Fighting TB, One Preventative Pill at a Time

The After Math

2010-06-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

I feel like the photo speaks for itself. It almost grosses me out how much of this stuff I have ingested in the last 9 months, between the INH and the multivitamins.

If any of you are interested in going through with the preventative route, i.e- taking INH for 9 months, I suggest, taking your INH with the chewable multivitamin. The 365 brand from Whole Foods was 1) a pill you would sedate a horse with and 2) tasted disgusting.

All-in-all, worth going through, though.

Roll the Credits

2010-06-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

Cue the victorious music....now! I'm done, folks! I took my last little while pill of INH this morning. It felt good rattling that little prescription pill bottle, with NOTHING in it...real good in fact.

As I now reflect over the last 9 months and what has happened, I have learned a few things.
1) As much of a bummer as it can be, just take care of yourself while you can. Having latent TB isn't THAT big of a deal, but other things are, so why not prevent when and where you can.

2) Maybe not latent TB, but active TB is a pretty serious thing and should definitely be dealt with. I see the little ladies around this city, wearing masks, especially on the buses, and as silly as they look, they KNOW what's up. They know disgusting viral little things are just chillin' on the hand rails and peoples' cough juices are just lingering in the air. Those wise old kooks are on to something and because I have fallen victim to those lingering cough juices, I now know, too.

3) Alcohol doesn't necessarily have to be avoided at ALL costs while taking INH. I had my blood drawn twice, once before, and once half way, to make sure my liver could tolerate the medication. And let's just say when I wanted to have a drink or two, I most certainly did have a drink or two. I would just make sure you don't have pre-existing liver issues.

4) I now know kind of a lot about TB. That's cool. A friend of mine just came to me, telling me how is brother has recently been diagnosed as having been exposed to TB and referred his brother to my blog...awesome. If I had cool stuff to give away for referrals, I most certainly would.

5) Once exposed to TB, you always "have" it. I underwent a 9 month treatment to decrease the chances of my exposure developing into Active TB. I pretty much now can never have a PPD test again, without some gnarly reaction. From now on, if someone wants to test me for TB, I have to have an x-ray taken. I have never been into needles anyways, so avoiding them when I can maybe not so much of a bad thing.

Thank you, Readers, for sticking around, even when I was a major suck-face and neglected to update you on what's going on. I hope you learned something along this 9 month journey. I am not sure I can really continue writing in this blog, even if I wanted to, anymore. I won't have any TB treatment updates. Well, we'll see.

Love,
Moody but TB Infected

3 Weeks, and Counting

2010-05-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

Yes, I said I would write more...yes, I said I would keep you all updated...and yes, I said I would stay on top of everything going on in these here parts. Well, obviously I haven't, and y'all are just going to have to deal. I am not no one is crying over my absence anyways.

Moving forward...I only have about 3 weeks left of the latent TB treatment. Finally, less than a month to go. I have been taking these little white pills religiously for the past 8 months and one week. I am so ready to not have to worry if I have taken them or not, and all that. I don't stress, though, as much as I used to. Taking the treatment through 9 months is a relatively new duration. Typically, the treatment for latent TB was 6 months. So, at this point, I am not as concerned as I maybe would have been in the first 6 months.

I am pretty sure I haven't missed a day, but I am sure there is a pretty good chance I have. So yeah, I just wanted to update you all, and let you know I am still around and doing my thang.

Coming Down the Home Stretch

2010-04-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

Good morning readers!!

Well, after looking at today's date...April 15th...yikes for some of you...looks like I have about 8 weeks left of treatment. Awesome!! I am ready to be done taking this stuff. It is not a super huge pain but sometimes I think, "Oh, did I take my INH today?" and then I think and freak out for a second, thinking I maybe forgot, then realize, "No, I did take it. I'm good."

I feel pretty good about the fact that I have had zero adverse affects with the INH. No blotchy, itchy, irritated skin. No liver issues. No stomach issues. All in all, a good experience. It is a relief to know I have cut my chances of developing active TB but 75%.

Thanks, Readers, for hanging in there with me, over the past 7 months. Just two more to go! As a Public Service Announcement to all:

Thanks.

Love,

Moody but TB Infected.

2010-03-31T14:44:00.001-07:00

Hey Hey!
I am going to make a valiant effort in trying to write more in documenting my 9 month treatment. Especially as we are approach the last couple months here.

Yay!!!

Let's see, where did we leave off last time? I have seen the NP one or two more times, and again tomorrow. Total boo face. Whatever though. I only have to deal with her a couple more times. Because I semi-work with her, at my visits she talks about how busy she is and blah blah blah, and how she appreciates me "helping" her out with some things. And by helping we both, the NP and I, know it is more like "doing" her work.

Anyways, that is neither here nor there.

I also had my blood drawn at the half way point, back in February. Everything is where it should be. Looks like my liver is mighty strong. I am sure I inherited THAT from my dad...his lineage comes from the European parts of the world.

The best part so far...I have yet to miss a treatment, which STILL wows the NP. I am on THIS! I am in it, to win it!

I don't really have much else to add. I am still taking a multivitamin each morning, which I think is something I want to continue once I am done with the TB treatment.

I am going to shamelessly plug my NEW, FAVORITE blog these days. It is current, cheeky, and very sassy. http://www.moodyeyeview.com/ It is pretty legit. Anyways, that's what I got for you folks. I will be back soon!

Peace out and happy April 1st!

In and Out

2010-02-26T12:02:00.000-08:00

Hey.
Just a quick hey, from me today. Feeling a little under the weather. Because my face hurts, I think I may have a sinus infection or something. I don't really feel like talking or anyone, but I have gotten a lot of work done this week.
Anyways, I had my blood drawn yesterday and have an appointment with the NP next week as a typical follow-up and if there are any concerns about the blood work done, they will be discussed too.

I hope all are well. Holla, it's Friday!

Getting Crunchy, and by that I Mean, Hippifying Myself

2010-02-18T12:48:00.000-08:00

Hello all,
Thought I would write a quick note, just checking in. I am STILL on the latent TB meds. I don't think I have missed a day, yet. I ALMOST did this past weekend, though. I ended up taking my daily pill much later than I normally would have. Scary? I think so.
I think I am going to go back, though, and check that I haven't missed a day. It will take some skilled math to figure it out, but I know I can do it. I just bought some new multivitamins to continue taking. This batch isn't nearly as fun as my last. The last were chewable and orange flavored. The new stuff is gross and it is like swallowing horse pills. I only got 3 months worth. I am sure it will go by in a flash. After this Friday I will be having some blood work done, to make sure everything is still in order. I probably should have had this done at least a month ago, but the NP isn't always on her A game. Really no surprise there. Oh well.

