Saturday, January 12, 2013
2013 Kayla's Krusaders
I can't believe it is already that time of year again! I have started designing the Kayla's Krusaders shirts for this year, and my friends and family have begun voting for their favorites. Here are the options.... I'm thinking I will make the final decision next month so I can start taking orders. :)
Saturday, January 5, 2013
New Game Plan
After two weeks of having IV antibiotics, I went to have my follow-up PFT on January 2nd. My FEV1 showed almost no improvement at all. It went from 40% to 41%. I also lost some more weight. I was extremely frustrated, and my cystic fibrosis nurse was very concerned. After talking with one of my doctors, they came up with a new game plan. I'm now on the oral version of vancomycin which is called zyvox. I will be taking this antibiotic for two weeks along with prednisone. I'm very hopeful that this plan will be more effective for me. I know many people who get amazing results from IV antibiotics, but of the three times I have used them, I really haven't seen much improvement.
I have been feeling terrible for over a month now, and I'm praying that this works for me. I'm so ready to be back to my old self. Without the limitations of having a picc line in my arm, I will be more able to get back into a work out routine. I have another follow-up PFT in two more weeks. The prednisone should help with my appetite as well, so I'm hoping to put some of my weight back on soon. I have lost a total of 14 pounds. I haven't weighed this little since my old doctor told me I needed a lung transplant.
After just two days on this new regimen, I already have more energy, so I have high hopes! I start work on Monday, so I just need to get back to feeling better soon.
I have been feeling terrible for over a month now, and I'm praying that this works for me. I'm so ready to be back to my old self. Without the limitations of having a picc line in my arm, I will be more able to get back into a work out routine. I have another follow-up PFT in two more weeks. The prednisone should help with my appetite as well, so I'm hoping to put some of my weight back on soon. I have lost a total of 14 pounds. I haven't weighed this little since my old doctor told me I needed a lung transplant.
After just two days on this new regimen, I already have more energy, so I have high hopes! I start work on Monday, so I just need to get back to feeling better soon.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Sick
Well, it finally happened. I got the flu for the first time in years. Let me clear the air before I begin. I did get a flu shot. I apparently picked up a strand not covered by the vaccination. Even though I got sick even with the flu shot, I will always encourage people to get the shot.... especially those people who are high risk or who are close to someone who is high risk.
Being high risk, I never miss my flu shot, and up until this year, it has paid off. Once I realized I might have the flu, I went to my doctor so that I could start Tamiflu. After about a week of being sick, I started to feel a little better. That was short lived, because I took another dive. I ran a low grade fever almost everyday, and all of my energy was completely zapped out of me. I had a PFT done that second week of being sick. It showed that my numbers were down to 40% which is not good at all.
Shortly after, my doctor called and informed me that they wanted me to do IV antibiotics. My history with picc lines (IV that you can have at home) has not been great, so I was not thrilled to have to do it again. I had mine put in last Wednesday. Unfortunately, the only antibiotic that can be used to treat MRSA which is what I always culture in my lungs, tends to cause big allergic reactions in a lot of patients. Because I have never been on this antibiotic, no one here would give me my first dose for fear that I would be allergic. So, on Friday, I had to drive the 2 1/2 hours to Nashville to see my nurse at Vanderbilt for the first dose. Luckily, I had no reaction, and we left Vanderbilt a couple hours later with a weeks worth of my antibiotics.
I felt horrible for the first 5 days or so on the antibiotics. I was weak, coughing up a storm, and all together miserable. Saturday morning, I woke with severe pain in my right side. Soon, I realized the pain was coming from my ribs. I had bruised a rib coughing in my sleep that night. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were filled with fun and family, but I felt horrible both days. These past 2 days, I have finally started feeling a little better. I have more energy, and I'm actually able to eat food. For the past 4 weeks, I have had no appetite at all. I have lost a lot of weight as well, so having my appetite back is much needed! My rib is still in a lot of pain, and I'm coughing a lot more than I usually do, but I'm getting there.
I'm really hoping to be back on my feet by New Year's. It's a little depressing to be sick during the holidays. My last day of antibiotics is supposed to be January 2nd. I also have a follow-up PFT that day to see if I am improving at all. Fingers crossed!
Being high risk, I never miss my flu shot, and up until this year, it has paid off. Once I realized I might have the flu, I went to my doctor so that I could start Tamiflu. After about a week of being sick, I started to feel a little better. That was short lived, because I took another dive. I ran a low grade fever almost everyday, and all of my energy was completely zapped out of me. I had a PFT done that second week of being sick. It showed that my numbers were down to 40% which is not good at all.
