My stem cells have not started working so I am still receiving packed red blood cells and platelets each week. Last week I was given platelets because mine were only 9,000 but my hemoglobin was borderline so they did not order a blood transfusion. I did not feel well and felt the blood would help but they wanted to let it ride for a week. I began feeling weaker and knew my heart was laboring and this is a sign that my hemoglobin is becoming dangerously low and it was (7.6). As usual after I am “juiced-up” on blood, I feel quite good. I always work and prowl around the house most of the nights when I feel good and this is to make up for the time when I feel so rotten and have to rest most of the time. I can really get a lot done but stay away from where Arthur and T. R. (our 13-year old dachshund) are sleeping.

I have an appointment next Monday (October 3rd) with Dr. Stroman who will be installing my fistula. My doctors are becoming more concerned with the presence of my catheter and the fact that its end tubing is located so very close to my heart. It is straining an already weakened heart. The vein mapping has already been done and Dr. Stroman had wanted to wait until my platelet count improved but that is not happening so we need to proceed with the installation of the fistula. They will probably put me in the hospital the day before and give me platelets, then do the surgery, then keep me until they are sure there is no bleeding from the procedure.

Dialysis again this morning…same old same old.