It's been almost four months with my new heart and all that comes with it. Overall, I'm feeling great, but in all honesty the drugs are starting to take a toll. In the beginning I was pretty tolerant of all the side effects and just told myself that most issues will go away over time. Well, I'm getting a little impatient. Instead of being a grump about it I've decided to think up potential Halloween costumes and try to embrace it all.
Cookie Monster or Elvis
The high doses of steroids basically turn you into a hairy beast over time. I'm noticing with the doses slowly tapering it isn't as bad and the old man nose hair is lessening...but I'm still rocking my sideburns. I can wax my stache but I don't want to touch my burns and have a lifetime of dealing with them. I've heard the hair will eventually fall out after I'm off the meds so I'll wait it out. In the meantime, it could make for a good Elvis costume. Although I'm still feeling the sweets these days so a hairy sweet toothed monster might be a better pick.
Donald Trump or an actual short fuse
I've noticed that I'm easily agitated at the littlest things lately. Sometimes I just blurt out whatever is on my mind without really thinking it through. I went ham on my poor Mom a few times and one morning I couldn't stop picking a fight with Christian for no reason. Roid rage?
Jack O'Lantern or Austin Powers
I need to take an oral rinse four times a day. Every. Day. Apparently people hate the taste but I'm fine with it. I'm not fine with it staining my teeth. I went to the dentist the other day and had them confirm my suspicion that the rinse was discoloring my teeth. The hygienist said that when she first saw me she thought they were cavities, but realized they were "just all stains." It made me feel much better.
I'm sure I could throw on some white strips and call it a day but if I still have a few more months of swishing away I don't really see the point of putting chemicals on my teeth. Yet.
Austin Powers wins because he also has sideburns.
Edward Scissorhands or a Voodoo Doll
My neck scars are pretty well healed and it just looks like a big hickey now. My chest scars are still prominent. I've actually looked in the mirror a few times and thought Oh, I'm wearing a Y-necklace. Then I realize I don't even own a Y-necklace. I have a scar.
I think I've had my fair share of needles stuck in me so I'll probably go with Edward on this. I've always wanted to be him for Halloween.
A Pufferfish or Kim Jon-un
Okay. It's really not that bad..but I have packed on some pounds and my cheeks are full. I'm hopefully off of steroids early 2016 and it will be a nice way to ring in the new year.
It's way more fun to be a pufferfish.
