Health check-update.

It is a new year again, and it is time again for my health check-update. Right now it is only the first week of February, and so far I had already three appointments in the hospital. I also already have two more appointments coming soon.

The kidney stone update.

January 24, 2021, I had my first appointment. It was a CT-scan of the kidney. On December 14, 2020, they had removed the leftover of my kidney stone. And this was a check, to see if there was still something or not. I had this kind of scan done before, so it was not a big thing for me.

On February 2, 2021, had an appointment with the urologist and I would get the result of that CT-scan. With a little bit of luck, if things were okay, then I hope that they also would remove the catheter.

The result of the CT-scan was positive. The urologist was also happy with the results. There was still a very tiny piece of kidney stone left but that would come out naturally. He suggested that they would make a follow-up appointment with an internist. So it could be discussed to prevent a next kidney stone. Or at least, reduce the chances of a new kidney stone.

According to the urologist, the stone was a buildup of urine acid and this could be treated with medication. But the internist could check it out further and give his advice on it.

I had mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I was happy that the stone was gone. On the other hand, that meant that I would get one more kind of medication to add to my current collection. But for now, I will just wait and see how this goes. I already got a scheduled appointment for March 10, 2021.

Because the result of the CT-scan was positive, it was decided to also remove the double J catheter. To be honest, I did not have that many problems with it. But it feels good now that it is removed.

February 4, 2021.

February 4, 2021, was my next check. This time it would be an echo of the heart. With this echo, they also could check how things are with the pump function of the heart. For myself, I had the feeling that things were still as last year’s check. Or maybe a little bit worse.

In the last months, I felt that I was getting tired quicker. And in the afternoon I had a lack of energy. Maybe this also could be the result of all the restrictions regarding the coronavirus. Because I belong to the high-risk group, I am going out less and stay home more. But the echo would tell more about it.

Later that day, the specialist would call to give the results and see what we will do next if needed.

The first thing he asked me was how I was feeling and how things are. I told him about the tiredness and lack of energy. The lack of energy was because of the low iron level in my blood. I should get an iron drip for that, but until now I still did not get the appointment for it. My thought was that because of the COVID-19, things were delayed. But he told me that he would check it and push on with it.

The result of the echo was positive. Last year, the pump function (EF) was 20%. This time it had gone up to 25-30%. So that was a good thing and he was happy with the result.

More medication.

But because I was still tired quick, he suggested something new. And he thought that it could benefit me. And maybe we could get the EF up a little bit more.

I was told, that it was discovered by accident, that a medication that is used by people with diabetes, also could be helpful for people with heart failure. So he asked me if I would be interested in trying it. Because he thought that we could take a step forward with it.

Again, mixed feelings. Of course, you want to try anything to get a better life. But this also meant, that again, one more medication to my collection.

After checking all the medications that I am using, I counted 14 different kinds of medications. Of which I am using 10 every day and 4 I use only when needed. In total, I would then have 16 different kinds of medications. This sounds a lot, but I am sure, there are people out there that use much more than me. And it is all for my best.

Next appointment.

Suddenly on February 5, 2021, I got a call from the hospital. At first, you think, what is this now. But after answering it, I found out that they already wanted to make an appointment for the iron drip.

They had a space left for Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at 13:00. Not in the hospital I normally go to, but in a different location. Luckily it is nearby, so it is not a big problem.

I just asked some questions about any preparations I need to make or if there would be any side effects that I need to keep in mind. Then at least I am prepared for it. But she told me that I don’t need to prepare anything and when I was in the hospital they would explain any possible side effects.

Just to make sure, I asked, how long this would take. Last time I was told that this could take 30 to 45 minutes. But she told me because it was my first time for this iron drip, it would take 2 and a half hours.

Okay, a little bit longer than I thought, but okay. I have nothing else to do anyway.

Closing.

We are still in the first two months of the year, but I already had 3 appointments, and two are on their way. And I gained two extra medications.

I just hope and pray that this is not a sign of how the rest of the year will go. To be honest, so far, the things that I heard were all positive. There is some progress.

The only thing we can do is to take it one step at a time and stay positive.

As always, I hope you all stay safe and take care.
God Bless.