Thursday, April 13, 2017

Clinic Appointment Today

This picture basically sums up my appointment today! 

I was lucky enough to have my appointment moved up a couple weeks to today during my spring break so I didn't have to miss a day of work. It was wonderful because it was not a CF clinic day, meaning there weren't several other CF patients waiting and sharing germs in the lobby! It also meant that I got in right away! And, as a bonus, since things were going so smoothly, I decided to get in my chest x-ray today and that lady was super fast with it!

I'm currently nearing the end of my two-week Cipro cycle, but still not feeling 100% lung-wise yet. I'd say, I'm more like 85-90%. I'm still having a bit extra mucus than normal, and some at night which is not normal for me, so I don't feel like I'm quite ready to be done yet with the antibiotic. This is the first time I've ever asked about extending my antibiotic cycle, but I feel a few more days (up to a week) might be just what I need. The nurse practitioner agreed, even though my numbers looked good today. I appreciate that she respects what I have to say and trusts how I feel. The one good thing about my mail-order Cipro issues I had, is that now I have a ton extra on hand, so extending my meds another week isn't going to be an issue. I'm also going to order Cayston as soon as I can and start it a little bit earlier than scheduled.

One thing we did discuss today though, is that my lungs and pseudomonas (bacteria my lungs culture) are slowly becoming resistant to Cipro. I used to have a "moderate" resistance to Cipro, but according to my last culture in January, I'm now "intermediately" resistant. Unfortunately, Cipro is the only oral antibiotic that fights pseudomonas. Once I become completely resistant, that I'm left with IV antibiotics as my weapon against infections. I wasn't too happy to hear this, but I think (hope) I still have lots of time before I need to really consider that. Thankfully, I was able to make it almost seven months between needing Cipro, so hopefully I can make it another 7+ months before needing it again. The longer I can keep between cycles and the less often I need it, the slower I'll become completely resistant.

So, now for the numbers: My weight is stable at 132.7lbs. My lung function is up all around and closer to my baseline, at 85% today. Of course, I'm greedy and would like to see them closer to 90, but 85% is about right for what I'm feeling right now.

Today, I asked the RT to record me doing a PFT today. These are the tests that I do, at least three times, each clinic visit to determine my current lung function. For people without CF, "normal" lung function is between 80-100%, so technically I have "normal" lung function...just have to do lots of treatments to keep it that way. Anyway, I know CFers often put a lot of pressure on themselves during these tests because they tell us our next plan of action and overall health. Follow this link which will take you to my Colleen's Friends & Family facebook page where you can view the video. :)

3 comments:

  1. I am a little confused by your doctor's comment that Cipro is the only oral to fight psuedo. I only culture psuedo, but I cycle through several oral antibiotics. Are you allergic to some antibiotics?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was thinking about this last night, haha. I think Levoquin is also for psuedo, but Cipro may be more effective which is why IVs would be the next option. I used to switch off between the two though. I was also thinking I used Bactrim, but that is for staph which I don't culture anymore and so isn't helpful to you at all.

      Hopefully you can go long periods between meds and don't have to worry about IVs for a long time.

      Delete
    2. I'm not allergic to any antibiotics, but I've never been on Levoquin either. They told me that Augmentin could be used against psuedo, but typically more for sinus issues. Thankfully (I guess), I'm only culturing psuedo and usually only do. I think that Kalydeco has helped keep me off Cipro for longer periods of time, so hopefully IVs are in the far, far future for me.

      I hope you're doing well! I think about you often! :)

      Delete