January Cold Snap

You know the winter season has settled in when the cold snap arrives!  It was only a few weeks ago that we were experiencing above zero Celsius weather.  This week we hit temperatures colder than -40C with the wind chill. A good time to be indoors!

When I was a young girl on the farm and it was cold like this, we use to bundle up and travel from farm to farm by horse drawn open wagon.  The cold just seemed more tolerable then.  I loved to watch the breath of the horses billow up into the air like steam from the natural hot springs. The powdery snow would rise up as each hoof hit the ground. 

My uncle use put sleigh bells on the horses so folks could hear us coming. Between those bells and the sound of eight hooves hitting the earth ... I felt like I was close to something sacred. The land was so peaceful.

When I became a young adult I moved closer to the Rockies.  In my twenties it became a regular weekend and mid-week venture for a group of us to go downhill skiing in Sunshine Valley or at Lake Louise.  I use to pack some food for the big horned sheep that would come down off the mountain.  Once we would make our way out of the vehicles these friendly, trusting animals would quickly make their way over to us.  They would literally surround you, sniffing you to see if you had something tantalizing for them to eat. When there were eight or more of them around you they could get a little pushy. Still, they were magnificent creatures.  I hear from friends that there are not as many of these big horns seen now compared to back in the 70's and 80's. With the mining and forestry much has changed back home.

Now I am living in a completely different region of Canada.  It isn't the same as the west but it has plenty of its own charm. 

There is a field just out back where I live.  It is a popular spot for dog walkers.  I look forward to seeing the dogs hit that field right after a big snowfall when there are no tracks laid by cross country skiers or ATVs.  The dogs plow through that powder like it is their first time experiencing snow.  Eventually, they stop and pop their little heads up just waiting for someone to chase them.

 

We have a number of spots by the lakes with groomed board walks for those folks who like to take an afternoon walk and soak up some winter sun. There are plenty of lakes to skate on and even a few hills to go sliding and skiing.

A persons energy level can be quite low while on treatment.  When you are dealing with a fever it can be difficult getting yourself psyched up to go out in the cold.  Even if it is for a 10 minute walk or a drive to the out skirts of town - it is important to get out and take in some fresh air. 

What ever it is you choose to do, I hope you are able to do it with someone you can cuddle up with when the cold gets a little too much. Moments like that can turn into life long memories ... and memories are even more special when we can share them.

Until next time,

Deborah

Flu & Cold Season

Here in Ontario, Canada we are presently dealing with an outbreak of influenza and cold virus' that are knocking folks on their backside.  Health providers are seeing healthy individuals with strong immunes systems being hospitalized because of complications due to these virus'.

The weather has been unusually warm compared to what we generally experience at this time of year.  Add in the rainfall we have received and you have a petri dish just waiting to host the next viral rave.

Honey can be one of the best foods for us during influenza season.

During treatment I have experienced a number of set backs due to infections, intense nausea, bleeding and all the unrequested gifts that want to tag along with these challenges but I had yet to be hit with influenza.

Two weeks ago the HCV nurse sent me into my physicians office to have him look at me.  I had a nasty throat, sinus and ear infection.  I thought I understood what a virus or cold could do to me while my immune system is down and my white blood cell count is in the underachiever zone. Well...I didn't fully understand the seriousness or the added challenges that can be involved. A simple cold can turn into pneumonia quickly.

After completing a high dose of antibiotics I have now started experiencing pain in the region of my left kidney.  The good news is that the bleeding from my nose and throat has stopped for the first time in months!  Yeah!

The HCV nurse took a look at my limbs after I described the swelling, red dots, and red / purple coloration on my legs.  Some days I haven't been able to fit into my shoes due to the swelling. The pain  throughout my legs can be difficult to manage at times.  I understand this is not uncommon in stage 4 cirrhosis. My son showed me some exercises that help drain the lymph nodes in the legs. These are proving to be very helpful. 

I am still bleeding from somewhere in the colon.  This and the kidney pain are my next areas of trouble shooting when I see my doctor in a few days.

I encourage HCV patients to see a health professional as soon as possible if they are experiencing anything unusual or painful during treatment and/or post treatment.  Assuming that what ever it is will just run its natural course can be a risky gamble and one you are likely to lose.  HCV and triple treatment both put an added stain on the immune system. 

A gentle reminder to readers:  If you see someone wearing a surgical mask while they are out in public please do not assume THEY are infected with a cold or flu virus.  It may be their immune system is so low this is their only means of protecting themselves when folks WITH the virus' are out in public areas coughing and sneezing without covering their mouth and nose. Please be kind and understanding. 


Until next time,

Deborah

Happy New Year!

There IS a light...

I now see the completion of treatment as a visible light in the distance.

  Courtesy of Trey Ratcliff @ www.stuckincustoms.ca

As I enter week 43 of the HCV Triple Therapy I feel a sense of anticipation mixed with relief.  I have to admit, I am also experiencing fear of the unknown.  "What am I going to do when all of this is completed?"


I will need to generate new work in my area of experience and training, along with a comfortable income and full medical insurance. It needs to be something that I love to do in a caring, healthy community... but for now, I need to keep reminding myself NOT to get ahead of the process.  My belief in how everything has its own time and rhythm slows me down when I allow my thoughts to get too far ahead. 
  

What I do believe is good for me right now is making some plans as to what I can do to celebrate the completion of this milestone.  I have a few ideas that I would like to discuss with my children and a couple of friends who have been right by my side through this process.  One is to have an intimate ceremony. During it, I would like to light some balloon lanterns (one for each month of treatment) to honour what has taken place and the people who helped me through the journey. The lanterns will also represent lighting the way for new beginnings.

Life is good!

Until next time,

Deborah