Prednisone: Friend Or Enemy 

I’ve been doing extremely well, thanks to prednisone. I have been on it since late February. My doctor has already started to lower my dose, slowly. At first he said I would be on it for 2 years. Then a month later he says 1 year. I see my doctor again on May 5th so we’ll see if he changes his mind again.

Coming off prednisone too quickly can cause bad side effects. My joint pain and stiffness will come back if I don’t continue to take it. Prednisone can cause all kinds of side effects, for me the worst part is the insomnia. I’m sleeping maybe 4 hours a night. I have so much energy and I have no pain, it’s great. Some days I feel like I have too much energy. I’ve noticed changes in my mood. Most days I’m extremely happy, which I’m not complaining about. I’m also easily irritated by little things and I find myself getting moody with the people I care about, but I can’t help it. I quickly snap out of these bad moods though.

I can’t seem to put weight on. I’ve lost around 10lb since being on it which is strange because I read the opposite happens. Everybody is different I guess. The side effects of prednisone are worth not being in pain and having energy so I can’t complain.

I found out yesterday that I’ve been accepted to the Medical Lab Technician program at Mohawk College starting this September! :) I can’t wait to start. In the mean time and this summer I’ll be spending my time volunteering since it is not in my best interest to start working yet. I’ve decided I deserve a summer to just relax and have fun. I spent all last summer in bed recovering so I can’t wait to actually enjoy it this year. I have tons of fun things planned already so it’s looking like a pretty busy and eventful summer for me. :)

I have my regular checkups every 4-6 weeks now and I’m currently on my 3rd Phlebotomy. I’ll need about 10-20 to regulate my iron levels. I’ve been so lucky to not have any serious issues after my transplant. Most people don’t recover so quickly, and well. My doctor is thrilled. This month on the 13th is my 10 months post transplant. I can’t believe it’s almost been a whole year! That will be a satisfying milestone :)

I can’t believe how much this journey has changed my life, for the better. I wake up every day in a good mood and a grateful feeling to be alive. My family and friends are so awesome and supportive, I’m so lucky.