A New Year................. an update

[Guest guest]

Hi All!

Sorry I have lost track of everyone again, just got a little overwhelmed with the Holidays, and haven't felt that great. Thanks to all for the wonderful cards and notes!

I started the New Year with high aspirations, and the first week, they all fell to the wayside with the unexpected death of my uncle, funeral plans, planning and pulling off a dinner, hosting out-of-town relatives, and then getting so run down that I caught a bad cold which progressed into bronchitis. So, I have been basically in bed for the past week on antibiotics and inhalers, trying to get the crud out. I am starting to feel better, but am not pushing it, as I don't want to relapse. It seems as if a cold rapidly progresses, ever since I have been on the Methotrexate. I just can't seem to fight it off on my own, and then the asthma kicks in too. The fatigue also becomes overwhelming. It is hard to deal with the usual fatigue from this illness, but when you add something else on top of it, it sort of grounds you in bed. (As I am sure you all know too well!)

So the diet and exercise are hopefully going to start next week...... I can dream, can't I? Maybe I should go check my temperature......I may be a little delusional!

I am thankful that I am starting this year without being on steroids. The neurologist and cardiologist ended up deciding that I did not need to restart the steroids, as my MRI of my head was unchanged with no enhanced areas, although I still had the lymphocytes in my spinal fluid. I do not have any neuro deficits, just symptoms. My heart irritability has also gone away for now. So, unless I develop new symptoms, I do not have to take any more immunosuppressants unless something worsens. However, Dr. Baughman has not given me his opinion on this. I see him again in February. He was giving me the impression last August ... that I had to add meds unless the meningitis was in remission, however, the neurologist feels it has not worsened, and I should not add anything unless it worsens. They felt the side effects of the steroids would outweigh the benefits. I like the conservative approach, but I am not sure about the long term success of it. I'm sure Dr. Baughman will give me his impression!

I hope I can start catching up with some of the postings next week! Hope you all have a relatively pain free weekend!

Hugs,