On a lighter note, I haven't washed my hair for 1 whole month. I have read that shampoo can be super damaging to your hair and strip it of all natural oils. So instead of cutting back on the shampoo sessions, I just stopped completely. I guess I am an "all or nothing kind of person," nothing in between. After about 2 weeks of being a super big fat grease-ball, my hair has finally neutralized and looks decent. I have read accounts where people's hair looks better than amazing. Yeah, I am not there yet. Maybe come week 5 it will. Anyways, fun little experiment. Definitely worth trying, if you can.
The first 2 weeks are down right disgusting, though. You have been warned. There are home remedies, though, that you can use in place of shampoo and conditioners. I have been using those. I am sure my roommates are wondering why there is a box of baking soda and apple cider vinegar in our bathroom. Whatever. Could be other stuff lingering in the bathroom, if you catch my drift. No pun intended. That was TOO easy!!!

I'm out.

A "Meet" and Greet

2010-02-10T14:32:00.000-08:00

Hey Hey Readers! Some VERY exciting news happened this past weekend. I was able to "meet" a couple of my most loyal readers. "Meet," as in we spoke in person. I would like to clarify though, that what I mean by "meet" is more like "reunite"? Does that make sense? Okay, fine, they are family! Anyways, it is good to catch up with the readership of this blog.

Things have been going well in my latent TB town. I had an appointment with the NP last week. They are starting to get pretty routine and I don't REALLY think I need to meet with her, but whatever. If she feels like she is actually working, so be it. We all like to feel useful once in a while, right?

I am scheduled to have blood work done sometime after the 19th of this month. I don't expect for any adverse affects from the INH, but protocol is protocol.

I am happy to report I am off this stuff in May. Which feels like it could be right around the corner. I seem to WOW the NP when I tell her I have yet to miss a treatment. I must come off as an airhead or something. At the end of the day, though, I have myself together.
That's all I got for you, folks. Hopefully things will start to pick up soon.

Stay warm and TB-free.
Out!

That Karen is Such a DB

2010-02-02T15:26:00.000-08:00

Well, good day to you all readers. I'm kind of back, but let's be honest, not really. At this point, I feel like a lip service friend. "Oh hey all, thanks for stopping by, I'll write tomorrow and keep you all informed and it will be awesome and great," and then nothing. I am sure we all have THAT friend. I am sure I am THAT friend. Does anyone listen to Dane Cook? I am totally Karen these days.

Anyways, all is well with the TB meds. I DID however go through all my multivitamins, so I need to pick up another bottle. I also meet up with the NP for ANOTHER monthly appointment this Thursday, to make sure everything is in tick-tock shape. On top of ALL of that, I am scheduled to have blood work done this month, to make sure my liver hasn't taken a major dive-bomb in function.

I won't say I am looking forward to meeting with the NP this month. Not only do I deal with her as a working on site NP, but I also actually work WITH her once in a while. There are some butting heads with some issues involving our two parties and I am kind of in the middle. I have a meeting with her tomorrow, not concerning my latent TB. We will see how it goes. If I walk away after kidney punching her, you can assume it didn't go well. I am hoping to come out on top here with some extra monies in my pocket. One can be optimistic, no?

That's it. That's all I have for you today. Be well all.

Just Checking In

2010-01-21T10:15:00.000-08:00

Good morning TB Treatment followers.

I am NOW officially over half way. I am almost through week 18 of the 36.

So far, things are still the same. Something new will be happening next month, though. Soon after my monthly appointment with the NP, I will be having blood work done, to make sure my liver hasn't gone all wonky from the INH. I think this will also be a good indicator if the amounts of alcohol I DO drink have been detrimental. Yes, I know I said I am not supposed to drink while taking INH. But I AM a responsible adult and I know exactly what moderation is all about. Come next month, though, I will know if my moderation is just too much.

Now, for all your entertainment, a little something I found to be VERY appropriate for this rainy day.

That's funny, a monkey riding a dog.

Today is Day 124 and I'm Dumb

2010-01-15T08:22:00.000-08:00

Good morning and happy Friday to you all!
Surprised to see me? Probably.

So, turns out I don't know math and am not not actually half way through my treatment until next week. A loyal reader pointed out to me my math was a little off. So, today is day 124, and in 2 days, I will officially be halfway. Now THAT is music to my ears.

Any plans for anyone this weekend? I think it is supposed to rain in my neck of the woods, so I may hunker down and just relax, for once.

I hope ALL are well. Please stayed tuned.

Moody but almost half TB Infected

Day 123 Update

2010-01-14T08:51:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, I have TOTALLY been sucking in the blog department. I guess I have been a little checked out in updating with my TB treatment recently.

Let's do a quick update:
I am still taking my INH treatment WITH the multivitamin.

Last week I saw the NP for my monthly check-up. She said everything is looking fine and that next month I will be having blood work, to make sure my liver is still in good form, after taking the INH.

I still have not missed a day, yet. This always seems to surprise the NP, and I don't know why. I must come off as irresponsible, or something? Little does she know, I am ALMOST as Type A and anal as they get. Yeah, I am a list maker.
Today is day 123, cool.

This is week 17 of 36, awesome. I am OVER halfway.

Love, Moody but TB Positive

Back Back to Cali Cali

2010-01-06T14:54:00.000-08:00

I like that song.

Anyways, I am back. This post will be far from ground moving though. I am pretty busy with work this week, so can't spend a whole lot of time going into what an amazing job I did on staying on top of my INH and multivitamine pill taking while on vacation and holiday.

I haven't done the math yet, but I may be pretty dang close to being half way. Thank goodness.

Thank you readers for staying with me. I hope everyone had great holidays. Happy 2010!

Here's to a year filled with much happiness, health, and let's not kid ourselves, wealth.

Tata for now,
Moody but TB Infected

DA NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

2009-12-22T09:17:00.001-08:00

I have one thing to say to you all...

I'm out until the new year! Happy Festivus to all! I will be challenging my dad to the Feats of Strength this year. Wish me the best.

DAY 99

2009-12-21T12:22:00.000-08:00

I should probably really savor today. The way you savor the 99,999 mile marker on your car, RIGHT before it hits 100,000 miles. Personally, I was a big fan when I hit 123,456 miles in my old Camry. Anyways, it is all that same anxious feeling, though, of hitting that big number. Tomorrow I will have been on my treatment for 100 days! 1-0-0 D-A-Y-S-!

This AND the holidays? I can hardly take it. I think my head may explode in the spirit of health AND the celebration of festivus.

Hope this Brainy Monday hasn't gotten anyone, too, too down.

4 Days Until Day 100

2009-12-18T08:23:00.001-08:00

Day 96....4 more until 100!
Happy Friday to all! I don't have anything to say really. I'm tired and ready for the holidays. Be back next week, when day 100 rolls around.

DAY 95

2009-12-17T09:39:00.000-08:00

WOWZERS! Today is day 95 for me! That means I am almost at day 100, which means I am not too too far from being half way through this TB preventative treatment plan. Yesssssssss!

Nothing new has happened. I am still taking my INH pills and a multivitamin, orange flavored. I like to think the vitamins help with strong nails. I just got a manicure last week, so my nails look even more amazing!

Thanks for stickin' this out with me, attentive readers (all 3 of you, all of which are family). Have great Thursdays everyone, and for you in Spain, enjoy today's siesta! Oh, and thanks ALWAYS loyal fam!

