Actually, I don't really have an answer for that one. I really need to focus more on updating this blog at least once a week, even if I think I have not much to say - hell, I'm creative, I'd like to think I could drum up something from the old brain cells! *lol*
We had company from B.C. this past week - my Dad's friend from work, well, actually he's a family friend we've known since almost forever. Always great seeing him, but always sad when he leaves. We do keep in touch via phone and e-mail, but even I have to admit it's just not the same...am I right?
Dad's R.A. still flares up occasionally, especially during the strange and wet weather we've been having lately. He does have Osteoarthritis in his hands so it should come as no surprise, but I know it really bothers him physically and mentally. He still has that awful cough, partly due to quitting smoking after almost a lifetime of it, as well as the R.A. meds, but it had tamed down quite a bit in the past week - the curative effects of having an old friend around, perhaps? His stomach was doing better over the past couple of weeks or so (bad indigestion), but that flared up again yesterday. Mum and I figure it might be the different kind of eggs he had for breakfast, but we're really not sure. Of course, today (Monday) is Methotrexate day and he's really feeling it today - hopefully it doesn't spill over into tomorrow as it can do more often than not...
Mum is good, just needs to stop trying to hurt her knee more - she's clipped the ACL ligament more than once and is in a lot of pain at times. She's seriously considering going back for more physiotherapy which always helps.
Me? Same old, same old. Looking actively for another job at the same company as word finally came down from above - as of November 1st, my little group will be "streamlined" from 4 to 2. So long and thanks for all the fish! *lol* This came as no real surprise, I must admit, as I figured it was a matter of time ever since our physical move was announced over a year ago...but it still stings in any case. oh well, I'm hoping that with all the help that senior staff is offering to help us get a new job (yeah, right), this will help me finally move on to bigger and better things. At least, that's what I'm hoping, because after 10 years with this company (as of this coming September, and I am NOT throwing this little bit of seniority away!) I'd like to think all my work counts for something - even if it's a handshake goodbye ;) Wow, 10 years. 44 years of age. I never thought I'd have been here so long, or had such a difficult time getting out of the position I currently hold. That's the problem with being a good worker - they like you and the work you do so they hang onto you for as long as possible. Not that one should not aim for being a good worker - in a slightly higher starting position than mine (I'm pretty much at the bottom of the pond), it really does take you places! And I'm not being sarcastic...it's true. So be a good worker, learn everythign you can about your job, the company, and other jobs within that company to see where you'd like to go next. Take advantage of any and every training facility or opportunity they offer, it's well worth it.
Anywho, healthwise doing OK, iron still appears to be acceptable so no "top-ups" yet. Growing out the purple to give my hair a break, then I'll try something new. The bangs / fringe are working out well, especially once I had them trimmed so they weren't constantly in my eyes making me feel like Cousin It (thank you for the correction, Diamondback!). Still spending too much money - especially now that I'm in the vortex of "What do you mean 2 of us will become redundant??" - but having fun doing it (unfortunately). Still thinking of opening my Etsy shop to sell off some stuff - after all, why not make a couple of bucks rather than donate it (note: Canadians do not get tax breaks for donations of goods unlike most U.S. states. Something we should seriously consider, frankly speaking)?
Well, must get back to work to get un-buried from last week's offloading of nearly everything from everyone's desk. REALLY looking forward to my little bit of vacation time, but it can't come soon enough...you know what I mean? :)
TTFN
Showing posts with label low iron treatments. Show all posts
Showing posts with label low iron treatments. Show all posts
Monday, 29 June 2015
Monday, 2 February 2015
Short update...
What is it with me getting sick? Sheesh, just getting over a 2-day migraine with stomach troubles. This after that darned Christmas flu and such. I'm blaming it on the Celiac *lol* BTW, I'll be going for iron infusions once every 3 months after I get my February top-up. If my levels get too low, he'll switch it to every 2 months, if they're good or even a bit high (god forbid,the last thing I'll need is Chromatosis), he'll switch it to every 4 months. At least that's srtaightened out.
Dad is OK, but experiencing some joint stiffness (internal swelling?) in his hands and so forth. Still on the 3 Methotrexate on Mondays, so we rarely plan anything for Mondays and Tuesdays sometimes. He's noticed more indigestion / acid reflux over the past couple of months...medication-related? Any ideas? He can take something like Tums for it, but I'd like him to talk to the Doc about something like Zantac (more of an acid inhibitor). Then again, the Zantac would probably affect the meds somehow... At least there's still no visible swelling. I'm assuming that the stiffness is both a part of him "lying around" on Mondays due to the effects of the Methotrexate (sometimes Tuesday too) - let's just say he doesn't feel like being very active on those days - and the rather cold and damp Wimter weather we get here in Toronto. Which seems to be colder and damper than normal this year, or is it just me?
