D+161 - "In the Shape of a Heart* "

Clinic day again.  Firstly Haematology with Prof.  Everything here seems to be going well so the steroids were reduced a little and he has started to reduce the Ciclosporin as well which is great news since these two drugs are causing quite a number of irritating side effects.  Back in a weeks times for more blood tests and further adjustment to the treatment.

Next it was off to the Chest Pain Clinic.  They think I have 'stable angina'.  Not a fun diagnosis but I guess I have to make the best of a bad job.  An ECG was normal which is what you'd expect.  I'm booked for an Echocardiogram on Monday.  The previous ones earlier in the year had been normal so it will be interesting to see what this one shows.  I'm still getting short of breath and some chest pain with minimal exertion so have been given some Isosorbide Mononitrate for presumed angina.  We'll have the result of the Echo by the end of Wednesday and then will have a further review in about three weeks from now.

The nurse practitioner whom we saw is going to discuss with one of the consultants whether this warrants an angiogram at this stage.  I think much will depend on how well the new medication works and what the Echo shows.

Meanwhile they are happy for me to exercise as best I can to get a measure of the effectiveness of the treatment.  So, still lots of uncertainty but at least there is a plan of sorts.

We had a lovely Christmas with all the family here on Christmas Day despite Lucy not managing to get away from work in Newcastle till 2.30am on Christmas morning.  Eden had a wonderful time opening Bethany's presents as well as all her own presents.

We're spending the evening with friends tonight and will be glad to have finished with 2015.   We are hoping for a better year than 2015, certainly a less interesting year from the medical point of view.

Karine and I wish you all a very Happy New Year and all the very best for 2016.  

Jackson Browne - "Lives in the Balance" - track 3