Steroid Farts

It's not me. It's the dog. I mean it! 

Dexter has a foot problem that flairs up once a year. He is on prednisone (steroid) and an antibiotic and it is clearing up nicely.  It think it's something in the yard, but we have been wiping his feet every time he comes back in the house, so I don't know what's up. We do not feed him anything but his regular dog food, since we know he is allergic to corn, wheat and soy. Maybe I need to be giving his a warm foot soak each day. Can you say spoiled? He's worth it! 

But the smell! Dexter! No more steroid farts!!

Mary brought me to clinic today. (Thank you!) We arrived early, and I only needed two units of blood.  We were done in record time (2 hrs), but had to be seen by the weekend physician's assistant who went to the hospital. Then came back and had others to see. I heard them talking about me, and my nurse was trying very hard to divert the PA to me, but you can't push a rope. (Unless you wet it and freeze it!) 

Patience is a virtue. I am learning. So when the PA and Dr. Hollnd did rounds, and I was released with instructions to return tomorrow for a PICC line bandage change and platelets. They were at 28, just above the threshold of 20. They were considering waiting until Tuesday, but Monday works for me. I can ride in with Buffy Monday and Wednesday if we do every other day.

My blood chemistry is being closely monitored. Areas I need to work on are protein intake, magnesium, and potassium.  They gave me a sheet with food suggestions and this is the meal I came up with. Tastes good, high in potassium: artichokes (425mg) beans and spinach (838 mg) over brown rice. I don't think Kent would appreciate it, but hopefully my body does. If I don't get enough potassium. I will have to have a two hour drip to boost it. Bananas and oranges in the morning will help, but I have to watch my glucose since I am on steroids. It's a fine line, for sure.

Last bit of thought.  My nurses gave me the advice not to overthink from day one in the hospital.  I have certainly taken it to heart and hope you do too!

This came in a gift and is so timely! (Thanks, Martins!)