Author Archives: Pendrew

My health is stable, kidney function is good. I’m not on any meds. I had an infusion treatment in July, with the plan to have another in November. Today I donated blood for the first time after my surgery in … Continue reading →

I was discharged from the hospital about an hour ago. Tomorrow a nurse will visit me to help me with receiving my IV antibiotics via the picc line. Creatinine is at 1.5, which is very good. That said, since I … Continue reading →

My creatinine continues a downward trend (1.8), and my temperature has been staying below 99. I have been receiving a special, intravenous antibiotic for my infection. In order to send me home, a picc line will be placed so I … Continue reading →

Things have taken an unfortunate turn. I received great news on Thursday midday, then promptly developed a fever. My doctor recommended going to the hospital. Once I got to the hospital on Thursday night, my fever rose to 103.1. My … Continue reading →

Creatinine is 1.5, I’m beyond thrilled!! Nephrostomy tube was removed. Next blood test on Monday. Getting the tube out is a big deal. It has been a hindrance in my recovery. Provided my creatinine level doesn’t jump too much, I’m … Continue reading →

My creatinine level today was 1.81. Although this is higher than my last test (1.61), this number is “acceptable” for a person with one kidney. The plan is to retest on Wednesday. Provided the level stabilizes, I would have the … Continue reading →

Good result from the creatinine test: 1.61 (normal is 0.64 – 1.27). For most of this year “my normal” has been around this number. I’m waiting to hear back when my next test will be this week. Cautiously optimistic!

I was released from the hospital on May 10th. My creatinine is down to 1.46 (normal range (0.64 – 1.27). This is the lowest it has been this year. 😎 The next step is to cap the nephrostomy tube on … Continue reading →

Unfortunately my creatinine level increased from yesterday (this is an indicator of kidney function). Therefore, my nephrostomy bag was reattached to relieve strain on my kidney. I’m still in the hospital, potentially leaving on Sunday or Monday. I will continue … Continue reading →

I was first diagnosed with retroperitoneal fibrosis in January 2019. I was having severe back pain in my left flank. Because I’d had (“unrelated”) major surgery in May 2018, a CT scan was ordered, which showed the mass. Bloodwork indicated … Continue reading →