5-7 pm EDT for the weight management chat. And once again, we are growing closer as a result of being near death.  For so long ger has been unable to even converse. I have missed him so much Again, thanks all for the cards, notes, prayers and good thoughts.  We just might begin to see some real peace around here, something that had been sorely lacking for 3 years. Claudia  Private Weight Loss Consultant and Author Tipletter Writer for Dieting CyberTip4theDay Subscribe today:  http://www.CyberTip4theDay.com For hundreds of free low-fat recipes and info visit Claudia’s Corner http://dietchef.ecorp.net

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hi Claudia. Glad to hear there is some headway being made for Ger. I wish him well. You mentioned he is going to have an internal catheter.. do you mean a nephrostomy tube insterted into the kidney that drains out of his kidney instead of his bladder? Anyways, I am so glad to hear he is feeling better on the cortisone. My dad got put on that too, and he feels much better too.. ) Please take time for you too Claudia. It is great you are a chat host on PlanetRx, but I hope that you find time for just you.. take a moment from your day for you, and just let your troubles and worries take the back seat. ~~Joanie~~ 245/217.8/215 minigoal#6  glasses of H2O today 2/12 started ww nov 22/99  pounds left to lose  72.8  pounds divorced- 27.2 Destination 2000 – goal = 12,000 minutes exercise 3815/12,000 Goal -Vegas 1398 miles 443.6/1398  miles * 8.6 min exercise = 1 mile Hi guys.  Just a brief visit to let you know what has been going on. Ger, he has either adrenal insufficiency from his diabetes or a tumor or both.  Don’t know which.  They started him on cortisone and he is a new man. he was so dehydrated he still is not adequately hydrated after 5 days. They will be testing to see if he has a tumor or not on his adrenal gland. His kidney function took a nose dive and it was determined that part of it was due to the fact that he doesn’t empty his bladder totally.  So they will be giving him an internal catheter sort of like a colostomy with a small bag he will have to empty.  No more incontinence. Yea!  He is still in the hospital and we don’t know for how long, but at least we are making some headway.  Hopefully, the hydronephrosis will clear up with the bladder solved. I am just trying to deal with the stress which is very heavy. Exhaustion is a real problem. On a good note, I am now a PlanetRx.com chat host.  I host diabetes chats Tues and Thursday 1-3 EDT and a weight loss chat on Fridays from 5-7 pm EDT. The weight management chat doesn’t start till the 5th of may.  I hope to see some of you there. I haven’t really read the group, but just wanted to update you personally this time!  Thanks for all your concern, prayers and good thoughts. Anyone who wants to reach me must e-mail me. — claudia   Private Weight Loss Consultant and Author 615/377/157  To email me remove the potatoes Tipletter Writer for Dieting CyberTip4theDay Subscribe today:  http://www.CyberTip4theDay.com For hundreds of free low-fat recipes and info visit Claudia’s Corner http://dietchef.ecorp.net

Response:

Claudia, I’m glad to hear you and Ger are making headway in finding answers and solutions. Marie

Response:

Lol. Oh Claudia makes the funniest typos! Jacqueline Sometimes there needs to be more chlorine thrown into the gene pool.

Claudia asked me to post this.

<<snip This has all been such a gift.  I have the man I married back after three years of suffering, pain and crisis.  It is like a miracle.  I had lost hope, yet there it was peeing out at me in the most unlikely way and

place! <<snip

Response:

Ah.. You are talking about a suprapubic catheter with a leg bag.. Yes, Ger will indeed get more freedom with this, and the relief from incontinence will no doubt help his outlook (and your’s I dare say) )) I am so glad to hear that his renal function is returning to almost normal..   Are they going to look at why there was difficulty emptying his bladder? There are tests they can do for that called urodynamics…  where they can see if the urinary sphincter is working properly, or at all… ? Anyways, I imagine at this point you and he are just glad he is stabilizing and getting back to his normal self… enough of tests! )  So happy to hear that things are on the upswing! I don’t know if you have tried St John’s Wort, but I find when I take one, it lessens the stress I am feeling, and I sleep SO WELL on it. I only take one once a month or two, when I am feeling totally stressed… but it works wonders for me — ~~Joanie~~ 245/219.8/215 minigoal#6  glasses of H2O today 6/12 started ww nov 22/99  pounds left to lose  72.8  pounds divorced- 27.2 Destination 2000 – goal = 12,000 minutes exercise 3815/12,000 Goal -Vegas 1398 miles 443.6/1398  miles * 8.6 min exercise = 1 mile

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Claudia asked me to post this. The surgery is to insert an internal catheter into his bladder which will exit in his tummy between his hairline and navel.  There will be a tube which will lead to a bad strapped to his leg.  It is called a peri something.  But it drains the bladder, not the kidneys.This will be such a blessing since he has been almost totally incontinent since Dec and has always had a problem.  In fact, we were considering writing a book critiquiting bathrooms!  LOL  The freedom he will have is incredible.  he used to get up every 2 hours at night to pee.  Now he will be able to sleep all night long. The other good news is that by draining his bladder completely, his kidney functions have improved to almost normal. The surgery is Friday and hopefully he will be home by Sunday.  We will spend next week getting back to normal, or normal for us. This has all been such a gift.  I have the man I married back after three years of suffering, pain and crisis.  It is like a miracle.  I had lost hope, yet there it was peeing out at me in the most unlikely way and place! As for taking care of me, I am trying to.  Not reading the groups actually helps since it takes time I just don’t have.with visiting the hospital.  I will be back next week though!.  I am having difficulty sleeping because the pain is worse, of course, from stress.But I am trying to rest, take quiet times when I can and take my medication. The biggest problems I feel are the sleeping, the extreme itching on my arms and that feeling if never quite relaxing.  I would give anything to sink into a comfy chair and have the "ah" feeling.  But it will return with time.  it;s just that after 3 years, I have no stress reserve left!. Planet Rx came along at the wrong time life wise but the right time career wise, so I guess it;s a trade off.  the worst of that is over though since training is done and I have gotten my feet wet with the diabetic chats.  I hope those here with diabetic issues can join me Tuesdays and Thursdays 1-3 EDT and beginning next Friday from 5-7 pm EDT for the weight management chat. And once again, we are growing closer as a result of being near death. For so long ger has been unable to even converse. I have missed him so much Again, thanks all for the cards, notes, prayers and good thoughts.  We just might begin to see some real peace around here, something that had been sorely lacking for 3 years. Claudia  Private Weight Loss Consultant and Author Tipletter Writer for Dieting CyberTip4theDay Subscribe today:  http://www.CyberTip4theDay.com For hundreds of free low-fat recipes and info visit Claudia’s Corner http://dietchef.ecorp.net

Response:

Lol.

