Yes, in the hospital again
Again I have lots to report but poor resources to write it. By resources I mean my eyes. I have my laptop here with WiFi but it is so difficult to read anything. But anyway, after four weeks out of my last stay in hospital I am once again back. I had just gotten over some sort of bug and had a scheduled appointment with my oncologist in Denver last Thursday. My muscles are wasting because of the high doses of steroids I have been taking. So while I have been here I have had all the different doctors and specialists see me, trying to fine tune my medications for my lungs, liver, kidneys, diabetes, high blood pressure and other c-gvhd issues not to mention.
I escaped a liver biopsy this morning when my lab report came back and the doctor halted the procedure. So the good news is that my liver function improved since yesterday and they want to continue monitoring. The same goes with high blood pressure and high blood sugars. We have made a lot of adjustments for the high blood pressure and it is starting to look pretty good.
Now, one of the main reasons I am here is because of the severe atrophy in my legs/arms. As I have said before the cause of this atrophy is the steroids. So one medication change has been to reduce the prednisone. I was on 60mg daily and am now on 40mg. Soon they will get me to as low as 20mg daily. The plan at the moment is to discharge me this Friday and admit me as an inpatient at a rehab facility in Colorado Springs. That is what I really need to help me get my strength back. I have no idea how long I will be there but it will also be so much better for my wife when visiting to drive down town Colorado Springs then Denver every day.
As for my eyes, the autologous serum tears didn't pan out after ten weeks. Prescription eye glasses won't work because of the c-gvhd on the outer surface of the eyes what they call steroid induced cataracts. I am scheduled for a cataract removal in June on the left eye because it is the worst. Even if it doesn't completely fix my vision, we are hoping I will see a great deal of improvement.
So that is it for now. As always, there is a comments link for you should you have any for me.
Take care,
David
3 comments:
Hi dear brother of mine,
I am glad you are well enough to give us this update but bummed at the continuing problems you are having. Hope the balancing act of all the drugs get resolved and you start feeling better. Glad to hear that you found a place in Colorado Springs and that the rehab will be working on getting your strength back. Not a day goes by without us thinking and praying for you. We love you very much and look forward to seeing you this summer.
Much love,
Lisa
xxxooo
Hi Dave,
We have been checking your updates regularly. We will send an email to let you know what's been happening but wanted to send a quick note now to say hello and let you know we're thinking about you guys!
Robyn & Brad
David,
I am amazed at everything you have been going though. I hope things start to get better for you as you have endured more than your fair share's worth.
I am sending my prayers and thoughts to you. There are a lot of people watching your progress. As a fellow CMLer I just wanted you to know you are in our thoughts daily.
Chuck
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