Showing posts with label Medicine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Medicine. Show all posts

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Life and more life! Not as awesome as Cody, but...

Some possible exciting MS news: Scientists reversed MS in mice. Here and here. Sounds like research is still years away from even trying this on humans, and it says it's only effective while MS is in its earliest stages, but you never know what the future may bring...

Also, more MS/health news.
I've had 7 infusions so far, 5 more to go (the next is on September 8) before going off Tysabri in order to ensure that PML does not infest my brainmeats and turn me into a superhero with x-ray vision. I spoke with Dr. Vollmer about this exciting (?) new transition this past Monday the 24th of August. For the last 3 months of the treatment, I'm going to be overlapping Tysabri and Copaxone in order to avoid a "rebound" effect from going off of Tysabri. In addition, the good Doctor said that there is no problem with going off Tysabri and then going back on it at some point later in life; meaning, the body doesn't build up a resistance to it. Also, the negative effect that I felt from Copaxone is apparently part of how the drug works, and is one of the reasons some people go off of it; the injection sites were so itchy, for me, that I would unconsciously itch deep bruises into my legs and arms. It is an allergic reaction that is part of its effectiveness. I don't know; maybe I can take benedryl concurrently with my injection to lower the effects, or maybe I'm doomed! Doomed to a life of unending itchyness!

By the way, don't try to read patient reviews of MS medication. It makes me want to move into a cave and just let the disease take me because so many people have had such bad reactions... Anyway.

So, everything's going great in our new apartment. It's close enough to being "complete" that we've gotten pretty behind on putting in the finishing touches--hanging pictures, putting the last few things away, etc. Every week we make plans to finish it up but every week something comes up. It doesn't help that the only day off we have together is Sunday. But Eventually, We Will Prevail.

Noah, I'm starting to use the shampoo that you and Cici got me for my birthday tomorrow (I wanted to finish the stuff I was using before switching) and I'll keep you updated on how awesome it is. Though the bottles are so small I may actually end up saving them for travel shampoos. =)

In other news, everything's going well with Branden's job. It's demanded some late nights from him recently, but it's the good kind of working late. He's going to be getting a promotion/raise after they complete the project they're on, so that's exciting.

Branden's brothers are safely in Longmont. Their new apartment is very cute, sort of like a mini-Horizons. The apartment is very small but nicely designed, with in-unit washer dryer and on-site workout facilities, very exciting. I'm so happy those guys are on their feet again and doing well.

Branden and I went up to Placerville, CA a few weekends ago to visit his grandparents. His grandpa is in bad shape; they're pretty sure he has Parkinson's though he doesn't have the classic Parkinson's symptoms. He's not able to walk anymore (really, not able to move at all without assistance), so he stays in his hospital bed all day, except when the nurses come to bathe him. He's pretty demented as well. Branden's grandma spends all day in the house, trying to feed him and make sure he's comfortable. Her life is very focused now, and she doesn't have anything to say that doesn't have to do with Grandpa and his illness, so being there was very hard for me. I only went into Grandpa's room once, but I couldn't stand to see the state he was in, so I left after just a few seconds. It was really sad, more than anything else, so it was probably a good thing that Grandma shooed us out of the house more of the time than we were in it, to go to Lake Tahoe and Sacramento. Those parts were fun.

Work's going fine, nothing really to report there. Squish and Tayler are now allowed out of the house on their own; Squish likes going out at all times of day but Tayler only wants to go out after dark. Last Saturday, Squish killed a bunny on our balcony--a baby bunny, about the size of a hamburger. I heard a weird thump and went to open the door, and there was Squish and the bunny, who was on its side kicking itself around in a circle. We think Squish must have broken its back because we didn't see any blood. It died pretty fast and we cleaned it up; it was with a heavy heart that I named Squish "mighty hunter" and gave him an admonishment to only kill things he wanted to eat. I don't think he got it.

Pretty much every night since then I've had to go out and collect Squish at about 10pm because I hear him yodeling, which is the sound he makes when he's establishing his territory to another cat or similarly large animal that he hesitates to attack outright. Every time I've gone out to get him, he seems pretty thankful that I was able to remove him from the situation without hurting his pride. Silly cat. If he doesn't want to fight, he should be less territorial.