Heh! I thought that it was an intended pun but now that you mention it, I see that she could have just missed a letter and ended up with "peeing" Stacy 199/134/undecided – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Oh Claudia makes the funniest typos! Jacqueline Sometimes there needs to be more chlorine thrown into the gene pool. Claudia asked me to post this. <<snip This has all been such a gift.  I have the man I married back after three years of suffering, pain and crisis.  It is like a miracle.  I had lost hope, yet there it was peeing out at me in the most unlikely way and place! <<snip

–

Response:

Thanx Julie. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Claudia asked me to post this. The surgery is to insert an internal catheter into his bladder which will exit in his tummy between his hairline and navel.  There will be a tube which will lead to a bad strapped to his leg.  It is called a peri something.  But it drains the bladder, not the kidneys.This will be such a blessing since he has been almost totally incontinent since Dec and has always had a problem.  In fact, we were considering writing a book critiquiting bathrooms!  LOL  The freedom he will have is incredible.  he used to get up every 2 hours at night to pee.  Now he will be able to sleep all night long. The other good news is that by draining his bladder completely, his kidney functions have improved to almost normal. The surgery is Friday and hopefully he will be home by Sunday.  We will spend next week getting back to normal, or normal for us. This has all been such a gift.  I have the man I married back after three years of suffering, pain and crisis.  It is like a miracle.  I had lost hope, yet there it was peeing out at me in the most unlikely way and place! As for taking care of me, I am trying to.  Not reading the groups actually helps since it takes time I just don’t have.with visiting the hospital.  I will be back next week though!.  I am having difficulty sleeping because the pain is worse, of course, from stress.But I am trying to rest, take quiet times when I can and take my medication. The biggest problems I feel are the sleeping, the extreme itching on my arms and that feeling if never quite relaxing.  I would give anything to sink into a comfy chair and have the "ah" feeling.  But it will return with time.  it;s just that after 3 years, I have no stress reserve left!. Planet Rx came along at the wrong time life wise but the right time career wise, so I guess it;s a trade off.  the worst of that is over though since training is done and I have gotten my feet wet with the diabetic chats.  I hope those here with diabetic issues can join me Tuesdays and Thursdays 1-3 EDT and beginning next Friday from 5-7 pm EDT for the weight management chat. And once again, we are growing closer as a result of being near death.  For so long ger has been unable to even converse. I have missed him so much Again, thanks all for the cards, notes, prayers and good thoughts.  We just might begin to see some real peace around here, something that had been sorely lacking for 3 years. Claudia  Private Weight Loss Consultant and Author Tipletter Writer for Dieting CyberTip4theDay Subscribe today:  http://www.CyberTip4theDay.com For hundreds of free low-fat recipes and info visit Claudia’s Corner http://dietchef.ecorp.net hi Claudia. Glad to hear there is some headway being made for Ger. I wish him well. You mentioned he is going to have an internal catheter.. do you mean a nephrostomy tube insterted into the kidney that drains out of his kidney instead of his bladder? Anyways, I am so glad to hear he is feeling better on the cortisone. My dad got put on that too, and he feels much better too.. ) Please take time for you too Claudia. It is great you are a chat host on PlanetRx, but I hope that you find time for just you.. take a moment from your day for you, and just let your troubles and worries take the back seat. ~~Joanie~~ 245/217.8/215 minigoal#6  glasses of H2O today 2/12 started ww nov 22/99  pounds left to lose  72.8  pounds divorced- 27.2 Destination 2000 – goal = 12,000 minutes exercise 3815/12,000 Goal -Vegas 1398 miles 443.6/1398  miles * 8.6 min exercise = 1 mile Hi guys.  Just a brief visit to let you know what has been going on. Ger, he has either adrenal insufficiency from his diabetes or a tumor or both.  Don’t know which.  They started him on cortisone and he is a new man. he was so dehydrated he still is not adequately hydrated after 5 days. They will be testing to see if he has a tumor or not on his adrenal gland. His kidney function took a nose dive and it was determined that part of it was due to the fact that he doesn’t empty his bladder totally.  So they will be giving him an internal catheter sort of like a colostomy with a small bag he will have to empty.  No more incontinence. Yea!  He is still in the hospital and we don’t know for how long, but at least we are making some headway.  Hopefully, the hydronephrosis will clear up with the bladder solved. I am just trying to deal with the stress which is very heavy. Exhaustion is a real problem. On a good note, I am now a PlanetRx.com chat host.  I host diabetes chats Tues and Thursday 1-3 EDT and a weight loss chat on Fridays from 5-7 pm EDT. The weight management chat doesn’t start till the 5th of may.  I hope to see some of you there. I haven’t really read the group, but just wanted to update you personally this time!  Thanks for all your concern, prayers and good thoughts. Anyone who wants to reach me must e-mail me. — claudia   Private Weight Loss Consultant and Author 615/377/157  To email me remove the potatoes Tipletter Writer for Dieting CyberTip4theDay Subscribe today:  http://www.CyberTip4theDay.com For hundreds of free low-fat recipes and info visit Claudia’s Corner http://dietchef.ecorp.net

Response:

Yes, it was a superapubc catheter and he is coming home today.,  He has a lot of pain.  He was scheduled to have eurodymanmics done the day he went to the hospital.  Right now we are interested in treatment.  the why’s can be investigated later after our oldest son’s wedding.  It has been such a hard three years and suddenlky, we have our lives back and real hope.  What a real miracle. As for St. Johns wort, well I take several prescription meds for pain, anxiety and depression.  I can’t risk the over the counter stuff.  And, now that things are settling down, hopefully the stress will abate too/ Now I have to adjust to not being in control anymore.  That will be hard for me.  For all this time I have been pit man with the docs and everything else.  He will no doubt want to return to dealing with this himself.  As much as I love it, it will be hard for me to.  At 10:30 last night he wants me to call del computers and order another keyboard!  How crazy can you get! I need to get used to his having original thinking! Funny, that is what I have wanted, now I realize that there will be a loss too in my life. — claudia   Private Weight Loss Consultant and Author 615/377/157  To email me remove the potatoes Tipletter Writer for Dieting CyberTip4theDay Subscribe today:  http://www.CyberTip4theDay.com For hundreds of free low-fat recipes and info visit Claudia’s Corner http://dietchef.ecorp.net

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ah.. You are talking about a suprapubic catheter with a leg bag.. Yes, Ger will indeed get more freedom with this, and the relief from incontinence will no doubt help his outlook (and your’s I dare say) )) I am so glad to hear that his renal function is returning to almost normal..   Are they going to look at why there was difficulty emptying his bladder? There are tests they can do for that called urodynamics…  where they can see if the urinary sphincter is working properly, or at all… ? Anyways, I imagine at this point you and he are just glad he is stabilizing and getting back to his normal self… enough of tests! )  So happy to hear that things are on the upswing! I don’t know if you have tried St John’s Wort, but I find when I take one, it lessens the stress I am feeling, and I sleep SO WELL on it. I only take one once a month or two, when I am feeling totally stressed… but it works wonders for me — ~~Joanie~~ 245/219.8/215 minigoal#6  glasses of H2O today 6/12 started ww nov 22/99  pounds left to lose  72.8  pounds divorced- 27.2 Destination 2000 – goal = 12,000 minutes exercise 3815/12,000 Goal -Vegas 1398 miles 443.6/1398  miles * 8.6 min exercise = 1 mile Claudia asked me to post this. The surgery is to insert an internal catheter into his bladder which will exit in his tummy between his hairline and navel.  There will be a tube which will lead to a bad strapped to his leg.  It is called a peri something.  But it drains the bladder, not the kidneys.This will be such a blessing since he has been almost totally incontinent since Dec and has always had a problem.  In fact, we were considering writing a book critiquiting bathrooms!  LOL  The freedom he will have is incredible. he used to get up every 2 hours at night to pee.  Now he will be able to sleep all night long. The other good news is that by draining his bladder completely, his kidney functions have improved to almost normal. The surgery is Friday and hopefully he will be home by Sunday.  We will spend next week getting back to normal, or normal for us. This has all been such a gift.  I have the man I married back after three years of suffering, pain and crisis.  It is like a miracle.  I had lost hope, yet there it was peeing out at me in the most unlikely way and place! As for taking care of me, I am trying to.  Not reading the groups actually helps since it takes time I just don’t have.with visiting the hospital. I will be back next week though!.  I am having difficulty sleeping because the pain is worse, of course, from stress.But I am trying to rest, take quiet times when I can and take my medication. The biggest problems I feel are the sleeping, the extreme itching on my arms and that feeling if never quite relaxing.  I would give anything to sink into a comfy chair and have the "ah" feeling.  But it will return with time.  it;s just that after 3 years, I have no stress reserve left!. Planet Rx came along at the wrong time life wise but the right time career wise, so I guess it;s a trade off.  the worst of that is over though since training is done and I have gotten my feet wet with the diabetic chats. I hope those here with diabetic issues can join me Tuesdays and Thursdays 1-3 EDT and beginning next Friday from 5-7 pm EDT for the weight management chat. And once again, we are growing closer as a result of being near death. For so long ger has been unable to even converse. I have missed him so much Again, thanks all for the cards, notes, prayers and good thoughts.  We just might begin to see some real peace around here, something that had been sorely lacking for 3 years. Claudia  Private Weight Loss Consultant and Author Tipletter Writer for Dieting CyberTip4theDay Subscribe today:  http://www.CyberTip4theDay.com For hundreds of free low-fat recipes and info visit Claudia’s Corner http://dietchef.ecorp.net

Response:

That sounds like a real improvement!  Sleeping through the night is much nicer than getting up every two hours.   Thanks for the update, Julie.

