This week has had some significant health changes for me.
First – this one is fabulous – I have completed my IV antibiotic therapy and my PICC line was pulled today by home health.
Yesterday, I realized since last July – so for a year now – I have spent more time WITH some kind of central line – and often with some kind of ortho wound that requires covering as well – than without. Generally, at least, I’ve actually been able able to wrap my PICC extensions, put on a sleeve, and forget it throughout my days.
However, the joy of my very first shower since I can’t remember when that didn’t involve ANYTHING that had to be wrapped, covered, or taped?
Oh. My. Word.
I was SO happy. (It really is the little things in the spoonie life.)
And now to FINALLY (I hope and pray) be rid of the antibiotics with their unwanted side effects.
Hallelujah. ❤
Because of the end of the antibiotic therapy, infectious disease has released me and cleared me to restart my RA meds – so my Rheumy has ordered the restart of my methotrexate injections as well as my RA biologic now.
That is great news in terms of hopefully breaking this hellacious flare.
It has me rattled for several reasons that I can’t shake though.
The first is that I know there is some risk with my infection history and further knocking down my immune system – even though we have to do it. These are STRONG drugs. I’m concerned both about the MRSA and about COVID-19 everywhere. Throughout my acute illness, I’ve continued Prednisone and Plaquenil – so this will make four immunosuppressive meds. Needless to say, I’ll continue quarantining at home – and still may get a holster for my Lysol. . .
There’s also just the knowledge that – at least in the short term – adding these is going to make me sick as hell. It can’t be avoided. It’s something I’ll have to just ride out for the long term benefit but I’m not looking forward to it.
Finally, there’s my hair. I realize this is a vanity issue – but it is a big one for me.
Taking SO many high dose mega antibiotics has been terrible for my hair. It is incredibly thin. (Pictures where it is close to Jesus – like the good Lord intended 😉 – are due to the miracle of hair spray and Sir Paul Mitchell’s Spray Wax.) I’m already on high dose biotin and using biotin shampoo and conditioner, trying to help it recover.
A few years ago, when I first started it, methotrexate therapy made my hair so thin and it was coming out so quickly in clumps that I literally had to shave it. Add that look to the lovely Prednisone weight gain and moon face and I have NEVER felt so flat out gross and ugly in my life.
There is a picture that pops up once a year in my social media memories of our family dressed to go to a dear friend’s wedding during that time that I just cannot bear to look at. I felt disgusting.
Needless to say, I am in my feelings about this restart of the MTX therapy along with the biologic. Of course, I’m doing it – and desperately want anything that will stop this insane inflammatory process.
But I would really love it if I didn’t have to “adjust” again to yet another shitty shitty thing about this RA business.
All prayers, good vibes, and warm fuzzies for maximum results with minimal side effects – and minimal hair effects – would be really appreciated, y’all. ❤
And, as always, onward. ❤
Be well, everybody. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Grace and Blessings.
the autoimmune hippie. 