March 6, 2003

I started smelling smoke a couple days ago and not exactly smoke... slightly different but I can't place it.  And then yesterday I had a bowel accident.    So, I decided instead of enduring for weeks I would go ahead and call the neurologist today.  I didn't really want to because I knew he would put me on a SoluMedrol IV and know that is what I need... but I know I do not need or WANT the extra 15 pounds.  I still have not got rid of the last treatment but holiday unwise eating habits have continued to prevail so that has not helped either.  And, he did.

So, around 6PM this evening we went over to the hospital and on the second attempt they got the IV into my left hand.

B/P - 94/68
T - 97.8
P - 72
R - 16
Accucheck - 135   6 hrs ac
Weight - Baseline [BL] set

I have no idea why the accucheck was done.  I was told it was a baseline because SoluMedrol can raise your blood sugar.  I have never had this done for this before so I don't know.  My last meal had been about 6 hours prior to the test so I think that was a normal reading.

They took about 30 minutes to run the 500 MG of SoluMedrol through. I had no side effects such as coldness or stinging though once we got home I noticed I had diarrhea of the mouth [talked nonstop] for the next hour or so.... lol...

I will have to return to the hospital everyday through Sunday for another 500 of IV SoluMedrol.  The IV is noticeable but not at all uncomfortable so I am able to type without any problems.

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12AM  Friday
I have a headache.  It's not normal for me to get headaches so I am assuming it is from the IV.  It isn't anything awful... just a headache.

4AM  Friday
The headache continues.  But it has been joined by possible cold symptoms.  DH has a cold and I had forgot that my immune system is compromised more than normal with this treatment.  Had I thought of that and I thought about possibly getting DH's cold, I may have waited before starting the treatments.  But then you run the possibility of not being able to reverse the new symptoms... which is the hope of treatment.  So, it is a gamble.

Anyway, it may explain why I am awake but have no energy or desire to do anything so I am going to go to bed and watch TV and hope to get some sleep.

2PM Friday
I was able to take a 3 or 4 hour nap but it was rudely interrupted with a urinary accident.  That's a first and so maybe it is a good thing I did not wait before starting this course so off to the hospital for it.

B/P - 102/66
T - 98.3
P - 80
R - 20
Accucheck - 169  1hr ac
Weight - BL less 0.2 pounds

I am not getting any energy boast at all as I have in the past.  Although that is not the purpose it has always been a nice side-effect.  Instead I fell sluggish and still have the nagging headache.  I did manage another nap for another 3 or 4 hours and unlike when I had this done in October was it, the sleep was not fitful, just short and now I am alert.  Midnight, and alert.  lol... Of course.

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8AM Saturday
Well, I can't say I was energetic but I was at least alert.  And my headache has abated a bit so I am off to bed for a nap.

I was able to take a 3 or 4 hour nap.  Unlike the previous course, the sleep is not fitful.  It just does not last long but on the plus side I do wake refreshed.

2PM Saturday

B/P - 102/60
T - 97.5
P - 76
R - 16
Accucheck - 110  6hr ac
Weight - BL less 2.4 pounds

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11AM Sunday
I was able to sleep peacefully for a little more than six hours.  I have had no further accidents and the smoke smell is not constant.  So, I am hoping that within a few days everything will be back to normal like the last time.

2PM Sunday

B/P - 122/56
T - 97.9
P - 50
R - 16
Accucheck - 101  7hr ac
Weight - BL plus 0.4 pounds

Very strange that there has been no associated weight gain but as long as it works, I will not complain.  I am currently 3.2 pounds or so less than baseline since I had not taken my diuretic before going to the hospital.  Anyway, the IV is out and I hope for the best.

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10PM Monday

This will probably be my last update to this page.  The IV is out.  I am not necessarily any better and went through the suspected crash today.  Have felt all faded.  I know that does little to describe it but it does it best.  I just don't feel all here.  I am sure my blood pressure is probably down but I could not find one blood pressure cup today.  Unbelievable because I am sure I have more than a couple.  lol... I am hoping within a day or two I will in be able to tell if I am better.  At the moment I feel as if I am not.