Response:

Yes, it was a superapubc catheter and he is coming home today.,  He has a lot of pain.  He was scheduled to have eurodymanmics done the day he went to the hospital.  Right now we are interested in treatment.  the why’s can be investigated later after our oldest son’s wedding.  It has been such a hard three years and suddenlky, we have our lives back and real hope.  What a real miracle.

I hope that things work out for him. The suprapubic will certainly keep him dry and give him back some dignity. )  Has he had prostate checked? Often times Suprapubics are inserted because of a blockage of the urethra by the prostate, so there is some voiding, but retention as well…  the suprapubic can relieve the symptoms of that..  but I hope they are going to look into what caused the ?retention… As for St. Johns wort, well I take several prescription meds for pain, anxiety and depression.  I can’t risk the over the counter stuff.  And, now that things are settling down, hopefully the stress will abate too/

I hope that you are right. You really need to take some time for yourself.. even if it is a quiet cup of tea.. or a new hairdoo  You have spent so long looking after Ger, and for his best interests…  I hope you take the time to look after your interests and needs. You are right when you say there will be a loss in your life, but with that loss comes a freedom. Now I have to adjust to not being in control anymore.  That will be hard for me.  For all this time I have been pit man with the docs and everything else.  He will no doubt want to return to dealing with this himself.  As much as I love it, it will be hard for me to.  At 10:30 last night he wants me to call del computers and order another keyboard!  How crazy can you get! I need to get used to his having original thinking!

) he sounds like quite a guy ) Funny, that is what I have wanted, now I realize that there will be a loss too in my life.

There will be at first.. the same thing happened to me, but with the loss, can come many many good things I hope that happens for you. ~Joanie~

Response:

Thanks Joanie.  prostate is fine.  That was an easy one to rule out! — claudia   Private Weight Loss Consultant and Author 615/377/157  To email me remove the potatoes Tipletter Writer for Dieting CyberTip4theDay Subscribe today:  http://www.CyberTip4theDay.com For hundreds of free low-fat recipes and info visit Claudia’s Corner http://dietchef.ecorp.net

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yes, it was a superapubc catheter and he is coming home today.,  He has a lot of pain.  He was scheduled to have eurodymanmics done the day he went to the hospital.  Right now we are interested in treatment.  the why’s can be investigated later after our oldest son’s wedding.  It has been such a hard three years and suddenlky, we have our lives back and real hope.  What a real miracle. I hope that things work out for him. The suprapubic will certainly keep him dry and give him back some dignity. )  Has he had prostate checked? Often times Suprapubics are inserted because of a blockage of the urethra by the prostate, so there is some voiding, but retention as well…  the suprapubic can relieve the symptoms of that..  but I hope they are going to look into what caused the ?retention… As for St. Johns wort, well I take several prescription meds for pain, anxiety and depression.  I can’t risk the over the counter stuff.  And, now that things are settling down, hopefully the stress will abate too/ I hope that you are right. You really need to take some time for yourself.. even if it is a quiet cup of tea.. or a new hairdoo  You have spent so long looking after Ger, and for his best interests…  I hope you take the time to look after your interests and needs. You are right when you say there will be a loss in your life, but with that loss comes a freedom. Now I have to adjust to not being in control anymore.  That will be hard for me.  For all this time I have been pit man with the docs and everything else.  He will no doubt want to return to dealing with this himself.  As much as I love it, it will be hard for me to.  At 10:30 last night he wants me to call del computers and order another keyboard!  How crazy can you get! I need to get used to his having original thinking! ) he sounds like quite a guy ) Funny, that is what I have wanted, now I realize that there will be a loss too in my life. There will be at first.. the same thing happened to me, but with the loss, can come many many good things I hope that happens for you. ~Joanie~

Response:

) THAT is great news.. ) — ~~Joanie~~ 245/217.6/215 minigoal#6  glasses of H2O today 10/12 started ww nov 22/99  pounds left to lose  72.8  pounds divorced- 27.4 Destination 2000 – goal = 12,000 minutes exercise 3935/12,000 Goal -Vegas 1398 miles 457.5/1398  miles * 8.6 min exercise = 1 mile

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Joanie.  prostate is fine.  That was an easy one to rule out! — claudia   Private Weight Loss Consultant and Author 615/377/157  To email me remove the potatoes Tipletter Writer for Dieting CyberTip4theDay Subscribe today:  http://www.CyberTip4theDay.com For hundreds of free low-fat recipes and info visit Claudia’s Corner http://dietchef.ecorp.net Yes, it was a superapubc catheter and he is coming home today.,  He has a lot of pain.  He was scheduled to have eurodymanmics done the day he went to the hospital.  Right now we are interested in treatment.  the why’s can be investigated later after our oldest son’s wedding.  It has been such a hard three years and suddenlky, we have our lives back and real hope.  What a real miracle. I hope that things work out for him. The suprapubic will certainly keep him dry and give him back some dignity. )  Has he had prostate checked? Often times Suprapubics are inserted because of a blockage of the urethra by the prostate, so there is some voiding, but retention as well…  the suprapubic can relieve the symptoms of that..  but I hope they are going to look into what caused the ?retention… As for St. Johns wort, well I take several prescription meds for pain, anxiety and depression.  I can’t risk the over the counter stuff. And, now that things are settling down, hopefully the stress will abate too/ I hope that you are right. You really need to take some time for yourself.. even if it is a quiet cup of tea.. or a new hairdoo  You have spent so long looking after Ger, and for his best interests…  I hope you take the time to look after your interests and needs. You are right when you say there will be a loss in your life, but with that loss comes a freedom. Now I have to adjust to not being in control anymore.  That will be hard for me.  For all this time I have been pit man with the docs and everything else.  He will no doubt want to return to dealing with this himself. As much as I love it, it will be hard for me to.  At 10:30 last night he wants me to call del computers and order another keyboard!  How crazy can you get! I need to get used to his having original thinking! ) he sounds like quite a guy ) Funny, that is what I have wanted, now I realize that there will be a loss too in my life. There will be at first.. the same thing happened to me, but with the loss, can come many many good things I hope that happens for you. ~Joanie~

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Question:

There is an article about Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques (NAET) that was recently added to the Chirobase Web site.  (It was posted to Chirobase on October 14, 1999.)  This article was written by Dr. Stephen Barrett.  Here’s the URL: http://www.chirobase.org/06DD/naet.html Bubba

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Hi, my friend is pregnant and has kidneystones.  The doctors have put a cathader on her, that bypasses the whole area and puts the urine in a tube coming out of her back they say she will have to wait till the baby comes before they can do anything.  She recently went to a wholistic doctor who would like to try a certain group of herbs for her to take in tea form.  The only problem is we can not find one of the ingredients anywhere around here, it has been a wild goose chase.  Can you tell me where I might be able to order this specific herb?  Kidney Bean Pod.  I don’t have a scientific name but I am sure the doctor might have it. Thank you for your time and ideas. Domonique

Response:

