I have been on the reduced cycle time for three nights now. I have not experienced a great reduction in my overall time on the cycler. Previously, I had been on two hours per cycler for a total of eight hours dwell time plus fill and drain overhead meant I was spending over eleven hours per night just on the cycler. As I log off the cycler these past three nights, I’m getting times of 10-7, 10-14, and 10-33. These times are NOT the expected one-hour time reduction (15-minute cycler time reduction times four cycles equals one hour.) Seems that my cycler has a mind of its own and also its own math.
Over the weekend my wife and I bought four American Holly trees in two-gallon containers to use as a semi-privacy barrier between us and a neighbor that has a rather junked up side and back yard. Not trashy, but they live kinda inside and outside their house and it shows. On Monday I shopped around and bought all the soil amendments needed. Now I have to dig the humongous holes needed to properly plant them. More fun in the North Texas heat. (See lead graphic.)In case you wondered, we are in growing zone 8. We can expect American Holly to grow 2-4 feet per year, and grow to 20-24 feet tall with a spread of 8-10 feet. We could not tell if we got both male and female plants since there were no labels and both are needed to get the holly berries which birds really like. Time will tell.
I am in the second week of taking meticulous care of our new sod. The first week I watered it 3x per day. This week, the second, we cut back to 2x per day. It is really taking hold and looking healthy, even though we have had several days way in the 90s.
We managed to almost complete weeding the 100-foot-long flower bed in the back. While it looks somewhat bare, that’s 100% better than it looked before. We’re due for mowing Wednesday and I intend on doing a complete walkaround so I can show and articulate to those who visit here what we are working with.
My monthly meeting this past Friday with my dialysis team is worth more than just passing comment. We covered the points I had previously provided my dialysis nurse and then some. To wit:
Why the RenaPlex-D was not on order? Seems my renal doctor had taken a couple of weeks’ vacation and while she was gone no one could sign the prescription. Now that she is back, that has been taken care of. I should be receiving the vitamins in due course.
Am I still on injections of B12 and Testosterone or not? The rub here centers around my most recent lab reading of Hemoglobin which was up to 14.5; the lab goal is 10-11.0, and my doc gets uneasy when it’s above 14.0. She posits that perhaps testosterone injections could lead to this increase and thus stop this shot. Secondly, during my last labs, my need for B12 was checked and it was found that currently my B12 is dead in the middle of the desirable range and thus the need for B12 injections is moot.
My last wKt/V reading was 2.29 which Fresenius rounds to 2.3. I quizzed my doc with such a robust reading, perhaps we could cut back on my Liberty Cycler dwell times from 2 hours per cycle to 1 hr 45 minuses which would knock an hour total off the time I’m on the cycler. Keep in mind with overhead mainly caused by drain time, I was spending over 11 hours per day just hooked up to the cycler. Add the setup and tear-down times to this and I was easily spending over 12 hours per day just doing cycler treatment. Add everything involved in my afternoon manual 2-liter fill, and you can see dialysis consumed the vast majority of my 24-hour day allotted. Luckily, she agreed to this with the stipulation that if it didn’t work out, that is my next adequacy test went too far south, we would go back to the previous 2-hour dwell to which I agree.
During lunch yesterday, inter alia, I informed my wife about some new ailments I am encountering. They include pain in my right center toe area making it difficult to walk at times, floaters in my left eye, the one that has not had cataract surgery, and my weight balancing which readers know I continue to work on.
My wife responded that she too from time to time experiences pain in her toe area and perhaps it is due to “Purines.” So we pursued Purines with a Perplexity search with the following results: (bear with me, it potentially IS related to PD requirements!)
Purines are chemical compounds found naturally in many foods and also produced by the body. When broken down, purines form uric acid. While purines are a normal part of diet and bodily processes, consuming too many can lead to health issues[1][4].
High levels of uric acid in the blood, known as hyperuricemia, can cause problems like gout and kidney stones. Gout is a painful form of arthritis where uric acid crystals accumulate in joints, causing inflammation[2][4].
Foods high in purines that should be limited include:
Organ meats
Alcohol, especially beer
Certain seafood like sardines and anchovies
Sweetened beverages with high-fructose corn syrup[1][4]
A low-purine diet can help manage conditions like gout by reducing uric acid levels. This diet emphasizes:
Fruits and vegetables (except asparagus, cauliflower, spinach)
Low-fat dairy
Whole grains
Eggs and nuts
Limited lean poultry and fish[1][2][4]
Staying hydrated is also important, as water helps flush out uric acid[5]. While a low-purine diet can be beneficial, it’s typically used alongside medication for treating gout and related conditions[2][4].