My workout routine has been sporadic at best because I seem to have misplaced my iPod. I don't like working out without it =(

Anyway, that's about all I have to say for now. I love you guys! Hope everything's awesome forever!

Sunday, October 21, 2007

News News News

Well, Fam Damily, Just thought I'd post on this-here thingie. I don't have a whole lot of news, but a couple of significant things you should probably know about.

#1: I'm having an MS "Flare-up." It really sucks. It's affecting my balance and vision, and thusly, my ability to do my schoolwork. Happily, I've already made arrangements with Disability Services at school, but I don't like getting behind.

On a related note, I'm STILL having issues with my insurance and getting my medication. Hopefully it's getting worked out, but... *shrug* who knows. I think they're out to get me.

#2: it snowed today for the first time (here)! It was way cool heading out to work and seeing all the snowflakes coming down. I think it's over and I don't think anything stuck, but in any case, it's like winter has decided to start instead of just freakin' cold fall.

#3: I really like school. I'm interested in the topics I'm learning, and I feel as if I'm on the right path. However, I am starting to feel like I should probably have waited a year before starting grad school. I forgot how burned out on school I was by the time I graduated--it would have been smart to work a crap job for a year to remind myself why going to school is good. No worries, fam, I'm going to ace this semester, but it may be that after this I'm going to take a year off.

Anyway, I think that the 'rents should be more vocal on this blog doo-hicky. You whippersnappers. Love you guys!

Monday, August 27, 2007

Short post: UGH!

Well, what a day today will be. I had a tools seminar to attend at 8am this morning, so I had to get up at 5:15 to be on a 5:53 bus. I ended up getting to Denver about half an hour earlier than I had anticipated, which was nice, but for some reason I failed to take advantage of the opportunity to obtain caffeine. I have the tools seminar from 8 to 10, class from 10 to 11, and then a studio class from 1 to 5:30, then home again, home again, getting there around 7pm. What a long day.

I was supposed to take a shot last night, but I don't have medicine. CuraScript, my mail-order pharmacy, is trying to work out my insurance. I'm getting in touch with them after class today to get my dose for tomorrow.

Anyway, that's my very short update. Love you guys! Post more!

Friday, February 16, 2007

WHEW!

Okay, so I've been absent for a while. There's a good reason for that. Only one. My Grad School Application.

I kinda thought that after I finished it and submitted it, I'd get on here and have a lot to say. Well, I don't. But I'll talk anyway.

So, for my grad school application, there were three things I had to do which were really work-intensive. 1, my portfolio. 2, my statement of purpose (essay). 3, my description of plans (essay). The portfolio was fun to put together. I took pictures/had my friend Shad take pictures of my artwork, got 8x10 prints of them at Target, and glued them to 8.5x11 black construction paper w/ a little title/medium/dimensions placard underneath, and put them into the portfolio sheaths. I also edited and printed out an old story of mine as an example of creative writing, and an essay I did last semester for an example of analytical writing. It ended up being 18 pages long, where it was supposed to be 6-12. I hope they don't look down on going over the limit 0o

Anyway, I finished it for good the day before it was due...in Denver. So, I borrowed Shad's car after I finished my workout, around 1:30, and 1. went home, printed out the final copies of the story/essay, checked over the portfolio to make sure it looked good. Wrote a $50 check for application fee. Wrote down the mailing address at CU Denver. 2. Went to the grocery store for mailers (and some groceries). In the parking lot I spent a good 5 minutes struggling to make the key turn in the ignition (the car is sometimes finicky like that). Finally got it started. 3. Went back home for all the things I forgot. 4. Went to the post office and got express postage for my package. I included my statement of purpose, check, portfolio, and a self-addressed envelope. I got the express postage just fine, but I accidentally printed out postage to Denver instead of to Boulder for my return envelope. No big deal, the lady told me to cut off the bar code and write in my own address on the postage itself. Problem solved (I hope). Then I mailed it. Yay! It got in on time. 5. Went back and picked up Shad from work. By this time it's dumping snow and the roads are ice rinks. Drive home, Shad stays for a little bit and then goes home.

