Friday, Feb. 1, 2008
I did not post yesterday because I am just plain sick of typing. So today I will give you the lowdown.
Lungs: I am to go from 40mg of prednisone to 30mgs every other day. I will now be taking 2 inhalers, one for a long lasting steroid and one for a bronchial dilator. I used to get thrush every 2 months and was put on an antibiotic every 3 months. The doctors put me on an experimental therapy of antibiotic, low dose every other day. I hope this works. The CT scan this time showed no change to speak of so they want to put the steroids where they are directly needed, in the lungs.
Bursitis: prednisone has taken care of the pain. I feel stronger as far as walking and activity. The weakness is 75% gone.
Anxiety: they have doubled my dose of Lexipro because I still have to take the ativan for attacks and I am still not sleeping well. I haven’t had a migraine since Christmas day. That’s good. The dizziness is about 50% better which I am surprised about. Anxiety can do strange things to you.
Left thumb: Arthritis. My options were a splint, shots, or surgery to break the bone and reposition it to allow more room in the joint. I have a splint to wear when ever I am doing anything that bothers it.
Right shoulder: Arthritis. I chose to have shots vs. Surgery. If the shots don’t work long term then they want to remove the spur. It is aggravating the joint. The shots were very difficult. I almost fainted twice but we got her done.
Right ankle: a couple of doctors looked at it but it was not addressed. I go back in 2 months so maybe I will put it on my list for then.
Neck and shoulder: Arthritis and osteopenia. Osteopenia is a thinning of the bones but not quite osteoporosis. I am gong on a calcium pill once a week with a ton of physical therapy for both issues.
I guess we are coming home to a blizzard. We left sub zero temps in MN so the blizzard will be ok. I like snow even on the roads. I am so excited to be almost home. I have been gone way too long! Love you all, Gerri.