~Moody but TB Postive

Oh, Joy to the World

2009-12-11T12:18:00.000-08:00

Good day to all my readers.
I have some wonderful news! Some of you may already know this, from following this blog and counting down in your calendars religiously, but I am approaching the 100 day mark for my treatment plan. Isn't that just the best Friday news you could ever imagine?! I know! I am beside myself, too. Starting next week, I will have a count down, sort of like the 12 Days of Christmas carol. Oh, 'tis the season!

Back next week! As the blistering weather and snows come, stay bundled readers, and wash those filthy hands of bacterial cesspools. The whole world will appreciate it. Thanks.

Happy weekends and happy festivus to all!

Love,
Moody but TB Infected

Knock, Knock...WHO's There.

2009-12-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

Yes, WHO is there.
Good afternoon those intrigued by the TB treatment path. I was doing a quick little browse looking for TB updates, and BEHOLD...I found one. The article right here! The World Health Organization (WHO) (now you get it, huh?) talks about the progress medicine and TB treatment has made in "curing" TB. This is good news for all, especially those in high risk areas. You keep up the good work WHO.

In my neck of the woods, things are still going, as they do. No adverse affects from the INH. I like to think since I haven't had any thus far, I am in the clearing. I suppose anything could happen, though.

Anyways, take a gander at the article, and let's talk. That's what I say when someone is reading a book I already have.

Out.

TB linked to Tiger Woods?

2009-12-08T10:44:00.000-08:00

Having TB would be the least of his problems.
I really have nothing to report on today. I thought I would indulge you all in an article my dad sent me this morning instead.

Enjoy.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/12/tiger_barrack_and_the_law_of_t.html

Back, Still!

2009-12-07T12:38:00.001-08:00

Good day to you all and happy Monday.
Aside from a few snarky comments here and there from people, my day has been pretty good.
The TB is still being fought successfully. I am actually waiting for my fourth month's perscription to be ready for pick-up by me. So far, so very good.

On a side note, for all you following global warming...keep following and stay updated!

Peace out.

~Moody but TB Infected

Forgotten, but not Dead

2009-12-04T10:26:00.000-08:00

Good morning readers.
I am, somewhat, back on the radar. I ate so much at Thanksgiving last week I was in a food coma up until yesterday! Crazy, and hard to believe, I know!

I don't really have any major updates for any of you. I am still dedicating 5 seconds in my mornings to take my INH pill and multivitamin pill. I like to think the multivitamin is making my finger nails stronger. So there is a nice perk to taking a little extra supplementation in your day. I am sure you will all be relived to know I haven't missed a day, even with traveling around for Thanksgiving and moving. I WILL beat this.

I hope all are well and had nice Thanksgivings. That was obviously for my American readership. I know you Canadians have yours in October. I live with a fellow maple leafer. Good people you are, good people. For my Europeans tagging along, you guys lives in Europe. You always have a reason to get together and eat good food. I'm jealous.

Happy Happy Friday!

Busy Busy Busy

2009-11-25T14:24:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, I have been totally sucking at my blogging this week. I am sure there are some of you snarky types, saying, "Just this week?" To those of you, cork it!
I have been busy1, though. Busy2 with my very busy3 life, full of busy4 things that I do. LIKE...moving, I am moving. Just next door, but that certainly is moving in my books, which will actually take place next week. I have also been busy5 with riding my bike. For those of you who ride, you can definitely relate to just how busy6 riding can be. I have also been pretty busy7 kicking ass at work. It is tough work, you know, kicking ass.

So, sorry for the lame-o blog, but I have just been so busy8. Definitely not too busy9 to take my INH and multivitamin every morning. No, not THAT busy10.

I only find this quote from Sir Jacob Astley appropriate to all my sweet, wonderful, soon to be plumb, happy readers...
"O Lord, thou knowest how busy11 I must be this day; if I forget thee, do not thou forget me."

Have wonderful Thanksgivings all. Starting back up next week, I shouldn't be too busy12 to be like Stella and get my groove back...into blogging.

I'm out!

Eat This, but Not That

2009-11-20T08:39:00.000-08:00

I did a tiny bit of research, and by tiny, I mean looking at one website, looking up foods to eat or not to eat to avoid TB.

DOs
High calcium diet
Fresh fruits- oranges, pineapple, bananas
Fresh vegetables

DON'Ts
Booze it up
Smoke them cigarettes
Be lazy
Stay outside in the cold too long
Work too much
Meats
Drink the nectar of the gods, caffeine

Some would say I have a pretty active lifestyle, so check. I am not into smoking, so double check. It IS getting colder out, with winter right around the corner, but let's get real, I live in California, the leaves don't even fall here; another check for me. Excessive work? Really? Me? This is one DON'T I plan on taking very seriously. I may have to reassess. I may have to decrease my already stress-free work environment, relatively lax position, for the sake of my health, though, of course.

So far, I am doing a pretty good job of taking care of myself, and would say I am taking all the right precautions in avoiding a more severe form of TB. Looks like someone should just not eat or do things compromising to the immune system. A snap.

Other preventative diet suggestions I read about are having a high calcium diet and having a diet consisting of fruits, such as oranges, pineapples, and bananas. These fruits help to dilute some of the mucus build up, and help in aiding coughing that stuff up and getting rid of some of the grime in your chest. Fruits also help in preventing future infections. I did read something about how some fruits can help you look younger. It wasn't really an article I would LIVE by, much like the one where I got this information, but information to keep in the back of my mind.

Having little to no meat in your diet is suggested. Uh, like a lot of things, meats can be difficult to digest, so is not recommended. Well so is dairy, but they suggest THAT. Again, not an article to live or die by.
Canned and tinned foods, white bread, refined sugars and cereals, pies, condiments and pickles, and the true love that never leaves me, caffeinated beverages (coffee) are NOT recommended for TB. I can totally deal with no cereals, or pies, or pickles, but NO coffee? You've got to be out of your god damned mind. I can already feel myself getting flustered and stressed over the thought. I should have my morning cup now, before I really start to become a crankster.

Happy Friday all! Keep your calcium and fruits close, but your INH closer.

Recap

2009-11-18T10:24:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have recently joined me in this "9 month journey," I thought I would put together a simple little recap, if you have missed anything or don't really feel like reading from the start.

August: I had an annual TB screening, and had a positive PPD skin test. From there, I had a chest exam to show the severity of my exposure. Turns out, my immune system walled off the TB exposed area from spreading, which would mean I have what is referred to as latent TB. I am not contagious and have no active TB symptoms.

September (very early): My dad saw the movie Julie and Julia, and thought it would be SOOO original to make a blog, documenting my treatment, for 9 months. I figured, why not, with the hopes of entertaining his request, and maybe educate and inform some people along the way.

September (early): I have baseline blood work done, to make sure my body can handle the treatment, Isoniazid (INH). It is mainly because the INH is toxic to the liver, so the nurse practitioner wants to make sure I have a healthy liver to start.

September (mid): I started taking the 9 month TB treatment medication, as a preventative measure of developing active TB. Those with latent TB have a 1 in 10 chance of developing active TB. By taking the preventative medication (INH), the chances of developing active are cut by 75%.

