Bald is good... Day +20

So since my last post I have literally been taking it one day at a time. I have finished two courses of antibiotics and have one remaining that I will be on for the next six months ish just to keep any potential nasty infections at bay.

This morning I went to see my GP to give him an update as to what has been going on since mid-December and to arrange some physiotherapy as I have definitely lost both strength and muscle in my legs. Always a bonus having a good GP as there was no hesitation in arranging this plus he has stopped a blood pressure tablet - which is a double bonus.

This afternoon I had my appointment with my Hematology consultant Dr G after having bloods taken to see where at what my blood levels were up to. The last time I saw Dr G was back in October 2016 when I had hair. And naturally his first comment was “Mark you have lost your hair” of which I replied “Yes and I am getting used to being bald, bald is good!”

I just had to start our meeting by telling him what an inspirational and amazing team of staff he had here at Hammersmith hospital and especially those on Weston Ward. I so wanted to name everyone individually but the emotions began to overwhelm me, however, I think he understood when I said, “without them all I wouldn’t be here today.”

Anyway, Dr G seemed to be very happy with the way the transplant went and with my recovery, especially as we are only on day +20. My bloods appear to be back up to normal which is fantastic and he was happy with the way I looked and was progressing, so much so my next appointment wouldn’t be for 5 weeks which is amazing. Naturally I have to keep taking each day as it comes, keep an eye on my temperature and if it goes up to 38 degrees then call the Hematology department straight away. I have been given penicillin to take for a few months as an extra precaution which is no biggie and just need to get strong again.

As far as my ms is concerned, have I noticed any change a yet…. Well… I do feel as though I am firmer footed on my left foot when I walk which was always my weaker side, other than that I don’t feel any worse and hope it remains that way.

It is still very early days but my priority is to build up my core strength and muscle in my legs (having lost a lot while in hospital), remain infection and relapse free, after all, that is all I ever hoped for… a relapse free future?

As the weeks go on I will keep posting updates as and when just so that you know how things are going but in the mean time, thank you again for your support and look forward to my next post.

Big love

Mark xx