Tag: dialysis (Page 33 of 50)

Dialysis, Exercise and Fairy Rings

September 19, 2023 / Henry Feeser / 1 Comment

One of the tantamount aspects of successful dialysis is for patients to one way or the other get enough physical exercise. Granted, this can be difficult, at times downright painful, but a central necessity for us to keep everything going in the right direction. It is too easy to just pay lip service to this requirement and to hide our heads in shame when asked about our exercise regimen by attending physicians.

Don’t go there. I don’t and you shouldn’t. While it can be a pain, some wonderful things can happen while involved in exercise if you just are in tune with nature.

As I have stated several times on this blog, my wife and I are the proud keepers of a Golden Retriever named Dickens. He is, at 15 months, a 76.2-pound bundle of energy that we do our best to see that he gets a daily walk around Pecan Plantation where we live. Dickens is in the lead picture. You can easily see his muscular structure. He is strong in muscles but stronger in his innate desire to please us and the people he meets. For the record, he is 75% English golden and 25% American golden, thus the unique mixture of colors. We are seriously considering training him as a therapy dog he is so good and well-mannered.

Back to my story. While on our morning walk on Saturday, 9/16/2023 Dickens and I came upon Fairy Rings that were not there yesterday on our walk. Typically we see herds of deer, Egyptian Geese, ducks, snakes, and other creepie-crawly things. After all, we do live in Texas.

These growths are the epitome of Nature at its best and well worth viewing despite the slight discomfort walking for exercise might entail. I have embedded a picture of the Fairy Rings we saw followed by a background on the Fairy Ring phenomena for those interested in how they came to be from Poe.

Poe Assistant:

Title: The Enchanting World of Fairy Rings: Nature’s Mystical Circles

Introduction:
Nature has an uncanny ability to surprise and mystify us with its wonders. One such enchanting phenomenon that has fascinated people for centuries is the fairy ring. Also known as elf circles, fairy circles, or pixie rings, these mysterious formations capture our imagination and evoke a sense of magic and folklore. In this blog, we will delve into the captivating world of fairy rings, exploring their origins, formation, and the folklore surrounding these whimsical natural wonders.

What are Fairy Rings?
Fairy rings are circular patterns of mushrooms that appear in grassy areas, forests, and meadows. They consist of a ring or arc of mushrooms, often with a bare patch of ground in the center. These rings can range in size from just a few feet to several meters in diameter. They are most commonly found in temperate regions around the world.

Formation and Growth:
The formation of fairy rings is attributed to a fascinating natural process. It begins when a mushroom spore lands in the soil and germinates, producing a network of underground fungal threads called mycelium. The mycelium grows outward in a circular pattern, feeding on decaying organic matter in the soil. As the mycelium expands, it releases enzymes that break down organic material, making nutrients more available for the fungus. This enhanced nutrient availability creates a visible ring of mushrooms above the ground, as the mycelium reaches the outer edge of the circle.

Folklore and Legends:
Throughout history, fairy rings have been steeped in folklore and legends. They are often associated with supernatural beings such as fairies, elves, and spirits. In European folklore, it was believed that these rings were formed by dancing fairies or elves who left behind a ring as evidence of their revelry. Stepping inside a fairy ring was said to bring good luck or grant wishes, but it was also considered risky, as it could anger the fairies and bring about their mischief.

Scientific Explanations and Ecological Significance:
While the folklore surrounding fairy rings is captivating, science provides a more rational explanation for their formation. The circular shape of the rings is a result of the outward growth of the mycelium, which expands radially in search of nutrients. Over time, the mycelium depletes the organic matter in the center of the circle, causing the mushrooms to appear more abundant at the outer edges.

Fairy rings also play a crucial ecological role. The mycelium in the soil acts as a decomposer, breaking down dead plant material and recycling nutrients. This process contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem. Additionally, the bare patches in the center of the rings can create microhabitats for other plants and organisms, adding to the biodiversity of the area.

Variations and Similar Phenomena:
While the classic fairy ring consists of a circular formation of mushrooms, variations, and similar phenomena can also occur. Some fairy rings form arcs or incomplete circles, while others can form multiple concentric rings. In certain instances, the mycelium may colonize the roots of grass, causing a lush, vibrant ring of grass to appear. These variations add to the intrigue and diversity of fairy ring formations.