October (early): I had my first monthly meeting with the nurse practitioner, to make sure my body is taking to the preventative medication. The INH can be pretty toxic to the liver, so she just checks to ensure I am not having any sort of organ failure. Seems silly to see her every month, but at the end of the day, I appreciate it.

October (mid): The nurse practitioner suggests I start taking multivitamin supplements. I guess taking INH can result in a lack of vitamins being absorbed into the body, so it is suggested people take supplements. My Centerium multivitamins are chewable, orange flavored, and gross.

November (early): I had my second monthly meeting with the nurse practitioner. Same as the first meeting, I haven't had any adverse side affects.

Today: Today is day 66 and I have yet to miss a day of taking my INH.

Well, that is about it. There have been some education sessions along the way, but so far, I am staying on top of it.

"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going."~ Jim Ryun
In this case, pretty much.

I'm out!

Day 65

2009-11-17T10:00:00.000-08:00

Today is day 65.

Took my INH and multivitamin this morning. Things still very much on track.

Sorry for such a lame post. My mind feels a little foggy today. I will find something interesting to write on TB soon.

Thanks for hanging in there with me.

Welcome to a New Week

2009-11-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday happy follower(s).
I have been a little MIA from you, but NOT from my TB treatment. I have officially cracked the seal on my third month's prescription. What is that? Almost 3 down, 6 more to go? Yeah!

Things are changing some for me, so my mind is slightly preoccupied. I recently decided to move. Really nothing major. Almost not even a move. Just to another unit in my complex. Though I am not moving far, obviously, it is still moving and it is a move during the holidays, which equals stress all around.

I was told before I decided to start taking INH to make sure my life is stable, as you wouldn't want to be all over the place and miss medication days. A move is kind of major derail from the every day. I think I should be alright, though. I should be able to get myself and stuff settled, settled, hopefully in a weekend.

I hope everyone had pleasant weekends.
Stay healthy and hydrated.

~Moody but TB Infected

Bambi's at TB Risk, Too

2009-11-13T10:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday avid readers!
I did a little snooping and found that humans are NOT the only creatures that can contract TB. Turns out in places in the Midwest, typical, cattle have been found to have bovine tuberculosis.

This weekend there is a study being done by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) testing deer heads for bovine TB. In order to obtain enough deer heads for a study, this weekend the DNR is setting up deer head drop off points, for hunters, in the Indiana area, as it is the opening weekend for deer season.

Bovine TB is a chronic bacterial disease that primarily affects cattle, but can be transmitted to other warm blooded animals. But fear not meat eaters of the world. According to the DNR, human contraction is unlikely from eating the meat of infected animals, but it is advised people take consideration when handling and cooking their meat. Uhh, yeah, always.

A few counties in Indiana have each had bovine TB cases this year, all connected to the same deer and elk farm. In order to prevent further spreading, the animals on the farm were quarantined and then, well, let's just say, they won't be spreading bovine TB anymore.

The reason for the testing is to make sure none of the infected animals "jumped the fence" spreading TB to wild deer, which could then spread to other animals.

This study will not only be testing for bovine TB, but some of the tissues will be sent to Purdue University's Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory for the testing of chronic wasting disease, which is a disease found in deer. It's a two in one study. Well done DRN, well done!

Have wonderful weekends and keep the hand sanitizer in sight!

Keepin' On

2009-11-11T08:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Veterans Day!!

I don' have work today, so I gots nothing for you all.

In the words of Joe Dirt, "Keep on keepin' on."

Such Routine

2009-11-10T08:45:00.000-08:00

Nothing really to report on today. I took the multivitamin with my TB pill this morning, yesterday morning, Sunday morning, Saturday morning, blah, blah, blah.

Maybe tomorrow I will have something cooler to post.

Eat and be well, all.

~Moody but TB Infected

On the First Day, God said, "Let there be light"

2009-11-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

There have been some interesting studies done on TB and how to basically get rid of it. My favorite "cure" uses UV rays from sunlight, or I guess a tanning bed would work, too, according to this study. The ultraviolet light creates vitamin D in the body, and with enough, there is an innate TB immunity response turned on, according to this group of researchers.

Well, it's an interesting thought.

This group suggestions that the reason there are higher TB numbers among African American populations is because they have lower UV light absorption, which doesn't activate the immunity response.

Okay, I am following. Go on in detail...

There was a study done showing that chemicals from bugs...vague, but okay...turned on this internal immune response through specific receptors (TLRs). It is through these receptors where all the magic happens. It has already been proven that these TLRs, when activated, kill off TB.

So where do UV rays come into play here?

When the TRLs are turned on, due to the immune response, there is a production of a vitamin D receptor, as well as an enzyme that actually helps to produce active vitamin D.

Ah, and the rays produce vitamin D.

Once this pathway is activated, cathelicidin, AKA the "TB Killer", is produced, which has no problem being the third wheel and will place it's merry self right on the TB virus, causing it to die.

Very slick!

This study supports it's hypothesis by having taken serum from fair skinned individuals, probably ginger people, as well as serum from African Americans. The serum from the gingers had enough of the enzyme, which was producing active vitamin D, to keep the pathway open, creating more and more of the "TB Killer." Whereas the African American serum was skimping out on the goods (the vitamin D maker), and had less of an output of the "TB Killer."

Being a fair skinned maiden, myself, I think this is pretty cool stuff. There are some hard working people out there working their tails off for people like me, and more for people that are suffering.

Hats off to you, good sir, William Wells, with Rockefeller University.

For a more detailed version of "Curing TB with sunlight," http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2063771/

Monthly Check-Up

2009-11-05T09:55:00.001-08:00

Good morning, loyal, faithful, good looking readers! I just got back from my 2nd monthly appointment with the NP. If this NP sounds familiar, but you can't quite pin it, she is the one that so artistically relayed TB and its symptoms to me in this little something.

This was just a check-up to make sure I'm not having an adverse effects of the medication. It is pretty standard when being treated with INH. When asked if I had missed any treatment doses, she was visibly shocked when I told her I hadn't. Really, NP, you're shocked?! I'm not building a rocket that requires daily intricate recalibration or anything. I am just taking an INH pill and a multivitamin. I didn't tell her that! To be honest, I think someone like me, with things pretty together, shocks her. Her head is all over the place sometimes.

Anyway, all is well and I can only hope the same for you all, readers.
Out.

Day 52

2009-11-04T08:43:00.000-08:00

Day 52. Time flies! I am scheduled tomorrow for my 2nd appointment with the NP, to make sure everything is still A-OK.

I still haven't missed any days and am still not drinking much alcohol, if any. This weekend, though, I had a little more than I have since I started this treatment. In the back of my mind I was slightly worried about drinking so much, but then calmed down when I figured 2.5 glasses of wine isn't THAT much. It wasn't like I was a Catholic priest or anything ( saying that will probably piss my grandma off).

I don't really have anything new to report on today. I am very close to having completed 20% of the treatment. Time flies!

If Everyone Else Does, Would You?

2009-11-02T09:13:00.001-08:00

I had an interesting conversation this past weekend about my decision to undergo the 9 month TB preventative treatment plan. Not only am I preventing myself from developing active TB right now, but I am also preventing someone else from being exposed as well. The chances of someone developing active TB are now lessened due to my following of what many others before me have done.

