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Monday, June 29, 2009

Well, Shit.

I got my lab results on Friday. My kidney function is down to 32% (from 37-38% in January), which is discouraging. It's the single largest drop in function for any testing period in the last four years, and it probably indicates that things are moving more rapidly now.

Which is not entirely surprising, given how generally crappy I've been feeling, but it still sucks to see it in black and white. I'm still officially in Stage 3 of kidney failure -- 30% is the dividing line between stages 3 and 4 -- and most patients don't need dialysis or transplantation until they get down around 20%. This disease does not follow a steady progression, but if it did, that would probably mean I'm looking at 2 years or so.

Right now I'm thanking my stars that I loaded up on disability insurance when I did...

16 comments:

Sue said...

ahh hell Ruth - I was so hoping it hadn't gotten worse.

Hugs to you kid, and best wishes.

Sue

SallyBR said...

Ruth, I am so sorry....

I came here to give you a B-day virtual hug, and did not expect you were feeling so sick and down

hang in there, don't overwork so much, ok?

Lora said...

Jesus Ruth. I'm so sorry. I'm sorry the only words I have for you is sorry. And on your birthday?
Well, happy birthday.

I hope you enjoy it despite of all this crap

Christine said...

Dammit. I hate this disease. I'm so sorry, Ruth.

Anonymous said...

You know how very sorry I am to hear this, Ruth. Was hoping for some good news.

Marcia

Oonie said...

Oh my. Your title says it all. I'm really, really, really sorry to hear this.
Is there anything neighbors and friends can do besides help fundraise? Don't forget to tell me/us if there is.

jennifer said...

That is indeed the opposite of what you wanted to hear. I'm so sorry!
If you want help hyping your 10/2 event, just ask me. It's what I do for a living.
I hope the 'drangeas brighten your birthday a bit.

RuthWells said...

Thanks, everyone, for the kind comments. They do help.

Anonymous said...

Dammit. Here's to hoping the drop is followed by a long period of stability.

Magpie said...

bummer, ruth.

KevinWC said...

On behalf of SKEW, I'd just like to say "that sucks".

Oh, and happy (belated) birthday.

:-/

ccr in MA said...

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this. It just sucks, doesn't it?

Domestic Goddess said...

fuckity fuck.

I'm so sorry...

Kelly said...

I was wondering if I could swear here, and Marj beat me to it. You can count on me to participate in fundraising efforts. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do.

yellaphant said...

FUCK. this is what I get when i catch up on my blog posts? well fuck that. and i missed your birthday too? RARGH. sending all of my good thoughts your way.

Anonymous said...

Hey there, Ruth - your blog is great. Hang in there.