Times are a Changin'

Happy Tuesday!  The mood is great over here as I’ve just finished the last of my prednisone taper!!  WOOP!  WOOP!  For those who have ever had to take this medication you know what I am talking about.  It has been quite a roller coaster since early March and I am extremely happy to be on the upswing once again.  I still have certain days of feeling like absolute you-know-what but it is NOTHING even remotely close to how awful I was feeling before. 

My blood levels are back up thanks to the prednisone; however, my doctor is still monitoring me since medication is the only way to keep the levels up.  She agreed to do a taper due to the side effects I was having so we will see what my levels are when I go for my check up in August.  During this flare I developed a heart murmur, but since my echocardiogram came out normal, I am not concerned.  For now, it will continue to be monitored as it could just be a side effect of the prednisone. My CT scan also showed some swelling around my liver and gallbladder, but again, it will continue to be monitored as it isn’t causing any immediate problems, just minor discomfort.  In the meantime I am doing everything in my power to remain stress free, stay active, eat healthy and rest.     

Speaking of staying active, Ed and I dusted off the old rollerblades and have gone blading a few times already this summer.  We’re trying to switch things up a bit so we don’t get bored just going to the gym.  We found a great trail pretty close to us so it’s been a lot of fun!  He’s also been taking me under his wing when it comes to golfing J  I had my first experience at the driving range a few weeks ago.  It didn’t go as badly as I thought but I don’t quite understand the concept of golf being relaxing as I found myself quite frustrated many times!   It’s definitely something I’d like to do again and eventually would like to play a course. 

This past weekend, we had the 11^th Annual Strides for Lupus walk as well!  It turned out to be a beautiful, albeit FLIPPIN’ HOT day!  Despite the heat, there was a great turnout and attendance was up since last year which is always a good thing J  Its always great to see the event grow each year, but, at the same time, a bit disheartening as more people are being diagnosed and living with this disease. 

Aside from that, my summer has been pretty typical.  I’m working full time and my second job is starting to pick up – a little extra $$ never hurts!  Ed and I have talked about taking a weekend vacation but so far our schedules haven’t been cooperating!  Hopefully we’ll be able to get a few day trips in sometime soon.  I am determined to get some sort of tan this summer, although having to use SPF 50 might make that a bit tough.  I tried using the DIY spray tan last year and was a splotchy mess!  Fingers crossed – lol!  I also have a goal of finishing the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series (three 600+ page books – yikes!) and the Hunger Games series.  It’s a little bold but I need to keep my mind active so I’m ready for the fall semester madness.  I am also making every effort to meet up with friends and spend time with family.  Time is for sure flying by as it is the middle of June! 

All in all life is good.  I continue to take advantage of my good days since I know it can change at the drop of the hat.  As always, thank you for taking the time to read J

Till next time…