My Amyloidosis

Hi,

just received the London (National Amyloidosis Centre - NAC) result for sample taken at end of first month with no chemo treatment. Still waiting for local analysis. The figure looks good and has remained in the normal range and the consultant says that that it is completely normal. At the end of December it was 19 and now it is 23. Although a very small increase in % and medical terms it is insignificant.

This is a massive boost as I was hopeful but anxious that it would remain within the normal range. I’m just hoping it will last for a long time.

Other good news is that both consultants have agreed that I can come off the Warfarin (blood anticoagulant) which is another good sign. The reason I was having to use this medicine was to ensure that whilst my blood and kidneys had what the quacks call ‘nephrotic syndrome’ - Nephrotic syndrome is a nonspecific disorder in which the kidneys are damaged, causing them to leak large amounts of protein^[1] (proteinuria at least 3.5 grams per day per 1.73m² body surface area)^[2] from the blood into the urine.

Combined with my reduced protein leak and increased albumin levels, I’m making a good recovery.

The most well-known type of albumin is the serum albumin in the blood.

Serum albumin is the most abundant blood plasma protein and is produced in the liver and forms a large proportion of all plasma protein. The human version is human serum albumin, and it normally constitutes about 70% of human plasma protein; all other proteins present in blood plasma are referred to collectively as globulins.

Other symptoms that have improved for me are the water retention and the breathlessness which are both improving and allowing me to do more exercise.

So, all in all good news, fingers crossed for next time.

Filed under: Latest News on January 18th, 2009