Been a While

TPN

Rate of weight gain has slowed down considerably. Since my last entry, I have only gained 5 pounds which places my current weight at 110 pounds. I am also eating less due to a decrease in appetite and some bloating. The reason, I suspect, is that the antibiotics have lost some of their effectiveness in eliminating the undesirable flora in my gut. I don't see my GI doctor again until March 31 but as long as I continue to gain some weight I'm satisfied with my progress. I am concerned that this may affect he plan t begin weaning me off the TPN. I was going to try a feed via my G-J tube the other day but then realized that I didn't have any bags for the formula so had to put that on hold until I can get some bags next week.

Rheumatologist Visit

Saw Dr. Pope last week. The main thing to come out of that meeting was that I have switched from Arthrotec to Tiaprofenic acid for joint pain. So far I don't see any significant improvement but these things can take a while to kick in so must be patient.

Occupational Therapist

Have also been seeing an OT to improve function of right hand after the amputation of my index finger. She made a brace, the purpose of which is to move my middle finger slightly closer to my thumb. I wear it for a few hours each day and it is helping. On my next visit I will be taking my camera with me to see if we can figure out a way for me to compensate for the loss of my 'shutter finger'. Currently, I find it extremely awkward to hold the camera and hit the shutter release at the same time.

Spring Meeting of the SSO

Dr. Pope will be speaking at our spring meeting on April 9. Contact me for more information.

Walk/Run in the Park for Scleroderma

Our committee will be holding its second meeting on Saturday March 19.