Ron's doing pretty good. His potassium went down to 5.0 with the "acute care" treatment he got, but as soon as they stopped those medications it went right back up to 5.2. The doctor came in and we talked quite a bit. He's going to do some further testing - wants to check him for Addison's disease and other adrenal gland problems. They did a 24-hour urine collection and that testing showed the potassium is mainly coming from outside sources. That could mean medication and the only thing he's currently on that can increase potassium is Benicar (for high blood pressure). So, he's stopped that drug and increased the dosage of his other blood pressure medication.
In addition, he prescribed kayexalate oral medication, which is another drug that binds the potassium and flushes out of the body, in the form of "solid" waste. Ron wanted to come home because he's feeling better, but Doc said if he went home today at 5.2 he'd be back in the ER by Sunday or Monday at 5.7 or higher. He wants to get the potassium level below 5.0 and would prefer closer to 4.0. He did say the creatinine was going down, so that's another good sign. (I told Ron that it's not like we were going somewhere - we didn't have any plans that needed to be canceled. Sitting there and watching TV or sitting at home watching TV - not much difference...)
He says that Ron has Stage III kidney disease now. I think he's been in Stage III for quite a while. At Stage IV, they recommend dialysis. Ron says he won't do dialysis. We'll see... :) I can be very persuasive.
He was complaining that he wanted the IV out, he wanted the heart monitor off, he wanted blah, blah, blah... LOL - I finally told him to quit his bitching and that he wasn't the only person this affected when he was in the hospital or sick. That did shut him up and he apologized. I don't mean to be snarky with him, but this is exhausting to me, too.
I only stayed about three hours today but I'm so tired I can't see straight. I needed to do some housework, yard work, and laundry and the only thing I've managed to do is two loads of laundry. My house needs some TLC but I don't think it's going to be from me today! My herbs are growing and my tomato plants are growing, too. I have flowers in pots in the front of the house and they're doing quite well. I bought two more pots but too tired to do anything with them. Maybe tomorrow...
If the tests go well, and the potassium continues to go down, I expect Ron will come home tomorrow afternoon or Monday morning.
7 comments:
Wow I wish I could give you the gift of time. Congrats on even getting 2 loads of laundry done!!! Be well, and remember to take care of YOU too.
Will keep you in my prayers.. I can empathize, my fella has been sick for a number of years and spent 4 months straight in the hospital... I couldn't leave, the surgeries and medicine made him so confused, then came home to another 6 weeks of IV's 18 hours a day.. down to a couple of bags for hydration now, a peg tube after loosing over 120 pounds.. It is exhausting and hard not to get impatient when we are dangling from the end of our rope, but we have to have faith it is all part of the Masters plan... God bless you both.
PS if you can't talk him into dialysis, I worked for Hospice for over 20 years.. start calling around asking Hospices how much help you can get.. then let them help you both..
I am happy he is feeling better and hope you have taken some of this time without him at home to have a bit of a rest yourself.
Glad he's coming along but I do worry about you! Get your rest. You are just as important! One day at a time sweetie! Hugs.
Oh, how awful for you. Being the healthy one can be so taxing.
Yes, I am happy that Ron is feeling a little better. Love how you call him your 'main squeeze' by the way, even after all these years! No wonder you are tired my friend. Like Barb, I do worry about you. So much falls on your shoulders, and then you have to work as well. I do pray that you will be able to get a little relaxation in every once in a while, or perhaps do some of your craft work, which will probably take your mind off things for a little while. Hugs.
Oh dear! It is truly amazing how TIRING it is to be at the hospital sitting all day isn't it? Prayers for you guys!
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