I'm back on IVSM

Yes, it's been awhile, but I am back on the Steroids. I am finished with Day two of three infusions, hoping to get four because three has never worked as well for me as four. I am happy to say that I have had very few side effects so far, but yes, I realise it's early to tell. My typing is funny because my left hand is wrapped in that sticky stuff that keeps the infusion line in place.

I have always had this done at St. Joe's hospital, or the outpatient infectious disease infusion clinic, but there was a new scheduling nurse on duty, and my neuro was out for the afternoon on Wednesday, so I am getting this done at Allenmore hospital, part of the "other" big hospital in Tacoma. It was that or travel 15 miles to Puyallup to Good Samaritan Hospital which I am not at all familiar with. So, so far so good. I am feeling a bit stronger already, which pleases me immensely.

The first nurse tried a 22 gauge needle half way up my arm. Surprisingly she got the vein, then it balked on her. So, she tried a bit higher with a 24 gauge needle, and this one collapsed. I DID tell her that I have baby veins, and they roll, and the valves are very close together - but she had to try. For some reason she was reluctant to try the top of my hand, which has always worked for me. Enter nurse two, who has lots of experience with neonatal care, and she pulled out the butterfly needle which works nearly every time with me. Luckily, it worked this time too, and has stayed in for two infusions, and I am hoping for three, and maybe four.

I have to call my neuro Monday morning, then the infusion clinic, hoping to get a fourth day scheduled. Must get up early Monday to make that call.

Oh, and the reason I didn't start on Thursday was that my DH called my neuro and told him that I have a persistent vag. infection, and he wasn't sure I should be doing steroids. So doc agreed that I needed to be checked, because if I had a yeast infection, the combination would cause a world of hurt. However, I happen to know my Vajayjay, and it has never had a yeast infection EVER - No, I am one of the lucky ones who are prone to BV - bacterial vaginosis. So off to urgent care I went (because it was easier to get into than my gyn, and yes, BV was the diagnosis. Fortunately this doctor listened to me and prescribed Flagyl instead of the low-dose Metronodazole (flagyl) gel suppositories. I have been using that method for over a year to no good effect. I actually blew off my return visit this year because I was so pissed.

Okay, I've been a non-compliant patient. So sue me. At least this new urgent care doctor who has never seen me before listened to my story, confirmed my diagnosis, and called in a prescription for Flagyl, with a refill if needed, since it has been so persistent. Only thing wrong, I have started enjoying having a glss of wine most evenings, and can't have any alcohol when taking this. So guess who opened a bottle of Shiraz tonight? It should last us two nights until I have to get on the proverbial wagon.

So that's what I've been up to. I've been very tired, and not walking well at all, even with the walker. I've had to use my three-wheeled walker to get into the narrow bathroom door, and not using the crutch in the house as has been my habit. When I get dressed in the morning I collapse back on the bed after putting on my silk long underwear, then fall back onto the bed after pulling up cords, and again after tucking in my tee shirt, then again after pulling on my long sleeved top. Then there's the socks and shoes. Getting dressed is exhausting. Yet today, when I had to go to the restroom in the middle of my infusion, I was able to pull everything up one thing at a time, without falling back to a seated position once. And after that I just pushed my infusion pole which acted as my walker to the sink to wash my hands, and then get back to the room without collapsing. I just had to be mindful of  lifting my feet so I wouldn't trip. Heck I even walked out to the car when I was done!

So send good wishes to my neuro to order a fourth infusion for me; I think I would truly benefit from it.

And isn't it odd that I have a  relapse a month after going back on Copaxone? Just sayin'.

Good Night, TTYL, and Be Well,