Thursday, December 22, 2011

John Baker Update 12/22/2011 11:50 AM

John had a good nights rest last night. For his arm pain they are giving him pregabalin which is a cousin to gabapentin only the side effects are less invasive. I seems to be working. He is on very little pain meds other than that. He also seems to have gained motion and strength in that arm in the last 24 hours or so.
His creatinine us up to 1.8 from 1.6 yesterday.  This is not good however the anti-rejection drug tacrolimus could raise the creatinine if the tacrolimus level is over the prescribed target in the bloodstream as it Is an accumulative drug. They will be checking the tacrolimus (hereinafter refered to as tacro) levels today.  His B.U.N. is 40 as was yesterday.
His hemoglobin is 7.2 which is down from 9.1 on Tuesday. They draw about 15cc of blood daily for blood work. The kidney produces a hormone called erythropoietin that controls red blood cells. It is appropriately assumed that the new kidney is not producing adequate amounts of this hormone. They will begin giving him Epoetin alfa commonly called Epo, which is a manmade version of the natural hormone, until the kidney takes over.
The H.L.A.  (Human Leukocyte Antigen) levels in his body are still on a plateau. It is good that they have not risen but they need decreased. We will still continue plasmaphresis and doses of eculizumab on a scedual of every other day at this point in hopes to reduce the HLA’s in his body until the liver begins to absorb them.
John is feeling good and getting around well. We haven’t any definite info on a discharge date.
Thank you for your prayers.

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