So, that was my portfolio. The actual application (with accompanying essay) was due the next day (today), and I'd hardly started writing the second essay...but I was so relieved at having mailed my portfolio that I couldn't focus on it. I wrote it out this morning, typed it up, got it looked over by my former composition professor, Branden and Carlie, and then submitted it. GRAD SCHOOL APP DONE!!!! *victory music*

Then tonight I wrote a paper about The First Part of King Henry IV (1H4) by Shakespeare. Whee, fun. Well, it's out of the way.

I'm in negotiations with Ben Martinez and Stephanie Williams (two DIFFERENT photographers) about possibly getting a more acceptable price. Ben considers himself a web designer (though I tell ya, he'd never get hired at, say, Brainstorm) so he won't be taking me up on my offer to work his website for a discount, but I pitched the same proposal to Stephanie Williams, saying things like "please let me know if you're at all interested in this" and "I'd be delighted if we could work something out"...I think I was pretty low-pressure.

No bad reaction whatsoever to beginning the full dose of Rebif. Yay!

Oh yeah, and also, a couple of weeks ago Noah called and said he was gonna come up and hang out with me, do homework, get me to look at his hard drive, etc. That was a Tuesday. Then he said he'd probably do it the following Thursday. That was the last I heard of him... I bet he's alive, right?

Anyway...yeah. Not much more to say. Didn't work out today because of the essay, but back in tomorrow. Love yas! <3

Sunday, February 4, 2007

Weekly Report

Hey dudes (and dudette), checking in for my weekly report.

As of Tuesday, I went up to the next dosage stage (½ the full dose). No noticeable change, in side effects or actual effect.

Completed the GRE on Saturday (yay!), got a 650 [out of 800] on verbal and either a 640 or 680 [out of 800] on Quantitative Reasoning (math). I've heard that's really good, from Chic. I'm still waiting on a score for my written section, but I think I rocked its socks.

Still need to finish up my actual application and get my portfolio constructed.

Classes are going well, doing a pretty consistent schedule of working out twice a week which I'd really like to get up to 5 days a week, but doctor's appointments and Physical Therapy appointments keep getting in the way. Next PT is tomorrow, the 5th. Been mostly keeping up with the PT exercises but I forgot yesterday, whoops.

Found a promising option for photographer for the wedding. Waiting on word from the 'rents to order invitations. Talked to Jay the cake man, he's still on task and on board. Brothas, I need to talk to you about your wedding-day chores >:]

Aunt Jo invited B and I to dinner tonight, and she's going with me for my PT appointment and neurologist appointment this week. She's such a babe. B went and helped Chic and Paula move some stuff around their house, made $70. Chic's so nice & cool, he's helping B figure out a strategy for his physics minor.

Got a letter from Grandma T yesterday. Wrote back today. Both letters I've gotten from her have said how much she regrets not being closer to us kids throughout our lives, so we're working to rectify that. I know I hate talking on the phone, so I'm gonna plug for you brother-types to write her letters, even a short note would make her day: 14 Greenwood Ct. Utica, NY 13501. It's so easy! and it only costs $.39 to send a letter. Too bad she doesn't have e-mail, that'd be a lot easier, but she still loves to hear from us.

Hmmm. I think that's all for this week. Ma, keep up the skating! Code, remember our goal: 1lb a week! Noah--write me e-mails or something! Dad! You can call me too!

Love to everyone! XOXOXO

Monday, January 29, 2007

News Report

Okay, I had my first physical therapy appointment today. It went very well, considering. Not a whole lot happened, but I think the first appointment is mostly dedicated to figuring out a strategy anyway. Aunt Jo picked me up from school, took me to the appointment, and then without being asked, she waited for me and then brought me home!!! What a babe!

I've made a lot of progress on my application for Grad School. I've got my letters of recommendation secured, I've got transcripts coming from Ft. Lewis, I've got my portfolio at least theoretically constructed (now I have to get the pictures taken/writing pieces printed), the app itself mostly done, and I'm registered to take the GRE this Saturday...Things remaining on the agenda: Finish the app itself, send them the fee, get the portfolio FULLY done (and mailed), get transcripts requested from Metro and CU, TAKE the GRE. Whee! this is so fun! (NOT) Oh well, I feel accomplished. If I can multitask like this as an undergrad, look out world!

