Last Saturday I got my laboratory results and since I feel better I was expecting that somehow my condition improved. Well, I’m wrong. It appears that I am sicker than ever and my 24-hr urine test revealed that I barely have fifty percent functioning of my kidneys, I guess my lupus nephritis had emerged once again. My rheumatologist prescribed new medicines and I have to deal with one of my greatest fears again, to take a higher dose of steroids once again. I feel bad because I worked hard to really lose weight and now that I’m back with a higher dose of steroids I’ll be gaining all those weight again and not to mention it can cause swelling of my feet that can lead me back to not being able to walk again.

Well, I guess I need to say goodbye to the good days. I feel like I’m back at square one and no matter how hard I try or how earnestly I pray I keep on getting sicker and sicker. It’s breaking my spirit and sometimes I just want to fall apart. I am trying so hard to stay calm and optimistic. I’ve been telling myself that I’ve been through worse so what the heck am I scared about. I tried to be strong but when I’m alone I can’t help but feel miserable, I am worried what if I don’t get better, what if no matter what medication I try my kidneys still manage to fail and I have to undergo dialysis, I don’t know if I’m strong enough to handle anymore bad news.

This journey with lupus is just a terrifying walk. I sometimes wish I’m just riding in a bus where I could just yell at the driver STOP, I JUST WANT TO GET OUT! I wish it could be that simple.

I’ve been dancing with lupus for seven years now and it’s a journey full of ups and downs. Lupus is a very unpredictable disease, it’s complicated and often misunderstood. During my first year with lupus, I had a hard time coping with the disease. I, myself couldn’t understand what’s happening to me. There are days that I feel fine and there are days that I feel so weak and tired. Fatigue is one of the common symptoms in lupus patients. Often times, we get tired with no reason at all, the unexplainable weariness to do things and feeling weak even to get out of bed. Even after seven years, I still have so much to learn with this chronic illness but I have already learned quite a few things to somehow cope with it and live with lupus.

Here are some ways that may help you reduce fatigue and prevent those “bad days” of lupus:

Get enough sleep. Some people need eight hours of sleep or even more but for some, like me I just need six hours of sleep to feel okay. It is also important to sleep at night because I read from somewhere that sleeping at night helps our immune system.

Do not tire yourself out. I am often restless but I noticed that I often get tired when I engage with my daily activities, I am starting to practice pausing with every activity just to help my body rest. It may slow things down but that’s okay, just take your time.

Exercise and eat a healthy balanced diet. Do I need to explain more?

Organize and schedule your activities ahead of time. I am starting to be forgetful, I know it’s not because I’m getting older but I blame all those medicines I’ve been taking so I need to write down my schedules and keep a to-do list. Organizing your schedule helps you minimize stress and allow you to work on your time efficiently.

Finish your tasks one at a time. I am a multi-tasker. I do things all at once because I hate to just sit and do nothing but I realize that I get tired easily every time I do a lot of things at a time, so I started to just focus on one task and finish it before engaging myself with another task.

Avoid stress. As we all know, stress is our number one enemy. It’s the number one cause of our lupus flares. But the thing is how do you avoid stress? Well, don’t ask me just immediately consult your doctor once you feel stressed.

Learn to live with lupus graciously. Acceptance is the key to coping with lupus, stop asking why, stop looking for someone to blame just look up and ask for God’s guidance through your walk with lupus. It may be a chronic illness but remember there is absolutely nothing that God cannot do and you can overcome everything with Him, even Lupus or any disease for that matter. Just keep the faith!

It’s been awhile. To those who left some remarkable and touching comments on my latest post Chasing Time, thank you so much and I’m sorry if I have not paid you a visit. I am very sick and my doctors said I should rest for a week or so but I have some stuff to finish so I’m here still blogging even for just awhile. Just a quick not, my herpes zoster re-occurred and this time it affected my right eye. I cannot open my right eye for days now and I’m still having some terrible headaches. I’m battered and torn, hopefully I can get out of this very soon.

I am quite blessed that I didn’t have to worry about pimples or acne when I was in my younger years. Until now, I don’t really have to worry about those face problems. My friends asked me if I have a beauty regimen that I follow regularly because my face always look radiant but the truth is I just wash my face with soap and I never sleep with make-up on. I don’t usually wear heavy make-up and I often used sunblock. It must have been difficult to have acne or pimples and for women that will certainly affect our confidence and self-esteem. It’s a good thing there’s a lot of acne removal available today so that women need not to worry about it too much.

I was starting to get depressed. A few weeks ago, I was complaining about the unbearable chest pain that I had and I was diagnosed to have Costochondritis and my rheumatologist gave me something for the pain and advised me to slow things down and take a break from work which I did. I took a leave from work for a couple of days and I refrain from doing any stressful things, so that I can get better. I was hoping that because I took a couple of days off, I’m on my way on getting better but last weekend my headaches had been constant and is becoming intolerable, I was even screaming for pain. Even my pain killers don’t seem to work anymore and last night, I developed a red rash in my forehead and this morning I had blisters. I was terrified, I thought I’m having another major lupus flare and it really scared me.

