Saturday, January 23, 2016

Orkambi and Health Update

The last time i was at transplant clinic i talked to my doctor about how well my lungs were doing without the bronchial valves i had to fix my recent lung collapse and we agreed that if i can get my lung function over 30% then i can go on a hold from the transplant list. Well my next appointment is in March but 3 days ago at my regular clinic I blew a 31%!!! (i only got above 30 for one out of 3 but it still counts!!) I am beyond excited with my progress! From breathing with one lung to possibly going on hold, from about 105lbs to 124lbs, im kicking ass left and right!!

Blowing away the docs!!! (pun intended!)

Except for the past few days....Ive officially begun taking Orkambi. The newest drug to come out for CF. While all the studies were done with people over 40% lung function, some with lower numbers have still seen results. People warned me the side effects were brutal in the first few weeks and they werent kidding. Sweats, chest tightness, shortness of breath, body aches, coughing up an amount of mucus that i didnt even know could exist in a single body, no sleep, and lower effectiveness with my anti anxiety, anti depressants, and sleep meds. Luckily i felt only half as bad as day 2 so im pretty confident i lucked out on the side effects front!!! For a shot at even healthier lungs i can handle this but i am scheduling an admission in the next week for a tune up. I havent been feeling the best and i wanna catch it while its early so it doesnt turn into anything more serious.

Feeling Orkambi at its worst!

All in all im doing really well thanks to a new diet, lots of exercise and workouts, and being on top of my meds and airway clearance every day. After the side effects wear down and im done with iv's theres no telling what my numbers will be, but im pretty confident in this new med and myself and when March rolls around ill be ready!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Way to go Rachel. I'm so proud of you.
Dr S

Sheila said...

Rachel
You can never have a better friend then James Cameron from Guelph Ont! I have known him for years and his fight with CF is remarkable! His Girlfriend Jackie is also fantastic .You seem very strong and I will keep you in my Prayers.

Anonymous said...

Hi Rachel.
I admire you for your strength and fight. Things actually can get a world better with CF.
I've had two double lung transplants as well as stage four cancer. But today I am 32 and have amazing lungs and an amazing third chance.
Keep going and stay hopeful. Transplant is scary but worth it. I have the chance to live with lungs free of the CF gene and so will you! I am inspired by your attitude and outlook. Keep going because you rock!

Steven Jenkins
Bilateral lung transplant March 2007
Bilateral lung transplant March 2014
Age 32, Cystic Fibrosis