SIDE EFFECTS: at 3 Weeks

WARNING: Casual readers of this blog may find some details uncomfortable.  I've included them to help fellow patients or those researching the idea of undergoing treatment.  I apologize for any discomfort this may cause.



In no particular order:

• Fatigue
  My days are shorter, meaning, I'm yawning around 10AM.
• Shortness of breathI have to take more breaths when I speak.  I'm breathing harder after climbing the stairs.
• Nausea
  Mild
• Lack of appetite
• Rash and pruritus (itching)
  Minimal to none!  The original rash has cleared all up.  Yeah! Every now and then I have a few bumps on my hands but no big deal at all.  Yeah!  I will continue to use non-comedogenic, fragrance-free shower gel and lotion.
• That other minor skin irritation
  You know, the one I said is located under the behind... Very minimal. I've used Preparation H for relief.
• Emotional irritability/sensitivity
  My emotional state has been tougher to manage.  My tougher days are after injection day (Sunday evening).  I am emotionally sensitive and can experience low lows.  A trusted support system is essential.  I have people praying for me on Monday mornings now.
• Sensitivity to acute loud sounds and bright light
  More apparent.  I had to wear sunglasses in church today when the spotlights were turned up.  Weird.
• NEW: Low Grade Fever and headaches
  It's an every day thing.  Nothing seems to break.  Ibruprofen and Thereflu tend to help every now and then.  I'm getting used to it.
• NEW: Hair thinning
  No one else notices this yet.  I know I'm losing hair because my comb and bathroom floor contain more hair than usual.  I'm glad I have a thick head of hair!
• NEW: Muscle weakness
  I feel my muscles getting tired just from walking up the stairs sometimes.
• NEW: Neupogen
  I had to give myself a shot of Neupogen on Monday night because my white blood cells (neutrophils) were almost 0.  The number was 0.6.  The acceptable range is 1.4-6.6. The side of effects from that was extra tiredness, weakness, emotional distress, and mildly achy muscles and joints. By the end of the week my neutrophils were 5.6!!!  Now that's what I'm talkin about!  Maybe that is why I felt less weak. That, and the effects from the shot may have been wearing off.
• NEW: Female issues
  Late, extended cycle with cramps and body aches.  I usually have regular and predictable ones.