I'm OK, just busy at the office with our departmental move (LOVE how part of that word is "mental" *lol*). Still have the dark purple hair (actually, badly in need of a touch-up still). Still window-shopping on Etsy too much (but made a neat new friend who runs Briony Lodge Vintage there - if you need a vintage hat (mainly 1930s -1940's, with a few from other decades when she can find them) she's your "man"! Her prices are reasonable, and she strives to give the most accurate description she can. And on that note...yours truly will be trying to open a shop there soon! Nothing listed yet, but I thought it might be something fun to try, and why not get a few dollars fr items I'm no longer using or need. Only on a part-time basi, however, as I still have my "regular" job (and plan to keep it, especially in this economy). Not to worry, I'll be making that very clear to any possible patrons (in my main shop description, actually). It's like running a small business, so there are tax implications I need to sort out to my satisfaction. I'm also brewing up a couple of ideas to make my business sustainable - I need to keep posting new things or my shop will get old and stale in no time *lol* There are no real "niche" markets anymore, but I'm hoping to glean some ideas from simple observation of what sells and what I can get the most impact out of (buy low sell high, after all - actually, that should read "buy low, much elbow grease and imagination-using, sell higher than the cost of my work"). Fun times ahead, I guarantee! :)
I certainly post here when I finally get this shop up and running - I'm calling it "Mugsy's Occasional Shop", as I'll only be listing items occasionally to sell. Yep, that's what we call a "groan-er", but it's just kitschy-cute enough to make people take a short look at the shop, I hope... Need to be losing a few pounds (like, 20) to get back into fighting trim. Along with my iron problems, I seem to be lacking in various vitamins and minerals which is apparently fairly common in Celiacs - even after being on the "diet" for a while. Looking into suppliments, but would really rather do it with food somehow. Smoothies perhaps? I don't mean the all fruit types, the sweet ones, but more so veggies and nuts and so forth. Will be looking into that to see what information I can find out there - any Celiacs are more than welcome to comment! :)
Must be off and get back to work - ya'll take care, be well, and enjoy the rest of your day! :)
TTFN
Dad is OK, but experiencing some joint stiffness (internal swelling?) in his hands and so forth. Still on the 3 Methotrexate on Mondays, so we rarely plan anything for Mondays and Tuesdays sometimes. He's noticed more indigestion / acid reflux over the past couple of months...medication-related? Any ideas? He can take something like Tums for it, but I'd like him to talk to the Doc about something like Zantac (more of an acid inhibitor). Then again, the Zantac would probably affect the meds somehow... At least there's still no visible swelling. I'm assuming that the stiffness is both a part of him "lying around" on Mondays due to the effects of the Methotrexate (sometimes Tuesday too) - let's just say he doesn't feel like being very active on those days - and the rather cold and damp Wimter weather we get here in Toronto. Which seems to be colder and damper than normal this year, or is it just me?
I'm OK, just busy at the office with our departmental move (LOVE how part of that word is "mental" *lol*). Still have the dark purple hair (actually, badly in need of a touch-up still). Still window-shopping on Etsy too much (but made a neat new friend who runs Briony Lodge Vintage there - if you need a vintage hat (mainly 1930s -1940's, with a few from other decades when she can find them) she's your "man"! Her prices are reasonable, and she strives to give the most accurate description she can. And on that note...yours truly will be trying to open a shop there soon! Nothing listed yet, but I thought it might be something fun to try, and why not get a few dollars fr items I'm no longer using or need. Only on a part-time basi, however, as I still have my "regular" job (and plan to keep it, especially in this economy). Not to worry, I'll be making that very clear to any possible patrons (in my main shop description, actually). It's like running a small business, so there are tax implications I need to sort out to my satisfaction. I'm also brewing up a couple of ideas to make my business sustainable - I need to keep posting new things or my shop will get old and stale in no time *lol* There are no real "niche" markets anymore, but I'm hoping to glean some ideas from simple observation of what sells and what I can get the most impact out of (buy low sell high, after all - actually, that should read "buy low, much elbow grease and imagination-using, sell higher than the cost of my work"). Fun times ahead, I guarantee! :)
I certainly post here when I finally get this shop up and running - I'm calling it "Mugsy's Occasional Shop", as I'll only be listing items occasionally to sell. Yep, that's what we call a "groan-er", but it's just kitschy-cute enough to make people take a short look at the shop, I hope... Need to be losing a few pounds (like, 20) to get back into fighting trim. Along with my iron problems, I seem to be lacking in various vitamins and minerals which is apparently fairly common in Celiacs - even after being on the "diet" for a while. Looking into suppliments, but would really rather do it with food somehow. Smoothies perhaps? I don't mean the all fruit types, the sweet ones, but more so veggies and nuts and so forth. Will be looking into that to see what information I can find out there - any Celiacs are more than welcome to comment! :)
Must be off and get back to work - ya'll take care, be well, and enjoy the rest of your day! :)
TTFN
Thursday, 18 September 2014
Anemia and Celiac - or, welcome to the irony that is my life :)
Well, as my last blood test came back with iron levels too low to register (and red cell count drastically lowered as well), my Doc and I decided to try Euro-fer (300 MG) again. Good thing to do, yes?
