Diagnosis: Idiopathic non-thrombocytopenic purpura

Third week for my prednisolone treatment for Purpura. When I decided to take the course, it was not easy for me to just take it on, I have to weigh  the pros and cons , the risk (side effects) and the benefits it will give and the relapse after gradual withdrawal of the medication. Unfortunately, one cannot completely uncouple the good from the bad sides of steroid treatment.

After reading all the side effects:(13 % of patients taking more than 10 mg for 2 weeks course, side effects will be  visible) I have to take 40 mg a day (8 tablets every morning) oh:-( Got no choice, i started noticing ecchymosis (hematoma) on my upper arms as well.

Common side effects: headache, abdominal pain, increase appetite ,blurred vision, dizziness, irregular heartbeat

More common: increase appetite will lead to gained weight to having “MOON face”

The Key …for CURE is PREVENTION

So I gather:

The first week: abdominal pain , I wake up every morning at 6 o’clock  to eat my breakfast, so I can take the medicine without stomach irritation. I also take the tablets with minimal water.

Though I don’t have any vision problem or dizziness, I opted to stay at home for two weeks, to give my body complete rest and free from stress. But it is always impossible not to have one, I didn’t have any mood swing though.

Irregular heartbeat: at times but nothing that is worrisome.

Increase appetite : YES oh yes!!!

Has anyone been under the weather and didn’t visit the refrigerator as often as you can. huh food ! I started counting my calories intake but i can not control, my hands and extremities were trembling…like come on…grab me please!

It made my metabolism sluggish and temptation to eat more, so I figure out, if i can minimise my calorie intake and have my daily exercise into a minimum, I  wont be gaining a lot of weight.

My daily breakfasts consist of oatmeal with a top fruits and milk:

Oranges: vitamin C helps reduce stress, also well-known for boosting immune system

Sweet potatoes: satisfy the urge of eating carbohydrates. they are packed full of beta-carotene.The fibre it contains help your body to process the carbohydrates in a slow and steady manner.

Avocado: the monounsaturated fats and potassium in avocado helps lower blood pressure. Avocados have more potassium than banana.

Carrots: low in calories, I can munch like chips without worrying of getting fat. It is also a top source of Vitamin A and beta-carotene for healthy skin, bones and teeth.

Vegetables salad and strips of chicken or tuna for lunch.

Drink: increasing water intake will also prevent dry mouth which is also common side effects of the medication.

Exercise: I kept it into a minimum of 45-50 minutes everyday, nothing strenuous.

After 2 weeks, the blood spots are almost gone.My medication was reduced to six tablets a day for another week and 2 tablets everyday for another week to complete a month course and complete blood and urine test afterwards. Positively looking forward for full recovery, yahoo!

So did I gained weight?

I am a work in progress…

Jamilamimi