Day 3 on Treatment

Today is day 3 on the prednisone (steroid) treatment I have been started on (see last post). Here is some of what I've been feeling:

INSOMNIA --Unike the 'insomnia' I had before where it was due to pain, a pressure in the chest as if an elephant was crushing me and sheer discomfort from any position but a sitting position for sleep.. This is insomnia from the steroid.. In the past on steroids I have been known for my extreme chatting and excitability. I suppose also essays when writing ;) Its a change from my complete lack of energy in past months and I like the feeling (like an adrenaline rush), though tiring when its 4:30 in the morning and I'm wired, doing my favorite puzzles, SUDOKU, to try and get sleepy. Not too fun in hindsight ;)

INCREASE IN APPETITE --I woke up today thinking about food, still didnt eat much, but its something I have been put off by since I have been bringing up food the past month and a half.. Combination of fevers and severe cough attacks that would lead to gag and acid reflux and I didnt hold much in.

COUGH AND BREATHING --My breaths seem less shallow and I even missed one dose of asthma puffer (Advair and a bronchodilator) I have been taking at least twice daily for 3 weeks, without which I couldnt function. The airways felt very narrow and constricted (from so much inflammation) and I would wake up wheezing, gasping for air in the shallowest of breaths, so desperately. Cough remains as frequent as before, but noticing its not as productive, which is actually quite annoying, a ticklish scratch at the back of the throat just doesnt go away and ignites the cough.

MOOD CHANGES --My moods have been quite variable. Happy one minute, crying the next. Irritable and snappy. All expected side-effects.

BODY TEMP --I feel feverish at times and have hot flashes but my temperature has been NORMAL (36.5C) since starting this drug (I had 37.5 C and up the past month and a half; 39 C at nights!!).

EXTREME DIZZINESS --Not expected and a concern with the doctor. Very uncomfortable feeling and I am not myself, I hope this passes because I may have to stop treatment if this persists for a week.

STOMACH UPSET --Prednisone and an antibiotic I am on to prevent infection, cause stomach irritation. Felt this first day, but got smart fast and now take Zantac 20-30 minutes before taking drugs, and it has prevented this unnecessary discomfort.

As a side note, I also take probiotics recommended by a Naturopath, Coral Calcium, vitamin C and vitamin D along with this treatment.

I will keep on keeping you posted!