Prior to 2006 when I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, I resisted taking any sort of medication unless absolutely necessary. I suffered with (and still do to a lesser extent) cluster headaches and migraines, and very seldom would I take anything. I would just work through it and let my body heal itself. Twice I had spinal tap headaches, the absolute worst headache one gets after having spinal fluid is removed for testing, and all I had was an espresso.

Now, it’s 2013 and I am down to nine prescription medications per day, and I added a new one this week called Spiriva. It’s an oral inhaler that is just a bit different from the other medications that I have to take. It comes as tablets that you place into the inhaler, then puncture and inhale. I’ll get used to it eventually, but the thing that I need to get adjusted to is timing. I have finally gotten my medications timed perfectly where those that can’t be taken together are properly spaced apart and at times that are convenient to me. Now I have to add Spiriva to the mix and not have it close to my other inhaler, and also not when I am away from home so that I don’t have to remember to take the gadget with me.

The only place I could fit that in is at midnight, which is not a big deal, but it’s one more thing I have to get accustomed to. It’s funny how when you need to take medications how you have to plan your life around them. Some cause drowsiness, some cause excess urination and some just cause madness. Some I can’t take at work, or if I know I am going to drive, I have to make sure that I time my driving away from a certain medication.

It may be an inconvenience at times but when I think of the alternative, I think I’ll take the inconvenience any time.