Another Year Good!!

Why am I so scared? 

Chest X-ray, blood test, Kidney Ultrasound, and then meet with Urologist/Surgeon for annual followup inspection . 

Yes, these things still make me numb with fear. I'm sorry but I can't help it. I always have the feeling that the other shoe is about to fall. But all-in-all the report is that everything is fine. Chest x-ray is normal - whew. Kidney ultrasound has not changed since last year - left kidney is still swollen (and probably still not working all that well ~ 18% effective) but the right kidney is just fine. ]

Blood Test:

My creatinine levels are up a bit (again) at 2.4 instead of the 2.1 (remember that last year they had had moved from 1.9 to 2.1 and stabilized there). I need to come in for another blood test in a month to double check. 

Something new this time is that the acidity of my blood has gone up. This is a concern because it can lead to early osteoporosis. Apparently it is quite common in neo-bladders because the intestinal tissue that makes up the new bladder absorbs things back into the blood that the kidneys have just filtered out of it. This will be retested in a month as well. If it stays high I may need to go on some supplements to keep it in check.

I need to keep hydrated and hydrate well before the next blood test which may improve these readings.

Other: 

I feel fine. I have some pain in my left side but I also have a history of chronic lower back pain which is diagnosed as arthritis. I get a lot of exercise either from riding bike, umpiring baseball/softball, or working in my woods (pruning trees and spraying/clearing brush).

Thyroidosis: 

I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto Thyroidosis and am beginning supplement therapy. This has really been a roller-coaster ride of energy, weight and strength. My Endocronoligist says it takes a while for everything to settle down and I need to hang on for the ride for about 6 weeks (almost there) before we can re-test levels and see if the dose is right. I might post a note on this whole trip.