Shortly after, my doctor called and informed me that they wanted me to do IV antibiotics. My history with picc lines (IV that you can have at home) has not been great, so I was not thrilled to have to do it again. I had mine put in last Wednesday. Unfortunately, the only antibiotic that can be used to treat MRSA which is what I always culture in my lungs, tends to cause big allergic reactions in a lot of patients. Because I have never been on this antibiotic, no one here would give me my first dose for fear that I would be allergic. So, on Friday, I had to drive the 2 1/2 hours to Nashville to see my nurse at Vanderbilt for the first dose. Luckily, I had no reaction, and we left Vanderbilt a couple hours later with a weeks worth of my antibiotics.
 |
| This is one of my IV infusions. It's called vancomycin, and it takes a little over an hour to complete. I have to do that 3 times a day. 6:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 10:00 pm. |
I felt horrible for the first 5 days or so on the antibiotics. I was weak, coughing up a storm, and all together miserable. Saturday morning, I woke with severe pain in my right side. Soon, I realized the pain was coming from my ribs. I had bruised a rib coughing in my sleep that night. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were filled with fun and family, but I felt horrible both days. These past 2 days, I have finally started feeling a little better. I have more energy, and I'm actually able to eat food. For the past 4 weeks, I have had no appetite at all. I have lost a lot of weight as well, so having my appetite back is much needed! My rib is still in a lot of pain, and I'm coughing a lot more than I usually do, but I'm getting there.
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| Eldon and I on Christmas Eve. I'm pretending I feel fine. |
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Thanksgiving
I am so thankful for the people who love me so well. My birthday was on Friday, and I was blown away by everyone's kind words. My students were so cute. They sang "Happy Birthday" many times with the encouragement of another teacher. I received many handmade birthday cards complete with illustrations. One of my students even gave me a pencil as a birthday present!
My family and friends showered me with love and birthday wishes, and I couldn't have asked for anything more! My husband was supposed to come home Friday night around 8:00, and I was so excited to see him. Thursday, as I was getting ready for bed, he walked in the front door. It was definitely one of the best birthday gifts ever!
Fast-forward to today... I had my clinic appointment at Vanderbilt. I had originally set my goal for my FEV1 at 70%, but after starting my new job, I had some trouble getting into the routine of taking care of my health. I've also been working hard not to catch all of the little bugs my students keep bringing in. Long story short, I thought it might have dropped a little, and I was right. It dropped from 60% to 53%. I also lost 8 pounds. Those two things concerned my doctor a little bit, so he decided to put me on some antibiotics. I am supposed to go have another PFT once I'm finished with the round of antibiotics to see if it helped at all. I hope that it does something, but I know it won't do anything if I don't step up my treatments and exercise. I feel like I sound like a broken record, so it's time to put my words into action.
In happier, less stressful news, tomorrow is Thanksgiving! I'm so looking forward to spending time with family and just enjoying each others company! Not to mention, I get to have my husband home with me for five whole days! :)
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
My family and friends showered me with love and birthday wishes, and I couldn't have asked for anything more! My husband was supposed to come home Friday night around 8:00, and I was so excited to see him. Thursday, as I was getting ready for bed, he walked in the front door. It was definitely one of the best birthday gifts ever!
Fast-forward to today... I had my clinic appointment at Vanderbilt. I had originally set my goal for my FEV1 at 70%, but after starting my new job, I had some trouble getting into the routine of taking care of my health. I've also been working hard not to catch all of the little bugs my students keep bringing in. Long story short, I thought it might have dropped a little, and I was right. It dropped from 60% to 53%. I also lost 8 pounds. Those two things concerned my doctor a little bit, so he decided to put me on some antibiotics. I am supposed to go have another PFT once I'm finished with the round of antibiotics to see if it helped at all. I hope that it does something, but I know it won't do anything if I don't step up my treatments and exercise. I feel like I sound like a broken record, so it's time to put my words into action.
In happier, less stressful news, tomorrow is Thanksgiving! I'm so looking forward to spending time with family and just enjoying each others company! Not to mention, I get to have my husband home with me for five whole days! :)
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Vote
Today, I am thankful for the right to have a say in my country's future. I voted two weeks ago, but I hope that everyone else who can vote does so. Take advantage of your right to vote! There are so many places that do not allow the people to decide on who should run their country. Why would you waste this opportunity?
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Counting Down
I am a big believer in the idea of enjoying where you are instead of trying to rush onto the next thing, but I am guilty of not being completely content at the moment. The countdown is on for a couple of big events!
My next clinic appointment is the day before Thanksgiving.... 28 days from now. My goal is set at having a PFT of 70%. I've got to step it up to make sure I make it to that goal. I need to hop back on exercise train, because I have definitely let that ball drop. I have a very hard time finding the time or the energy to work out after working so much. I'm just going to have to suck it up. I tend to feel guilty because I feel like it should be much easier to motivate myself to do it. There is another reason 70% really needs to happen. I would love to be able to postpone my next appointment until spring break so that I don't have to miss work for it. Unfortunately, that is 4 months between appointments, and they don't like to let patients go longer than 3 months unless they are extremely healthy. Healthy... here I come. :)
Next countdown... Only 7 weeks until my husband finally graduates and gets to move back to Knoxville with me! I am more than ready to be done with this long distance marriage stuff. It makes things so much more difficult. I just can't wait! :)
Now, this one is kind of silly because of how far away it is, but I can't help myself. 28 1/2 weeks until the Great Strides Walk! :) I'm so excited about it, because I have some exciting things planned for this year's walk. Last year, my team was the top fund raising team at the Knoxville walk, and I have goals to raise even more this year. I'm also hoping to have a really large team because I have a whole new group of teacher friends to join me. :) I have already started thinking about the next "Kayla's Krusaders" shirts! I can't wait. I'm just not sure what color to make them. If you have any suggestions, lay them on me.