The essence of the potential tie between Gout and PD is captured above in the statement “Staying hydrated is also important, as water helps flush out uric acid[5]. ” As anyone on PD has been instructed, we are on a strict restriction about intact of fluids, often limited to no more than on the order of 32 oz per day. I have been steadily working outside in the North Texas heat where it is often in the nineties or even over 100 with high humidity. As a result, I have been known to break a sweat every so often. Perhaps I am not ingesting enough fluids to keep up with the environment I’m working in, dialysis aside.
In the short term, I’m going to attempt to injest slightly more fluid and see if the sore toes go away. We’ll see.
As a retired US Navy officer who tangentially served on the same planet as SEALs, I am interested in what makes them tick. As a group, they endure and persevere through much pain and suffering in pursuit of their missions, somewhat like what those of us on PD face every day. In the next paragraph I’ve listed some of the sayings accredited to the SEAL community, and following that apply one to PD patients.
“The only easy day was yesterday.” “Adapt, Improvise, Overcome.” “Pain is just weakness leaving the body.” “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.” “Be humble, be hungry, and always be the hardest worker in the room.” “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.” “The only person you have to be better than is the person you were yesterday.” “Under pressure, you don’t rise to the occasion, you sink to the level of your training.” “SEAL training is not for the faint of heart.” “The only way is through.”
Today I’ve chosen the sixth SEAL saying to apply to PD patients. Here’s how the Navy SEAL saying “Get comfortable being uncomfortable” could be applied to peritoneal dialysis patients:
Adopting a “get comfortable being uncomfortable” attitude can help peritoneal dialysis patients persevere through challenges, adapt to changes, and maintain a positive outlook on their treatment. This mindset can be empowering and improve their overall quality of life.
Peritoneal dialysis can be an uncomfortable process, as it involves inserting a catheter into the abdomen and performing dialysis exchanges several times per day. This can be physically and psychologically challenging.
However, patients need to get comfortable with this discomfort to successfully manage their condition. The more they can embrace and adapt to the uncomfortable aspects of peritoneal dialysis, the more smoothly the process will go.
Just as Navy SEALs must train themselves to operate effectively in uncomfortable and stressful situations, peritoneal dialysis patients need to mentally and physically prepare themselves to handle the daily discomfort of the dialysis process.
Over time, with practice and a mindset of embracing the discomfort, it can become the “new normal” for peritoneal dialysis patients. What was once an unpleasant experience can become a routine part of their healthcare regimen.
Speaking of routines, my weight has edged upwards to 145.2. So starting last night and for the next couple of nights, I will be using a mixture of 1.5 and 2.5% solutions for my evening dialysis. This should bring my weight back down to the 140-1 range, where we will fall back to only 1.5% solution and start the game all over again.
According to a recent article in Politico, the FTC is going after Fresenius and Da Vita for their business practices. I’ve condensed the article to its essence in the following paragraph and provided a link to the original article at the end. Interesting reading.
The Federal Trade Commission is investigating the two largest dialysis providers, DaVita and Fresenius Medical Care, over allegations that they illegally hinder smaller competitors. The probe focuses on how the companies make it difficult for physicians working in their clinics to leave for rivals and start new businesses, through the use of non-compete agreements. The investigation examines the business models of the two companies, which control at least 70% of the U.S. dialysis market. The FTC’s action is part of the Biden administration’s efforts to curb corporate concentration across the economy. The companies say they are cooperating with the investigation and are confident it will show they have enhanced competition. The non-compete agreements under scrutiny concern nephrologists, and specialists in treating kidney disease, and restrict them from serving as medical directors in competing settings, including home dialysis, which is becoming more profitable. Home dialysis access is improving, but slowly, and the non-compete clauses can limit patient choice and treatment options.
That’s the way it has been with me and PD the last several days. I have an appointment with my dialysis team come Friday, and hopefully, the saying will still hold after that. Have you ever wondered where the title saying comes from? Read on:
The origin of the phrase “No news is good news” can be traced back to the 17th century. Here are the key points about its origin:
The earliest recorded use of this exact expression in English is attributed to James Howell in 1640. He wrote, “I am of the Italians’ mind that said, ‘Nulla nuova, buona nuova’ (no news, good news)”[1].
However, a similar sentiment was expressed even earlier by King James I of England (who was also James VI of Scotland). He wrote, “No News is better than evil news” some years before Howell’s usage[1].
