Them bones, them bones, them - my bones

Yesterday I paid a visit with my primary care manager at the US Air Force Academy hospital. I really like this doctor in Internal Medicine. He is so knowledgeable, thorough and takes the holistic approach. We discussed my problem with trying to gain weight and he referred me to a cancer rehabilitation program. We discussed my chronic sniffles, he said my nostrils are real inflamed and he prescribed a new nasal spray, which seems to already be doing the trick. We discussed my mental health and he has prescribed me with Remeron to take along with the Lexapro I am already taking. The added side affects are drowsiness and increased appetite.

Finally, we discussed the Fred Hutchinson's suggestion that I repeat a bone density (DEXA) scan in about three months because of my previous results. The doc reviewed my numbers and recommended we begin treatment for osteoporosis now with a follow-up DEXA scan in a year. He has prescribed Fosamax plus D, which he said I would need to stay on for two to five years. And Fosamax requires plenty of calcium in the body so I need to continue with the calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

While at the hospital for my appointment I also went in to immunizations for my two-month booster shots, two per arm. Polio, HiB, Tetanus-Diphtheria, and Hep B. They had to use a baby needle because of my puny arms. And my right arm is soooo sore.

As far as how I am feeling these days, I have been in a bit of a slump lately, feeling especially tired and winded. So I have been trying to get out for more walks with our new toy poodle, Molly. I am also convinced that once I begin working with a cancer rehabilitation training specialist and begin to gain some muscle and weight, then I will begin to feel better. Meanwhile, I am still dealing with graft versus host disease (GVHD) of my mouth, eyes and maybe a little skin. Except for my eyes, I am not really bothered too much by it. It is difficult to see sometimes, especially with my left eye. If I don't see improvement soon I'll need to get eye glasses to help me read. In a week I am starting back with my graduate studies, picking up where I left off almost two years ago. But this time the Department of Veteran Affairs is picking up the tab.