So I am going to share my experiences with stress now. I had stresses before my transplant typical life stuff and CF stuff and almost dying stuff :) But now my stresses are incredibly amplified! I would have to say the above definition pretty much nails it. I take prograf (my anti-rejection) medication and it is a pretty tough drug. . . .think about it, it keeps my body from recognizing my lungs and keeps my body from rejecting them. . . so it must be pretty potent stuff and what else does it do the body?? I mean it gave me dementia for weeks after transplant!!Well here is actual common side effects: Back pain; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; joint pain; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach pain or upset; trouble sleeping; vomiting. I also notice Prograf causes tremors. And I am pretty sure it directly affects my ability to cope with stress/anxiety.
Also I take prednisone. . .lets review those common side effects. You can view a full list of the side effects but I will just mention a few here: insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, hyperactivity just to name the ones that apply to this post.
So to just help myself realize that the days I feel like I am going crazy or my anxiety seems through the roof, then I just remind myself that I have a lot of drugs running through my body :) I owe a lot to Bryan ~ he understands me, he knows that I get a little loaded up on all this stuff that sometimes alters my normal reactions to things. I also find working out and exercising help reduce my anxiety and stress as well. Stress/anxiety is one of the hardest things I struggle with post transplant, but I try to control it and keep it as low as I can :)
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2 comments:
Prograf doesn't keep your body from recognize your new lungs. It prevents certain cell-mediated reactions (that exist in part BECAUSE your body knows those aren't your lungs) that reduce your body's ability to fight them. It's fascinating.
I don't know why it causes the tremors, though. I can't find a solid answer that but intend to ask Pelewski next month. I always feel bad for Ash when she's shaking like that.
I hear ya! I find that keeping my mind busy helps but sometimes it just creeps in!
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