Does this philosophy sound familiar to anyone? It totally makes sense. Herd theory.

I think this is a similar theory behind the reasoning for everyone being urged and vaccinated for the annual flu. The CDC suggests/requests as many people as possible to be vaccinated for the flu vaccine every year. Because so many people act as one unit, in a way, I am able to benefit from not possibly getting sick. I have never really been one interested in getting the flu shot. Why would I? I have never really gotten the flu. Now I see why. Herd theory.

The herd theory is kind of interesting. The example I gave is kind of a good one, I think. While all these people act as "one", in being vaccinated, when broken down, the herd is built of self-serving individuals, fearing for their life, so to speak. Kind of an interesting thought. By not being in the herd, and being vaccinated, I like to think of myself as one of those little birds that perch on the bison, surviving off the bugs it attracts. Basically, by everyone being vaccinated I reap the benefits of indirectly being vaccinated and not having to deal with it myself. Talk about a mutralistic symbiotic relationship.

I think it only appropriate to thank ALL those people that hang in the herd and choose to be vaccinated. In doing so, you, and Purell instant hand sanitizer, help me to stay healthy year round.

Close Call

2009-10-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

I just had a small internal fit, thinking I FORGOT to talk my treatment pill today. I straight up panicked. But then I remembered I did take it. Wow. I really thought I forgot. Just a close call.

I usually take it very soon after waking up, so I am a bit foggy in the head at that time. A lot of times I feel like I can't even open the pill bottles. I feel all big and clumsy and my hands can hardly grip and unscrew the lids. Does that happen to anyone else?

Anyways, I am still 100%
Enjoy the rest of the day and other close calls below...

Checkin' In

2009-10-27T08:34:00.000-07:00

Good morning, good morning. I am still here. I have yet to miss a day of INH and am still keeping on top of taking a multivitamin supplement. I am successfully 44 days in.

Hopefully everyone is well and TB-free. Is anyone interested in learning something else about TB? Let me know.

World Rates

2009-10-23T09:35:00.001-07:00

I recently noticed I am getting traffic from people in all parts of the world. For today's post, I think it would be a great idea to focus on regions and countries that have a high TB prevalence. By knowing if you live in a highly TB infected area, you can check to see if you have been exposed, and medicate or prevent if needed.

Below is a table of world regions and the TB incident rates from the World Health Sciences website (http://www.worldhealthsciences.com/). The table breaks information into particular world regions and the number and percentage of people exposed to TB.

World Region Number (in thousands) % of Global Total TB Mortality Per 100,000 of Population
South East Asia 2,993 34% 31.0
Africa 2,529 29% 74.0
Western Pacific 1,927 22% 17.0
Eastern Mediterranean 565 6% 21.0
Europe 445 5% 7.4
The Americas 352 4% 5.5
Global 8,811 100% 24.0

Some of the most infected countries are below.
India
China
Indonesia
South Africa
Brazil
Thailand
Philippines

Happy Friday to you all. Go forth, readers, in good health.

Editor's note: That's a really good point, Dad. As a general statement, though, I would say the numbers having to do with TB in Africa could be more due to the relatively higher HIV/AIDS cases than pretty much all the other countries. According to an article I found on the World Health Organization (WHO) website, by UNAIDS, (http://data.unaids.org/pub/EPISlides/2007/2007_epiupdate_en.pdf) the African Sub-Saharan region is the most seriously affected HIV/AIDS region. This report also shows of some of the top 30 HIV/AIDS infected countries in the world, 22 of those are African countries.
So, while there is high TB numbers in Africa possibly due to HIV/AIDS outbreak, I would say, in my opinion, the rest of the world's numbers come from a high exposure rate due to a prevalence of the TB virus.

Same Ol', Same Ol'

2009-10-22T12:27:00.000-07:00
I like to take my medication and multivitamin after working out in the morning. That seems to work for me. The end.

Day 39

So Far, So Good

2009-10-21T09:06:00.000-07:00
Things are slowing down a bit. I am 38 days into my 9 month treatment plan. I have yet to miss a day , knock on wood, and don't seem to be having any adverse effects of the INH.

Buenos días lectores en España!

Day 37

2009-10-20T11:07:00.001-07:00
Nothing new today. Day 37. How many did I say I had to go. Oh, Hell, too many for sure.

Here is my send off for the day. It's a goodie.
TB Cartoon

Posted using ShareThis

B6 Here to Save the Day

2009-10-19T11:01:00.000-07:00
Not ONLY did I take my TB treatment this morning (and on Saturday and Sunday), but I also washed it down with a daily multivitamin. One of the few questions the NP asked me when I saw her a couple weeks ago was whether or not I was taking any vitamin supplements. I told her no, and that I wasn't too concerned with not getting what I need. She kind of urged it, and I just said, fine, whatever, I will pick something up the next time I'm at the grocery store or something.

It has been shown that people taking INH, for their TB exposure, have a tendency to be deficient in vitamin B6, which plays a role in metabolic processes. Deficiencies in B6 could lead to a nerve condition called neuropathy, meaning damage to nerves, which in turn, will lead to a lack of sensations, tingling, or pain.

There are a handful of other conditions that could lead to neuropathy...
alcoholism
cancer/cancer treatment
herniated discs
Diabetes
nerve damaging surgeries
vitamin deficiencies
liver or kidney failure

There are multiple ways to development neuropathy, including...
deprivation of oxygen to nerves
too much insulin or sugar in the body
physical injuries to nerves
some infections
prolonged compression due to inappropriate footwear

I guess at the end of the day, taking INH has a preventative treatment puts me on the win side of health. Taking a multivitamin along with it, puts me at a double win side of health.

Take care of yourselves always loyal readers.

Day 33

2009-10-16T08:26:00.000-07:00
Good morning sweet, cheerful readers. I don't have much to report on today. At least not after yesterday's hot mess of a news story, with the kid who was thought to be in some homemade UFO look alike balloon, but then wasn't really, and no one knew where he was, but really was just in the attic.

So in keeping with the all around reporting of nothing, I thought I would let you all know I took my treatment pill today and wanted to close today's post with a haiku about having TB...by me:

Breathing isn't hard
I will keep treating myself
Healthy lungs are good

Valuable People

2009-10-15T11:37:00.000-07:00
We are upon day 32 of the TB treatment plan. I am feeling good about my decision with partaking in this "9 month journey". I thought, oh come on, 9 months of this? But a handful of knowledgeable sources told me to just take care of it. These knowledgeable sources are their own success stories, having been exposed to TB, such as myself, and going through the treatment plan. One of these people is my dear, close to my heart, brother of my grandad (shout out to you, G. Dad!).
It was also pointed out to me that it may look favorable to have gone through the treatment for life insurance agencies. Point well taken.

Onward I will go with this.

One word of advise, please keep all those hands clean and away from your faces. You can't get TB through dirty, disgusting, germ-laden hands, but you can get swine flu that way!

