The Nasty Common Cold

Since my last posting, I received lab results from the doctor in Internal Medicine. He phoned to tell me my iron levels were low so I am now taking iron supplements. He also ordered a colonoscopy, which was supposed to have been last Friday, except that I have a cold so they postponed the procedure until the 18th March. I have had this terrible cold for over two weeks now and just haven't been able to shake it, despite several days in bed. So today I went to the Air Force Academy to be seen in the Acute Care clinic. I am finding that where most people would be given cold meds and sent home, I have been tested and prodded a bit more, just to be safe. So another chest x-ray and blood work didn't indicate anything out of the ordinary. My blood pressure was very low though, which the doctor contributed to dehydration. I have had diarrhea for the past three days and I have been so tired, to the point it can be hard to breath. After a liter and a half of fluids in an IV and I felt better. That is until this evening when I deposited that liquid as quickly as I took it in. Anyway, the doctor has given me an anti-biotic and an inhaler for the cold and wheezy chest. I hope to feel their benefits within a day or two.

I have my monthly oncology appointment scheduled for this Thursday so I will discuss the possibility that the chronic gvhd is coming back to my gut. I think it fits because just a week ago I finished the taper off of Budesinide, which is a steroid that helps the lower GI system.

My mouth sores have been hurting a lot lately as well. No help from the suppressed immune system which has been squashed even more with the cold. But for some good news, it would appear that my eyes are getting a bit better. Maybe the increase in tacrolimus is helping combat the gvhd.

I hope you are all well.

David