First of all, extreme caution is required re taking herbs in pregnancy — no testing  is the problem. Second, the doctors may have taken a draconian approach to your friend’s problem.  Many women manage kidney stones in pregnancy without stunts, etc., and without accidently inducing labor, if their doctors help them to do so; doctors are quick to prescribe invasive solutions that save them from receiving night calls.  She should get a consult from another OB team, and talk to other women (talk with the nurses) who have themselves been through this problem.                           — KM – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi, my friend is pregnant and has kidneystones.  The doctors have put a cathader on her, that bypasses the whole area and puts the urine in a tube coming out of her back they say she will have to wait till the baby comes before they can do anything.  She recently went to a wholistic doctor who would like to try a certain group of herbs for her to take in tea form.  The only problem is we can not find one of the ingredients anywhere around here, it has been a wild goose chase.  Can you tell me where I might be able to order this specific herb?  Kidney Bean Pod.  I don’t have a scientific name but I am sure the doctor might have it. Thank you for your time and ideas. Domonique

Response:

First of all, extreme caution is required re taking herbs in pregnancy — no testing  is the problem. Second, the doctors may have taken a draconian approach to your friend’s problem.  Many women manage kidney stones in pregnancy without stunts, etc., and without accidently inducing labor, if their doctors help them to do so; doctors are quick to prescribe invasive solutions that save them from receiving night calls.  She should get a consult from another OB team, and talk to other women (talk with the nurses) who have themselves been through this problem.                    – KM

***** I agree with the idea that you should always question, and consult if you have a doubt! The technique is called a percutaneous nephrostomy.  You do this in an emergency if the ureter, or urinary drainage tube, coming out of the kidney gets blocked.  If the stone blocks the ureter, it is an emergency.  Complete ureteral blockage will cause the kidney to swell up (acute hydronephrosis) and completely destroy the kidney in 1-3 days. Long-term treatments of an obstructing kidney stone are: #1) mechanical transurethral lithotripsy (sticking a long thin tube up through the bladder, up the ureter to the stone, and mechanically crushing it.) This is tricky for a high ureteral stone up near the kidney, and often can’t be done.  #2)  Ultrasonic lithotripsy, which is having the patient sit in a specially contoured bathtub, and focussing extremely loud sound wave concussions produced by small underwater explosions on the stone.  Wouldn’t want to have this if MY kid was inside!  #3) Abdominal surgery – very tricky during pregnancy. Medical treatments of trying to dissolve stones have not been very good. So the treatment of nephrostomy until after delivery MAY be appropriate – or may not.  I don’t know the details.  Again, consult if you’re not sure. I agree with the caution about herbs during pregnancy. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, my friend is pregnant and has kidneystones.  The doctors have put a cathader on her, that bypasses the whole area and puts the urine in a tube coming out of her back they say she will have to wait till the baby comes before they can do anything.  She recently went to a wholistic doctor who would like to try a certain group of herbs for her to take in tea form. The only problem is we can not find one of the ingredients anywhere around here, it has been a wild goose chase.  Can you tell me where I might be able to order this specific herb?  Kidney Bean Pod.  I don’t have a scientific name but I am sure the doctor might have it. Thank you for your time and ideas. Domonique

– Good health to you! Doc Steve (These are just my personal impressions.  I’m not intending them as professional, expert advice.) Before you buy.

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Hi, my friend is pregnant and has kidneystones.  The doctors have put a cathader on her, that bypasses the whole area and puts the urine in a tube coming out of her back they say she will have to wait till the baby comes before they can do anything.  She recently went to a wholistic doctor who would like to try a certain group of herbs for her to take in tea form.  The only problem is we can not find one of the ingredients anywhere around here, it has been a wild goose chase.  

There is a product widely available called Planetary Formula’s Stone Free.  It consists of dandelion root, turmeric, and marshmallow root, mostly.  Combined with adequate magnesium and B6 (should be getting  these in a prenatal) it is an excellent product for stones of all  types. I don’t see any hazards of using these herbs in pregnancy in the herb books I have, but of course, it would have to be done with the doctor’s blessing. Dandelion greens (check a farmer’s market) are also an excellent remedy and can be eaten  like any other greens (in salad or boiled) and combined  with magnesium and B6 may provide some relief.   Another consideration in this case may be to avoid calcium carbonate, if it is being supplemented in large amounts in a prescription prenatal.  These are typically formulated much worse than good health food store prenatals (like Enzymatic Therapy Doctor’s Choice for Pregnant Women) which rarely if ever use calcium carbonate as the main form of calcium. turf

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Question:

I had to wait 7 1/2 years for my current transplant.  Also, a woman in my state (Connecticut) waited over 12 years.  There is no predicting exactly when it will happen.  My advise to anyone going on the list is to just go on living your life, and don’t worry about when it will happen.  It will happen when it happens.  You will go crazy if you worry about it too much.  Just concentrate on maintaining your health as best you can.  The better shape you are in when you get your transplant, the better the chance of a quick recovery from the surgery. Dave. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Tony Ning Lew wrote: > In article <A2PV3.59665$23.2290…@typ11.nn.bcandid.com>, >         "Larry" <Bassspla…@yahoo.com> wrote: > >I’m an "O" also. I had originally started dialysis in Oct 96 and was > >transplanted May 97 > >(perfect match that didn’t last) > I wish mine were that fast.  I was told it would take about 3 1/2 years. > So far, 11 months and waiting… > I’ve heard of people waiting up to 5 years! > >Peace, > >Larry > >"I’d do it for a Scooby Snack" > >Judanne Simpson wrote in message > ><3bLV3.242$RV5.6…@nsw.nnrp.telstra.net>… > >>I’ve just discovered that I am an "o" type, too.  In the early 1980’s when > >I > >>was transplanted, I was only on dialysis for 10 months.  Doesn’t always > >mean > >>there will be a long wait.  Of course, since then waiting times have gone > >>up, but I’m just making a point that there can be exceptions in every > >>situation. > >>Judanne

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Judanne Simpson wrote: > I’ve just discovered that I am an "o" type, too.  In the early 1980’s when I > was transplanted, I was only on dialysis for 10 months.  Doesn’t always mean > there will be a long wait.  Of course, since then waiting times have gone > up, but I’m just making a point that there can be exceptions in every > situation. > Judanne

        I am another exception. I am O pos, but CMV negative. Since I am in the 20 % or so group that never had CMV while growing up, I was transplanted after only 5 weeks on the list (14 months dialysis). I had just got my pager, and did not even know how to answer it when I got the call. I think  here in Canada they follow the UNOS guidelines, but maybe not. Dennis Rekuta

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I had never had CMV either, (until 2 months after the tx) but I didn’t know that it had anything to do with actually getting the kidney. I never had it, but the donor did, and I recieved my tx 7 months after starting dialysis. Peace, Larry "I’d do it for a Scooby Snack" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Dennis Rekuta wrote in message <38289F2C.6DD89…@sympatico.ca>… > I am another exception. I am O pos, but CMV negative. Since I am in the >20 % or so group that never had CMV while growing up, I was transplanted >after only 5 weeks on the list (14 months dialysis). I had just got my >pager, and did not even know how to answer it when I got the call. I >think  here in Canada they follow the UNOS guidelines, but maybe not. >Dennis Rekuta

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>    I am another exception. I am O pos, but CMV negative. Since I am in the >20 % or so group that never had CMV while growing up, I was transplanted >after only 5 weeks on the list (14 months dialysis). I had just got my >pager, and did not even know how to answer it when I got the call. I >think  here in Canada they follow the UNOS guidelines, but maybe not. >Dennis Rekuta

If you got priority for a transplant because you are CMV negative, then Canada follows different rules from the United States.  UNOS rules do not give points for CMV status.  An individual surgeon (or patient) may choose to pass up a CMV-positive kidney if it is offered to a CMV-negative patient, but that would mean the wait for a CMV-negative kidney would be longer.  I believe it is more common for transplant centers to accept the kidney, then put the recipient on extra anti-viral medicine after the transplant. I am CMV positive, so these considerations never concerned me.  I don’t know the CMV-status of my first donor.  The second one was CMV negative. Janet

