BK virus-still in the picture

I had my kidney biopsy done and the results were mostly good.  I heard from Dr. Bellin that there was no active inflammation found which means that I can continue with this dose of immunosuppression.  She was however concerned that the biopsy did show some scarring.  She said that it might require follow up with my nephrologist.

So, I contacted Dr. Al Sabaugh's office to see what she thought about it.  I heard back through her nurse that yes there is scarring and it is most likely due to past infections.  I assumed this meant the BK virus since there was no mention of scarring with my previous biopsy.  I was told that she would discuss this with me at my next appointment.  Since this isn't for three more months, I'm assuming that she isn't overly worried.  So, I'll choose not to as well.

Just after the biopsy, I discovered that I had another urinary tract infection.  My 4th.  I had one in March that grew the same thing, coag neg Staph.  The first one was probably E. coli and the second was never cultured.  All are within the last six months.

My BGs have been running higher.  My fastings were sometimes slipping into the 120s.  When I started my antibiotic, they went back down into the 90s and 100s.  Lately, they have been trying to climb back up again somewhat.  Maybe the nitrofurantoin (antibiotic) is causing it?  This is my hope of course, and not that I'm rejecting.  Time will tell.

I'm having my BK viral levels tested monthly now.  I was just drawn yesterday.














These are pictures of our ash tree.  Its one of the very very few that have survived the infestation of our region by the Emerald Ash Borer.  The first picture was when I saw the first bud forming and gained some hope for it.  The second picture is from today.  If this tree can stand alone against an invader, just maybe my islets.....................

BK virus update

My battle with the BK virus continues, but I seem to be winning.  Fortunately for me, it there are no symptoms to this disease state.  It feel more like a battle of numbers.  And thats a good thing.  I know its more serious than that.  It can't be a good thing at all to have a virus in my kidneys and that accounts for the necessity of risking my islets by the lowering of my immunosuppression.

Here are the numbers:

Date            Serum BK                                     Urine BK                                       Creatinine
3/1/13          Undetectable                                  4.2                                                1.9

3/8/13         Low  (less than 390 log units)         3.3                                                 1.9

3/15/13       Undetectable                              Detectable, but not quantifiable        1.7

3/27/13                                                              3.3                                                1.8


This is definitely a step in the right direction.  It was worrisome enough however to cause Dr. Bellin to reduce my Prograf even more.  As of 4/2, I am only taking 1mg at breakfast and 0.5mg at dinner of Prograf.  My Prograf level at 2.5 mg/day tested at 6ng/ml.  Normal is 5-10, so I seem to be very sensitive to it now.  I don't understand what could be causing that to happen, but glad for it.

Easter pig cookies

My BGs are hanging in there.  I'm still at 9 units of insulin/day.  The weather is finally becoming Springlike and I'm hoping to be getting some more walks in.  I still feel the need to avoid the cold if possible.

My last CBC showed that my hemoglobin is up to 12.5.  No more worries about that now.  My last blood pressure was good to a 122/80.

I suffered another urinary track infection last month.  I was prescribed Ampicillin for that.  I'm not sure if there is any effects from that or not.  I'm having my BK tests done every other week now.

Transplant update

Its been a busy few weeks since my visit to Minneapolis.  The day after we came back home from that trip, we started another to Myrtle Beach, SC.  My family vacation was there and the entire clan, except for our son Gary made it there.  We had a great time full of playing in the waves, walking the beach, and lots of good eating and fun games.  My blood sugars were really good during that time.  It was wonderful.  I don't know if it was all the exercise or the relaxation, but whatever it was, it made my islets happy.

Then I came back to busy days at work and a urinary tract infection.  The infection is all cleared up now.  My doctor here put me on Cipro and that did the trick.  I'm still on it.  My blood sugars are back to being higher and I'm really hoping that its due to the infection and the Cipro.   Time will tell.

I got the results back from the kidney function testing performed at my checkup.  A dye was injected through my IV and then my blood was drawn periodically for a few hours to examine how long and how completely my kidneys filtered it out.  The numbers don't mean much to me, but I am told that my results were excellent.  This is really good because the immunosuppressants that I am on now can be stressful to kidneys.

I have decided to volunteer at our local organ donation group, Donate Life Ohio.  I went to a meeting yesterday and met a few interesting people. There were recipients and their families as well as donors and theirs.  Even some living donors.  Here are the latest statistics about waiting lists for organ transplants.   I think I'll enjoy this new project.  My first stint will be at a booth at a nearby county fair.  I was lucky enough to get a booth near where Blake Shelton will be performing.  Ironically, I missed seeing his show 2 years ago while I was waylaid in Minnesota for my transplant.  A small price to pay.

Here is a family picture at MB and a water lilly from a recent kayaking trip.