Conclusion:
Fairy rings continue to captivate our imaginations, blending nature and folklore into an enchanting tapestry. Whether you see them as mystical portals or simply fascinating natural phenomena, there’s no denying the allure of these circular formations. The next time you stumble upon a fairy ring, take a moment to appreciate the intricate beauty and ecological significance they hold. Within these rings, there is a reminder that the natural world is full of wonders that can transport us to a realm of magic and mystery.

Monthly Dialysis Team Meeting

September 18, 2023 / Henry Feeser / 1 Comment

On Friday, 9/15/2023 at 0900 I attended my monthly Dialysis Team Meeting. Present were my nephrologist, my dialysis nurse, my dietitian, and my social worker. The purpose of this blog is to provide readers insight into the workings of the dialysis process from a ground level.

We started off with just my dialysis nurse and myself. I had requested enough heparin to last me until my surgery with Dr. Tan on 10/4/2023 and she provided me with this. We went over a Fresenius form that is required annually that covered the particulars of my mental health, our dialysis setup at home, and other such issues. She also injected me with an iron fusion to keep my labs up to snuff.

By this time the doctor came, along with the rest of the team and we got to it promptly at 0900. I’m always glad to see the team runs on Navy time. If a meeting is scheduled for 0900, it starts at 0900. The doctor asked how I was doing, went over my labs, checked my stomach port, listened to my heart, felt my ankles for swelling, and we discussed my new meds (K2 and D3) for osteoporosis.

There is a Fresenius-sponsored program in Fort Worth that addresses all aspects of dialysis with current and potential patients and their associates. A representative from this effort came in and made a pitch to me to join the group in October and be on a panel to make a short presentation and field questions about treatment modalities. Seems that this blog has made a positive impression on those involved in such matters and I agreed along with my wife, to attend.

By 0920 or so the meeting was concluded and I was on my way to pick up take-out breakfasts for my wife and me at the 19th Hole here where we live in Pecan Plantation. The secret to having a good meeting is to be prepared. Pour over your lab results and know the wheat from the chaff. Consult with your dialysis nurse prior to the meeting with any questions you might have. 99% can/should be answered by your nurse. Consult with your caretaker/wife/spouse/? prior to your meeting and be prepared to discuss any concerns. Same for input from your GP.

It boils down to the team is there for you; you have to come to the table prepared and be there for your team.

Lessons from the world’s richest man, Elon Musk

September 15, 2023 / Henry Feeser / 0 Comments

This past Tuesday a new book titled “Elon Musk” by Walter Isaacson was released. In it, Isaacson attempts to explain those personal traits that have helped (or hindered) Musk to become the world’s richest man.

I have embedded an interview with Isaacson from the 9/13/2023 WSJ. At first blush, this blog post may seem not to apply to those of us on dialysis. Nothing could be further from the truth. As we are still learning and profiting from the wisdom of Steve Jobs at Apple, so will the influence on all of us from the wisdom and quirks of Musk pervade business thinking for decades to come. His five principles of developing new products can and should be applied to the design and manufacture of improved dialysis equipment. By the way, Jobs was a first-class jerk as is Musk.

Heads Up: PD Causes Sewage Drain Problems

September 14, 2023 / Henry Feeser / 0 Comments

There is a thread on Facebook from Peritoneal Dialysis patients citing drain problems where they drain their PD drain line. Most problems occur in showers, bathtubs, or sinks and NOT toilets. The problem is manifested by a slowdown in drainage and even blockage. Plumbers have reported a gelatine mass in the drains thus impacted. Also described as a glob of stuff.

For the record, we drain our Cycler into our shower drain and are starting to see drainage slowing down indicating blockage. I quizzed my local dialysis nurse about this and was told she had not experienced it as of yet.

It is conjectured that the stoppage is caused by the chemical compounds in the solution itself, coupled with an ideal growing climate in the drains. Keep in mind that the effluent coming out of the PD catheter is basically a sugar solution now mixed with many of the chemicals found in urine. The whole PD game is to act in place of our kidneys so we would expect much of the “stuff” removed to be common to the urine it replaces. So we have dextrose and urine-based whatever plus warmth in the shower drain equals virus or whatever growth in the drain. Not too hard to imagine is it?

The solution most offered in the Facebook thread was to generously apply a bleach solution to the drain. Respondents did not agree on either the frequency or potency of the bleach but most often cited a 1% solution, 1/2 a cup, ranging from daily to weekly administration.

Those who dumped into their toilets did not report having drainage problems. This is most likely the result of two things: 1. The drain pipes for the toilet are larger than the pipes for the other drains, and 2. The force of water during a flush is much greater than the more gentle drains in sinks, showers, or tubs.

