Increase in immunosuppressant levels

I took these pictures with my cellphone after my appointment at the research clinic.  It was a beautiful day, so I took my usual walk along the Mississippi river.  

I returned home from my visit to Minneapolis on Tuesday evening.  On Wednesday, I got a phone call saying that my drug levels were too low and I needed to make a significant increase in both.  

Unfortunately, the increase has caused me to practically start over with the adjustment period with the new drugs.  I was tired, nauseated, and had a terrible headache.  By Friday, the nausea was bad enough that I was afraid I might have to leave work, so I called and spoke with Dr. Bellin.  She suggested trying Tums.  I did and they worked surprisingly well.  It got me through the day and has helped me get through the rough spots.

I have been slowly getting better as the days go by, but my stomach still bothers me a lot.  I am hoping that time will help me get through this as it did before.  It is easier the second time around.  I don't have the fear that this might be permanent like I did before.  I also know from the bloodwork done at my visit that I am not dehydrated or out of synch in my body chemistries.

The good news was that my C-peptide numbers were great.  My fasting was 1.27 and my postprandial was 5.29.

More evidence that my cells are happy with these crazy new drugs.

New drug issues continued...

I am now finished with the Raptiva/Rapamune drug regimen.  They should soon be out of my system and I can see how the new drugs are treating me.  I  think that my energy level is better, but my stomach is still uncomfortable.  I have been taking Metamucil, but it has not helped much.  I miss my coffee.  It just doesn't sound good anymore.

Most importantly, my blood sugar levels have been good.  I have had a few higher ones since I started the new drugs, but they seem to be getting fewer and not as high.

I suppose that having side effects of the immunosuppressants like I am having now is more what I expected pre-transplant.  I think that I was just very lucky with the first set.  Hopefully, the Prograff and Cellcept will settle down somewhat, but all that really matters is that they protect my islet cells.