Is Low Diastolic Blood Pressure common with Stage 3 or 4 CKD?

@billchitwood, I am concerned for you and I am sorry to hear that the home health arrangement didn't workout for your husband. Do you know why he no longer qualifies? I would suggest that you learn what he "can" do for himself that does not require a home health nurse, and then make a genuine effort to not take on those things that he can and should be doing for himself. I can tell that you love him very much, and that you want to make his life as pleasant as possible, but at what cost to your own health.

Congratulations on your upcoming Cochlear Implants! I know that this has been on your mind and on your thoughts for a long time. I am happy for you. Will you/What kind of recovery will you need after this procedure?

I do let him do as much as possible. He managed to tell them that he was absolutely fine, no pain, didn't need any help, etc. Stubborn as they come!

The cochlear Implant should take an hour or so - out patient. Just supposed to take it easy for a week or two in not lifting heavy stuff. Can't wash hair for a week. But pretty much life as normal. In two weeks they think the incision should be healed enough to have the CI activated - then appointment to get everything working well. And learning lessons on my end.

Thank you, and everyone, for good thoughts.

Tell him to stop feeling sorry for himself. You do not have to put up with his abuse. Stop doing every little thing for him and let him know how you feel. You cannot help someone who does not want to help himself...and right now he doesn't, so he either starts living to he best he can or get the hell on with the dying because life ain't vfaie to no one.

Today Bill managed to take a fall. Fortunately he ended up on his side on the ottoman and didn't break anything. I just had surgery for a cochlear implant and can't handle anything above 10 pounds for a few weeks so I couldn't help him without risking stiches pulling out of my head - obviously not a good idea). This time he did listen to me, rested up and then followed my suggestions so we finally got him up on his own. He didn't want me to see if a neighbor was home who could help (Joe and Philip had told me to call them if I needed help with him). If I still hadn't been able to get him up I would have ignored his directive! I figured if he could convince the home health people he didn't have problems getting up then he could manage it eventually. So far this afternoon he has been using his walker.

I read where elderly with CKD can have a higher percentage of falling than the normal population of that age. He also brushed against his leg, which caused it to bleed - dark thick blood trailing down his leg from a sore that had scabbed over a month or so ago. He gets those very easily and I think due to the valve problem in his legs. He wasn't even aware it was bleeding and didn't hurt him.

As soon as he fell his cat/nurse was there instantly.

Have his medical providers considered orthostatic BP? This is when changes in position such as sitting to standing can cause a sudden drop in BP. He needs to start taking more responsibility for his own care. He should always be using his walker (brakes included) and take more care when moving about.

So sorry to hear of these problems. When a person falls, you always have the option of calling the fire department to get the person up. Please take extra good care of yourself too.

That was my next move if he couldn't move! Our fire department is close by and I understand they are very very good. They are very involved in our area. And old fashioned type of department!

Hi Julie, I love your new photo with your profile and to learn your name.

How is Bill doing today?

He is doing better - NO MORE FALLS!

His oxygen level has been down in the 88 area for the most part but his spirits are good. He is sending daughter Robin and I off tomorrow to son's for family gathering. Then Saturday I'll do up a Thanksgiving for us here.

In the meantime Lady Gray has joined him and conning him out of his leg room and Temptation treats. She is his dedicated nurse and guardian.

Question - is it normal for a doctor with a CKD not to order urine tests when doing blood tests? I would think that the two would almost go together, however Bill rarely has a urine test ordered. I think last full one was in early 2020. He did have a blood test done this Fall (his GFR number had fallen again).