So now along with cleaning our shower head once a month (don’t ask why, it’s a Fresenius inspection thing), we have now added maintenance on our drains. Maybe you should too? By the way, the picture at lead IS NOT OF OUR SHOWER DRAIN! It is from Bing Illustrator.

GP Visit 9/12/2023

September 13, 2023 / Henry Feeser / 1 Comment

On Tuesday 9/12/2023 I had my quarterly visit with my GP. We all have these meetings, some more frequently than not. For me, I meet with my GP quarterly, my Nephrologist monthly, my dentist three times a year, my podiatrist quarterly, have a retinopathy check once a year, etc. I am a system of doctor’s appointments.

While we discussed many things, like how many pets we both have, here are the most salient points:

I agree to change the tolerance on the bounds in my CGM to 150 hi and 70 low from 170 hi and 70 low. This puts a tighter upper bound on my Time in Range readings imputing tighter diabetic control.
I have not had an eye exam for glasses or a hearing exam (I use hearing aids) for approximately three years. He chided me and we agreed that I have to start having these exams yearly. The problem for me is that I go to the VA for eyes and ears and it involves a long drive into Dallas/Fort Worth traffic, long queues to even obtain an appointment, and in general being treated with total indifference once there. The VA is not a nice place in my experience, regardless of what politicians would lead you to believe.
My wife has noticed that around the house I tend to shuffle when walking. Not picking my feet up. I discussed this with my GP and he diagnosed this tendency as potentially the start of Parkenson’s Disease. I explained that it is only around the house, and not while on my daily dog walk, etc. We agreed to continue to watch and report on this new portal into my life. He did say there are no magic bullets in this area.

Since I am now under the shadow of Parkinson’s along with all my other baggage, I felt it necessary to learn more about this ailment. I queried my AI assistant Poe with the following results:

Poe Assistant

Title: Understanding Parkinson’s Disease: A Guide to the Neurological Disorder

Introduction:
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Named after Dr. James Parkinson, who first described the condition in 1817, Parkinson’s Disease primarily impacts the part of the brain responsible for movement. This blog entry provides a concise overview of Parkinson’s Disease, its symptoms, causes, and available treatment options.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s Disease is characterized by the gradual degeneration of specific brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical messenger involved in controlling movement. As dopamine levels decrease, the brain’s ability to regulate and coordinate body movements becomes impaired, resulting in a wide range of motor and non-motor symptoms.

Common Symptoms:
The most recognizable symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease include:

Tremors: Involuntary shaking or trembling, often starting in the hands, fingers, or limbs.
Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement, making simple tasks more time-consuming and challenging.
Rigidity: Stiffness of muscles, leading to limited range of motion and difficulty with mobility.
Postural Instability: Impaired balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls.
Other non-motor symptoms may include depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, cognitive changes, and gastrointestinal issues.

Causes and Risk Factors:
The exact cause of Parkinson’s Disease remains unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is believed to play a role. Some risk factors associated with the development of Parkinson’s Disease include advancing age, family history of the condition, exposure to certain toxins, and certain genetic mutations.

Treatment Options:
While there is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, various treatment options aim to manage symptoms and enhance quality of life. These may include:

Medications: Dopamine replacement therapies and other medications help alleviate motor symptoms and manage dopamine levels.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Surgical implantation of a device that delivers electrical impulses to targeted areas of the brain to control tremors and other symptoms.
Physical Therapy: Exercises and movement techniques that improve flexibility, strength, and balance.
Occupational Therapy: Strategies to enhance daily living activities and maintain independence.
Lifestyle Modifications: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Conclusion:
Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic neurological disorder that affects movement and quality of life. While there is no cure, early diagnosis, and a comprehensive treatment approach can significantly improve symptom management and help individuals with Parkinson’s Disease lead fulfilling lives. As ongoing research continues to deepen our understanding of the condition, it is crucial to raise awareness, support those affected, and promote advancements in treatment and care for individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease.

And now we all know more “for don’t you see.”

If dialysis then osteoporosis?

September 12, 2023 / Henry Feeser / 1 Comment

During my last scheduled visit with my GP, he suggested due to my age and dialysis status it was prudent that I have a bone density test conducted which I did. You can view the result below:

Feeser_Henry_20230907 Download

As you may ascertain, the bottom line is that the results of my bone density test indicate that I indeed am experiencing Osteoporosis. This phenomenon is a lot like diabetes; in my case, you can’t see it or feel it, it’s just there for a doctor’s prognosis. So the question becomes, in the pickle that I am currently in with dialysis, what can be or should be done about it? And just what is this ailment that I have now been flagged with? It can’t cause my hair to fall out because that has already happened – like when I was but sixteen.