Day 31

2009-10-14T08:24:00.000-07:00
Here we all are again, on a new day. I officially cracked open my new TB prescription this morning and let me tell you all...it felt good. I only have 8 more months of this stuff. I will have another routine appointment with the NP, in another month or so, and maybe some blood work done. It is necessary to make sure the INH isn't making your liver freak out.

That's all I got for yous today. I thought I would end today's update with one of Shakespeare's favorite jokes.
"Knock knock"
"Who's there?"
"TB"
"TB who?"
"TB or not TB, that is the question."

See ya!

Making a Dent in the Treatment Plan

2009-10-13T11:19:00.000-07:00
I wanted to provide some legit data for all you TB information seekers. Below is a list of terms frequently used in regards to some sort of TB exposure, be it latent TB (what I have) or TB disease (what I don't have). This list was found on The Center for Disease Control website, who are pretty much on top of every single thing in the whole wide world when it comes to anything unsightly, from the plague to pink-eye to the annual flu.

Basic TB Facts
TB Terms
Active TB disease – an illness in which TB bacteria are multiplying and attacking a part of the body, usually the lungs. The symptoms of active TB disease include weakness, weight loss, fever, no appetite, chills, and sweating at night. Other symptoms of active TB disease depend on where in the body the bacteria are growing. If active TB disease is in the lungs (pulmonary TB), the symptoms may include a bad cough, pain in the chest, and coughing up blood. A person with active TB disease may be infectious and spread TB bacteria to others.

BCG– a vaccine for TB named after the French scientists who developed it, Calmette and Guérin. BCG is rarely used in the United States, but it is often given to infants and small children in other countries where TB is common.

Chest x-ray – a picture of the inside of your chest. A chest x-ray is made by exposing a film to x-rays that pass through the chest. A doctor can look at this film to see whether TB bacteria have damaged the lungs.

Contact – a person who has spent time with a person with infectious TB.

Culture – a test to see whether there are TB bacteria in your phlegm or other body fluids. This test can take 2 to 4 weeks in most laboratories.

Directly observed therapy (DOT) – a way of helping patients take their medicine for TB. If you get DOT, you will meet with a health care worker every day or several times a week. You will meet at a place you both agree on. This can be the TB clinic, your home or work, or any other convenient location. You will take your medicine while the health care worker watches.

Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR TB) - XDR TB is a rare type of TB disease that is resistant to nearly all medicines used to treat TB.

Extrapulmonary TB – active TB disease in any part of the body other than the lungs (for example, the kidney, spine, brain, or lymph nodes).

HIV infection – infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). A person with both latent TB infection and HIV infection is at very high risk for active TB disease.

INH or isoniazid – a medicine used to prevent active TB disease in people who have latent TB infection. INH is also one of the four medicines often used to treat active TB disease.

Latent TB infection – a condition in which TB bacteria are alive but inactive in the body. People with latent TB infection have no symptoms, don't feel sick, can't spread TB to others, and usually have a positive skin test reaction. But they may develop active TB disease if they do not receive treatment for latent TB infection.

Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR TB) –active TB disease caused by bacteria resistant to two or more of the most important medicines: INH and RIF.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis – bacteria that cause latent TB infection and active TB disease.

Negative – usually refers to a test result. If you have a negative TB skin test reaction, you probably do not have TB infection.

Positive – usually refers to a test result. If you have a positive TB skin test reaction, you probably have TB infection.

Pulmonary TB – active TB disease that occurs in the lungs, usually producing a cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer. Most active TB disease is pulmonary.

Resistant bacteria – bacteria that can no longer be killed by a certain medicine.

Rifampin (RIF) – one of the four medicines often used to treat active TB disease. It is considered a first-line drug.

Smear – a test to see whether there are TB bacteria in your phlegm. To do this test, lab workers smear the phlegm on a glass slide, stain the slide with a special stain, and look for any TB bacteria on the slide. This test usually takes 1 day to get the results.

Sputum – phlegm coughed up from deep inside the lungs. Sputum is examined for TB bacteria using a smear; part of the sputum can also be used to do a culture.

TB skin test – a test that is often used to find out if you are infected with TB bacteria. A liquid called tuberculin is injected under the skin on the lower part of your arm. If you have a positive reaction to this test, you probably have TB infection. Other tests will be needed to find out if you have latent TB infection or TB disease.

TB blood test – a new test that uses a blood sample to find out if you are infected with TB bacteria. The test measures the response to TB proteins when they are mixed with a small amount of blood. Examples of these special TB blood tests include QuantiFERON®-TB Gold (QFT-G) and T-Spot®.TB test.

Tuberculin or PPD – a liquid that is injected under the skin on the lower part of your arm during a TB skin test. If you have latent TB infection, you will probably have a positive reaction to the tuberculin.

In case any of you have lost count, I took my 30th TB treatment today. I am 1 month out of 9, or 4 weeks out of 36, or 30 days out of 252 through it.

Cruising Again

2009-10-12T11:06:00.000-07:00
And we're back to our regularly scheduled program. Fear not loyal, honorable readers, I am still kickin'. Latent TB has not taken over nor converted to active TB. Work was a bit busy last week, so unfortunately, and unfair to you all, I had to side line the blog for a few days.

To update you, I have still not missed a TB med dose. I am one day from finishing my first bottle of INH. I also met with my nurse practitioner (NP) last week just as a routine, monthly check-up. Everything is going well and accordingly. I don't have any discomfort, I guess in my liver? and I don't have any weird sensations in my extremities. Because all is going well, I got my second prescription of INH. HOLLA!

Thanks for staying with me during my lull in writing. I am just a girl trying to balance my work, social life, and latent TB and the regimens that come with it.

In the words of my favorite German, Albert Einstein, "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving."

Keep pedaling,
Moody but TB Infected

An Atmosphere that Could Kill

2009-10-07T12:07:00.000-07:00
There is a BIG audit at work on Friday. It is actually a pretty big deal, and a lot could be at stake, if things go badly. I really don't suspect they will, but that is because of my very calm demeanor this week.

As people around me are stressed and freaking out, I am staying calm. I HAVE TO. For my well being, of course. Stress can be very detrimental to someone's health and can weaken the immune system's response, causing someone to get sick. That is why a lot of people get sick after stressful periods (ie: college finals). Let's just say I never got sick in college.

My latent TB could develop into active and I cannot let that happen. Because TB is the most harmful in weak immune responsive individuals, stress could be a really bad thing. I am not worrying myself in a frenzy one bit. This sounds a lot like college actually. I am staying calm for my health. *You think I WANT to be this calm, while everyone else is running amok? I have to be in tip-top condition when the auditing group does their site visit this week. I have to mentally be my strongest. All I can do is diligently take my daily medication and stay completely calm and in control. I am doing everyone a favor.

Everyone, stay calm, in control, and healthy.

*I was freaking a few months ago.

A Regular Day

2009-10-06T10:39:00.000-07:00
Nothing to really report on today. I went to visit the family this weekend and made sure to pack my medication. I never missed a day.

Tomorrow I have an appointment with my nurse practitioner (NP) to make sure everything is going smoothly and I am not having an adverse side effects, like fatigue or tingling in my hands and feet. I do get dizzy spells when I stand up, but I think it is from doing it too fast. Nothing crazies.

