The After Math

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

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

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.

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!

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.

Day 123 Update

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

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.

Forgotten, but not Dead

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

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

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

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

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.

Checkin' In

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.

B6 Here to Save the Day

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.

Cruising Again

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

On It

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.