So the first thing let’s look at is the measurements used in flagging me with this fragility, and what does WHO have to do with it?

I asked Poe to provide insight in this area with the following results:

The criteria for osteoporosis diagnosis are primarily established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and are commonly referred to as the “WHO criteria.” The WHO criteria for osteoporosis are based on bone mineral density (BMD) measurements obtained through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans. The criteria are as follows:

Normal: A T-score of -1.0 or above indicates normal bone density. A T-score compares a person’s BMD to the average BMD of young, healthy adults of the same sex.

Osteopenia: Osteopenia refers to low bone mass, which is a precursor to osteoporosis. Osteopenia is diagnosed when the T-score is between -1.0 and -2.5.

Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is diagnosed when the T-score is -2.5 or below. This indicates significantly low bone density and an increased risk of fractures.

It’s important to note that the WHO criteria are primarily focused on postmenopausal women and men aged 50 and older. For individuals under the age of 50, other criteria may be used, such as the Z-score, which compares the BMD to the average BMD of individuals of the same age, sex, and ethnic background.

Lastly, I queried Poe about the relationship between dialysis and osteoporosis with the following results:

Poe Assistant

Osteoporosis and dialysis are two separate medical conditions that can often coexist or be linked in certain individuals. Let’s discuss each condition individually and then explore their potential relationship.

Osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to increased bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures. It is a common condition, particularly among postmenopausal women, but it can affect both men and women of all ages.

The development of osteoporosis is influenced by several factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, lifestyle choices, and certain medical conditions or treatments. Risk factors for osteoporosis include advanced age, female gender, low body weight, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, family history of osteoporosis, and the long-term use of certain medications like corticosteroids.

Dialysis:
Dialysis is a medical procedure used to artificially replace some of the kidney’s functions in individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or severe kidney failure. ESRD occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to effectively filter waste products and excess fluid from the bloodstream. Dialysis helps in removing waste products, regulating electrolyte balance, and managing fluid levels.

Now, let’s explore the potential relationship between osteoporosis and dialysis:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which often leads to ESRD requiring dialysis, can be associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. Several factors contribute to this increased risk, including hormonal imbalances, reduced vitamin D activation, impaired calcium-phosphate metabolism, and the use of certain medications like corticosteroids during dialysis treatment.

Moreover, individuals on long-term dialysis may experience mineral and bone disorders (MBD), which encompass a spectrum of bone-related abnormalities. MBD in dialysis patients is characterized by alterations in bone turnover, mineralization, and volume, leading to various bone disorders, including osteoporosis.

The management of osteoporosis in individuals undergoing dialysis involves a multidisciplinary approach. It may include optimizing dialysis treatment, ensuring an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, encouraging weight-bearing exercise, and, in some cases, prescribing medications to improve bone density.

It’s important to note that the relationship between osteoporosis and dialysis is complex, and not all individuals on dialysis will develop osteoporosis. However, if you or someone you know is undergoing dialysis and has concerns about osteoporosis, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate assessment and appropriate management plan.

My GP recommended that I start on a regimen of OTC drugs Vitamin D3 and K2 along with Ca. My nephrologist vetoed calcium as my current dialysis labs indicate I’m doing OK in this area.

So what’s the bottom line? Seems that If dialysis, then Maybe/Perhaps Osteoporosis, and the link is casual but not inclusive. But it got me, didn’t it?

Drain Alarms + Heparin + Labs re Dialysis

September 11, 2023 / Henry Feeser / 2 Comments

As I write this blog on Sunday for posting at 0800 CDT Monday I have been adding Heparin to my dialysis solution for three nights. In all cases, the drain function has not stalled as it did on one previous night of hell. All three nights there has been an alarm on the first drain; only on the first night of heparin use was there a second drain alarm. The last two nights I have had only an alarm on the first drain taking place roughly at midnight after turning out the lights by 10 PM. I can live with this and am holding out that things will improve.

A little on the technical side of using heparin. My dialysis nurse provided me with what is labeled 30 mL bottles of heparin for my use. My dosage is determined by the rule of thumb 2 mL of heparin for each Liter of dialysis fluid in use. Since I am using 8 L total, this suggests injecting 2 mL x 8 = 16 mL of heparin. While the bottle is labeled 30 mL which infers you can’t get two nights out of each bottle of heparin, at least my first bottle had more than enough heparin in it to draw two night’s worth, or 32 mL of heparin.