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In article <A2PV3.59665$23.2290…@typ11.nn.bcandid.com>,         "Larry" <Bassspla…@yahoo.com> wrote: >I’m an "O" also. I had originally started dialysis in Oct 96 and was >transplanted May 97 >(perfect match that didn’t last)

I wish mine were that fast.  I was told it would take about 3 1/2 years. So far, 11 months and waiting… I’ve heard of people waiting up to 5 years! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Peace, >Larry >"I’d do it for a Scooby Snack" >Judanne Simpson wrote in message ><3bLV3.242$RV5.6…@nsw.nnrp.telstra.net>… >>I’ve just discovered that I am an "o" type, too.  In the early 1980’s when >I >>was transplanted, I was only on dialysis for 10 months.  Doesn’t always >mean >>there will be a long wait.  Of course, since then waiting times have gone >>up, but I’m just making a point that there can be exceptions in every >>situation. >>Judanne

Response:

I’ve just discovered that I am an "o" type, too.  In the early 1980’s when I was transplanted, I was only on dialysis for 10 months.  Doesn’t always mean there will be a long wait.  Of course, since then waiting times have gone up, but I’m just making a point that there can be exceptions in every situation. Judanne

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In article <19991108142621.20165.00000…@ngol05.aol.com>,         corofin…@aol.com (Janet) wrote: >"Jim Perry" >>> I was also told that type O transplantees >>>waited a little longer than other types because O is the most common blood >>>type. Someone correct me if I’m wrong. >then Tony Ning Lew wrote >>That’s why O takes longer – he can only take from an O.  AB takes >>the least time since he can accept from AB,A,B or O. >But UNOS rules require that type O kidneys be given only to type O recipients, >except in the rare cases when all six HLA antigens match.

Since I am an O, I’m very glad to hear this!!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> So the theoretical >consideration that type O kidneys can be given to non-type O recipients doesn’t >have much effect on the waiting time for type O people.  It is good news for >people with a lot of type O relatives who might become living donors, but >kidneys from living donors don’t have waiting times anyway. >People with the less common blood types have also been told that they will have >to wait longer.  The truth is, almost everyone waits longer.  There aren’t >enough organs.  The type O waiting list may be longer, but it also moves >faster.   >Janet

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I’m an "O" also. I had originally started dialysis in Oct 96 and was transplanted May 97 (perfect match that didn’t last) Peace, Larry "I’d do it for a Scooby Snack" Judanne Simpson wrote in message

<3bLV3.242$RV5.6…@nsw.nnrp.telstra.net>… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I’ve just discovered that I am an "o" type, too.  In the early 1980’s when I >was transplanted, I was only on dialysis for 10 months.  Doesn’t always mean >there will be a long wait.  Of course, since then waiting times have gone >up, but I’m just making a point that there can be exceptions in every >situation. >Judanne

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In article <s2cdi27c3e…@corp.supernews.com>,         "Jim Perry" <jpe…@erath.net> wrote: >I received a type O+ kidney transplant in July. I was told that the O+ or O- >wasn’t a factor, just the type O , in addition to matching the >antigens/tissue type, of course. I was also told that type O transplantees >waited a little longer than other types because O is the most common blood >type. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.

No, it’s because blood had two factors, A and B. Blood that has factor A is called A blood.  Blood that has B factor is called B blood.  Blood that has both A and B is called AB blood.  Blood that has neither A nor B is called O blood.  You can accept blood and organs only from someone who does not have a factor you don’t have.  Blood with a factor you don’t have will cause your blood to clot. So, AB can take from anyone.  A can take from A or O, but not B or AB since he can’t accept B. B, on the other hand, can take B or O but not A or AB since he can’t take A.  O can only take from O since he can take neither A nor B.  That’s why O takes longer – he can only take from an O.  AB takes the least time since he can accept from AB,A,B or O. To summarize,                   Recipient            Donor can be                     AB                 AB,A,B, or O                     A                  A or O                     B                  B or O                     O                  only O That’s why O is called the "universal donor" type.  Anyone can take it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->– >"Save lives. Sign your organ donor card and let your family know." >DEBRA <bearb…@HiWAAY.net> wrote in message >news:u4nV3.54547$23.2035950@typ11.nn.bcandid.com… >> i was diagnois with major kidney failure in 1985. i have had 2 bouts with >> hydronephrosis and chronic kidney infections. i had my right kidney >removed >> in 1994. i am now having a problem with failure in the left one. i went to >> the emergency room with a kidney infection four weeks ago and even with >the >> infection i was at my base line creatine and bun. they gave me a new >> antibiotic in the emergency room by iv called levaqin and then i started a >> downhill spiral of failure by six in the morning my creatine was at 2.4 >and >> climbing and my bun was at 30. has anybody had a reaction to this drug >like >> this we are trying to find out what happen. my kidney swell twice its size >> in 8 hours and they did immediate surgery to put a stint in the kidney to >> releave the swelling and help it drain. i was in there 8 days and my >> creatine climb to 3.9 and my bun to 70. if anybody has any ideas i wish >they >> would email me at bearb…@hiwaay.net.   my name is debra and i am 40 >years >> old and very scared that i am at the end. i am a great canidiate for a >> transplant but no one in my immediate family has my blood type. they tell >me >> i  have a rare type (o neg) am i not going to get one. how long can they >> keep me alive on dialysis? i have 3 children and i am an one parent >family. >> should i start looking for someone to take care of them? well maybe i >should >> be quite and let everyone else talk. thanks for listening. in christ love >> debra

Response:

"Jim Perry" >> I was also told that type O transplantees >>waited a little longer than other types because O is the most common blood >>type. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.

then Tony Ning Lew wrote >That’s why O takes longer – he can only take from an O.  AB takes >the least time since he can accept from AB,A,B or O.

But UNOS rules require that type O kidneys be given only to type O recipients, except in the rare cases when all six HLA antigens match.  So the theoretical consideration that type O kidneys can be given to non-type O recipients doesn’t have much effect on the waiting time for type O people.  It is good news for people with a lot of type O relatives who might become living donors, but kidneys from living donors don’t have waiting times anyway. People with the less common blood types have also been told that they will have to wait longer.  The truth is, almost everyone waits longer.  There aren’t enough organs.  The type O waiting list may be longer, but it also moves faster.   Janet

Response:

DEBRA wrote: > i was diagnois with major kidney failure in 1985. i have had 2 bouts with > hydronephrosis and chronic kidney infections. i had my right kidney removed > in 1994. i am now having a problem with failure in the left one. i went to > the emergency room with a kidney infection four weeks ago and even with the > infection i was at my base line creatine and bun. they gave me a new > antibiotic in the emergency room by iv called levaqin and then i started a > downhill spiral of failure by six in the morning my creatine was at 2.4 and > climbing and my bun was at 30. has anybody had a reaction to this drug like > this we are trying to find out what happen.

It could be a reaction to the levaquin, but it could also be effects of the infection.  It’s not all killed immediately by the antibiotic. > my kidney swell twice its size > in 8 hours and they did immediate surgery to put a stint in the kidney to > releave the swelling and help it drain. i was in there 8 days and my > creatine climb to 3.9 and my bun to 70. if anybody has any ideas i wish they > would email me at bearb…@hiwaay.net.   my name is debra and i am 40 years > old and very scared that i am at the end. i am a great canidiate for a > transplant but no one in my immediate family has my blood type. they tell me > i  have a rare type (o neg) am i not going to get one.

Type O is the most common type.  The Rh factor (+ or -) is not significant for transplants.  You really shouldn’t have any longer-than-normal wait on the list. > how long can they > keep me alive on dialysis?

Long enough to see your grandchildren be born and grow up, if you take care of yourself. > i have 3 children and i am an one parent family. > should i start looking for someone to take care of them?