I'm definitely counting down to the end of this week. I get evaluated for the first time on Friday, and I am definitely a little nervous and stressed about it. Once the weekend hits, I will be one happy teacher, because all of that weight will be lifted off my shoulders.
Finally, if you know me, you know that I am obsessed with Christmas and all the decorations that come with that time of the year. I'm not far off from starting to countdown to when I finally get to start putting up decorations! I'm that ridiculous person who sees the Christmas decorations at Hobby Lobby in July and gets excited.
On that note, here's to enjoying where you are and living in the moment. ;)
My next clinic appointment is the day before Thanksgiving.... 28 days from now. My goal is set at having a PFT of 70%. I've got to step it up to make sure I make it to that goal. I need to hop back on exercise train, because I have definitely let that ball drop. I have a very hard time finding the time or the energy to work out after working so much. I'm just going to have to suck it up. I tend to feel guilty because I feel like it should be much easier to motivate myself to do it. There is another reason 70% really needs to happen. I would love to be able to postpone my next appointment until spring break so that I don't have to miss work for it. Unfortunately, that is 4 months between appointments, and they don't like to let patients go longer than 3 months unless they are extremely healthy. Healthy... here I come. :)
Next countdown... Only 7 weeks until my husband finally graduates and gets to move back to Knoxville with me! I am more than ready to be done with this long distance marriage stuff. It makes things so much more difficult. I just can't wait! :)
Now, this one is kind of silly because of how far away it is, but I can't help myself. 28 1/2 weeks until the Great Strides Walk! :) I'm so excited about it, because I have some exciting things planned for this year's walk. Last year, my team was the top fund raising team at the Knoxville walk, and I have goals to raise even more this year. I'm also hoping to have a really large team because I have a whole new group of teacher friends to join me. :) I have already started thinking about the next "Kayla's Krusaders" shirts! I can't wait. I'm just not sure what color to make them. If you have any suggestions, lay them on me.
I'm definitely counting down to the end of this week. I get evaluated for the first time on Friday, and I am definitely a little nervous and stressed about it. Once the weekend hits, I will be one happy teacher, because all of that weight will be lifted off my shoulders.
Finally, if you know me, you know that I am obsessed with Christmas and all the decorations that come with that time of the year. I'm not far off from starting to countdown to when I finally get to start putting up decorations! I'm that ridiculous person who sees the Christmas decorations at Hobby Lobby in July and gets excited.
On that note, here's to enjoying where you are and living in the moment. ;)
Friday, September 21, 2012
6 Weeks
Wow.... I've been teaching for 6 weeks already! I can't believe it... It has gone by so quickly! It has been extremely overwhelming but so amazing at the same time! I love teaching so much, and I can't believe how much I enjoy being around my kids.
In other areas of my life, things have been a constant crazy. I am currently living in a house with my sister taking care of 5 dogs. I moved in Labor Day weekend, and we are still working on getting used to having so many dogs. Eldon is still living in Murfreesboro while he finishes up school. He will be done in December, but until then, we are doing the whole "long distance marriage" thing. It has definitely been rough, but since we did long distance for 3 years while we were dating, the fact that it's only a semester has been helping me get through it.
Now that I've gotten my school life a little more put together, I need to really start focusing on my health again. It has been a struggle settling into a routine, but I can't put it off anymore. I'm signed up to run a 5K on October 6th, and I have got to get my act together if I am going to be able to run it at all. My next clinic appointment is in November, and my goal for my lung function is 70%. That is a really tall order, and I need to put in a lot of effort, time, and energy into my health.
In other news, I just registered to do the Out Run CF virtual race again! It will be on November 22, and you can run any where and anytime you want! That's my kind of race. :) There is so much less pressure. If you are interested in participating, just click HERE.
Happy Friday everyone!!!!
In other areas of my life, things have been a constant crazy. I am currently living in a house with my sister taking care of 5 dogs. I moved in Labor Day weekend, and we are still working on getting used to having so many dogs. Eldon is still living in Murfreesboro while he finishes up school. He will be done in December, but until then, we are doing the whole "long distance marriage" thing. It has definitely been rough, but since we did long distance for 3 years while we were dating, the fact that it's only a semester has been helping me get through it.
Now that I've gotten my school life a little more put together, I need to really start focusing on my health again. It has been a struggle settling into a routine, but I can't put it off anymore. I'm signed up to run a 5K on October 6th, and I have got to get my act together if I am going to be able to run it at all. My next clinic appointment is in November, and my goal for my lung function is 70%. That is a really tall order, and I need to put in a lot of effort, time, and energy into my health.
In other news, I just registered to do the Out Run CF virtual race again! It will be on November 22, and you can run any where and anytime you want! That's my kind of race. :) There is so much less pressure. If you are interested in participating, just click HERE.
Happy Friday everyone!!!!
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