My Kidney Glands are bad.
How do I explain my situation when I’m not even sure myself. I’ll try…I’ve been in the hospital 10 of the last 18 days. I went in with my sodium level at 114. I didn’t have a clue that 114 is life-threatening!
I spent the week with a stubborn doc who had no interest in working with my transplant docs. He increased my diuretics and gave me salt pills to take. Yes, Salt pills! They got me to 121. I pretended to take the diuretics my last two days, that’s when my numbers went up. Coincidence? Maybe. He convinced me to take them when I went in. So … I did. A few days later I was back in the hospital with a sodium level of 116.
This time Doctor Stephen and my Lahey transplant team were in charge of my care. They ordered the kidney consult after a few days suspected adrenal issues. YUPP! That was it.No diuretics, sodium still crazy, decided to look for secondary issues.
The sodium thing is confusing! Some think the answer to to eat salt. I’ve had some great and very tempting suggestions: eating a delicious fried clams and yummies fisherman’s platter with fries enjoying laughs with my pal Glenn; Chinese food; pier fries; salt and vinegar chips. MY MOUTH IS WATERING! But that’s a different kind sodium. I leaned that last week. It’s dietary sodium. The sodium I need is blood serum sodium.
They figured out my problem Thursday. The adrenal glands on my kidneys are dead! These glands regulate serum sodium in healthy people. Ahha! (More info)
I will be readmitted this week so they can figure out dosage and balance of hormone to replace my dead glands.
I may be in quite awhile. That’s fine with me! Let’s get it figured out! Why a while? They have to find the right dosage. We need a maintenance dosage because one that keep raising it is bad, too high is dangerous. Here’s what could take so long:
DAY 1. They give me the dosage and then message range over the next two day. Too much? I wait one more day.
DAY 5. They give me another dose. Watch results over 5 days.
DAY 10. They give me another dose. Monitor over 5 days. And then set dosage for me to take at home. (i.e. 2 times a week)
Hopefully I am a case that a daily dose takes care of it and I’ll be home by the weekend. The smaller my dose, the longer I will be in.
If you want to come visit me, I won’t tell if you smuggle in Doritos Cool Ranch or Salt and Vinegar chips and a Coke, I won’t tell! 🙂
Drinking from the Same Dipper 
My husband had the same issue and he was recently diagnoses within Addison’s Disease. You should have your doctors do a work up for it.
I had my liver transplant 5/7/12 … all is well.
So, do you want salsa with those chips Scott?
Seriously, thank you for sharing your journey with us. I read your posts and marvel at your courage and your amazing testamony. I want you to know I pray for you daily and am asking God to keep you safe until the transplant can be performed. I just learned today that my amazing friend Rena is losing her battle with melanoma and it has invaded her liver and she has been given just a few months left to live. Could I ask if you would pray for her?
I got this in my email today and had to share it with you in hopes that it uplifts you and brings you some measure of peace..
The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen. – Dr. Elizabeth KublerRoss,
God bless and keep you as you continue on this most perilous path and thank you again for sharing your journey. With love through HIm and In HIm.. Kathy Heseltine
Scott,
You are teaching me patience one hospital visit at a time. I moan and complain when I have to go in for 3 days. Thanks for always sharing your story. You never know what impact you have on someone and in what way.
God bless!
Wendy
I would like to talk to you I too was hospitalized with a 114 sodium level you can find me on facebook Darci Campbell I’m in a bright orange shirt I hope you’re still alive and well