So yesterday was my first jab of denosumab aka Prolia.
The weather for the drive to LaCrosse was shiite. Not bad like a snow storm, but by the time I got into the city of LaCrosse, the roads were slick as a whistle. When I pulled into a left hand turn lane ... ALL the ABS's went off and my 'Ru slid in protest and stopped.
It was one of those moments where you cuss under your breath and hope that no one else behind you does the same thing and whacks you in the rear end. The wait for Valet parking was long. Long enough for me to pull out of line drive around and then pick another parking area to use.
I walked back to the Clinic and Hospital and noted from that the time it took me to park far off and walk back ... none of the people waiting for the Valet had been taken care of yet. Well, that's a mid Monday morning for you!
I think the Valet staff was probably out spreading salt on the walk ways.
That is all beside the whole point of going in to get the 'jab'.
I was nervous as all get out, let's just say that. When a nurse named Kayla called my name I stood up and followed her.
She had the most gracious smile. She looked so young which reminded me that on the outside, I looked like an elderly lady [Hubby says Lady is not the correct word...he prefers Wild Old One].
She had me sit in the chair and then she started to go over why I was getting denosumab...she quipped that Prolia was so easier to say. She said I could have the shot in the tummy or the back of the arm.
I picked the back of the arm. She also said that we'd go over the list of things I needed to know after the jab so she could make sure I did not have an allergic reaction. Hey, and the shot didn't hurt! I did not cry, stomp my feet or even try to run from the room!
As she started going over the list and what to do...I commented that I'd read so many BAD things about Prolia but also heard good things from another person [Thanks Boud!].
I know that people trash-talk medications online don't necessarily represent the overall consensus of reality. So I asked her about all the terrible stuff I'd read on the 'net'.
Kayla's smile was so comforting as was her attitude.
"I generally receive very few calls on this medication."
We chatted about other things while I waited the allotted time. This nurse made my morning.
So. What to watch out for? This medication may lower your resistance to fighting infections -- so for the first few months -- well, that is obvious. Since my husband is health compromised we don't allow anyone with colds to visit. There can be low back pain, muscle pain, joint pain, stuffy nose...the list isn't too long or terrible, but Kayla asked me to call if these things felt overwhelming.
So how is it going so far?
Nothing. The jab site doesn't hurt. I don't feel any different and my attitude is very positive right now.
Kayla assured me that there are ways to combat issues that could show up but also assured me that most of the time there weren't problems. Most of her patients tolerated this treatment well.
Comment on my paperwork:
Age related Osteoporosis without current pathological fracture
The drive home was unremarkable.
Again, I will say...if this was a medication that I needed to stay alive. I probably wouldn't hesitate. And in a sense, this is a medication that I'll need to stay active and upright.
Would it be different if it was a diabetes medication that kept me from becoming comatose?
All choices are personal. Let's see how this one plays out.
I will continue to do Legend's CrossFit which is a toned down exercise program twice a week at my local gym and continue with hiking like I normally do.
