Being Retired now, I thought that it was time for a new name to this Blog |
Medications, Medications, Medications ... As you might imagine I take quite a few prescribed Medications, as well as many vitamins & Supplements. There's a love/hate going on with my meds though. First, I was taking nothing at all in 2008. That was 17 years ago though! That changed after I had that very minor heart attack on St. Patrick's day, 2008. It happened about 11 pm as I was driving a fellow server home after our shift at Pappadeaux. It was just a slight chest pain, it wasn't moving down my arm or anything. I told him about the pain and that instead of going home, I would head to the hospital. He insisted on coming along to make sure I got there safely. All I remember about it was that the ER staff essentially hurried another patient out of his curtain area so I could be seen. After that, I don't remember much, it was now after midnight and I fell asleep. I remember essentially signing my life away giving them permission to do what was necessary. I know they put one of those large needles in my groin so they could look at my heart. Once that was done, I underwent Angioplasty. I slept thru the whole procedure. I only remember the nurse telling me not to bend my right leg that night. The needle was removed in the morning and I was back to normal. This happened on a Tuesday night, I was released just after noon on Thursday. That's why I always say it was a minor heart attack. After that I was placed on several medications of course. As I've aged, and with the onset of Multiple Myeloma, those medications have increased in numbers, but not in strength. I also take supplements to help me. In fact, the number of medications has decreased slightly, and one medication's strength has been lowered. The medication I wanted to discuss today is Dexamethasone. It's a steroid, I take it to combat any ill effects I might have from taking Revlimid, the Chemo drug I've been on since 2021. There is one major side effect from that medication though. Insomnia. I usually take it on a Thursday because when I was working, I didn't want to lose sleep that week. Thursday was chosen because I typically traveled home, plus Friday was always a half day. It worked, it seemed. I took it this past Thursday, and did not sleep a wink that night! I tried to nap yesterday, no-go. When I went to bed about 9:30 last night, I slept like you wouldn't believe! Almost 9 hours, and up only once, so a good night's sleep overall. I am much better today, I'm not a complete Zombie. However, I'm not 100% yet, nor will I be until tomorrow or Monday. About the time I get back to normal, it will be Thursday again. A vicious cycle every week. |