Before I head out the door, (I'll be watching my mom for a few days), I just got off the phone with her and had a little more information on her condition. She's in Stage 3 Renal Failure. Which basically means that her kidney (only one of her kidneys actually works) is dying. If she stays as healthy as she can, then she might live out the decade. I'll be on her Last Wishes statement, making sure that when the time comes, that her wishes will be respected.
Right now I'm doing OK. I actually think that this is a much better scenario than can be expected. I know she's going to die. I've honestly thought she wouldn't live much longer, her health has always been poor, and it's somewhat comforting knowing that her death won't be unexpected (like my brother's death was. He died last December 4th of suicide).
Anyway, she's doing better. She said she went on a long walk today, in spite of her doctor's suggestion (as exercise would dehydrate her, which could be deadly), but she said she drank lots of water and I'm encouraging her to do so.
(GFR basically means the rate at which the kidney filters your blood. CKD just means Chronic Kidney Disease.)
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Stage 1 CKD
Slightly diminished function; Kidney damage with normal or increased GFR (>90 mL/min/1.73 m2). Kidney damage is defined as pathologic abnormalities or markers of damage, including abnormalities in blood or urine test or imaging studies.
Stage 2 CKD
Mild reduction in GFR (60-89 mL/min/1.73 m2) with kidney damage. Kidney damage is defined as pathologic abnormalities or markers of damage, including abnormalities in blood or urine test or imaging studies.
Stage 3 CKD
Moderate reduction in GFR (30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2). British guidelines distinguish between stage 3A (GFR 45-59) and stage 3B (GFR 30-44) for purposes of screening and referral.
Stage 4 CKD
Severe reduction in GFR (15-29 mL/min/1.73 m2) Preparation for renal replacement therapy
Stage 5 CKD
Established kidney failure (GFR <15>
And one last thing before I sign off, Paul and I are looking at a thing called International Media Ministries. I'll write more about that later, as it's not set in stone, but I think that will be a good opportunity and it'll be great to do something... tangible for the Lord. I know He doesn't measure our 'deeds' like that, but it's something that has always been on Paul's heart (the ministry), so that might be something we will do in the coming years.