The phrase is believed to have been coined by King James I during the 17th century. He reportedly said, “No new is is bettir than evill newis” (in modern English: “No news is better than evil news”)[2].
The idiom has been referenced in several published works throughout the years, including James Howell’s “Familiar Letters” and Stuart and Doris Flexner’s book “Wise Words and Wives’ Tales: The Origins, Meanings, and Time-Honored Wisdom of Proverbs and Folk Sayings Olde and New”[2].
The longevity of this phrase demonstrates its enduring relevance in human communication. It reflects the common belief that if there’s no news about a situation, it’s likely that nothing bad has happened, which is generally considered a good thing[2].
Almost by osmosis, I have learned that Fresenius has a list of drugs that are provided to peritoneal dialysis patients under the coverage of at least Medicare if not other forms of insurance. This list has been alluded to by my dialysis nurse and dietician from time to time as a sideline or something not being on the list. That leads me to surmise just what is on this list. This blog’s purpose is to share this info with readers.
Fresenius Medical Care provides several medications and vitamins for peritoneal dialysis patients as part of their treatment regimen:
Blood pressure medications to control hypertension in dialysis patients[1].
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) like Epogen, Aranesp, or Mircera treat anemia by stimulating red blood cell production[1].
Iron supplements, given intravenously or orally, enhance hemoglobin production and treat anemia[1].
Phosphate binders reduce phosphorus absorption from food and prevent its buildup in the body[1].
Renal (kidney) vitamins replace nutrients lost during dialysis, including vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, and vitamin C[1].
Nutritional vitamin D to correct deficiencies common in kidney failure[1].
Medications like Korsuva or Gabapentin to relieve itching (pruritus) are experienced by some dialysis patients[1].
Heparin to prevent blood clots during treatment[1].
Stool softeners to relieve constipation that can occur due to fluid restrictions[1].
Topical creams and antihistamines for itching and dry skin[1].
Fresenius emphasizes the importance of regular medication reviews with the care team to ensure patients receive appropriate medications and dosages based on their individual needs and blood test results[1].
I am a US Navy veteran. When I hit 25 years of service I had a decision to make. I had been in the procurement business in the Navy for many years. The powers in Washington that prevail decided I needed a sea tour and wanted to send me to a destroyer tender named USS Gompers as the Repair Office which is a senior billet and desirable job, if you want it. I did not. I had had enough of being away from family with three Vietnam tours under my belt.
So I had a decision to make. What to do with my life henceforth? Since I enjoyed furthering my learning I decided to go back to my alma mater, Purdue University, and earn a PhD. At this point, with a BS/MSEE and an MSM, I had to decide if I am going technical, that is pursuing a PhD in Electrical Engineering or one in Management. From my interfaces in the shipbuilding industry and all of the supporting industries to shipbuilding, I knew the shots were called by the white shirts in management in the C-suite, so I decided on Management. Management has many avenues, but one of them at Purdue was Strategic Management, the study of how managers set the path forward for companies. This is the path I choose. Since I had never had a course in Marketing, I decided to pursue marketing as my minor.
It turns out I could not have made better choices. The marketing path at Purdue required me to essentially meet the requirements of a PhD in marketing, minus the dissertation. My first job teaching at Butler University was MBA marketing.
So here I am now, approaching 40 years hence. You might ask, just what does a PhD do for you, aside from the satisfaction of obtaining one? I turned to Perplexity for some answers in data form.
I asked Perplexity “How many millionaires in the USA have PhDs?”
Based on the search results, we can infer the following about millionaires with PhDs in the USA: While there isn’t an exact figure provided for the number of millionaires with PhDs, we can draw some conclusions from the available data:
Approximately 3.5% of the US population are millionaires, which is about 12 million people.
About 1.2% of the US population holds a PhD.
52% of millionaires have a master’s or doctoral degree.
45% of Americans who pursue PhDs become millionaires.
Given these statistics, we can estimate that a significant portion of millionaires in the USA have PhDs, likely numbering in the hundreds of thousands to low millions. However, it’s important to note that while education is strongly linked to wealth, it’s not the sole determining factor. Other aspects, such as good financial habits, long-term investing, and managing spending well, also play crucial roles in becoming a millionaire. Additionally, the distribution of PhDs among millionaires varies across different fields, with some industries like technology, finance, and biotechnology having a higher concentration of PhD millionaires.
My wife was interested in how many millionaires do not have college degrees which is the converse of what I asked.
