Friday, July 17, 2009

Kidney Action Overtime


Gil knows how this little dog feels.

It's the story of what a large dose of Lasix (a potent diuretic) can do to make your day seem very, very, very long indeed!

Lasix (Furosemide) is given along with the administration of blood products to reduce the large fluid volume of the transfusions. Since Gil is getting two units of whole blood every other day, he is also getting Lasix every other day. 

Wikipedia says: "The name of Lasix is derived from lasts six (hours) -- referring to its duration of action."

His two kidneys keep him very busy on those days.

I was glad to see Gil wake up looking rested and full of more color in his face than we've seen recently. It looked like it was going to be a good day.

A unit of platelets was given today. His body just isn't making enough on its own.

And his appetite is returning. He advanced from a clear liquid diet, which he's been on the past week, to a regular diet to make mealtimes more appealing.

Bon appetit, my dearest Gil.

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