Hyperphosphatemia

My monthly lab results are in, and inspite of my efforts to bring my phosphorus down, mine is still a gigantic 8.1. This is way up from my normal range (from 3 to 5.5).

I have had some issues with phosphorus in the past.  This was primarily due to a vacation in Hawai'i (snacking on macadamia nuts would do that) and frequent visits to 'Bux for a chai latte (due to very low blood pressure).

That said, recently there is nothing in my diet that would cause this. The dietician in my clinic agrees.  I keep a regular food diary, and when we reviewed it, there is nothing in there that would cause a high phosphorus.

I am very concerned because high phosphorus can cause bone and heart problems that lead to hospital stays and in some cases death (More on phosphorus in this article).  Also, last time this happened, my hair started falling out. Not good.

The dietician is recommending a new binder to use with my existing meds. Although I am hesitant to take in more drugs, I would do anything to lower my phosphorus. In spite of my kidney disease, I am still fairly active and would like to continue to do so. Keeping my phosphorus in check is key to that.

One foot in front of the other

After my dismal performance at the 5K, I decided to start walking outside again. I finished at about 55 minutes. Next time, I want to shave about 10 minutes, but I think that may be too ambitious. I remember the days when I can just run the Bay to Breakers without training; those days are long gone.

My first walk was today, and it was a short one: about half my old route. How I enjoyed the fresh air and the sunshine. Hopefully, I can do this every week.

No Net New?

"No net new" is something that I heard at work lately. It means no new features or enhancements. It somewhat describes my health status lately - same old, same old.

I guess that is a good thing: stability. Or is it really stable?

Let's see: I walked a 5K two weeks ago, was worn out the day after that, but survived. I have not been going to my hula classes, but I am soon starting one of my own. My phosphorus is still astronomical, but slowly going down. Blood pressure is under control. Dialysis is still 3x per week, but thanks to Big Bang Theory, my favorite boredom buster, my sessions has been more tolerable! I am even looking forward to it.

Hmm... maybe there have been some changes, and there is no such thing as no net new (which may be bad news at work). My health seems to be stable and maybe even somewhat improving. I want to have a more normal schedule, but I will take what I can. Life may be "same old, same old", but hey, it is still good!