Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Behind on Blogging…..

After losing my job in January, my focus became a little more widespread. i.e., I am going in too many different directions at once. Attending classes at the local JC, working as an on call temp for the local school district, applying for permanent employment on a daily basis, and keeping up with my husband and two kids (all with various health issues). Yikes!

Anyway, the results from my March Dr. appointment were normal with no major surprises.

My lab work came back with slightly high triglycerides, low HDL Cholesterol, high glucose levels, and high CO2. All warning signs that I need to become more active and lose some weight before it becomes a “real” health issue. Definitely a wake up call to the possibility/high risk of developing diabetes. I have always been overweight, but this is the first time it showed up on a blood test. Working a desk job, and then taking online classes at night that leave me sitting at a computer all day combined with sloppy eating habits does not help the situation.

The EKG was within normal ranges.

The bone density test provides a reference point as I age and was currently normal. I guess individuals with PKD are at a higher risk for fractures as they age.

The kidney ultrasound showed a slight growth in the size of the cysts, but nothing major. Stress does irritate the cysts causing bouts of pain.

The mammogram shows simple cysts that I have had since I was in my early teens, most likely a side affect of the PKD. They are not anything to worry about, just a little uncomfortable at times.

Dr. Williams did contact the Nephrologist that he referred me to, and I was able to schedule an appointment in early July. At this point, I do not expect to gain much from the appointment since we already did the tests I wanted, but I do want to develop a relationship so that if I have a concern in the future, I will hopefully have better success at a timely appointment. I would also like her to keep me in mind if she learns about any new preventative options that become available.

Mostly, my goal is to focus on preventative health at this point.