My cholesterol (madubois63)

[madubois63]

Steph, thanks for sticking up for me!! The salad bar was great and by the time the meat came around , I was pretty full. I do admit to sampling the meats. Just after that trip is when my gvhd/liver problems started up again and I cut out meat and anything high in iron. I think of that trip often, and will miss you at San Antonio!! Steph, I'm pretty sure this is all steroid related, but will take something if need be. I have no idea if my donor has high cholesterol. I put in a request to talk to her, but haven't heard back from her. The docs couldn't even tell me if she is allergic to anything.

Tricia - I take over 20 pills a day and long for those days when I didn't take anything more than the occasional aspirin!!

Elaine - The steroids, although they have saved my life and my liver, have been very much a pain in my butt - literally. Because of my liver, I had to take very high doses (140 mg per day). I have slowly weaned down to 20 mg per day, but then had to go back up to 40mg a few weeks ago. I am now taking 30 mg a day. That seems to be keeping my liver functions at a good level. Anyway, the steroids raise my sugar, and I've had to take insulin to regulate my levels. My numbers are now under control, but there were times that 500 - 600 were almost the norm for me. Yes - I've been over 600 several times and thankfully did not go in to a coma. It was scary. The steroids also atrophied my muscles, causing me to fall several times. One fall, caused pulled muscles and soooo much pain on my left side that lasted several months. I also had an abscess and had several hospital stays all because of side effects from the steroids. And I won't mention the hairs on my chinny chin, chin...

Susan - I have learned to NEVER ask "what's next?" I usually find out pretty quickly what comes next...

[StephN]

Dear Maryann -
Got to wish you all the best for a better cholesterol result next test. You could take pills all day long to counteract the side effects of the last pill or set of pills.

I also had some loss of function in my leg muscles from the decadron that took a long time to get back. And I was on much lower dose for much less time. Pernicious stuff!

And I remember that ALL of us (Chris, Joe, you and I) were on pretty lean type diets. Many times I have wanted one of those grilled Mahi Mahi fish tacos from that place across the road from the convention center!!!
Those were about the best food item we had that trip!