You should have someone on standby in case you are hospitalized, etc., but you should be prepared that way even without kidney disease. > well maybe i should > be quite and let everyone else talk. thanks for listening. in christ love > debra

– Brian Williams Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted.

Response:

Dear Debra,   There are a few people I’ve met in these support groups over the years that have been doing dialysis for over thirty years. Just because you have a rare blood type does not rule out having a transplant (tx) but you may have to wait longer. Meanwhile many people continue to live near normal lives and continue working. You have come to the right place. We are all in this together and will help you adapt. So don’t worry and keep us posted. Mic  http://hometown.aol.com/miclac2/myhomepage/profile.html  Give the gift of life.  Be an organ donor.  Tell your kin.  Smile

Response:

I received a type O+ kidney transplant in July. I was told that the O+ or O- wasn’t a factor, just the type O , in addition to matching the antigens/tissue type, of course. I was also told that type O transplantees waited a little longer than other types because O is the most common blood type. Someone correct me if I’m wrong. — "Save lives. Sign your organ donor card and let your family know." DEBRA <bearb…@HiWAAY.net> wrote in message

news:u4nV3.54547$23.2035950@typ11.nn.bcandid.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> i was diagnois with major kidney failure in 1985. i have had 2 bouts with > hydronephrosis and chronic kidney infections. i had my right kidney removed > in 1994. i am now having a problem with failure in the left one. i went to > the emergency room with a kidney infection four weeks ago and even with the > infection i was at my base line creatine and bun. they gave me a new > antibiotic in the emergency room by iv called levaqin and then i started a > downhill spiral of failure by six in the morning my creatine was at 2.4 and > climbing and my bun was at 30. has anybody had a reaction to this drug like > this we are trying to find out what happen. my kidney swell twice its size > in 8 hours and they did immediate surgery to put a stint in the kidney to > releave the swelling and help it drain. i was in there 8 days and my > creatine climb to 3.9 and my bun to 70. if anybody has any ideas i wish they > would email me at bearb…@hiwaay.net.   my name is debra and i am 40 years > old and very scared that i am at the end. i am a great canidiate for a > transplant but no one in my immediate family has my blood type. they tell me > i  have a rare type (o neg) am i not going to get one. how long can they > keep me alive on dialysis? i have 3 children and i am an one parent family. > should i start looking for someone to take care of them? well maybe i should > be quite and let everyone else talk. thanks for listening. in christ love > debra

Response:

i was diagnois with major kidney failure in 1985. i have had 2 bouts with hydronephrosis and chronic kidney infections. i had my right kidney removed in 1994. i am now having a problem with failure in the left one. i went to the emergency room with a kidney infection four weeks ago and even with the infection i was at my base line creatine and bun. they gave me a new antibiotic in the emergency room by iv called levaqin and then i started a downhill spiral of failure by six in the morning my creatine was at 2.4 and climbing and my bun was at 30. has anybody had a reaction to this drug like this we are trying to find out what happen. my kidney swell twice its size in 8 hours and they did immediate surgery to put a stint in the kidney to releave the swelling and help it drain. i was in there 8 days and my creatine climb to 3.9 and my bun to 70. if anybody has any ideas i wish they would email me at bearb…@hiwaay.net.   my name is debra and i am 40 years old and very scared that i am at the end. i am a great canidiate for a transplant but no one in my immediate family has my blood type. they tell me i  have a rare type (o neg) am i not going to get one. how long can they keep me alive on dialysis? i have 3 children and i am an one parent family. should i start looking for someone to take care of them? well maybe i should be quite and let everyone else talk. thanks for listening. in christ love debra

Response:

Question:

i am looking for more info on this rare disease my mother has it  1 kidney has already shut down as a result of it now her other kidney is having the same problem if anyone knows  about what to do please let us know

Response:

Here’s some info about it from http://www.drkoop.com Retroperitoneal fibrosis Disease       Table Of Contents: Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Prevention Symptoms Signs and tests Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Alternative names: inflammation of the retroperitoneum Definition: A disorder involving a fibrous mass (aggregation of cells) in the back of the abdomen, which may occlude the ureters (the tubes that lead urine from the kidneys to the bladder) —- Causes, incidence, and risk factors: Retroperitoneal fibrosis is caused by a benign (noncancerous) fibrous mass that occurs in the retroperitoneal space (the back of the abdomen behind the abdominal lining). The cause is unknown. The disorder is rare, involving about 5 out of 100,000 people, mostly men. The disorder may cause chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy or chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy as a result of ureteral occlusion caused when growth of the mass puts pressure on the ureters. The symptoms are caused by the obstruction of the ureters. ————————————————————————– —— Prevention: Avoid prolonged use of medications with methysergide. ————————————————————————– —— Symptoms: abdominal pain back pain flank pain testicular pain/tenderness nausea/vomiting a loss of appetite weakness fatigue general ill feeling urine output, decreased Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: urinary hesitancy menstruation, painful incontinence ————————————————————————– —— Signs and tests: The blood pressure may be elevated and difficult to control. CBC may indicate anemia. The sedimentation rate may be elevated. A kidney ultrasound may show hydronephrosis (distention of the kidney pelvis because of fluid accumulation). An abdominal CT scan may reveal the retroperitoneal mass. An IVP may indicate obstruction and deviation of the ureters, usually toward the midline. ————————————————————————– —— Treatment: Surgical removal of the mass and freeing of the ureters is required. The treatment of symptoms associated with obstructive uropathy may be required. Stents or drains placed in the ureter or in the renal pelvis may provide short-term relief of the symptoms until the mass is removed. Corticosteroid therapy may be of value if surgery is impracticable (surgery is not advised because of the patient’s general ill health of the person or other reasons). ————————————————————————– —— Expectations (prognosis): Surgical removal is the fibrosis. Kidney damage may be temporary or permanent. ————————————————————————– —— Complications: chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy chronic renal failure ————————————————————————– —— Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if symptoms of retroperitoneal fibrosis develop, including decreased urine volume. ————————————————————————– —— Organ donation, the only cost is a little love  "The world breaks everyone, and afterwards, at the broken parts, some are stronger" Ernest Hemingway Ernest Hemingway .

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i appreciate the response – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -TackneyNY wrote: > Here’s some info about it from > http://www.drkoop.com > Retroperitoneal fibrosis > Disease > Table Of Contents: > Alternative names > Definition > Causes, incidence, and risk factors > Prevention > Symptoms > Signs and tests > Treatment > Expectations (prognosis) > Complications > Calling your health care provider > Alternative names: > inflammation of the retroperitoneum > Definition: > A disorder involving a fibrous mass (aggregation of cells) in the back of the > abdomen, which may occlude the ureters (the tubes that lead urine from the > kidneys to the bladder) > —- > Causes, incidence, and risk factors: > Retroperitoneal fibrosis is caused by a benign (noncancerous) fibrous mass that > occurs in the retroperitoneal space (the back of the abdomen behind the > abdominal lining). The cause is unknown. > The disorder is rare, involving about 5 out of 100,000 people, mostly men. The > disorder may cause chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy or chronic bilateral > obstructive uropathy as a result of ureteral occlusion caused when growth of > the mass puts pressure on the ureters. The symptoms are caused by the > obstruction of the ureters. > ————————————————————————– > —— > Prevention: > Avoid prolonged use of medications with methysergide. > ————————————————————————– > —— > Symptoms: > abdominal pain > back pain > flank pain > testicular pain/tenderness > nausea/vomiting > a loss of appetite > weakness > fatigue > general ill feeling > urine output, decreased > Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: > urinary hesitancy > menstruation, painful > incontinence > ————————————————————————– > —— > Signs and tests: > The blood pressure may be elevated and difficult to control. > CBC may indicate anemia. > The sedimentation rate may be elevated. > A kidney ultrasound may show hydronephrosis (distention of the kidney pelvis > because of fluid accumulation). > An abdominal CT scan may reveal the retroperitoneal mass. > An IVP may indicate obstruction and deviation of the ureters, usually toward > the midline. > ————————————————————————– > —— > Treatment: > Surgical removal of the mass and freeing of the ureters is required. > The treatment of symptoms associated with obstructive uropathy may be required. > Stents or drains placed in the ureter or in the renal pelvis may provide > short-term relief of the symptoms until the mass is removed. > Corticosteroid therapy may be of value if surgery is impracticable (surgery is > not advised because of the patient’s general ill health of the person or other > reasons). > ————————————————————————– > —— > Expectations (prognosis): > Surgical removal is the fibrosis. Kidney damage may be temporary or permanent. > ————————————————————————– > —— > Complications: > chronic bilateral obstructive uropathy > chronic unilateral obstructive uropathy > chronic renal failure > ————————————————————————– > —— > Calling your health care provider: > Call your health care provider if symptoms of retroperitoneal fibrosis develop, > including decreased urine volume. > ————————————————————————– > —— > Organ donation, the only cost is a little love >  "The world breaks everyone, and afterwards, at the broken parts, some are > stronger" > Ernest Hemingway > Ernest Hemingway > .

