Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Doctor updates

First - the bone scan did not show any infection in the bone around where his wound is. There is a spot near his fifth toe but the doctor does not believe that it is connected and does not really know for sure what it is. So, he is going to leave it be for now. We go see the wound care team and the lymphedema nurse on Thursday and go see Dr. K on May 10th. He said he'll decide at that time if the foot needs additional surgery.

Second - saw the kidney specialist today. Ron's numbers look pretty good as far as kidney function goes but he's very anemic and has very low Vitamin D. He's got to have IV iron treatments and will be on a prescription Vitamin D for eight weeks, followed by 2,000 IU of Vitamin D each day. Dr. M is also changing some of his other medications around, namely his diuretic and some blood pressure medicine. He sent some new prescriptions to the pharmacy today and we should get them tomorrow and start on Thursday. We're very optimistic that his kidney function will continue to be stable. The doctor said that he was very pleased with Ron's numbers. His potassium is borderline as far as being too high but that is something that we will always just have to watch with him. He can go up too high rather quickly. Doc told him that "I" was his best physician since I knew his body so well and what was normal for him. He told Ron to listen to me (which he does) and that I would be able to tell if he was heading into trouble.

Third - Dr. M wants Ron to lose weight, which is easier said than done but he can do some upper body stuff and I've given him the hand weights more than once. We discussed again how he needs to burn some calories. He says he'll start tomorrow.

Ron's short term memory is really suffering right now. Not sure why but I can sure tell that he isn't retaining much of the "chit chat" type of stuff that I tell him - and it's more than just a gender defect (LOL!). He does ask the same questions, or variations thereof, quite frequently. They thought he was on 10 mg Aricept three times a day, so I wonder if 10 mg twice a day would help him.

I appreciate the prayers, positive comments, and thoughts. My blogging friends have really kept me going lately and I can't thank you enough. God bless you all!

2 comments:

SkippyMom said...

You inspire us all at how strong you are - and you even get a chance now and then again to interject a little smile for us and I can't tell you how much we do appreciate you.

Whenever I need a shot of perspective or a dose of just how much I truly love my husband I pop over and see how you do it and take my cues from you and Ron.

You are truly a for better or worse kind of gal [aren't you? ;D] and for that I am a very fortunate woman to have you as a tadpole and a friend.

My love to you both. Hugs.

Pat said...

Skippy Mom is right - You do inject a little smile for us, too, even with what you are going through. "Gender defect" - don't I get that!

You hang tough young lady! I think of you two all the time!