Yesterday when I saw the doctor he finally agreed to let me go back to work (starting today), so long as I agreed not to put any undue stress on myself or lift/carry/move anything. I have to keep the physical activity and exertion to a minimum, at least until I have the results from the echocardiogram back.
I had every intention of going into work this morning, but when I woke up my muscles felt tight, cramped, and weak. I was already nervous about having to climb the subway steps because of my heart palpitations, but climbing 53 stairs with heart palpitations AND muscle soreness? Not a good idea! Hopefully tomorrow morning I feel better and can get back to work! Working from home always seemed so glamorous in theory, but I quickly learned this last month that its not glamorous at all – it’s lonely, it’s boring, and quite frankly, I end up working even longer hours to compensate for the guilt of not physically being in the office.
It turned out to be a good thing that I didn’t go to work today because this afternoon I got a fairly intense bloody nose. Since my platelets were just checked yesterday, there was no need to panic unless I couldn’t get the bleeding to stop. Thankfully, after pinching the bridge of my nose for a few minutes, the blood stopped running down my face and, soon after, stopped completely. If I get another bloody nose of that caliber, though, I’m going to have to call the doctor.
Today was my first day taking 50 mg of Prednisone, instead of 75 mg. I didn’t seem to have any adverse side effects except for trouble concentrating, though tomorrow will probably be a better indication. I don’t want to jinx it, but today was my first day in weeks without a hot flash!
I called the imaging center this afternoon to make an appointment for my echo. It turns out that the imaging center only does ultrasounds in their off-site location, which is in Jersey City Heights, and they are only open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00 AM-3:30 PM. Tomorrow is already completely booked, so I made an appointment for next Tuesday at 12:30 PM. I have to work from home that day anyways because I am seeing the hematologist at 3:15 PM for a platelet check. Unfortunately, since both appointments are on the same day, I won’t have my results from the ultrasound until after I’ve already met with my doctor. I’m sure if the echo shows anything urgent or alarming he will call me anyways. I just have to remember to call the hematology center later this week to make sure everything is all set with my insurance. I don’t want to get another surprise bill in the mail.