I hope that my US readers had a safe, wonderful Thanksgiving!
Now that the Thanksgiving holiday has passed, I decided to look at how long it has been since my last post, and was surprised to see that it is now three full weeks. So let's get started...
My latest infusion of Belatacept happened on 24 Nov. The nurse had a great stick, hitting a difficult vein on her first try. The infusion was uneventful, and I have had zero side effects once more.
And backing up a bit more, around two weeks ago I had another downturn in my energy level. It wasn't anything severe, but it has definitely impacted my day to day. Right now, I am once again averaging just two workouts each week. And these workouts are taking longer than just a month ago. Last week I started getting a cold which initially, caused a nasty headache that was non-TMD involved. I managed one workout over that week, and am getting ready to finally get another session done after I finish with this entry.
As a result of the downturn, I am sleeping restlessly (for some reason), and taking more naps during the day. Not working out regularly certainly does not help my sleeping; but even when I do, I am still napping the next day.
I have started having several days each week [since this downturn] that find me just not feeling very well. It's nothing specific, but reminds me of how I felt most days when I was on dialysis. Luckily, feeling like this doesn't last...yet.
My appetite has taken a hit because of those days that I don't feel well. I've had several days that I ate about half--or less--of what I normally eat.
I don't remember if I had previously stated that I started eating breakfast most mornings--I know, it's a shocker!--and eat a double portion of the hot cereal Zoom! and two slices of toast, so that I get some good nutrition for my workout days, as well as the grains in the cereal helping to keep my intestines working properly. With all of the diuretics, I was getting stopped up far too often, and usually took three to five days between bowel movements. The Zoom! has helped make the BM's happen every day.
My weight is fluctuating again, but in the right direction this time. With the help of a few bouts of nasty diarrhea, I have dropped my weight by two full kilograms, and currently hover around 116 Kgs. I am always sure to drink a glass of gatorade to resupply the lost electrolytes. It isn't the ideal way to lose water weight but I'll take it anyhow.
My TMD headaches have been OK, I guess. I haven't had a really bad one in about a month now. As long as I can keep the headaches from exploding, I'll consider this a victory!
With this latest downturn, and considering how I am feeling overall from day to day, it is evident that dialysis is getting closer. How long from now it will start is anyone's guess. The farther away, the better!
Unfortunately, it will be at least two weeks before my next entry. My wife and are having to help our daughter move out of State, so next week will be preparing for the move, followed by a day of driving, a couple of days there, then back again. After that, I'll do my December lab draw, and have my next Nephrology appointment on the 14th of December. Whether or not I get an entry done before the 14th remains to be seen.
So, I'll get one done as soon as I am able, and have the brain power to write.
May you all enjoy the start of the Christmas season!
Good Health to All!
ScottW
