Thank you for the long-distance hug and well wishes, Dechen. I appreciate that.
Finally starting to feel better today. Not coughing much. Still feel like there might be a slight fever, but it's about over.
I actually lost 4.5 pounds in the past week. No exercise, very little to eat, and a fever that lasts for several days will do that, I guess. I expect that as I start eating normally again, some of that will reappear as my digestive tract fills back up. AND I do still expect to keep off some of the loss.
I mentioned that I had a good appt. last week. I had my follow-up on my kidney surgery. I'd been dreading it because I thought they'd push the meds again, which I'd refused last year. Not to mention that I was sitting there with a fever, and feeling like something the cat dragged in anyhow. I just wanted to get it over with and get back home to my bed.
First they determined that I have no obvious signs of new growth on the x-ray. I'm so thankful to hear that. Good start.
Then I met with a Resident (Univ. Hosp.), who wanted me to participate in his research study on kidney stone formers. Nice kid. So, why am I wanted in the study?? Get this! It's, because I refused to take the hbp meds that would possibly help prevent these stones. I don't even have hbp, so it made no sense to me. Anyhow, this guy's study involves people who prefer "natural management of their stone forming tendencies". In short, people who refuse meds!!! I couldn't believe it. He's do a 3-month study on the effects of pomagranite supplements on those people who are using no meds. I readily agreed to participate. I'm all for helping someone who wants to find a more natural way to deal with things. (I know pom caps aren't natural, but it's a huge improvement over whatever drug they had in mind last year and God bless this resident for even trying.)
Then, he gave me the usual suggestions for preventing stones. Drink more water, reduce sodium, and (I didn't see this coming!), CUT DOWN ON ANIMAL PRODUCTS! I was shocked and thrilled. None of the experts mentioned that little nugget last year during my surgery and many appts. where I was specifically asking what I could do. He even said that reducing oxalates wasn't as important as reducing animal products. So, then I told him I'd become vegan, which I wasn't planning to mention. It was his turn to be shocked. He actually said that this is great, and it's the best thing I could possibly be doing, and I'm way ahead of 99% of most people who are using "natural management". WOOO HOOOO!! Made my day!!
In fact, he was going to base my pomegranate results on data that they had on my file about my various urine and blood levels. Because I've changed my diet so much, they are re-doing those tests before I start taking the pom so they have a new baseline. And it'll be free to me! So, I get to find out how much difference eating this way has made to my levels, all for free, and help this guy with his study on natural managements all at the same time!! And, all thanks to knowing about this woe!
So, many thanks to Dr. McDougall, and to the Lord who helped me to find out about this way of regaining my health.
I'll let you know the test results when they are available, but I can't wait!
Blessings,
Jubilee