A Little Break from CellCept (MMF)

Monday, went to the Rheumy, expected to be 'okay' - hey YIKES, nope.
Looks like my liver enzyme is elevated.

Rheumy thinks it could be some sort of stubborn infection, as my WBC is elevated too - taking me off CellCept for 5 days so that my 'immune' can 'fight' ... plus antibiotics to karate-kick whatever bug messing around.

OR, it could be that my liver are over-worked from all the meds (esp. CellCept that I am taking)

Heck.

Please, please don't mess with my liver. I haven't even settled my kidney issue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good news though, my albumin is up. Hooray!

My easily-bruised leg!!

 

The "Candies" Before Bed ...

As you can see, my daily 'candies' as I call them.

 

These are the night ones I take before bed. Two powerful purple tablets that suppressed the immune system and the little one with 'heart' is for blood pressure.

 

I am back on CellCept since two months (or so ago..) - My kidney biopsy results showed that I am now Class 4, I've upgraded from the previous Class 3. I am also a Class 5 holder. Class 5? Now, don't be confused,

 

Class 1-4 (I-IV) and 6 (VI) are related, means, the higher the no., higher severity.

While, Class 5 (V) its by its own, membranous lupus nephritis.

Class I	Minimal mesangial lupus nephritis
Class II	Mesangial proliferative lupus nephritis
Class III	Focal lupus nephritisa
Class IV	Diffuse segmental (IV-S) or global (IV-G) lupus nephritisb
Class V	Membranous lupus nephritisc
Class VI	Advanced sclerosing lupus nephritis

Treatment wise, I am back on CellCept, rather than the usual "Cyclophosphamide" treatment for LN. I consider myself "lucky" to get on to CellCept again - as it is the less prescribed treatment due to the cost involved. Being in public healthcare, I can only pray and hope to get the best or better alternative.

 

(Cyclophosphamide is a type of chemo drug, while CellCept is an immunosuppressant)

 

The problem with Cyclophosphamide is that it can cause infertility - permanent, and possible early menopause. Although doctors did explain that the dosage used now is much lower and infertility is more towards the 'male' gender. I was not convinced and ended up getting all emotional (first round) and was given CellCept instead. I responded well on CellCept, went into remission, got pregnant and during pregnancy, the proteinuria, blood all started leaking from my kidneys - prayed a lot during pregnancy and with the The Power of Prayers ...

 

.... talah .... I now have Sophia who loves to pull my hair!!!

 

 

 

That's me, with my moonface features.

Thanks to the 30mg of Prednisolone I take, on top of CellCept on a daily basis.

 

Prednisolone is a type of steroid that suppresses the immune system.

It has many side-effects if taken long term.

I've been on it since 2004!!! YIKESSS!!!!

 

Side Effects? Me? So far, weak bones, easily bruised and mild cataract!

Sometimes, on high dose - elevated BP and MOONFACE plus a camel hump and sometimes, weird craving for food, like now, I've been eating chocolate non-stop. NOT GOOD!

 

I must tame my appetite!!

 

 

P:S: Thank you to all my wonderful bloggie friends who still visits despite the lack of 'action' from me!! Love you all a lot!!

 

 

Thankful Thursday

Today, I feel like Barney.

I am thankful because even if I feel like a mutated purple dinosaur,

Like Barney, I have friends

Friends who are here to listen,

Never judging me.

Thank You.