I drove to Manhattan today. Mom went with me but I had nobody to drive me so I just did it myself. It was no problem at all. In fact, it felt great -- despite the morning rush hour traffic and only 3 hours of sleep, or so. Coming home, I drove alone because Mom stayed in the City to have lunch with a friend. Again, no problem, albeit a bit drowsy from the Benadryl they gave me in the hospital. I got 2packs of platelets. All of my numbers were good, Thank God.
I'm scheduled for the colonoscopy tomorrow at 3PM (terrible time of day, I know). So today I'm on a clear liquid diet. They want my platelets to be above 50 before the procedure so I got 2 bags today. It was 27 before the transfusions and 62 afterward. They want me in at 12:30 tomorrow because platelets don't last that long (72 hrs) and they may want to give me more directly before the procedure.
I've been having real trouble with muscle weakness, especially in my thighs. Since my hospital discharge, I have great difficulty walking up or down stairs and standing from a seated position. I had assumed that it would improve with time, but it actually seems to be getting worse. I mentioned it to Joanne today, and she told me that it's normal and that it's from the Prednisone (isn't everything?). She said that I'm going to need physical therapy. First we deal with the colonoscopy, then the PT.
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it. I hope you're all well and safe and warm. Thanks for all the love & prayers.
Hey Leah - yep, that thigh weakness is normal. I wasn't on prednisone when I came out of the hospital, but my dr said my muscles had atrophied from lack of use. I couldn't stand from a squatting position, or walk stairs either. I know I have felt a little shakiness from the prednisone, but not weakness the way it was when I came out of the hospital. I will tell you that with working on it at home by myself, it worked out. It wasn't until I went on the prednisone that I felt any shakiness. Before that, it was normal. With using your legs more and more, the muscle tone will come back. Maybe it is something you could do yourself, but if you feel you need PT, then do what they tell you. I guess what I am saying is that it is something you could work through if you wanted to avoid another dr appt. Just something you would have to work at and build your muscles back up. I just remember squatting down at Target and not being able to get back up. I was Christmas shopping and my mom had to pull me up! Thank God she was with me. Love ya lots, and keep me posted on the test. BTW, my dr. appt today went well. All my counts including liver enzymes were in normal range. They lowered the Prednisone a bit. We'll see - the mouth sores still not better, but getting a little better each day. I am praying for you.
ReplyDeleteMarsha
I am so glad that you had a good day today and that you are getting more independent. But, Please, if you ever need to go anywhere, and have noone to drive you, please please call me. I will be more than happy to take the day off and take you wherever you need to go.
ReplyDeleteI know that I've told this to you, but I'm so thankful that your friend Marsha writes on this blog about the things you're going through. It is comforting to hear from someone who knows, that everthing that you're going through is normal.
Hope everything goes well tomorrow.
Love you.
Shelly
Hi Leah,
ReplyDeleteSusie is visiting and put up your blog for us to see. We are glad to see your improvements, and continue to say Tehillim for you every day in Shul for your complete Refuah.
All our love,
Larry and Doris
Leah I'm so proud of you. It must of felt like the first time you got your license. But what did they tell you about taking drugs and using heavy machinery. Please be careful, you're in a fragile state and I wouldn't want any harm to come to you. G-d forbid you get into an accident. I second Shelly's offer. If you need me don't hesitate to ask, with a little notice I also can take the day off. Maybe you'll have to slowly get into a home exercise routine to strenghthen your legs. Good luck and study hard for your tests tomorrow. Love Always BEth XXXoooXXX
ReplyDeleteDaVinci,
ReplyDeleteDon't worry! I'm coming home soon. I love you and miss you more than you could imagine and I'll be snuggling right next to you on Shabbos! K?
Me
Interesting how the mundane can be exciting - that is if you consider driving in Manhattan mundane! Good for you!
ReplyDelete(Although you ought to be careful not to dive when sleepy)
It sure sounds like your soreness is normal and so you will feel better over time.
I pray your test went well. As always this is a great place for you to share your good news!
All the best...
Marc
Hi Leah! We really miss you, wish you were here on our annual ski trip. Hope you will be able to join us next year.
ReplyDeleteKalman, Doba, and kids
Poor Illana was jealous that you were getting all the attention in the family, so I pushed her down the mountain. Hope you don't mind.
ReplyDeleteLove,
yitz
Gosh-darn! It's already Thursday morning, even in these here Canadian rockies or wherever I am. Why haven't you posted since Tuesday? I'm getting a bit concerned!!! Please update your blog. As president and CEO of the LS fanclub, I am hereby requesting an official update to the blog; of course, if not too difficult. Why not get one of your kinderlach to do it?
ReplyDeleteK?
Dear Leah;
ReplyDeleteI read your blog every day, and observe you getting stronger physically and emotionally. I wait to see what you are up to and what successes you are piling upon your past successes. You give me chizuk, I wish I could do more than just wish you well, but know that we are all rooting for you !! Love from Ahuvah
Rivki Berger