Going to the Restroom on Your Own........

As I laid flat on my back for 6-hour following my kidney biopsy I had a lot of time to answer e-mails on my work BB and think about where my life has been. First of all I can appreciate being able to go to the restroom on my own. You can't get up after having this procedure do to hemorrhaging, so either you don't go or use a bedpan. I opted to wait :)

Over the past few days I have met people or had friends who stated 'you are so positive considering all that is going on with you both medically and personally, but you still maintain a glow and a upbeat attitude'. People with Lupus and Fibromyaglia must keep positive family and friends around you because life is too short to be 'flaring' because of negativity. I'm happy to be alive and only have a few 'bad' days. It could always be worst.

Always thank your higher power for what you have. I do it everyday.

Down2earthlupis

My 17th Surgerical Procedure.........

It's almost 1am on Friday and I've been awake since Tuesday evening. What for do you ask? Because I'm nervous about what this kidney biopsy will bring. I remember when I was put on Cellcept when I first went into the early stages of kidney failure. I was totally against it. Now that I'm on the max dose of 3,000mg and my kidney's aren't making the progress that my rheumatologist and nephrologist wants, so at their urgency I'm getting another kidney biospy and start chemo therapy ASAP.

As I have reflected over this period in my life, I've realized that I've had 16 surgeries and procedures in my lifetime with the majority of them happening after my initial diagnosis in 2006. I'm a little scared and relieved to "really find out" what is going on with my body. Lupus patients can go through periods of remission and just like that they are flaring again. I hope and pray this is what is causing my extreme flares lately. I would rather know now so we can come up with a plan of attack with my 15 speciality doctors.

I better get a few hours of sleep before surgery......

Down2earthlupie

Yet Another Disappointment

Well I was all set to get my kidney biopsy. I thought I had everything taken care of, appointment made - check, pre-authorization submitted - check, arrange for my mom to stay with me - check, found something for my friend from Prague to do - check and pack for the hospital - check.

Well my mom flew in when we flew back from Vegas, I stopped eating and drinking after midnight. My nephrologist nurse called to let me know they were still waiting on the approval. I had a procedure at this hospital at the end of May, so what's the problem? But she did say not to cancel and she would call me at 7:30am and my procedure was at 8:30am. 7:30 came and no approval yet.

So I spent all day on the phone with my nurse, the insurance company and the hospital. Hopefully the insurance go through and I can be put on hold for tomorrow and the last appointment is 1:30pm. Cross your fingers. I just spend $350 to get my mom here for all three procedures (kidney biopsy, colonoscopy and endoscopy) and I will be pissed if one of them fall through.

Usually my insurance is on top of it, but I know the holiday messed me up. We'll have a go at it tomorrow......

Down2earthlupie