How many millionaires in the USA don’t have a college degree?
Based on the search results provided, we can infer the following about millionaires in the USA without college degrees: Approximately 12% of millionaires in the USA do not have a college degree. This conclusion is drawn from the statistic that 88% of millionaires graduated from college. To put this into perspective:
There are about 12 million millionaires in the United States.
If 88% of these millionaires have college degrees, then 12% do not.
This means roughly 1.44 million millionaires in the USA do not have a college degree.
It’s important to note that while education is strongly linked to wealth, it’s not the only factor. Good financial habits, such as long-term investing and managing spending well, are crucial for becoming a millionaire. Additionally, some extremely successful individuals, including billionaires like Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Michael Dell, dropped out of college but still achieved significant wealth.
The conclusion from all of this, the bottom line, is that almost 50% or half of USA PhDs are millionaires. So if you desire a reasonable shot at becoming a millionaire, earn a real PhD from a university such as Purdue. Nuff said.
I was fortunate enough to have several Indian students in my classes when I taught at Purdue University. I consistently found them to be more than a cut above competing students from both other countries and certainly the USA. I ran across an article recently in the WSJ about the Indian population. The thrust of the article was that they don’t complain, don’t seek quota advantages, they just go about excelling. I used Poe to extract in bullet point format the highlights of the Indian population in the USA which is provided below. They ARE gaining on the US population in just about any important category you can imagine. Following from this link.
Indians constitute just under 1.5% of the country’s population.
Two Indian-Americans (Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy) competed for the Republican presidential nomination in 2023.
Vice President Kamala Harris was born to an Indian mother.
Indian-American CEOs run major companies like Google, Microsoft, Novartis, Starbucks, FedEx, Adobe, and IBM.
Indian-Americans have the highest median household income in the U.S. by ethnic group, almost twice that of white households and three times that of black households.
Two-thirds of Indian-Americans have college degrees, and 40% have postgraduate degrees.
Indian Americans have the lowest divorce rates of any ethnic group in the country.
Indian Americans own 60% of all hotels in the U.S.
One in every 20 doctors in the U.S. is Indian, and 1 in every 10 students entering medical school is Indian.
Indian deans are common at top U.S. business schools, including Chicago, Georgetown, Harvard, Northwestern, and New York University.
Indian Americans are not known for grievances or pushing for increased “representation” or special accommodations.
Indian-Americans are unapologetic about their drive to thrive and believe in the American Dream.
I have recently related my weight gain and my action to do something about it. In review, In a matter of days, my weight increased from 139.6 to 144.2 with no changes in ANYTHING – same diet, same exercise, same dialysis. I informed readers that I was going to start using 2.5% bags for my static afternoon fill which I did to no avail. My weight instead went up to 144.6. So, again as I previously suggested, I switched to a 2.5% static bag AND a 2.%5 6 L bag for my evening on the Liberty Cycler, along with an additional 1.5% 6 L bag. My weight with this in one evening dropped to 144.2 and the morning microfiltration was 907, up from the 28, 0, 73, and 71 on previous mornings.
I intend on continuing with the 1/5 and 2.5 % 6 L bags until my weight gets back down in the 140 +/- range, and then switch back to all 1.5% bags. I have zero confidence at this point that I won’t have to repeat the above sequence. History does have a way of repeating itself – reminds me of Churchill:
Winston Churchill famously emphasized the importance of learning from history to avoid repeating past mistakes. His well-known quote on this topic is:
“Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”[1][4]
Churchill delivered this line in a 1948 speech to the British House of Commons, paraphrasing an earlier sentiment expressed by philosopher George Santayana[3][4]. The full context of Churchill’s statement emphasized the need to study and understand historical events to make better decisions in the present and future.
This perspective aligned with Churchill’s deep interest in history. He was known to be an avid reader of historical works, particularly Shakespeare, Gibbon, and Macaulay[4]. Churchill believed that studying history provided valuable lessons and insights that could be applied to contemporary challenges.
Churchill put this philosophy into practice during his leadership in World War II. He drew upon his knowledge of history, including Shakespeare’s works, to inspire and guide his actions during critical moments[4]. For example, he invoked Henry V’s speech before the Battle of Agincourt to rally British resolve during the London Blitz.
The enduring popularity of Churchill’s quote reflects a widespread belief in the value of historical knowledge for informed decision-making and avoiding past errors. It serves as a reminder of the importance of learning from previous experiences, both successes and failures, to shape a better future[1][5].
