My 4-week results came in today. The good news: my liver function is almost normal. The bad news: side effects are kicking in. My RBC/WBC are slightly low; so is hemoglobin and a couple of other things (potassium and calcium are barely below accepted limits). My platelets, however, continue dropping. They are down to 55 (from 110 four weeks ago, with normal range being 140-400), which accounts for bruising (the new Pro-Clik left a nasty and strangely-shaped bruise on my belly); low blood cell counts also account for fatigue and general blahness. Yesterday we hiked to Pfeiffer Falls in Big Sur and I was tremendously surprised at the difficulty I had climbing what is really not a very difficult trail. Today, right before my 1700 med-time, I had a fit of crushing fatigue, burning oppressiveness and general awfulness. However, upon devouring a large amount of whole-fat yogurt and eating my pills, I got second wind and finished the night in fair shape, even though a bit tired (I've been sleeping 10 hours a night this vacation). I am interested in finding out whether there is any possibility of developing some mild dependence on these meds, because tiredness seems to hit the strongest 1-2 hours before medication time. Fascinating. The viral loads are not in yet; I guess I'll be finding out soon, but at least so far nobody called me with directions to discontinue then treatment, which is what would have happened if they were still detectable. So in this case, no news are good news.
In other developments, I realize how difficult it is to plan one's vacation activities in one's old stomping grounds without involving going to familiar pubs and drinking endless pints of Strongbow and Boddington. I hiked and ate a lot, but it took some concentrated planning. Having kids along this time made it easier: there are many places that I would have been too bored and familiar with to go to by myself, but new and exciting for them. So it was not all bad.
Heading back North tomorrow...
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