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Family Faces

It all began one rainy freeday and we decided to look through our old photos and here are some of the few funny ones that we thought you would enjoy. So, here they are...

Check-out the faces in these pics!

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Beginning of October, ‘09

Dear Everyone – and that means you!

This is a letter about my health.

I started one back in July or August, but our laptop decided to reformat itself, thus I am starting again.

Last winter was particularly “tough” on me, feeling cold and uncomfortable. So, this year, I decided that I needed to get back to paying more attention to my fitness level – at least that was my summary of the problem. (As it was, I was suffering the effects of high blood pressure, and didn’t know it.)

So, before starting on a new “renewal campaign”, I decided it might be good to go in for a general check-up, since it had been several years since having one.

Before I got to a check-up, Angel and Kenji’s wedding came around, so I made the trip to S.D.. On the overseas flight, my ankles swelled up – which is highly unusual for me. So, I was a bit concerned about it. It seemed to subside over a period of about a week, but I maintained some fluid – as I always had a sock-ring when I took my socks off. (The flesh above the sockline was noticeably puffier than below. Also, I could see that pushing my finger into my ankle area would leave a small imprint.)

Having been involved with others who had experienced kidney problems, with Grammy, as well as another friend here in Japan, I had a sneaky suspicion that it might have something to do with the kidney.

Back in Japan, I planned to go in for the general check-up. But, by then, I wasn’t feeling too good. I was having a pressured feeling in my chest, at times, and was generally run down. I finally made the appointment for the check-up in June.

When the attendant took my blood pressure, she sort of gave that – “nothing to be concerned about”, look – as she rechecked the equipment and rechecked my b.p…. Then she mentioned that the second test was “much better than the first”, while admitting that it was a bit high, and the doctor would explain. (I never did find out how high that first test was!)

So, the doctor in attendance that day – seeing the high b.p. and the swelling in the ankles, immediately concluded that I was a CKD case. (That stands for Chronic Kidney Disease.) It turned out that this doctor – who was on duty that day, was also CKD, so he recognized the symptoms immediately. (God’s nice little set-up)

Through his recommendation, I went into a specialist clinic, dealing with kidney.

Also, I immediately began dietary changes – as my cholesterol was high, too. I started getting more cardio vascular exercise, like long walks – not power walks. I cut out salt, and started reading food labels more closely.

Now, this was a big revelation to me –

Having had a personal Health Revolution around the age of 45, I felt I was pretty aware of what to eat and what not to eat, etc.. BUT, when I actually started checking the “sodium” content of some of my “healthy choice” foods, I was in for a BIG surprise.

Here in Japan, the recommended daily dose of sodium intake is – less that 10 gm. – or 10,000 mg.. The USDA recommended daily dose is 2.4 gm, or 2400 mg.. Hummmmmmm, seemed there was a discrepancy there. I confirmed this with several Japanese doctors, and they all confirmed that below 10 gm. is a wise choice. None of them know the USDA recommendation. So, probably unwittingly, I have been consuming mega-doses of sodium for awhile. How ‘bout that?

The kidneys have to deal with all that extra salt, and also it adds to water retention in the body.

Also, as we have all heard before, the amount of protein in the average “western” diet is way over what is necessary – or even recommended. This makes the kidneys work harder to process it all.

So, upon re-discovering this knowledge – in a very personal way, not just a “book-knowledge” way, I have had a radical change in my diet.

This, alone, has made a HUGE difference overall. My puffy ankles are virtually gone, and my overall energy, etc., is basically back to normal. Thank the Good Lord!

A simple, but powerful lesson – cut salt and excessive protein – eat those fruits and veggies and drink that water! Definite results!

OK, back to the specialist visit. So, I have been going in on a monthly basis, for blood test and urinalysis.

On my first visit, both tests confirmed to the doctor that I was CKD-certified! Protein in my urine and higher levels of creatinine in my blood. In the doctors estimation, my kidney function was at about 50%.

Now, this sounds pretty alarming initially, however, it turns out – as you may know, that God gave us 2 kidneys, and only one is necessary to live a normal life. So, with my kidney function at 50%, my body can maintain normal function. After researching it a bit, it seems the estimate for CKD in the average population in the US (which is a cross-cultured society), is 11 to 13%. So, it’s a fairly common disorder.

I wondered what would bring it on – and although there are many factors that could lead to kidney trouble – including excessive long-term sodium and protein intake – it also can be hereditary.

As in the case with the first doctor I met, who also was CKD – his mother and grandmother both are dialysis patients. So, when he heard my mother also had kidney failure, he “assured” me that I , most likely also had inherited it, too.

So, that’s one reason I’m going into all this detail, here, is for you “future generation-ists” to be aware. Like an old pair of Levis handed down through the family – “it’s in the jeans”. Get it?

Back to blood pressure – in my case, I would occasionally do one of those “self-check” machines, at a sports club, etc., and I can say that I don’t think I had high b.p. for a long, long time. So, it seems the CKD has finally begun to show up – thus the rise in b.p.. The doctor – and every other source – recommended getting the b.p. down to more normal ranges – as first priority. High b.p. is known as the “silent killer” , as it doesn’t always have noticeable side-affects. But, it is potentially harmful to not only kidneys, by heart, brain, etc., etc.. It’s pretty bad stuff!

So, I began taking medication to help regulate b.p., which is having a good effect thus far! That, combined with drinking an herb tea (bamboo leaf - mild diuretic), combined with more regular exercise – no more “I don’t have time” excuses – as if I don’t take time, time shall be no more! - Overall, my b.p. is good.

My Australian friend, who lived with us when he was on dialysis, and went on to receive a kidney transplant, explained b.p. like this:

Basically, it’s a mechanical thing. Your veins and arteries are like the hoses and the blood is like the water rushing through. The higher the pressure in the hose, the sooner the hose wears out, or bursts somewhere.

Well, that got the message across very clearly. Those Aussies have a way with words!

My recent test results have gotten better – my creatinine level is lower – a good sign. My cholesterol level is down, and I have lost some weight – (basically, because it’s really HARD to find food with low sodium over here! Doing a lot more home cooking. – The upside to that is – you should see my nice abs!)

Overall, if my test levels remain around where they are now, I’m doing fine and the prognosis is good.

Noone really knows if the kidneys will deteriorate further, or when, so if I do my part – diet and fitness, stress, etc – wise, I can basically still be on this planet for quite some time to come. Lord willin’, and with some cooperation from me – and your supporting prayers!

So, what I would glean from this is that it would be good if everyone was aware of this particular health issue – stay fit, and keep your eye on your b.p., sodium, excessive protein, etc..

It just might be something that runs in the family – like wearing glasses! (Kinda..)

As for the stress levels – which are a killer no matter what brand of jeans your family hand-me-downs are – the good news is that beer is very low in sodium and protein!

OK, seriously, now – back about 5 yrs, ago, I did have a slightly elevated protein Howeverlevel in my urine. At the time, it didn’t seem like such a big deal, so – as a typical male species responding to medical necessities – I did nothing.

So, maybe an occasional urinalysis might be in order, too – like once a year, or so?

Blood pressure, urinalysis, …beer! Those would be my recommendations to everyone – along with the usual healthy food and exercise regimens we all love and live by!

OK, that’s about it for now. I’ll keep you posted on any developments, … and I won’t get into the enlarged prostate issue – as it’s just a thing that happens to older guys, no big deal.

Love you all and look forwards to seeing everyone next Springtime!