Results ...

A quick update on the blood tests from last week, and the PET test results ... 
Rick's total blood count has come up to 11.3!!! Praise the Lord!!! A year ago, it was as low as 6.8.
His potassium level is now "perfect" @ 4.8 -- a year ago it was at the critical level, causing much concern with the doctors. They were considering ICU. 
Phosphorus is good @ 5.5 ... it is at the top of the number it needs to be. He is still taking the phosphorus binders with everything he eats. Needs to be lower - but good for now. 
Iron is still low @ 23. Needs to be at least 30. So, he will be getting an iron IV on March 27 when we go back to he Dialysis Center. 
Albumin (protein) has dropped from 3.7 to 3. 6 - so he is being told by the dietitian (yet again) -- PROTEIN, PROTEIN, PROTEIN. He is eating a LOT of protein, rarely does he take a bite of anything that he doesn't have protein with it. But the dialysis removes so much protein from his body that it is hard to keep up. 
Parathyroid is at 300.5 - normal is no higher than 300. =) 
BUN has come down to 47 - still way too high. 
Creatinine has come down to 5.5 - still way too high, too. 
His A1C is @ 11.9 - way too high. But Dr. Greenwell is aware of the problem. The dialysis solution is a dextrose base. Which causes a spike in blood sugar anyway. He is working with Rick to adjust his medication and get these numbers lower. We are PRAYING for wisdom and understanding - to Dr. Greenwell, and to Rick as well. 

Now, the PET results ... he has tested as an "average low transporter" - which means that the lining of his peritoneal cavity is slow at reabsorbing the toxins =) ... this is a GOOD thing to be low and slow =) ... it will help them to make the correct adjustments if he decides to use the cycler for dialysis at night. 
Also, Lisa (his dialysis nurse) told us that the "number" they want to see a dialysis patient at with the PET test is a "2" ... Rick tested at 3.79!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!! This shows that not only is the dialysis working, but so are his kidneys!!! His kidneys alone tested at 2.2!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!! 
We are waiting to hear from Dr. Greenwell - see if there are any adjustments to be made to the dialysis - either less solution, or less times per day. We will wait and wonder ...