Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

Sending you a link to the UNC Kidney Center, where Patrick is a patient. It is awesome to see that he is in such an outstanding facility.  When I typed "FSGS" into google, their website was the #2 spot on the search results (after Wikipedia)!  If you follow the link below you can read all about FSGS, the different kinds, causes and treatments.  It is a thorough explanation and easy to follow.  I made some notes based on the criteria as it relates to Patrick's case.    

http://www.unckidneycenter.org/kidneyhealthlibrary/fsgs.html#looklike

-FSGS could have been present for a while, unnoticed until symptoms were present in September 2010
-it is not currently known if Patrick's disease is "secondary" or "primary"
-all of the symptoms listed have been present
-collapsing variant has been diagnosed
--the first symptoms that were noticed when Patrick was living in West Virginia were diagnosed as "Nephrotic Syndrome."  The docs at WVU thought it was being caused by something other than FSGS.

"End-stage renal failure" is the term used to diagnose the end of kidney function, and the need for a transplant.  He has not yet received this diagnosis, which means that the doctors are hopeful that his kidneys can maintain some function.  Dialysis treatment has been very successful so far, in terms of his quality of life.  Receiving treatments at the clinic from 7 am to noon three days a week is not ideal for a long-term solution, but for now it is allowing Patrick to reclaim the rest of his days and nights- his appetite is healthy, without the nausea, and he is sleeping soundly through the night.  There is even an option to have dialysis at home at some point in time, depending on what his medical team deems best.

Some of you have heard about our mother's hospitalization this week (Wednesday until present).  She is feeling much better and is scheduled to come home tomorrow, after a check-up following the minor procedure that took place this afternoon called "cardioversion."  A slight shock was given to her heart to reset its rhythm because although her blood-pressure has been dangerously high, her pulse was quite low and her heartbeat irregular.  We are so grateful that this episode did not result in stroke or other organ damage.  And all of her vital signs are now looking healthy and strong.  THANK YOU to everyone who called and visited while she was at Rex.  And to everyone reading this blog- words cannot express the gratitude we feel and blessings that you bring by sending your love, support, and concern.  Keep praying- it is working!