Thoughts & Prayers for Laura and Lou(Herk)

[Cajun Po-Boy]

Originally Posted by Herk7769

Any recommendations to the tasty ones would be appreciated.

I can recommend checking out Optimum Nutrition whey protein (I'm a user for strength training) many flavors, mixes very well and has no unnecessary fillers.
All protein powders are not regulated by FDA so there is a lot of junk out there...just find what works for yall. Good Luck

[Herk7769]

Thanks. Will keep that in mind. Phosphorus is also the enemy as it destroys her bones by replacing the calcium. Gotta keep an eye on that number as well. The PD fluid won't get rid of that too well.

Potassium and Protein cross like crazy so her biggest problem is keeping enough behind to make RBC. We will get this tuned perfectly by the Rally!

For those going to New York in July. See you all there, Lord Willing.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by sunnygirl01

Herk, I use Amplify from GNC. They have vanilla and chocolate. I mix them with unsweetened vanilla almond milk and ice and to me it is like having a chocolate shake. Maybe that will work for Ms. Laura? Thoughts and prayers for you both!

Sent from my XT1055 using Tapatalk

I am also fond of the Almond and Coconut blend and prefer it instead of milk in my "Wheaties."

I will have to stop in and see if they have sample sizes.

[sunnygirl01]

Originally Posted by Herk7769

I am also fond of the Almond and Coconut blend and prefer it instead of milk in my "Wheaties."

I will have to stop in and see if they have sample sizes.

I had no idea they had an almond and coconut blend! I love coconut...I will have to try and find that!

Sent from my XT1055 using Tapatalk

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by sunnygirl01

I had no idea they had an almond and coconut blend! I love coconut...I will have to try and find that!

Sent from my XT1055 using Tapatalk

Almond Breeze is the brand: Almond Breeze : Our Products : Almondmilk Coconutmilk Blend

Yum...

[OldCoot]

Time for a weekly update on Ms. Laura as well as Lou's weight reducing program.

[Herk7769]

Well, I have been sick with a head cold for about 10 days now. I thought I had successfully avoided giving it to the DW. Never thought I would be thankful for the hundreds of face masks and bottles of anti-bacterial soap and sanitizer I go through prepping her for dialysis.

However, she woke up this morning with a sore throat and cough.

I will get over mine just in time for her to give it back to me. Seems fair.

The 4,000 dollar CT scan last Friday showed the catheter in the right spot , so her pain during dialysis is most likely from a bruised/stretched intestine and will get better over time.

I have all the repair manuals for my GMC 2500HD sierra and they finally came in handy. I used them to raise the dialysis machine about 10 inches above the table. This reduces the suction some during the drains and she says it hurts less. I seem to recall our 800 dollar 1973 encyclopedia Britannica finally becoming useful when the couch leg broke, too.

Well, that's it for now. Blood work again tomorrow and we will see if her diet needs to be adjusted. We ramped up her protien and potassium.

I may need to cut back on the Gentleman Jack; then again, maybe not...

[Frank-VA]

Lou and Laura: Thanks for the update, Y'all are still in our prayers.

[Indymule]

Prayers for you two. Glad to hear Laura is doing better. Lou take care of yourself as well! We'll be praying for continued recovery.

[Herk7769]

Been a while, so for those who are following this saga, here is the latest:

Well, we finally have a handle on the dialysis and she is doing great. (PTL)

She is still sick with the viral cold but is making progress.

Her last blood work came back great and we both got Kudos from her Nephrologist and her PD nurses for maintaining her diet (LOTS of protein and Potassium foods).

Once she kicks this cold we will work on her fluids (she is still drinking more water than she should, but not so much that the dialysis can't handle it.

Thanks for both of us, your prayers and well wishes have helped her keep her spirits up and we plan on seeing some of you folks at Watkins Glenn and even more at Goshen.
Lou

[TURBS]

Good to hear things are progressing nicely.
Give her a big hug!
And pat yourself on the back to.

TURBS


"Sabre owners united"

[OldCoot]

Great news Lou, give Ms. Laura a hug and to keep up the good work. You need some praise too for being a good (altho' sure not pretty) nurse. Good job Lou!

[nuisance]

I am looking forward to seeing you both at Goshen and prayers are with you. Keep up the good work Laura in getting better we need you at the rally. Lou we need you also, for what I am not sure yet but we do.. LOL

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by nuisance

I am looking forward to seeing you both at Goshen and prayers are with you. Keep up the good work Laura in getting better we need you at the rally. Lou we need you also, for what I am not sure yet but we do.. LOL

Thanks Al... I don't know what I will do without you... or with you for that matter

[BamaBob]

Looking forward to meeting the two of you at Goshen!! Both of you are still inour thoughts and prayers!

[buskirk21921]

It has been a while since you have provided an update on Laura. Prayers are with Laura and you. Hope to meet again in Goshen.

[Weezer]

Oddly enough, Herk and Ms. Herk have been on my mind today as well.

Yep, we need an update.

[BamaBob]

Yes, Yes Lou how are you two doing AND especially how is Laura doing?!?

[Herk7769]

She is "better" these days. Still has bouts of depression and is still not eating properly, but getting her out camping and a more normal daily activity will help with that I am sure. Her sister is visiting and she is getting Laura out of the house more.

Medically, she is doing very well. Her doctor and her nurses have been pleased with her progress.

Can't get over how expensive dialysis is. Glad we are double insured or it would be a burden; for sure. Also can't get over how little is actually reimbursed to the company by the insurance.

For example: for one week of her dialysis (they bill by the week):

Billed by dialysis company: $ 16,399.05
Allowed by Blue Cross: $ 1,820.00
Paid by Blue Cross: $ 1,120.00
My Copay: $ 700

Paid by Tricare (my military medical benefit) $ 700.00

I don't understand any of this; but somehow it all seems to work and they smile when we show up for the monthly clinics.

[wlhpas]

Prayers continuing to come to you both from Athens, TX