Clinic Visit

Today was Ron's clinic visit - he has labs done once a week - but it's been a month since he's seen the doctor(s).  They were astounded that he's driving and back at work.  I think the word of the day was GREAT!  Here's the breakdown of the visit:

Prescriptions:
Bactrim (antibiotic) - this is his last month; once he takes his last pill, that's it.
Valcyte (antibiotic) - one more refill and he's done.

Problems:
Swelling in his left foot and ankle - the doctor is not sure what the problem is - he suggested Ron see his primary care physician and perhaps be referred to a vascular specialist.....in the meantime, the doctor said when Ron's at work with his feet under his desk - he should wiggle them about!

Bloodwork:
The word GREAT was used again; the doctor is very happy with Ron's bloodwork.  There is a TINY issue though - his albumin is a little high - it could be the Bactrim - the doctor said Bactrim can cause the swelling - since Ron is on his last dose of Bactrim - we should be able to see that in his future bloodwork.  Ron will continue to visit the lab for blood weekly.  His next clinic appointment is in 3 MONTHS - can you believe it?!!

Weight:
They are thrilled with Ron's weight - at one time he was down to 135, and today he was 154.....YAY for weight gain (I never thought I'd be saying that).

Suggestions:
The doctor would like Ron to see a cardiologist; for those who have read the blog from the beginning, you'll remember when Ron was going through the pre-transplant testing we weren't sure he would pass the cardio test..........they did see some calcification - and in the end - it was chalked up as.......Ron is 63 and it's probably his age.

Since they did see the calcification and Ron's newest oddity - feeling his pulse in one ear - Ron will be seeing a cardiologist - just to see how he's doing.

When people ask how Ron is doing (and they do, several times a day) - I say he's GREAT!......and he is.

 Right now Jerry is going through liver transplant surgery, probably in the recovery room, and Chandra is waiting to see him........Chandra take heart in our journey - although a bumpy ride - it's all worth it!

A foot with a mind of it's own

Ron had an ultrasound on his lower leg and foot today -  (preliminary report) no blood clot - but they're not sure what's going on.

Ron is on a pretty high dose of Rapamune (6mg a day) - the doctor called today and said his blood is saturated - to reduce his daily dose of Rapamune to 5mg.

Tomorrow the doctors will go over the ultrasound report .....and give us a call.   We may be making another trip up to Piedmont Hospital in the near future.

Ron was extremely tired today.  We've had a lot going on - that may be the reason.

I'm scheduled for an MRI (w/contrast) Monday to rule out Sacroiliitis.