Encouraging Lab Results

I just checked my lab results for blood that was drawn this morning in preparation for my monthly dialysis clinic visit. They are very encouraging. The measures of kidney function are the best they've been in a long time. Of course, they're still abnormal, but they are improving. And all the other tests, from electrolytes to blood chemistry, are within the normal range.

Creatnine, measure of protein in the urine. If the kidneyes are not functioning properly, protein is leaching out through the urine. My results: 4.5 (normal .6-1.1). But that's the best reading since December 2008, when I had a 4.2. During the past year, my levels have been in the upper 5's and 6's.

BUN, another measure of kidney health. Normal is anything less than 19. Today's level was 49--a level I have not seen since August of 2007, when I was 44. I've been as high as 103 since then and have generally seen levels in the high 50s-70s.

GFR--Even this indicator of kidney health has creeped up from a low of 8 to 10. Anything lower than 15 signals an immediate need for dialysis.

Hemoglobin--an indicator of anemia if it's below 12. I have inched back up to 10.8, from a low of 7.8 post-surgery.

I am taking all this as very positive news. My kidneys are waking up. I am very grateful for this progress toward my vision of perfect health.