HEALTH UPDATE: AUGUST 31, 2005
I've been really bummed out since last Monday when I called the VA Hospital for my blood test results done on August 9. I had a feeling by how I've been feeling that things were not real good. The results of those tests confirmed it. My white count was 6.2 and the range is 4.5 to 10. Platelets were 131 and that range 150 to 500, these two were good, but that's where it stops.
The liver functions are sky high with the SGOT at 89 and the normal range 10 to 42. The other liver function SGPT is 128 and the normal range for that is 10 to 60. Both of these are more than twice the top end of the normal range. My viral load (Virus level) for the Hep C had been as low as 2300 when on treatment and is now 14 million just since ending the chemo treatment in April.
My porphyrins are very high and that's the reason my Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT) is so bad. The phlebotomies are to lower this and give some relief. I begin these on September 13 and they'll take a pint of blood from me every week or two weeks for up to six times depending on how soon I might become anemic from this.
I feel a mess right now and no matter what I do things only get worse for me. Living alone and dealing with this is really tearing me down. You have a good day, keep in touch, and write again soon. Take care, say "Hello" to Maria for me and I wish you both all the best.
Your friend and a Brother forever,
Dennis