In mid-December 1944, Allied forces were surprised by a massive German offensive through the Ardennes Forrest that created a “bulge” in the Allied lines. Caught in what would become known as the “Battle of the Bulge,” the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Armed Forces was holed up in Bastogne while German armored divisions encircled the town. Outnumbered, outgunned, and running out of food, ammunition, and medical supplies, the embattled assistant division commander, Brigadier General Anthony McAuliffe, faced bleak prospects.
On December 22, the American troops were sent an ultimatum from the German forces outside of the town, demanding “the honorable surrender” of the town within two hours. General McAuliffe’s reply was brief and succinct:
“To the German Commander:
N U T S !
The American Commander” (link)
Why “Nuts!?” I received my lab results back from my most recent Adequacy Test, and once again they are Inadequate. See the graphic below:
In the chart above, my wKt/V has fallen from 1.56 to 1.44 despite increasing my dwell fluids to 2.5 L from 2.0 L. We are going the wrong direction people. I haven’t heard anything from my dialysis team as a result of this finding due to the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States but standby.
Another finding was also disturbing. See the graph below: My Phosphorus jumped from 5.8 to 7.1. Although the wheels appear to be falling off, Nuts! still applies. Reminds me of another story about the 101st Airborne at the battle above. When asked if they didn’t know they were surrounded by Germans their response was, “Paratroopers are supposed to be surrounded. That’s where we’re meant to be.” In other words, “Never ring the Bell!.”
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