Health Report for our Master dated 30 August 2008

Summary of our Master’s health 6 months after leaving the St Luc Hospital :

 1. Kidney Function :

According to the latest blood test results on 20 August 2008, the kidney function has been restored to 20% compared to 10-12% when Master just left the hospital.
According to the doctor’s visit on 26 August 2008, the nephrologist has confirmed that the kidneys of Master have regained their function partly.
During the hospital stay, Master’s body retained 5 to 6 kg of water in his hands, feet, stomach, and lungs. This is no longer the case.

This improvement is due to the intake of Chinese medicine which bring good results, even though very slow, and the fact that Master is following a nutrition program according to the recommendations of the nutritionist and doctors. He should absolutely avoid any medicine that can harm the kidneys.

2. Diabetes 

Even though Master does not take any oral medicine or injections against diabetes, his insulin level which is measured every day is pretty good according to the doctor thanks to a balanced and careful diet.

3. Itching

Itching is mainly caused by the slow function of the kidneys, therefore Master still has some itching. Sometimes, he suffers stronger itching, especially when Vo-Vi friends invite him to eat at the restaurant or drink wine more than what the doctor allowed, which happened some weeks ago.

 4. Heart

Since Master has installed a pacemaker, his heart rate has stabilized, but Master must take the blood thinner drug « Coumadin ». The intake of this drug requires a very strict surveillance to get the right dosage. If the blood is too thin, it can lead to a cerebral aneurysm, and if the blood is too thick, it can lead to a blood clog and cause a cerebral stroke. Therefore, Master has to undergo regular blood tests to adjust the dosage.
In addition, he must take the drug at fixed times. He has to follow a careful diet, and should not eat too many greens, because it can affect the blood thinning. A careless intake of Chinese medicine or natural herbs can also cause blood thinning.

5. Blood Pressure

Master’s blood pressure has stabilized. Since the last few months, there has been no need to switch to a different drug.

6. Sleep

Even though Master does not take any sleep medicine, he still sleeps 7 to 8 hours every day, in several naps during the day and at night.

7. Anemia (Low count of Red Blood Cells)

Every week, Master needs to get an injection, so that his body can produce enough red blood cells.

8. Thyroid

Before, Master had hypothyroid. Now his thyroid functions normally, but he still has to take drugs.

9. Western Drugs

Even though the number of drugs has been greatly reduced, Master still needs to take orally and through injections 8 different kinds of drugs. At first, the drugs had to be adjusted once a week, now once every 2 to 3 weeks.

10. Doctors

Currently, Master is being monitored regularly by the following Doctors :

1. Cardiologist
2. Nephrologist
3. Dermatologist
4. Geriatric Care
5. Family Doctor
6. Chinese Doctor

 
In addition, a nurse comes to his home to provide care and show to his caretakers how to do it correctly.

In summary, Master’s health has improved compared to when he entered the hospital, but his health is complicated by various diseases, so he always needs to have a group of specialist doctors who are responsible for his care and regular monitoring.

Yours respectfully,
The Committee For Caring For Master’s Health