July 26th, my second treatment.

I had caffeinated coffee, 2 oz of cheese on toast, and almond milk for breakfast hoping that I will start with a higher than my normal BP.

The pre-treatment reading was 104/60. This time I didn't need IV saline. Treatment started at 9:45 and ended at 10:45. At 10:15 BP was 116/64; at 10:45 it was 133/61. I never had a reading this high. The nurse attributed the increase to what I had for breakfast. Before I was sent home BP was 112/61...

I had my first IV infusion of Benlysta on July 12th.

The nurse first took my blood pressure and body temperature. My BP started at 97/70, temperature normal. Treatment should have started at 9am but it was delayed until 10:45. Pharmacy was having difficulty dissolving the medicine because it was chalky.

I was dozing on and off while waiting. The nurse took my BP again, it went down to 85/60. RN called my rheumatologist and started IV saline to raise the BP. MD said...

First I would like to say that if you ever feel like something is just not right with your body go with your gut feeling and be your own advocate, do not stop until you get answers.

With that being said i will start with my story:

It all started when i was younger with nose bleeds and the rocking of my foot since i was a baby. As I got older I started getting more nose bleeds (more so when i was cold and at night when i was sleeping), constant headaches (worse when...

Well, I may not be writing for awhile. Although, writing about it is probably what I need to do. I'm going through a personal crisis, and will be away for awhile. I have been spending my time reading other's blogs and message board posts searching for help.

You know, sometimes, you are going pretty good for awhile, and even start running and start getting up some speed, then - splat- you get hit in the face with a tire iron. I guess life is like that. It takes you by surprise....

It's getting cooler now. That means more time to work outdoors. Last evening it was cooling off and a gentle breeze blew against my face. I was doing my fall pruning and I stopped to appreciate the nice weather. Of course, that meant that I did more than I should. How could such delight at gardening lead me to such pain the next day? When you have fibromyalgia and are in a flare, this happens quite often.

No, I'm not having the "poor me's." Just stating a fact....