So I went to see the consultant...

All in all it went well. I still sometimes have trouble with my blood pressure at the end of dialysis so he increased my dry weight again, which (as usual) I wasn't impressed with, but he is so lovely I couldn't argue with him! The only thing that was dodgy about my blood results was my phosphate level (unsurprisingly) as I have an aversion to taking my phosphate binders a.) because I hate taking tablets, I'm such a big kid. b.) they are Huuuuuge. and c.) I have to use lots of my fluid restriction up taking them. So I told the Doctor all this and he has put me on two different phosphate binders one called Calcichew which I take with breakfast and tea. I have taken this before and as the name suggests you chew it rather than swallowing it (which is good for me, requires less fluid) he also put me on another binder which I can't think of the name at the mo, but it is chewable too and I take that at lunch time.

Finally as I wasn't impressed with him putting my dry weight up he suggested I should go walking for an hour a day!!!!! Think I'll start with half an hour and build up and might get my bike out when the weather starts getting nicer! The consultant also prescribed me with a tablet to control or suppress my appetite so I can hopefully loose a bit of weight... fingers crossed these work and I won't be running to the loo all the time (they contain lots of fibre which expands in the stomach, making you feel full)

So that was yesterday, and today I've been out to Stockton Heath to a jewelers to see about getting a ring for my 21st birthday which my mum and dad have very kindly offered to get me! I found one I liked it's white gold and has 3 diamonds, but the gentleman behind the counter suggested I come back when he has another particular ring in stock to see if I liked that better. All in all a successful trip, so I'm going back next week to see which of the rings I like best.

So thats it really... I am still off uni for the Easter break and so have not seen much of my mates (I miss you guys)...Only one more Uni assignment left to go... and the countdown is on till my 21st... 25days to go...

Ways Dialysis and End Stage Renal Failure (ESRF) effects day- to- day life….

Fluid…

Most dialysis patients (especially those on haemodialysis) have to restrict their fluid intake. I have to stick to 500mls of fluid a day which is harder than you think as this also includes liquid that is contained in food.

Diet…

Haemodialysis patients have to stick to a strict diet as various waste products can build up in your blood. Each kind can have a different effect on your health.

Salt can increase blood pressure, so patients are encouraged to reduce salt intake. (Salt also has the effect of increasing thirst, so it makes it more difficult for patients to restrict their fluid intake).

Potassium is a mineral which is found in the cells of body tissue, and any excess would normally be removed by the kidneys. Too high a level of potassium is bad for the heart - in extreme case it may even cause it to stop.

Phosphate is a substance that is widely found in foods. It works very closely with the mineral calcium, and the healthy body keeps these two substances in balance. Phosphate levels may be associated with itchiness and over the long term can damage blood vessels. I am currently on phosphate binders, which are taken whenever I eat, this reduces the level of phosphate in my blood.

Kidney patients can also lack vital nutrients such as…

Protein - This is an essential nutrient that enables the body to build muscles. Low levels of protein can lead to fluid retention and to a reduction of the body’s ability to fight off infections.

Vitamins - Some patients may need vitamin B and C supplements.

Iron levels may drop and cause anaemia, this can be replaced with iron tablets in my case to maintain my Heamoglobin (HB – which also effects iron levels) I have a drug called Aranesp… this is given in needle form into the machine, 20mg once a week.

Tablets…

I’m lucky at the minute; I only take 9 tablets a day:

Renagel 800 (2 tablets 3 x a day) – these are phosphate binders and control the amount of phosphate in my blood

Lansoprazole 30mg (once a day) – this helps prevent stomach ulcers

Alfacalcidol 0.25mg (once a day) – this is a vitamin D tablet that helps to control the level of calcium in my blood.

Aspirin 75mg (once a day) – to thin my blood, this is to ensure my fistula doesn’t clot.

Aranesp (injection form 20mg once a week) – control Haemoglobin levels in my blood.

Obviously as well as all this… we mustn’t forget the delights of tiredness all the time, nausea and dizziness!