With another attack about a month later, HSCT became a real possibility. Looking back, I was excited! I knew it was a big procedure, but the possibility of halting MS overshadowed my fears. We did a ton of research and up to Seattle I went, thinking it would be about 30 days away from home. Unfortunately, I had complications that the doctors never would have predicted and this process has been grueling! I am still not sure that I would recommend it, but I'll wait to make a final verdict.
We are still dealing with stomach issues. I had an endoscopy which revealed a few ulcers in my upper GI tract and a little hernia causing acid reflux. The doctors gave me some meds and say that these should heal within three months. The good news was that the steroids did treat the pseudo graft versus host disease.
Things are finally starting to look up a little though. I got the catheter removed from my chest and that is a huge relief! After six months, I thought I'd have a more significant scar, but it really is just a strange little hole in my chest. The great part is that I don't have to do a body wrap to take a shower anymore. Also, we (Paul) don't have to flush the lines every night, which was getting to be a real hassle. So, now I get my labs the old-fashioned way, through a vein in my arm.
My labs were not good for awhile, meaning really low blood counts, but they seemed to rise up right before Easter. My doctor was satisfied and gave me permission to go to brunch with the family. I was wiped out, but it was so nice to be out of the house with everyone.
I have a little hair coming in, smooth at first, but starting to get frizzy. I might try to get the greys colored soon and go without hats/scarves. I am walking really good, up and down the stairs and around the neighborhood. I just get very tired, very quickly.
The best part is that I am not at the hospital as much. I have started having visitors and am trying to get out a little more, just not near crowds.
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