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Packing for NIH

Usually when I’m getting ready to go to NIH I get really nervous the few days before. I go through this whole mental routine trying to prepare for any bad news I might get.

This time, however, thanks to benadryl and allergies, it’s midnight before I leave and I’m not even finished doing laundry! (Thank God I’ve got an afternoon flight!) I haven’t had much time to stew about the trip or what might happen. Frankly, I’ve been a walking zombie because of the allergies. Who needs anti-anxiety medication? Just take a benadryl! HA!

This is probably a blessing. I am actually anxious about the trip. For a change, I’m not terribly worried about my pulmonary function tests. I think I’m doing okay there. I’m more worried about whether they’ll think my digestive issues are acting up (although if they are it’s still mild) and I’m a bit worried about what they might find in the extra labs they’re planning to run. Because of the joint pain etc. they’re testing me for several auto immune issues.

Today I got a few hours respite from the hives, but as I go to bed, they’re back. The benadryl is starting to not have much effect. I can’t even explain how much I itch! I have hives in my hair, a hive on my eyelid, hives on my stomach, hives on my arms (even in my armpits!) and hives on my butt! I even have hives on the bottoms of my feet! The joint pain today has also been worse than usual, although by evening it greatly improved. Even my lower back hurt today, but too low to be kidneys I think. Groan!

Maybe when I get to NIH and am in a huge air conditioned and sealed building for a week, I’ll get some relief.

I know at least two other HPS’ers who will be at NIH during the same time, so I’m looking forward to seeing them. We’ve all got a tough week ahead for us for different reasons.
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