I will make sure to fill you all in.
Wonderful, healthy Tuesdays to all!

Profound

2009-10-02T12:05:00.000-07:00
As this week winds down, loyal readers, I would like to leave you all with something I found to be profound and true. Sometimes, being sick can make someone feel alone and alienated from healthy people. Feel isolated no more fellow tubies!

"Tis healthy to be sick sometimes." - Henry David Thoreau

Thank you, Mr. Thoreau.

For the rest of you, put that in your pipe and smoke it!

It's Friday, Holla!

Peace!

Friend of Ours

2009-10-01T14:55:00.000-07:00
I got another question from one of my dear, dear readers.

Dear Moody but TB Infected,
I couldn't help but notice the picture you have on your blog. Is that what a positive TB test looks like? Thanks.
Signed,
A Friend of the Tubies,

That is a really great question Friend of the Tubies (much appreciated by the way). That indeed IS a picture of a positive TB test, also known as a PPD (purified protein derivative) test. To test somone for TB exposure, a small area under the top layer of the skin, typically on the forearm, is injected with the PPD strain. Once injected, the site should be examined by a health care professional within the next 48-72 hours. Depending on the results of the test will determine if someone has been exposed to TB.

Below is an example of a positive TB test:

My TB test result looked pretty similar to this one and lasted 3 or 4 weeks. When I USED to test negative to TB exposure, there wouldn't really be any redness, and if there was any, it would go away with in a couple days.

Below is another postive TB test:

Bummer. That's a positive alright.

Let's look at those not exposed, below.

Lucky dog. They got away THIS year from the TB.

POP QUIZ: answers provided at the end of the post.
Positive or Negative TB test?
A.

Positive or Negative TB Test?
B.

Who studied and who DIDN'T?

TB tests are typically to test individuals at high risk of being exposed. They are not really meant for everyone. I guess on the bright side of being exposed, I am in a special, selective group of people.

The way someone's body responds to TB exposure depends a lot on their immune system. So people with a weaken immune response, such as those with HIV or AIDS, are in a group that should be tested. Also, people who live in confined living conditions, like schools or nursing homes, should also be tested annually. Healthcare workers (that's me) and other occupations that will expose people to individuals with active TB, are also at risk and are/should be tested regularly. There is also a population of people who are from or have lived in foreign countries where TB is common, who should be careful of developing active TB.

Thanks again for the question Friend of the Tubies. A friend of us is a friend of mine.

Day 17 pill has been taken and I am feeling good today.

Answers to quiz: A. positive, B. negative

Imagines from:
http://www.healthyinfo.com/clinical/tb/tb.18mm.jpg,
http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/08/01/health/adam/3037.jpg,
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QdUNsUncKBI/RmB2dmLgvfI/AAAAAAAAAkY/U1EUARLVNj8/s320/mantoux.jpg,
http://gabbiana.blogspot.com/2006_10_01_archive.html

On It

2009-09-30T09:04:00.000-07:00
Nothing too new to report on today. I am sure you ALL (the 4 of you that read this) will be happy to know that of all the things I forgot today, work keys, work badge, my coffee, brushing my wild hair mane, deordorant, perfume, I remembered to take my INH for the 16th day...IN.A.ROW.

This BZ is on top of this!

Holla to my East Coast readers.

Day 15

2009-09-29T08:48:00.001-07:00
Day 15 and I am still going strong. I have to say, and I never thought I would be, I am OBSESSED with writing on this thing.

See you all tomorrow.

Shout out to my loyal readership in and around the Portland area...HOLLA!

History of the Blog

2009-09-28T09:52:00.001-07:00
I'll bet there are a handful of you thinking the format of this blog sounds pretty familiar. You maybe just can't put your finger on it. You maybe even saw a movie on it. Well loyal readers, you may be thinking of The Julie/Julia Project. Did you just snap your fingers and say "Ah, that's it!"?

I will give a little background on the development of this blog, seeing that it is long overdue. My dad recently saw the new smash hit Julie and Julia (I loved this movie by the way!). It just so happened my TB diagnosis was right around the same time of him seeing this, so he thought it sounded like a good idea to blog about my 9 month preventative treatment. Because I am a believer in putting information out there for all to absorb and POSSIBLY learn from, I said sure.

Though my blog has some similarities to Julie Powell's, it does have ONE major difference. Moody but TB Infected is geared towards helping and preventing possible exposures to TB. I am writing this to the people who travel overseas, and to those who take public transportation on a regular basis. I am writing to the people who work in nursing homes or hospitals. I, by no means, am Julia Child , but I think spreading information about a potentially bad disease is just a touch more important than spreading the word about what a sucky cook you are. I'm not bashing, I'm just saying...

(image from: projects.accessatlanta.com)

It has been a good project to get into and knowing I have to write for the people, with updates on my treatment is enough motivation, besides work, to not only get out of bed, but also take my one pill a day. I am such a giver. Again, readers, you're welcome.

I took my day 14 pill this morning, for you, readers.

Days 12 and 13

2009-09-27T22:04:00.000-07:00
When I first started taking this stuff I thought the weekends would be the hardest to remember. So far, not the case. I take my pills as soon as I wake up in the morning.

As a complete side note, not in any way related to TB, triathlon training totally sucked this weekend. I can't wait for this race in October to be done, so then I can chill out on the weekends.

That is all for weekend reporting.

Peace

Keeping in the Know

2009-09-25T08:21:00.001-07:00
Here we are, still together, at Day 11. I have been continuing to take my medication, staying on top of my game.

As a side note to the TB treatment plan, this blog's goals are becoming a reality almost weekly. When setting this up, one goal I had for "Moody but TB Infected" was to document my TB treatment plan and the roadblocks that could get in the way.
Another goal was to get those without TB knowledge into the loop. With this blog spreading to the masses, I have educated AT MOST 3 people on this disease. That is pretty awesome. To think, those people know a little more about TB than they probably ever wished and/or cared. To those that are now more educated on TB thanks to me...you're welcome.

It's Friday, Holla!

From the Audience

2009-09-23T20:18:00.000-07:00
Below is a *question I received from one of my **many faithful readers.

Dear Moody but TB Infected,
You seem so blase' about being diligent with taking your TB "meds". Why don't you just discontinue and save yourself some unnecessary trouble?

Signed,
TB Curious

Excellent question TB Curious. The reason I shouldn't stop taking the treatment is because a drug tolerance could develop. This could become a serious complication, especially if I were to develop active TB. The TB would be resistant to the INH and possibly other drugs, therefore having no effect on eliminating the TB in my lungs and symptoms. Thanks for the enquiry TB Curious.

I will stay on top of my treatment, just so I don't have more serious issues in the future. Day 10 pill...Check

* Simulated pretend question
** By many I mean more than one, so...three

Day 9

2009-09-23T11:38:00.000-07:00
I still haven't really developed a system for making sure I take my TB treatment pill, yet. I have noticed, though, it is always in the back of my mind in the mornings, which then causes me to remember to take it. I would say that's a start.

