The strength continues!

I am continuing to do better, even missing my medication one night didn’t impact me like it has in the past. I am excited at the progress and hope that I can sustain this. I am really looking forward to gaining my strength back, I really miss it.

The other day I took an opportunity to run full out, as hard as I could and it felt GREAT! The blood pumping through my muscles, the burn of energy rushing through my body felt amazing. My lungs are still affected by the Sarcoidosis so it was hard to breath. Actually it took some time to regain my breath, and my legs were rubber afterwards for not having done this for so long, but it was awesome! I loved it and want more of it!

My wife has become very excited to begin some new diets on her own and the timing couldn’t be better. A better diet, starting more regular exercise… the road ahead looks promising. =)

Michael

Doing Good!

Great news! I am continuing to make steady progress. I have noticed a marked improvement in the redness in my leg and it has actually begun diminishing. I had some red spots (the sarcoid) next to my left eye, and I noticed tonight that it has mostly gone. It appears that a combination of the medicine, more activity and perhaps even better weather is helping. I am very excited.

I am constantly amazed at how much strength I have lost. It is a little hard to explain because it isn’t strength per say…. I still am very strong. I’m able to lift heavy things and do the physical things I always have, it is just that I really hurt after doing them. I have the strength but get worn out quickly. I am hopeful that this is something that can be resolved with exercise and building stamina.

I think one of the biggest battles for me has been fighting the shear fatigue of the mornings. Many times in the past I have awoken to my alarm clock and the thought of getting up is staggering. Some days I just didn’t believe I had the strength to do it. I have to admit that in those times I turned to prayer and held on to my determination to never give up. As I decided to fight and as I began the day I felt an amazing amount of strength and I have been able to meet the demands of each day one day at a time. God has truly been with me and helped me, especially when the times have been hardest. And over all I have been able to do all of the important things.

It is amazing to me that sometimes the things that make you struggle the most give you the most sense of accomplishment once you have come through them and gratitude for the help that is given along the way.

I don’t believe that this is over yet, but I find myself very grateful for the progress I have made and have strong hope and confidence in things to come.

=)

Michael

Things Are Looking Up!

Things are going good. I am holding at 5 mgs of Prednisone and my health is holding. I have been doing more physical activities since it is getting warmer and my body appears to be holding up very well as long as I don’t overdo it.

I have a red spot that slowly (about six months) is moving up my right leg. It started in my toes and then progressed to my ankle and now is in my shin. I have no idea what it is but appears to be some kind of inflammation. The Dr. thought that it was gout and treated me for that, but the gout medicine didn’t do anything. He now thinks that it is some kind of inflammation so he had me switch my Prednisone from 2.5 mgs in the morning and 2.5 mgs in the evening to all in the morning. (5 mgs) I have been taking Meloxicam 15 mgs since April 30th which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. To be honest it really hasn’t helped. The thing that really appears to help is lots of physical activity! I helped my sister move and when I got home I thought for sure my leg was going to be terribly swollen and red, but instead it looked almost as good as when I first wake up in the morning! Surprise! Apparently physical exercise helps whatever it is. What makes it worse is sitting down all day and not moving around. I can’t wait to see what more consistent exercise can do.

I don’t know if it is just the drug change or the more activity, but I am starting to feel joint pain, especially in my toe joints, knees and sometimes my hands. It could be because of the constantly changing weather, or perhaps because I am taking the Prednisone all at once. I’m not sure. I think I am going to call my Dr. soon and let him know I want to go off the Meloxicam and go back to taking the Prednisone twice a day. That really seemed to work the best for me.

I think that overall things are looking very positive! =)