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A friend has been detected with Liver cancer. The doctors, here in Chandigarh, India say there is no hope. I am enclosing the MRI Reports. If anybody feels, there is any hope, please let me know.         Body Visions         S.C.O. 49, Phase 2, Mohali, Chandigarh- 160 055         Phone : ++ 91 – 0172 – 673222, 675126 M R I    R E P O  R  T AREA SCANNED  : UPPER ABDOMEN DATE    : 2  April,  1998 REG NO.   : 19431 NAME    : UPASNA GUPTA ADDRESS   : HOUSE NO. 3482 SECTOR 37-D      CHANDIGARH AGE    : 49 SEX : F REFERRED BY  : Dr. GUNJAN MUKHRA, .PRIVATE CLINIC CLINICAL DETAILS  : TECHNIQUES  : T1 AXIAL;      FAT SUPPRESED AXIAL;      BREATH HOLD T1 CORONAL;      BREATH HOLD T2 CORONAL. FINDING   : There is a large hypointense mass on T1 weighted images in the gall bladder fossa extending to the right lobe of the liver. The mass is hyperintense on T2 weighted and fat suppressed (STIR) images. There is another relatively well defined area of size of 4×3 cms antero-laterally in the mass in relation to the inferior surface of right lobe of the liver. The interface between the mass posteriorly and the upper pole of right kidney could not be separated. No other focal lesion seen in rest of the liver. Intra hepatic biliary radicals and CBD are not dilated. Pancreas is normal in size, shape and signal intensity. No lymphadenopathy seen. No free fluid seen. Both adrenals appear normal in size, shape and signal intensity. Spleen is normal in size, shape and signal intensity.         Body Visions         S.C.O. 49, Phase 2, Mohali, Chandigarh- 160 055         Phone : ++ 91 – 0172 – 673222, 675126 Left Kidney is normal in size, shape and signal intensity. The splenic and portal veins show normal flow void. Visualised bowel loops appear normal in calibre. IMPRESSION  :- MR findings are  consistent with a mitotic mass in gall bladder fossa with invasion in the right lobe of liver. FOR CLINICAL CORRELATION AND FOLLOW UP DR. HARINDER BATRA (DMRD, DNB) SENIOR CONSULTANT RADIOLOGIST MRI AND CT SCAN CENTRE (Near Aroma Hotel – Petrol Pump) SCO 1134, SECTOR 22-B, CHANDIGARH- 160 022 Tele (0172) 707090, 707091 REPORTING FORM : (This report is not valid for Medico Legal Purpose) Patient Name:   MRS. UPASNA GUPTA   AGE/SEX 49 Female Report for   CECT SCAN OF UPPER ABDOMEN :-  Contrast was given orally & intravenously  .10 mm axial sections were taken from diaphragamatic dome to L3 level. Additional 5 mm  sections were also taken for ports and gall bladder regions.  Liver is enlarged in size. The intrahepatic biliary radicals are not dilated in both right and left lobes. There is evidence of a soft tissue density mass with irregular wall thickening obliterating almost entire of lumen and posterio- lateral wall mainly in the region of  gall bladder neck and  body with indistinct  pericholecystic  planes  and infiltration of gall bladder fossa. There is  adjacent hepatic extension in the form of ill-defined ,poorly marginated hypodense area involving medial – anterior  segment of right   lobe of liver. It measures 11.0 x 66.5 mm. However gall bladder is contracted and show presence of multiple calculi, suggestive of –chronic cholecystitis with cholelithiasis . Rest of the liver show normal density,Structures at the porta hepatis show prominence of CBD. No calculus /mass lesion is noted in it. No lymphadenopathy is noted at porta. The pancreas including head, body and tail is normal in size, regular in contour & smooth in outline. It is homogenous in density  without  any focal  mass lesion in it. No evidence  of  calcification/cavitation or pancreatic duct dilatation is noted.. Peripancreatic fat planes are preserved. The terminal CBD in head of pancreas measures within normal limits. No calculus /mass  lesion is noted in it. Spleen is normal in size, smooth in outline & homogeneous in density. There is no focal  lesion, perisplenic fat plane is preserved.  No collection is seen. P.T.O. MRI AND CT SCAN CENTRE (Near Aroma Hotel – Petrol Pump) SCO 1134, SECTOR 22-B, CHANDIGARH- 160 022 Tele (0172) 707090, 707091 Both kidneys show normal excretion of  contrast. They are normal in size, shape  & cortical thickness. There is no hydronephrosis on either side. No focal mass lesion or calculus is noted. Stomach and visualized bowel loops with mesentery are also grossly normal. Aorta & IVC are clearly delineated. There is no lymphadenopathy in upper abdomen. No ascites is noted in abdominal cavity. IMPRESSION: SOFT TISSUE MASS WITH IRREGULAR WALL THICKENING OBLITERATING ALMOST ENTIRE OF LUMEN AND POSTERIOR – LATERAL WALL MAINLY IN THE REGION OF GALL BLADDER NECK AND BODY OF GALL BLADDER WITH EVIDENCE OF CHOLELITHIASIS AND CHRONIC CHOLECYSTITS SHOWING INDISTINCT PERICHOLECYSTIC PLANES AND INFILTRATION OF GALL BLADDER FOSSA , ADJACENT INFILTRATION OF HEPATIC PARENCHYMA IN MEDIAL – ANTERIOR SEGMENT OF RIGHT LOBE OF LIVER. MOST LIKELY— CARCINOMA GALL BLADDER WITH CHOLELITHIASIS AND CHRONIC CHOLECYSTITS. HOWEVER , NEEDS HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CORRELATION. DR. [MRS.] TEJINDER KAUR CONSULTANT RADIOLOGIST  P.G.I.        H IS T O P A T H O L G Y      CHANDIGARH       D E P A R T M E N T  SURGICAL PATHOLOGY  REPORT S-002928/1998 Name : Upasna    Age : 49   Sex: F     CR No.:358071 Clincian: Dr J.D.WIG        Ward : FSW    Bed No.70 Address:                               Clinic No.: ?Ca. Gall bladder. GROSS: 0.6  cm.diam. flattened reddish tissue piece AE. MICRO: Section show a tumour. The tumour cells are showing nuclear pleomorphism and have abundant cytoplasm. Frequent mitotic figures are noted . No differentiation into glandular elements seen. Features are those of as poorly differentiated carcinoma, confirming the frozen section diagnosis. DIAGNOSIS; Gall bladder   :-   Carcinoma ,poorly differentiated. T57000 M801033 HR — <HTML <HEAD    <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"    <META NAME="Author" CONTENT="Vivek Bansal"    <META NAME="GENERATOR" CONTENT="Mozilla/4.04 [en] (Win95; I) [Netscape]"    <TITLEsign</TITLE </HEAD <BODY TEXT="#000000" BGCOLOR="#E2E1B1" LINK="#660000" VLINK="#551A8B" ALINK="#FF0000" <FONT SIZE=+3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;& nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </FONT<FONT SIZE=+4<I<FONT FACE="Garamond"<FONT COLOR="#000099"Email Vivek Bansal</A</FONT</FONT</BLINK</U</FONT </BODY </HTML