For the past week or so, I've been feeling crummy by the afternoon - stomach upset, gassy, low grade headache, even irritable. Sounds a little like PMS, and tat's what I thought it was, as a "visitor" came this past Saturday *wink, wink* However this past week it has been getting worse and worse, to the point that the day before I was having stomach cramps, and yesterday it was a battle of will to keep my lunch down. I ended up leaving work early. But before I made the decision to ask if I could leave early I did a little internet research. Turns out that no-one appears to be sure if Euro-fer is Gluten-free. At the least, it is listed as an oral iron suppliment / medication that can be known to irritate any existing inflammitory intestinal problems, of which Celiac is grouped into. This means that my cure is "killing" me! *LOL* Trust me, I have to laugh or I'll go crazy...
Not only do I feel miserable (but as I've stopped taking the iron I know I'll feel much better soon), but I also feel a bit like an idiot for not looking this medication up before asking for it. But not feeling that stupid - after all, when I needed it a few years ago it was shortly after I was diagnosed, and I was still used to all of the symptoms of Celiac so I didn't appear to notice any reaction to the iron at that time. Now that my Celiac is being managed, I noticed the symptoms very much.
I guess I'm posting this to let other Celiacs know that they should be cautious when taking this particular suppliment / medicaton. You may or may not react to it, I just got lucky in that particular lottery and reacted. there are other iron suppliments / medications out there, so it's not like all hope is lost. Just be sure to do some research before you make a choice as to what you figure will work for you, that's all. Once this "gunk" works out of my system I should be feeing better. In my particular case, I think I'll opt for iron infusions this time and go from there. What can I say, in my personal case "Once bitten, twice shy", but that's just me.
Take care, all, and have some fun for once - been boring here lately so stir some stuff up! :)
TTFN
For the past week or so, I've been feeling crummy by the afternoon - stomach upset, gassy, low grade headache, even irritable. Sounds a little like PMS, and tat's what I thought it was, as a "visitor" came this past Saturday *wink, wink* However this past week it has been getting worse and worse, to the point that the day before I was having stomach cramps, and yesterday it was a battle of will to keep my lunch down. I ended up leaving work early. But before I made the decision to ask if I could leave early I did a little internet research. Turns out that no-one appears to be sure if Euro-fer is Gluten-free. At the least, it is listed as an oral iron suppliment / medication that can be known to irritate any existing inflammitory intestinal problems, of which Celiac is grouped into. This means that my cure is "killing" me! *LOL* Trust me, I have to laugh or I'll go crazy...
Not only do I feel miserable (but as I've stopped taking the iron I know I'll feel much better soon), but I also feel a bit like an idiot for not looking this medication up before asking for it. But not feeling that stupid - after all, when I needed it a few years ago it was shortly after I was diagnosed, and I was still used to all of the symptoms of Celiac so I didn't appear to notice any reaction to the iron at that time. Now that my Celiac is being managed, I noticed the symptoms very much.
I guess I'm posting this to let other Celiacs know that they should be cautious when taking this particular suppliment / medicaton. You may or may not react to it, I just got lucky in that particular lottery and reacted. there are other iron suppliments / medications out there, so it's not like all hope is lost. Just be sure to do some research before you make a choice as to what you figure will work for you, that's all. Once this "gunk" works out of my system I should be feeing better. In my particular case, I think I'll opt for iron infusions this time and go from there. What can I say, in my personal case "Once bitten, twice shy", but that's just me.
Take care, all, and have some fun for once - been boring here lately so stir some stuff up! :)
TTFN
Monday, 8 September 2014
Yep, still here...
What do you mean it's been a month?? Holy schmoley!
I guess an update is in order...
Dad's still doing good on his meds, especially now that he's off of the steroids. It'll be nice to see him get rid of that puffiness around the face that he developed (just the cheek area, but a normal reaction so no worries there).
