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Part 5 of Vicky's Progress December 25, 2003 is a very good place to start this section on Vicky's progress. Christmas was especially nice this year for both of us. We were together and Vicky is doing well. Oh, and yes, we did have Christmas presents! Our family and friends made a nice contribution to the stash under the tree. Vicky said she was very glad to be home for Christmas.Expect this section and future progress reports to cover multiple months, instead of the single months as in the past. Why? Vicky is feeling the best she has felt for many many months. Her strength is improving, her hands no longer tremble, and we both have a very positive outlook now. Are there any remaining concerns? Yes, there is always the fear that there may be future problems in store. Vicky's left cheek is still sore.I have to be careful not to touch that part of Vicky's face. Perhaps that is due to the Prednisone and swelling it causes.
We asked whether or not her facial pain was caused by Prednisone. The doctor said no. The only other possible cause for this pain that we are aware of is from the time that the hospital staff were careless and allowed Vicky to fall when she was hospitalized with her Acquired Factor VIII Inhibitor problem. She did hit her face when she landed. January 15, 2004 Vicky has scheduled x-rays and an appointment with the surgery doctor to see how her perforated intestine is doing. Unfortunately, healing is not proceeding as was expected. The slow healing may be caused by the Prednisone, which she will be off of on the 19th. The Prednisone is a steroid, and it takes three to six months for the body to resume normal levels of its own "natural steroid" once the Prednisone is now longer taken. In the meantime, Vicky is not only slower to heal, but also her resistance level to infections is down. However, Vicky is feeling good, except for her occassional facial pain. Hopefully next month's x-rays will show more healing and blood test results will remain good. January 20, 2004 and it is Vicky's second day without Prednisone. This evening she noticed the pain in her face has almost disappeared! Let's see, off of Prednisone two days, and pain suddenly and drasticly decreases. Coincidence? Let's hope Vicky's pain stays away. Looking back on this pain, she had that facial pain since before October 23rd.
Two days ago Vicky had an x-ray and a visit to the Surgery Clinic to see how her perforated intestine was doing. Though not completely healed, the 6" section of "bad" intestine is doing so well that no further appointments are scheduled for that. Thankfully Vicky was able to avoid an operation. As things have appeared to safely entered a slow but steady positive stage for Vicky, it is time to complete the Progress section of her website. The side effects of Vicky's Prednisone treatment are beginning to wear off. Vicky will continue to have her monthly blood tests to make sure that Aquired Factor VIII Inhibitor is not returning. Vicky is doing well.
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January 8, 2004 and Vicky has a followup appointment with the Hematologist. Good news all around about Vicky's blood tests. Everything remains normal! Vicky will
continue with her monthly blood tests for a year or so. However, there is no need at this time for a followup appointment with the Hematologist until April.
February 14, 2004 and it is time to place an update on this page. Vicky's facial pain was caused by ear problems we learned. Vicky's
doctor prescribed ear drops which did the trick.