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There are oncological surgeons in America that might be able to remove what you describe.  There are also experiences with cryosurgery for these lesions. Call your nearest University Hospital or oncologist to get local information. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A friend has been detected with Liver cancer. The doctors, here in Chandigarh, India say there is no hope. I am enclosing the MRI Reports. If anybody feels, there is any hope, please let me know.         Body Visions         S.C.O. 49, Phase 2, Mohali, Chandigarh- 160 055         Phone : ++ 91 – 0172 – 673222, 675126 M R I    R E P O  R  T AREA SCANNED  : UPPER ABDOMEN DATE    : 2  April,  1998 REG NO.   : 19431 NAME    : UPASNA GUPTA ADDRESS   : HOUSE NO. 3482 SECTOR 37-D      CHANDIGARH AGE    : 49 SEX : F REFERRED BY  : Dr. GUNJAN MUKHRA, .PRIVATE CLINIC CLINICAL DETAILS  : TECHNIQUES  : T1 AXIAL;      FAT SUPPRESED AXIAL;      BREATH HOLD T1 CORONAL;      BREATH HOLD T2 CORONAL. FINDING   : There is a large hypointense mass on T1 weighted images in the gall bladder fossa extending to the right lobe of the liver. The mass is hyperintense on T2 weighted and fat suppressed (STIR) images. There is another relatively well defined area of size of 4×3 cms antero-laterally in the mass in relation to the inferior surface of right lobe of the liver. The interface between the mass posteriorly and the upper pole of right kidney could not be separated. No other focal lesion seen in rest of the liver. Intra hepatic biliary radicals and CBD are not dilated. Pancreas is normal in size, shape and signal intensity. No lymphadenopathy seen. No free fluid seen. Both adrenals appear normal in size, shape and signal intensity. Spleen is normal in size, shape and signal intensity.         Body Visions         S.C.O. 49, Phase 2, Mohali, Chandigarh- 160 055         Phone : ++ 91 – 0172 – 673222, 675126 Left Kidney is normal in size, shape and signal intensity. The splenic and portal veins show normal flow void. Visualised bowel loops appear normal in calibre. IMPRESSION  :- MR findings are  consistent with a mitotic mass in gall bladder fossa with invasion in the right lobe of liver. FOR CLINICAL CORRELATION AND FOLLOW UP DR. HARINDER BATRA (DMRD, DNB) SENIOR CONSULTANT RADIOLOGIST MRI AND CT SCAN CENTRE (Near Aroma Hotel – Petrol Pump) SCO 1134, SECTOR 22-B, CHANDIGARH- 160 022 Tele (0172) 707090, 707091 REPORTING FORM : (This report is not valid for Medico Legal Purpose) Patient Name:   MRS. UPASNA GUPTA   AGE/SEX 49 Female Report for   CECT SCAN OF UPPER ABDOMEN :-  Contrast was given orally & intravenously  .10 mm axial sections were taken from diaphragamatic dome to L3 level. Additional 5 mm  sections were also taken for ports and gall bladder regions.  Liver is enlarged in size. The intrahepatic biliary radicals are not dilated in both right and left lobes. There is evidence of a soft tissue density mass with irregular wall thickening obliterating almost entire of lumen and posterio- lateral wall mainly in the region of  gall bladder neck and  body with indistinct  pericholecystic  planes  and infiltration of gall bladder fossa. There is  adjacent hepatic extension in the form of ill-defined ,poorly marginated hypodense area involving medial – anterior  segment of right   lobe of liver. It measures 11.0 x 66.5 mm. However gall bladder is contracted and show presence of multiple calculi, suggestive of –chronic cholecystitis with cholelithiasis . Rest of the liver show normal density,Structures at the porta hepatis show prominence of CBD. No calculus /mass lesion is noted in it. No lymphadenopathy is noted at porta. The pancreas including head, body and tail is normal in size, regular in contour & smooth in outline. It is homogenous in density  without  any focal  mass lesion in it. No evidence  of  calcification/cavitation or pancreatic duct dilatation is noted.. Peripancreatic fat planes are preserved. The terminal CBD in head of pancreas measures within normal limits. No calculus /mass  lesion is noted in it. Spleen is normal in size, smooth in outline & homogeneous in density. There is no focal  lesion, perisplenic fat plane is preserved.  No collection is seen. P.T.O. MRI AND CT SCAN CENTRE (Near Aroma Hotel – Petrol Pump) SCO 1134, SECTOR 22-B, CHANDIGARH- 160 022 Tele (0172) 707090, 707091 Both kidneys show normal excretion of  contrast. They are normal in size, shape  & cortical thickness. There is no hydronephrosis on either side. No focal mass lesion or calculus is noted. Stomach and visualized bowel loops with mesentery are also grossly normal. Aorta & IVC are clearly delineated. There is no lymphadenopathy in upper abdomen. No ascites is noted in abdominal cavity. IMPRESSION: SOFT TISSUE MASS WITH IRREGULAR WALL THICKENING OBLITERATING ALMOST ENTIRE OF LUMEN AND POSTERIOR – LATERAL WALL MAINLY IN THE REGION OF GALL BLADDER NECK AND BODY OF GALL BLADDER WITH EVIDENCE OF CHOLELITHIASIS AND CHRONIC CHOLECYSTITS SHOWING INDISTINCT PERICHOLECYSTIC PLANES AND INFILTRATION OF GALL BLADDER FOSSA , ADJACENT INFILTRATION OF HEPATIC PARENCHYMA IN MEDIAL – ANTERIOR SEGMENT OF RIGHT LOBE OF LIVER. MOST LIKELY— CARCINOMA GALL BLADDER WITH CHOLELITHIASIS AND CHRONIC CHOLECYSTITS. HOWEVER , NEEDS HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CORRELATION. DR. [MRS.] TEJINDER KAUR CONSULTANT RADIOLOGIST  P.G.I.        H IS T O P A T H O L G Y      CHANDIGARH       D E P A R T M E N T  SURGICAL PATHOLOGY  REPORT S-002928/1998 Name : Upasna    Age : 49   Sex: F     CR No.:358071 Clincian: Dr J.D.WIG        Ward : FSW    Bed No.70 Address:                               Clinic No.: ?Ca. Gall bladder. GROSS: 0.6  cm.diam. flattened reddish tissue piece AE. MICRO: Section show a tumour. The tumour cells are showing nuclear pleomorphism and have abundant cytoplasm. Frequent mitotic figures are noted . No differentiation into glandular elements seen. Features are those of as poorly differentiated carcinoma, confirming the frozen section diagnosis. DIAGNOSIS; Gall bladder   :-   Carcinoma ,poorly differentiated. T57000 M801033 HR — <HTML <HEAD    <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"    <META NAME="Author" CONTENT="Vivek Bansal"    <META NAME="GENERATOR" CONTENT="Mozilla/4.04 [en] (Win95; I) [Netscape]"    <TITLEsign</TITLE </HEAD <BODY TEXT="#000000" BGCOLOR="#E2E1B1" LINK="#660000" VLINK="#551A8B" ALINK="#FF0000" <FONT SIZE=+3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;& nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </FONT<FONT SIZE=+4<I<FONT FACE="Garamond"<FONT COLOR="#000099"Email Vivek Bansal</A</FONT</FONT</BLINK</U</FONT </BODY </HTML

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