Day + 25: Stamina

In the world of blogs, especially for people like myself reporting about tales of serious recovery, it is usually safe to assume that "no news is good news". Before I went in for the second time, I promised to report any changes in my condition as they have come up, but honestly, there really hasn't been anything significant in the last two weeks.

During my first transplant, the high chemo dose and massive edema really caused me a lot of trouble. The first few months were a real uphill battle, and there were a lot of changes which occurred on a daily basis. I was a real mess. For a while, my legs were so swollen that I could not dress myself. At about 4 months post-transplant, I was given some serious water pills, and I began to finally get on top of the edema. My situation had begun improve somewhat, leaving fatigue to be my biggest barrier to returning to normal life. Indeed, it wasn't until 6 months post-transplant that I returned to work, and I would say it really took another 2-3 months to get my energy level back to something resembling normal.

This time around, I seem to have passed through the "acute" phase of my recovery extremely quickly. This is due to the lower chemo dose and better management of the edema. I have already moved to the next phase -- dealing with the serious fatigue. Any prolonged activity (such as taking a walk, going to the store or watching Jerry Springer) will poop me out, and require me to take a nap. It's rather annoying, but then again you have to realize that I got my transplant just 25 days ago, so with that perspective I am doing pretty good.

My head is staring to clear up, but I do have my moments of brain fog. It's incredibly frustrating when you are having a conversation with someone, then all of a sudden you haven't the slightest idea of what you are talking about. But then again, I'm always like that, so no loss there.

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I wanted to remind all you other amyloidosis patients that the Boston University School of Medicine is having an Amyloid Patient's Day on Saturday, November 4. This event coincides with the International Symposium on Amyloidosis that is occurring around that time, making this a big event. Many amyloid patients and caregivers from around the country (or perhaps the world!) will be at this event, including yours truly. I am excited, for I will finally If you are in area, it would definitely be in your interest to register and come join us. Dress is causal, and BYOM (Bring Your Own Mask).