Sept. 24, 2003 and progress continues.

What's new in the last few days? September 23rd Vicky awoke to a newly discovered bruise and swelling on her left leg.

Scheduled for a blood test on the 25th, a call to the hospital moved this up. As has been the case, the blood draw was more difficult to accomplish, and increasingly painful for Vicky. (these blood draws are currently scheduled to be a weekly thing).

Initial results of the blood tests showed no further bleeding, so perhaps this newly noticed bruise was actually an older one that we had not seen. Further results of the blood test were received, and are very good!

Big accomplishment on the 24th of September! A trip to the grocery store for the two of us. Vicky wanted to go grocery shopping without the wheelchair or the walker. It was a very slow and cautious shopping trip. Vicky was the one to push the shopping cart, which she was using to help her walking, and I stayed very close to Vicky, just in case.

October 3rd while I am at work Vicky takes an unauthorized trip to the basement and does a load of laundry! I want Vicky to be overly cautious, and Vicky wants to push herself and regain all her former abilities. Stairways, even short ones are quite a workout for Vicky, yet.

Note: Vicky is proud of her trip to the basement to wash clothes. Actually, I am glad she can do that now, I was getting a little tired of doing the wash.

October 4th, Vicky's face is swelling. The information for one of her drugs says it may cause facial roundness. Vicky says it is not uncomfortable, but she definitely does not like it. Monday morning (the 6th) Vicky has a doctor's appointment, and we will learn about the swelling, we hope.

October 6, 2003 and we are back from a follow up visit to the doctor's office. What did we learn at the Doctor's today?

• Vicky's good stuff (Factor VIII) is now at 190, up from its all time low of 4.
• Vicky's bad stuff (the inhibitor) is at zero!
• Vicky's hemoglobin level is at 13.7, which is perfectly normal!
• Blood tests will decrease in frequency!
• Prednisone dosage decreases to 60 mg daily from 80 mg!

• Flu Shot is a no no this year. Cannot be taken with her current condition and medications.
• Any trip to the dentist, even for fixing a cavity may involve risk. We need to consult with Vicky's doctor prior to anything like that, or any other medical procedure (operations) no matter how minor.
• Just because Vicky's Inhibitor level is now at zero, it is by no way a done deal. Approximately 20% to 30% of people with Acquired Factor VIII Inhibitor have recurrences.
• Vicky must continue to wear hear Medical Alert bracelet, just in case.

Overall, we are both quite happy with what we learned this October 6th, 2003. In celebration, Vicky plans on making beef burgundy and boiled potatoes for dinner, with a dessert of homemade strawberry shortcake!

October 9, Vicky's walker has been relocated to the attic for storage.

October 18, 2003 and Vicky helps out with raking the autumn leaves. September 18th she needed a wheelchair for her first shopping trip to Osco. As you can guess, we are pleased with Vicky's progress.

Restating previous information, 25 August Vicky began treatment with NovoSeven. A lot has been accomplished in the last two months.

Is Vicky back to normal? No. Vicky still has leftover bruising, swelling, and pain on her legs, ankles, feet, and left elbow. Today's yardwork wore her out, but a nap helped Vicky feel better.

Vicky is still taking two types of pills because of her Acquired Factor VIII Inhibitor for a total of 5 pills a day, plus her blood pressure pill.

October 20, 2003, Vicky is feeling very energetic. I come home from work to discover the recycle bin filled up with cardboard boxes and an extra bag stuffed full of garbage for the trashman. Vicky has been up in the attic straightening things up and getting rid of some junk.

October 21, 2003 Vicky begins a daily dosage of 40mg Prednisone! Yes, she is now down from 80mg to 60mg to 40mg daily. The latest blood test of last Thursday again showed excellent results. Vicky's Factor VIII Inhibitor level is still at zero, at her Factor VIII level remains excellent.

Today (still the 21st) I come home to a pleasant welcome. Vicky and our cat Lucy are sitting on the deck enjoying the sunshine and waiting for me to come home. It is nice to see Vicky outdoors enjoying the day.

October 23, 2003, Vicky is so much better than she was in late August. However, the swelling in her face, though less than before, now causes pain. Headaches, jaw aches, sore left foot, and backaches are very much a problem in the mornings. These pains lessen and sometimes go away a couple hours or so after taking her morning medications.