In my last update, I said I only had a week of Rinvoq left. Well, my insurance problem was not resolved in a week, of course. I was going to jump back on the prednisone, but then realized I had some leftover budesonide. Budesonide is also a steroid, but not near as bad as prednisone, so I started taking the budesonide because I knew if the only medication I took was mesalamine, I would go backwards. When I took the budesonide before and it didn't work so good, it was because I was on one pill a day. After the Rinvoq ran out, I went on three budesonide pills a day. That was much better.
I had a routine appointment with my G.I. doctor yesterday. My insurance problems were finally figured out and I received my first dose of Rinvoq a few days ago. I wasn't sure if I could just stop the budesonide cold turkey and start on the Rinvoq or not. Since I've been off of the Rinvoq for five weeks (SIGH!), my doctor actually wants me to start the Rinvoq immediately AND stay on the budesonide, tapering off for a month.
I've actually done well on the 3 budesonide (how many times will I type that word in this blog?!?) daily pills. I've had LOTS of energy and gotten LOTS of things done. (Cleaned out closets, cleared junk out of the basement and then cleaned it, cut shoots from trees . . .) My stool was okay, although the last few days before my doctor's appointment it was a little worse and my stomach's been more achy.
Today was my first day back on the Rinvoq. I've actually experienced some slight dizziness. Not sure if it is related to being on both the budesonide and Rinvoq at the same time, or some random other thing. I'll keep an eye on it over the next few days.
And so! Once again! We wait!
Next update: October 2023, My Brain Melts, But My Body Stands
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