3 Weeks, and Counting

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

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.

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!

A "Meet" and Greet

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

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

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

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

DA NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

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

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

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

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

Knock, Knock...WHO's There.

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?

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

Recap

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

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

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

Such Routine

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

Monthly Check-Up

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

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?

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.