We saw Dr. Brown yesterday. Regular check up. Creatinine, potassium and phosphorus were pretty much the same. We mentioned to her about him being sick on Sunday and having blurry vision. She thinks it is possible that his blurry vision could be from being very fatigued. She said if it happens again to let her know and she would set us up with an optimalogist. Blurry vision is not usually due to kidney failure. Steve did admit that he is nauseous about every day but it usually goes away. So after talking with her for an hour she suggested that he start dialysis at the center 2 times a week for a couple hours to make him feel better and get him through harvest. He said no!

We talked about his fistula(access for dialysis) in his arm. She looked at it and had some concerns. She thinks it may now be too deep or narrowed off. We are going to see the vascular surgeon on Monday that did the surgery and see what he thinks. It may be smaller veins are branching off taking some of the blood supply and they would have to tie them off to get the main supply back to the large vein or if it is too deep they may be able to bring it back to the surface. They usually check it with dye but since his kidney is only working 9% they don't want to risk using the dye. They may do an ultrasound with a Doppler. Guess we will know Monday.

Dr. Brown called me later the same day after we had seen her that morning. She said she had been thinking about his case all day. She really feels that he should start dialysis 2 times a week now before he gets really sick. If he gets sick and has to go to the hospital depending on what his levels are they would just put a port in his neck and start dialysis. There is always a chance this could be critical and she doesn't want that. She would like to start the training next week but you have to do the training on the patient. I told her I would let him know that she called and we are to call her Monday after his appointment with the vascular surgeon to let her know what he has decided. Guess what he said? NO I am not planning on dialysis until after harvest unless I get sick. Stubborn!!!!! Does anyone know if this attitude came from the Meyer side or the Schmitz side??? Guess I will have to take my own action. I am telling his sisters.

Later Christy