Still Going Strong at Day 8

2009-09-22T14:58:00.000-07:00
I am over a week into taking my meds, as they say in the medical world. So far so good. I haven't experienced any adverse side effects. I did have a tiny bit to drink the other night with dinner. Nothing crazy. I was relieved to find I was feeling A-OK the next day.

I will continue to keep all posted.

Stand by...

Cat Stevens and Lil' Ol' Me

2009-09-18T14:23:00.000-07:00
I have been on my TB treatment plan now for almost a week. So far so good.

Because it is Friday, I thought it would be fun to share what other celebrities have had TB. Not only will this information be a little food for thought but maybe by having these big time names in my blog my visitation numbers will increase.

Ulysses S Grant and Andrew Jackson were believed to have had tuberculosis. Eleanor Roosevelt also had TB back in the day. King Tut and Cat Stevens also had TB. Hitler and Edgar Allan Poe were creepy enough, that it doesn't surprise me one bit of each of them having been exposed to TB.

I can't believe some of the high profile celebrities that have had to deal with TB. Who isn't interested in and love doing web searches on Cat Stevens? I think his name being associated with my TB will definitely bring some more numbers in.

(Imagine from: mackadoos.blogspot.com)

Cat Stevens upcoming tour dates:
Dublin- November 15, 2009
Birmingham- November 23, 2009
Liverpool- December 5, 2009
London- December 8, 2009

Treatment for days 4 and 5 in the bag!

It's Friday, Holla!

Day 3 and a Visual Lesson

2009-09-16T08:26:00.000-07:00
I imagine there are some visual learners out there, who best understand new information by seeing it. So, in order to reach out to those of you, I thought I would share a little visual tool of the differences between latent TB and active TB. The NP I have been working with initially drew this out for me, despite the fact I DID go to college and studied "stuff" in the science field. She obviously studied "stuff" in the art field.

This diagram clearly shows some ways of contracting TB as well as the symptoms and how one may feel when having either of the TBs. As one can see in the latent TB side of the diagram, I have a granuloma that surrounds my TB exposure in my lungs. It is this natural self defense that allows me to have the much less severe latent form of TB.

Hopefully you visual learners have a much better idea and understanding of what is going on in someone who has been exposed to TB. I keep this very real drawing on my wall at work, as a reminder to take my treatment medication. Look how bad that person on the active TB side looks. I want to stay happy and healthy.

A Better System

2009-09-15T08:29:00.000-07:00
Day 2 pill...down the hatch.
I do think I need a better system of taking this pill everyday. I totally almost forgot this morning.

And So it Begins...Day 1

2009-09-14T08:20:00.001-07:00
This morning I took my first TB treatment pill. It was suggested I take it on an empty stomach. But if for some reason it makes me upset, than I can take it with a meal. What the hell? Those seem like completely opposite ways of taking this thing. Can we be any less consistent? Whatever though.

In case there was any confusion, the treatment is one pill a day, every day, for nine months. That's it. Just one pill. It was suggested I also take an additional B6 vitamin, but I don't have to. I was also told having a healthy diet and taking a daily supplement pill would suffice. My response to both suggestions? Meh, maybe I will and maybe I won't.

As one that typically freaks out about any adverse affect my body is having, this surprisingly hasn't made me so much as lift an eyebrow. I feel like there are much more important things to worry about than this latent TB and treatment...like who is going to be kicked off the next episode of "So You Think You Can Dance." What? We all have our guilty pleasures. Mine are this show and Beyonce. Cut me some slack, I have TB.

One Item Down, One to Go

2009-09-10T14:43:00.001-07:00
Agenda:
1. Next week talk to the NP to get a prescription for this INH
2. The week after next start treatment (the 14th or 15th)

I can cross item one off this To Do List. I talked with the NP yesterday and was able to have a prescription ordered for me to be picked up this afternoon.

I am all on schedule to start treatment Monday September 14, 2009 and complete treatment 36 weeks later...being May 24, 2010. Kind of daunting to see it written out like that. Oh well. Cheers to good health!

Breathing was Hard

2009-09-05T08:20:00.000-07:00
I am in the process of getting ready to go on a bike ride in prepping for a triathlon I have coming up in the next couple weeks. I hope my TB doesn't affect my performance in training or racing.

Come to think of it, I did a ride the other day, doing hill repeats, and I was breathing REALLY hard when getting to the top. They were pretty steep hills in the mountain's defense. It also was a pretty warm day out, too. But that is besides the point. I wonder if having latent TB has anything to do with it. (Keep in mind, I have no active symptoms of TB.)

So the game plan for starting the preventative treatment is...
1. Next week talk to the NP to get a prescription for this INH
2. The week after next start treatment (the 14th or 15th)

Typically when taking INH people will have "baseline blood work" done to make sure your liver can handle the possible toxicity of the INH treatment. I had mine done when I had my chest x-ray back in August. Also, during treatment one may have a a few more blood tests done, to make sure your liver is handling the treatment alright. That is why it is suggested that drinking be majorly decreased or stopped while on treatment. It puts even more stress on your already hard working liver.

I better get on this if I don't want to maybe breath hard after another challenging workout again!

The Results are In...

2009-09-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I had to undergo a routine Tuberculosis (TB) test. I figured the results would be no different than the other 2 I had had throughout my time working at the hospital (Are you sensing foreshadowing?). After the standard 48 hours post-inoculation I went back to the NP and low and behold my PPD test is positive. Positive?! Really? All I could think was this is so lame. Than again, I DO work in a hospital, with more than a healthy dose of sick patients from all over the place. Frankly, I am surprised my PPD test didn't come out positive within my first year working at the hospital. But whatev. In order to verify this, though, I had to have a chest x-ray to have my lungs checked to see if I actually had been exposed to TB and how severe the exposure was. Before you start to panic of me having TB and spreading it to the masses, as it is highly contagious, turns out I have latent TB, an inactive form of TB that is not contagious.

There is a stat that states that 10% of people with latent TB can develop active TB, which can be spread to others through coughing, talking, and even laughing. Okay? So do I just wait for this to happen while the latent TB stews in my lungs?

Fear not! There is hope for people like myself. There is a preventative treatment called Isoniazid (INH), that can be taken orally for a suggested 9 month period. Unfortunately though, treatment is not as easy as it sounds. INH can be toxic to the liver, so very very little to no drinking while on the treatment plan. In all honesty, life could be worse.

It was suggested to me that I start this blog to document my trials and tribulations while on this 9 month health adventure. I also thought this would be a good soapbox to educate the people on TB. I have learned more about this infection than I ever would have thought. For example...TB didn't die off when the American Settlers did. Go figure. It is alive and breeding all over the city I reside in, obviously. Gross.

So onward we will go with the preventative process.

World Region	Number (in thousands)	% of Global	Total TB Mortality Per 100,000 of Population
South East Asia	2,993	34%	31.0
Africa	2,529	29%	74.0
Western Pacific	1,927	22%	17.0
Eastern Mediterranean	565	6%	21.0
Europe	445	5%	7.4
The Americas	352	4%	5.5
Global	8,811	100%	24.0