Mum's good, the lucky one that's healthy *lol*
I'm back on my iron meds as my blood test came back with it too low to register - my red count is way down too because of that. Severe Anemia is common for me, and I've been through this before so I know what to do/expect about it. No, food does not help in my case. Regular suppliments that one can get over the counter do not help, either (10 - 11 mg at a dose - really, you're kidding me, right?) For my particular case, Euro-fer (perscription, not available as OTC) works the best, but getting the timing right for me can be a bit of a Bitch-kitty. One hour before meals, or two to three hours after meals. Sounds simple, right? I don't eat three squares a day, I'm one of those multi but small meals people. It works best for my Celiac and blood sugar, what can I say? Anywho, I'm only taking one a day right now, will work up to two a day. Did I mention that these puppies are 300 mg? Yep, really high dose, so lots of fiber, gang! *lol*
It's only been about a week and a half, so no major difference right now. Will wait about another week or so to get my follow-up blood test done to see if anything's improved. If not, back to iron infusions. That's a process where I get hooked up to an IV for about a couple of hours as an outpatient treatment at my local hospital. Time-consuming, boring, and a little painful as they put the IV in the back of my hand - which makes it hard to read a book as I can't really use my hand due to the IV needle in there. The plus side? Not only does it really work, I get to joke around with a terrific gang of nurses about me being there for Happy Hour - the "stuff" used smells like a strong rum and coke, I kid you not! *LOL*
All of this because I went to see my doctor regarding my migraine headaches. I get one a month (yep, at that time), sometimes 2 (during ovulation), and when the weather acts up. I also get stress/tension headaches, cluster headaches (my term for them, "cluster-fucks"), sinus headaches...it's just the migraines that are a real problem as I end up calling in sick to work. Therefore I use up my sick days well before the end of the year and wind up losing pay every day I'm off. Right now I'm using either Advil or NSAIDS (if it's a bad one) and coffee (if my stomach can handle it) and sleep to "cure" one, but I'm hoping that my Doctor can suggest something that'll knock it back a notch or two and leave me still capable of doing my job. I don't care if it gets rid of the migraine completely, I just want to be able to go to work and function without too much brain fog.
Well then, I guess that covers it. Say, if any of you are jonesing for a glamour fix for the day, check out this blog called "It's the Pictures That Got Small" (bonus points if you know where the name came from). There's lotsof amazing photography of major stars from the 1920's up to the 1960's and even 1970's. And he's just recently started posting men's pics on rare occasion - who says men can't be glamorous?? Anywho, enjoy the site and the incredible pics! :)
TTFN
I guess an update is in order...
Dad's still doing good on his meds, especially now that he's off of the steroids. It'll be nice to see him get rid of that puffiness around the face that he developed (just the cheek area, but a normal reaction so no worries there).
Mum's good, the lucky one that's healthy *lol*
I'm back on my iron meds as my blood test came back with it too low to register - my red count is way down too because of that. Severe Anemia is common for me, and I've been through this before so I know what to do/expect about it. No, food does not help in my case. Regular suppliments that one can get over the counter do not help, either (10 - 11 mg at a dose - really, you're kidding me, right?) For my particular case, Euro-fer (perscription, not available as OTC) works the best, but getting the timing right for me can be a bit of a Bitch-kitty. One hour before meals, or two to three hours after meals. Sounds simple, right? I don't eat three squares a day, I'm one of those multi but small meals people. It works best for my Celiac and blood sugar, what can I say? Anywho, I'm only taking one a day right now, will work up to two a day. Did I mention that these puppies are 300 mg? Yep, really high dose, so lots of fiber, gang! *lol*
It's only been about a week and a half, so no major difference right now. Will wait about another week or so to get my follow-up blood test done to see if anything's improved. If not, back to iron infusions. That's a process where I get hooked up to an IV for about a couple of hours as an outpatient treatment at my local hospital. Time-consuming, boring, and a little painful as they put the IV in the back of my hand - which makes it hard to read a book as I can't really use my hand due to the IV needle in there. The plus side? Not only does it really work, I get to joke around with a terrific gang of nurses about me being there for Happy Hour - the "stuff" used smells like a strong rum and coke, I kid you not! *LOL*
All of this because I went to see my doctor regarding my migraine headaches. I get one a month (yep, at that time), sometimes 2 (during ovulation), and when the weather acts up. I also get stress/tension headaches, cluster headaches (my term for them, "cluster-fucks"), sinus headaches...it's just the migraines that are a real problem as I end up calling in sick to work. Therefore I use up my sick days well before the end of the year and wind up losing pay every day I'm off. Right now I'm using either Advil or NSAIDS (if it's a bad one) and coffee (if my stomach can handle it) and sleep to "cure" one, but I'm hoping that my Doctor can suggest something that'll knock it back a notch or two and leave me still capable of doing my job. I don't care if it gets rid of the migraine completely, I just want to be able to go to work and function without too much brain fog.
Well then, I guess that covers it. Say, if any of you are jonesing for a glamour fix for the day, check out this blog called "It's the Pictures That Got Small" (bonus points if you know where the name came from). There's lotsof amazing photography of major stars from the 1920's up to the 1960's and even 1970's. And he's just recently started posting men's pics on rare occasion - who says men can't be glamorous?? Anywho, enjoy the site and the incredible pics! :)
TTFN
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