4/1/09 - No Jokes Here

This is no April Fool's Day Joke...Alyssa has had great blood pressure levels now for 4 days running. Nary a reading above 120! I'm afraid to even say it so as to not jinx her. We are assuming that her new wonder drug, Tekturna, has caused what we call The Tekturnaround. This relatively new-to-the-market drug wasn't even available in the hospital - I had to go to Wegmans to get it filled for her. The addition of Tekturna is the only significant change that has been made in the last week, so all hail the miracle drug...may it's powers rein forever!

While it's a little early to start talking about decreasing her other BP medications, this what we ultimately would like to do as there are some nasty side-effects from some, including nausea and exhaustion. She seldom eats now and continues to sleep a vast majority of the day - two symptoms that we would love to see go away!

Other good and important news - Alyssa will begin peritoneal dialysis training on 4/7. If all goes well, that will also be the date for her last hemodialysis treatment. The peritoneal team is pushing this up so that Alyssa can go to Florida in mid-April for some much needed R&R. It is also hoped that she will tolerate peritoneal dialysis much better than she has the hemodialysis as it is much easier on the body. And, she does it at home, so no need to drive to Irondequoit anymore! YES!
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