Real Life

I'm so sorry that I am so behind on my blog! I can't believe it's already the end of September and that I have successfully completed 17 sub-Q injections. I'm starting to feel like a pro. On top of that, there have been some big changes! I'm living in an apartment in Athens and am taking a few classes to try to get back into a routine.  I've been moved in for a three weeks now and it still feels like it's all a dream. I must say that doing things by myself is incredibly rewarding and incredibly exhausting. It's really nice to go to class though and to do homework and get my brain working again. It's refreshing. I'm only committed to a few months on my lease so that I can take everything a quarter at a time. I'm really nervous about flu season coming around the corner, but I'm hoping that my infusions will give me a boost. 

Here is a picture of me doing dishes in my new apartment! It seems like I spend half the day doing dishes because of my special diet! The good news is that I'm getting pretty creative with my meals! I'll start sharing some yummy recipes soon!

Decisions Decisions!

This past Tuesday marked my sixth Sub-Q infusion which went really well and was the first of a new five day regime.  John now knows how to do all the record keeping during an infusion and has become my official secretary. Here is a picture of us at work:

 

After my infusion this week my Mom, John and I made a quick one day trip to Athens, OH to get things squared away before the school year begins. I met with the Dean of the COMS department, who was so sweet and helpful, but I left his office with a lot to think about! I am still overwhelmed with all of the decisions I need to make about school. Things like how many hours to take; to keep my major or switch to something else (COMS is great but it means lots of interacting with a class which could be tough on my body); making sure I feel comfortable, safe and clean doing my infusions in my house;  can I depend on someone to be with me during my infusions to make sure nothing serious goes wrong; can I keep my space germ free; and the list goes on and on. I know that I have to keep my health in mind when making the best decision for my future but it really puts a lot things on the table! Oye-Vay!

As if that's not enough going on, I picked up a bit of a bug in Athens and am sick sick sick today. Tossed and turned all of last night with coughing, congestion and a fever. Today my skin hurts and I feel extremely flu-like. Luckily I do an infusion this evening so hopefully that will give my immune system a boost! I've never done an infusion while being sick... I hope there won't be any side effects.

Sub Q #4 & #5

I have successfully completed two more Sub Q infusions since I've been on the blog.  Number 4 was done with the help of my little cousin Grace and my aunt Marybeth and Uncle Dix. Number 5 was done with my Canadian Aunt Cros and it was the best infusion so far! Here are some pictures:

(Here is Grace being very patient and observant as I start my infusion!)

(After I started the infusion she came over and touched the spots on my stomach -

She is so smart and was very sweet and curious through the whole thing.)

(Here is my Aunt Cros with me while I do my infusion)

Other news: I met with the immunologist last week and she wants me to do infusions every 5 days now! Although this seems like a hassle it will boost my antibodies faster and get me on the road to recovery as soon as possible.  Over all I can certainly see improvements in my day to day health. :)

Sub-Q #3

I did my third Sub-Q infusion this past Friday and this time without a nurse! I did it on my own and I must say it went pretty well! I spiked a fever during treatment, which has been normal but other than that I was successful. I pushed myself a little bit yesterday at a family get together though and I am paying the price today. Too much sunshine and activity for the day after an infusion is bad news. Hopefully tomorrow I will be up to par again. Until then I will continue to sleep the day away.

(Here is a picture of my little cousin and my grandpa catching

fish out of the pond yesterday - She is certainly Grandpa's girl)