My latest counts

No wonder I feel crappy. My Hgb came back as an 8.8.

I'm guessing that the stress of losing my job has something to do with it. It's been horrible the last few weeks. Even though my doctor says that stress has nothing to do with my counts- I think that is NOT TRUE! They say stress can kill you - so why can't it lower your Hgb?

One positive note - I went to the gym today and was able to walk on the treadmill for 1/2 hour with a heart rate of less than 100! For the last two weeks - I would start on the treadmill at 130 and go no lower than 120. This is with no incline and a speed of 1.3mph. So I know that not being at work is having a positive effect on my health (imagine that!).

Here's to hoping that my counts go back up! At least it's been 2.5 months since my last transfusion instead of 4 weeks.

Hurrah!

Feeling the heat...

Just in time for the first day of summer - it got warm here in So Cal. At the time of this writing (7:20pm) - it is 83 degrees.

I'm having a really hard time with the warm weather. Makes me feel one step away from heat stroke. I went to the gym this afternoon and just about passed out on the treadmill. I've been feeling head-achy and faint all afternoon. I probably just over did it.

The problem is that I can't skip a day at the gym while taking the Prednisone. Causes my joints to hurt.

Also, I am totally stressed out over losing my job this week. (Laid off, not fired). I have COBRA coverage for health insurance but it is $904.48/month (AACK!) and with no one in the household having a job right now...it's going to be interesting financially. Time to break out the Top Ramen. DH has job interviews this week - we are hoping that one of them offers decent insurance so that I can still see my good doctors.

What a pain. Oh well, I have to have faith that all will end up well.

Diamond Blackfan Yahoo Group

I just want to make sure that everyone reading this that has DBA, takes care of someone with DBA or just knows someone with DBA, knows that there is a fantastic group on Yahoo! Groups dedicated to just this subject.

The link is HERE

Anyway - it's a nice place to post questions and sometimes just VENT a little! It's always nice to know that you aren't in this alone.

If anyone has questions that they want ask me (and not post a comment) - please use the email that is under my picture! I'm happy to answer questions.

Hey Fteam? Who are you?

I noticed that you put a link up to my little ol' blog... just wondering what you were all about...

Can't I just feel better for a second?

Well the muscle problems have subsided a bit but my joints hurt like heck! I feel like an old arthritic lady.

I have been under a serious amount of stress lately. I have been laid off from my job with the really good medical benefits. Luckily I can continue them under COBRA (for a grand total of $904.00/month!)...Pray that I get a new job soon. I'm in Health Care informatics if anyone has contacts.

So I think the stress is wearing me down. My last HgB (1.5 weeks ago) was 9.2. Doc still wants me to continue with the 40mg/day of Prednisone. Part of my problem is that I , admittedly, haven't been eating well. I've given into the stress and cravings and have gained 5lbs of my 11 back. I'm back on track today and hope that eating better will help (It usually does...)

Have another CBC this week. Here's hoping that it will be back up!

Feel icky...

Well I've gained some of the lost weight back. Mostly my own fault but I'm back on track today.

Because of my dizzyness, I skipped the gym from last Weds through this past Monday and for the last three days have felt like someone has been beating me up. I can hardly walk in the mornings. Through the day it seems to get better but I still hurt all over! Has anyone else felt this way on Prednisone?

Anyway - It's not helping my overall mood.

Haven't heard back from my CBC yet.

Test results

I went to my Internal Medicine doc last week and had him run a bunch of tests.

My glucose levels are fine but my BUN/Creatinine ration is off. Looks like I'm dehydrated and eating too much protein.

So I'm off the high protein diet and back on normal Weight Watchers. I also had an EKG done and that came out just fine.

No other news to report. Have another CBC this Wednesday.