My labs continue to be so-so. By the numbers:

Albumin 3.4 versus a goal of 4.0 or higher. It has never reached this goal.
nPCR 0.97 versus a goal of 1.2 or higher. Again, never been close.
Potassium 4.2 goal 3.5-5.5. I’m good here.
wKt/V 1.86 versus goal of 2.0 or higher. On been over 2.0 once.
Calcium 85 versus goal of 8.5-10.0 Ok here.
Phosphorus 5.4 versus goal of 3.0-5.5. Close to top of range and corrected phosphorus is probably over.
Hemoglobin 10.9 versus goal of 10-11. First time under 11 – Yeah!!!!
Glucose 121 versus goal 70-160. Blood draw was non-fasting and after breakfast so this is outstanding!
Lastly, Creatinine of 7.27 down from 7.5 last month. Just of interest and since I am on dialysis does not, to my knowledge, factor into my treatment.

Coming up later this week, I have a dermatologist appointment to cut out some skin cancer and look at a funky growth on the back of my head that is bothersome, and a GP appointment for a blood draw to ensure that my blood still clots as it should so I can keep on using testosterone injections, and whatever else pops up out the woodwork. Stay tuned.

BTW I just noticed on the lead photo I took of the Heparin bottles Fresenius supplied that heparin is derived from “porcine intestines” which is a polite way of saying pig intestines.

Worst Drain Night on Dialysis EVER

September 8, 2023 / Henry Feeser / 1 Comment

Wednesday night was the worst night I have had in almost a year while on peritoneal dialysis. It makes the Beatles “Hard Day’s Night” song seem trivial. (Song embedded at blog’s end.) The first of four drain cycles I was awakened by a drain alarm, and got out of bed in a vertical position. and fifteen minutes later was able to jump back in bed with the first drain cycle completed. The second drain cycle alarmed with negligible drain started. Despite doing everything including standing, laying, massaging my stomach, doing joga with my wife, praying, cursing, you name it, the cycler would at times drain 13 mL, then 8, then 4 then stall, over and over again with constant alarms in between. (The numbers are for illustration only; they were all over the spectrum.)

I tried unhooking from the Cycler and draining into the bathroom sink but only a dribble came out of the catheter. Hooked back up to the Cycler, and an hour later or so about 1500 mL of expected 2000 had drained. At this point, the Cycler automatically kicked over to the third fill and we went back to bed. This time, the Cycler made it through fill 3 and drain 3, and I got up during drain 4, the last drain, which was also normal.

During the ordeal with drain 2, I called the off-duty nurse and talked to her about what was going on and we agreed that I should talk to my Fresenius Dialysis Nurse in the morning which is what I did. My Dialysis Nurse, Cindy had me come to Fresenius and started me on a week’s worth of Heparin. Heparin (Heparin Sodium) is a medicine that prevents clots and in peritoneal dialysis is used to prevent fibrin formation.

So what is this “fibrin formation?” Fibrin occurs as a result of protein formation from fibrinogen in the blood. Also referred to as “worms,” strands of it lead to poor drainage (inflow and outflow) and may be seen in the drain inspection window or in collection bags. None of this has been evident for me, but in the interim, until Dr Tan bores a hold in my stomach and looks around, at my catheter end, this is the best we can do.

So starting tonight, I have added to my evening dialysis prep routine by injecting 16 mL of heparin into my 5L Dialysate (the fluid used in dialysis.) Wish me luck and some sleep also!

BTW, labs are not up yet so more on this aspect later.

Too Much Monkey Business: My Dialysis Day

September 7, 2023 / Henry Feeser / 0 Comments

Chuck Berry had a less-than-well-known song named “Too Much Monkey Business.” It is embedded at the blog’s end. That’s what my last several days have felt like. My wife and I have driven thousands of miles without a flat tire. In the last week, we have had two, one on each of our two BMWs. The BMW X5 that we are going to load up with peritoneal dialysis supplies for our forthcoming trip to visit with relatives in Indiana is in the body shop to have a dent removed from the rear hatch door where I put the garage door down on it. We took it in Monday and not a word has been heard from the shop since although I was promised that we would be informed ASAP on how long repair was going to take.