Thursday I got two handouts that, when I tried to read them today, I saw that they were both even-sides-only. Whoops! Well, lightens my load for tonight (but probably makes it heavier tomorrow).

I move up to my higher (but not full) dose tomorrow. I anticipate more severe stinging, more severe side-effects and possible site reaction. Wish me luck! I go back to working out tomorrow, and that's a good thing.

Also, I'm thinking wedding! Just to let you parents know, I really want to be involved in selecting the photographer. WHEE!

Also, I got my FAFSA for next year filled out and my state taxes filed. Now I just gotta do federal. Look how on the ball I am!

Hmm. I don't know. Brothas, yous guys gots to post more. I miss you! You're both bad at calling and e-mailing (like I'm much better), but we can meet here...in cyberspace!!! Anyway, this concludes this broadcast of The Elly Show. <3

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Yecchhh...

Last night was my 4th shot, and since I'd been getting zombie-like the next day but no other symptoms, I thought it might have been because of the Tylenol PM. WRONG. I didn't take any Tylenol last night, woke up this morning with a splitting headache, took two Excedrin and promptly threw them back up. Had to go to school anyway, but no gym for me today. Will post more later...

Friday, January 19, 2007

Second Shot

Hello familial units! I have to keep this short, 17 minutes till class. Last night I had my second shot--my first unaided by professionals! It stung more than the first one, but that was because of the medicine, not the needle. [As an aside, I have this neat little device that clips the needles off syringes. VERY convenient because it can hold 10 years worth of needles, and otherwise I'd have to throw every syringe away in a specially marked container made of thick durable plastic. Now I can just toss the neutered syringe into the trash, and go about my business.] I was a trooper, and it was easy. I got to use the auto-injector, and that made it a lot less scary. I took some Tylenol PM right beforehand. I was able to stay awake long enough to finish my homework reading, but man, it knocked me right out. I slept like a baby. Also yesterday, I worked out, unfortunately for the first time since coming home but not the last!!! Working out again today after classes.

<3 to everyone!

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Officially, it's Thursday...

...but for me it's Wednesday still, and I can't sleep. So I decided to come in here and vent. "Yesterday" I started my shots: exhilarating, terrifying, and somewhat comforting...I'm the most interesting kid on the block right now. Of course, a good portion of my friends have a paralyzing fear of needles, so they don't actually express much interest...but oh well. Branden has been invaluable and a very stabilizing presence in my life, which is good.

School started yesterday, before my shots. It's shaping up to be a paper-filled semester: one 15-pager, one 10-12 pager, one 6-8 pager. *whew* TGIGIM. (Thank God it's graduation in May.) Other than that, this semester should be cake.

My "Shakespeare for non-majors" teacher today told our class that despite the fact that many of us already have the Complete Works of Shakespeare, we really have to have the $86 monstrosity from the bookstore for its invaluable cultural context. Haha, I'm more clever than a speeding bullet, more slick than a locomotive. I bought the book, and over the weekend I'm going to look through it and make copies of whatever "cultural context" is different from my own personal copy...then return it for full price. Muahahaha.

Anyway, I love everyone, hope everyone's doing well. And remember, no noose is good noose!

Friday, January 12, 2007

Pharmacists, Lifelines, nurses. *sigh*

So, I got a call from the "mail-order pharmacy" that will be distributing my Rebif last night five minutes before they closed, and my phone was out of batteries. So I called them back this morning and got some figures on what this medicine is gonna be costing. Whew. All I can say is, thank goodness for insurance. That's going to be delivered tomorrow, probably around noon.

Also, just now, after starting this post, I got a call from the Rebif nurse who's going to be coming to help train me on the injections. We got that set up for Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 2 pm (if anyone wants to come). I e-mailed Aunt Jo about it already, will call if I don't get a response.

In other news, I got my loan money today and promptly ordered a new computer, which should be arriving soon, so I'll be able to post more often.

Well, I'm about to go take a walk downtown with Branden, just wanted to let you guys know where I'm at with all this medicine stuff. Love you all! TTYS!