Yesterday I had my monthly labs with Fresenius. Since it was my quarterly visit, my catheter lead was changed out which takes some time, I picked up supplies that Fresenius provides, had blood drawn, etc. I was informed that Fresenius will be providing flu shots but they as yet don’t have info on when they will be available. Both my wife and I are scheduled to have the standard flu shot, the new COVID shot, and an RVS in the coming weeks at CVS. Tomorrow I hope to have the initial lab readout and will share on tomorrow’s blog any/all areas of apparent deviation from expected norms. Chuck Berry is next:

Pigs and Kidneys

September 6, 2023 / Henry Feeser / 0 Comments

There is a saying “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.”This proverb is first found in English in Alexander Barclay’s Eclogues. Barclay (1475? – 1552) was a Scottish clergyman and poet who is believed to have been the first to write pastoral eclogues in English. In this use, it means you can’t make something good out of something bad. However, research into the use of pig’s parts in humans has been anything but unsuccessful.

In the far distant past, while a junior in electrical engineering at Purdue University, I was part of a research team exploring the electrical synopsis of swine, aka, pigs. We would put the pigs to sleep, go into their spinal cord, and attempt to ascertain what electrical signals resulted in various stimuli applied to the pig. It was interesting stuff and I got paid well for having fun learning more about lab procedures and working across the aisle with veterinarians.

Ed Cara stated in the 8/31/2023 Gizmodo “Surgeons at New York University have reportedly reached another milestone in making pig-to-human organ transplants a reality. They now claim to have transplanted a genetically engineered pig kidney that has survived inside a human body for six weeks and counting—the longest period yet. It’s likely that larger clinical trials will be in the near future.” You may read the entire article at this link:

Given my background and interests especially in research leading to better outcomes for kidney failure treatment, I next turned to my Poe AI to ascertain more about the historical background of pig parts. The following for your historic edification is from Poe:

Introduction:

Throughout history, humans have sought innovative solutions to overcome various health challenges. One such solution that has captured the imagination of medical professionals and researchers alike is the use of pig parts to repair human ailments. The idea of xenotransplantation, the transplantation of organs or tissues from one species to another, has been a topic of interest for centuries. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating history of using pig parts in medicine and delve into the current status of this practice.

Ancient Origins:

The concept of xenotransplantation can be traced back to ancient civilizations where it was believed that the properties of an animal could be transferred to a human recipient. In ancient India, for example, the Sushruta Samhita, a Sanskrit text dating back to the 6th century BCE, described the use of animal bladders to repair damaged human bladders.

Advancements in Transplantation:

Fast forward to the 20th century, when significant advancements in transplantation techniques and immunosuppressive therapies paved the way for the exploration of xenotransplantation. Pigs emerged as the most promising candidates due to their anatomical and physiological similarities to humans, making their organs and tissues compatible for transplantation.

Pig Heart Valve Transplants:

One of the earliest and most successful applications of pig parts in human medicine has been the transplantation of pig heart valves. The first pig-to-human heart valve transplant took place in 1962, and since then, millions of patients have benefited from this procedure. Pig heart valves are used to replace damaged or diseased human valves, providing a lifeline for those suffering from heart conditions. ( I do believe my sister-in-law has benefitted from such valve replacement.)

Insulin Production:

Another significant breakthrough came in the field of diabetes treatment. Before the advent of synthetic human insulin, pig insulin was widely used to manage diabetes. Pigs possess a similar insulin structure to humans, making their insulin compatible for therapeutic use. Although synthetic insulin has largely replaced pig insulin today, the early use of pig insulin revolutionized diabetes care and saved countless lives.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations:

While the use of pig parts in human medicine has demonstrated immense potential, it is not without challenges. One of the primary concerns is the risk of transmitting infectious diseases from pigs to humans. Pigs harbor retroviruses, such as porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs), which could potentially infect human recipients. Extensive research is being conducted to develop strategies to eliminate PERVs and ensure the safety of xenotransplantation.

The Future of Xenotransplantation:

Despite the hurdles, recent scientific advancements have reignited interest in xenotransplantation. Researchers are exploring genetic engineering techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9, to modify pig genes and eliminate the risk of viral transmission. This breakthrough could potentially open doors to more widespread use of pig organs in human transplantation, addressing the critical shortage of human donor organs. This is the thrust of the linked article at the lead.

Conclusion:

The use of pig parts to repair human ills has a rich and storied history. From ancient civilizations to the cutting-edge research of today, this field has shown remarkable promise in improving human health outcomes. While challenges and ethical considerations persist, advancements in genetic engineering offer hope for a future where xenotransplantation becomes a viable and widespread solution to the organ shortage crisis. As science continues to push boundaries, the journey from pigs to people is poised to transform the landscape of modern medicine, ushering in a new era of hope and healing.

End Poe