I went to my dermatologist this afternoon and she told me it was Herpes Zoster and explained to me what it was and she also gave me something for the pain. So I guess, this is where my headaches are coming from. I sort of had a sigh of relief, at least it was not a lupus flare and it was diagnosed early so it can be treated well. Now, I can probably sleep calmly again.

So many things had happened to me in the past days. The pain in my chest finally took a toll on me and I was rushed to the hospital but my rheumatologist was nowhere to be found so my mom decided that we consult with my previous rheumatologist. I just couldn’t bear the pain anymore and I was almost confined in the hospital but I just don’t want to. Hospitals make me feel more sick than I am already am and being there really annoys me. It was such a blessing that my previous rheumatologist accepted me again with open arms and after updating him with my current medical situation, he immediately gave me something for the pain and he diagnosed that I have Costochondritis. It is a common form of inflammation of the cartilage where ribs attach to the breastbone, the sternum. The inflammation can involve multiple cartilage areas on both sides of the sternum but usually is on one side only, and in my case it’s in my right side. I am so glad that there’s nothing serious about my condition and he also advised me to relax and stop working for awhile, which I did and now, I am feeling much better.

I’m not at all a beach babe and I definitely don’t have the body to show off at Boracay but what the heck fat or not I enjoyed the beach and I had my share of swimming along the island without my cover-up but I’m too shy to post those pictures here LOL I’m glad that somehow I’m not that fat anymore, would you believe I lost 25lbs in just three months. Should I be worried with the rapid weight loss? Nah, I know I didn’t take anything like lipovox or starved myself to diet I just tried to eat healthy foods and do the exercise I’m allowed to do and slowly I am reaping the fruit of my discipline. I’ve never felt so good as I feel today ever since I got sick with lupus.

Lupus maybe a chronic disease but I still think cancer is the most dreadful illness of all. My family has its share of heartbreaking losses because of various cancers that struck my loved-ones and this is why I want to learn more about cancer. Its common symptoms, causes and possible treatments. Today, I learned about mesothelioma its asbestos that caused cancer of the serous membranes that surround many of the body’s vital organs. I guess, it helps to be informed and prevention is still best than cure. We can fight cancer and any other illnesses, just always keep the faith and trust in God.

Did you know that you can get gum disease even after your teeth have been removed? People who wear dentures can get irritation in their gum tissues underneath their dentures

Bacteria can grow there and the gums can become inflamed and infected.

Just like your original teeth, dentures need to be cleaned thoroughly on a daily basis. They should be removed at night so that bacteria will not get a chance to grow.

Did you know that even though you are wearing dentures, you still need to see a dentist regularly? Changes in how your dentures fit can make it possible for you to be vulnerable to gum disease developing. If your dentures no longer fit properly, your gums can become irritated, inflamed, and infected. Call your dentist and make an appointment for a checkup as soon as possible!

Goji: Fact Vs Fiction

One of the latest crazes in the healthfood industry is the goji berry. Countless companies sell goji juice, dried goji berries, and goji capsules. The goji berry is touted as bing a miracle product with many different health benefits. It is true that goji contains some very beneficial nutrients, and that goji can provide some great health benefits. However, some people have exaggerated what the goji berry can do. Here are a few myths about goji….

Myth: Goji berries contain 500 times the vitamin C that oranges do.
Truth: Goji berries contain somewhere between 1.2 and 5 times the vitamin C that oranges do.

Myth: Goji can cure _________
Truth: There are no scientific studies to indicate that goji can cure any disease or ailment.

Myth: Goji is a great source for vitamins
Truth: Goji does contain vitamins, but the important components in goji are the special polysaccharides in the goji berry

FreeLife, the company who largely brought goji to market recently performed a double-blind, placebo controlled study on GoChi, their goji juice product. This study found that the product offered excellent health benefits and helps dispel some myths and establish factual information on goji.

I’ve had SLE or systematic lupus since 2001, it was inevitable that three years ago I was diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis. My Nephrologists wanted me to undergo kidney biopsy to determine the extent of damage in my kidney due to Lupus but the thought of undergoing another surgery freaked me out. I just can’t imagine myself going through all the process in the operation table, it is something that really scared me so I told my doctor that I will take my chances and just rely on faith that the medication that we’ll be trying out will work on me. First, I went through a series of chemo therapy I hated that. The nausea, dizziness, feeling weak and losing my hair really brought me into depressed mode but I always tell myself that if I wanted to get well then I have to fight this and I have always been firm that God is with me all the way. I had two cycles of chemo, but my white blood cell count was always low and that it became a persistent problem. My urine test shows that there are still protein leak in my kidneys and that Lupus is not being treated well. And I asked my doctor if there’s an alternative medication besides chemo which apparently is not working for me, this is when my doctor introduced me to Cellcept.

I’ve been taking Cellcept for almost a year now and I think its somehow working. But here are some side effects that I should worry about… chest pain, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, mild weakness, swelling hands and feet, numbness, anxiety, insomnia and headache. Well, I have most of that but there are still manageable except for my insomnia and headache. Prolong use of Cellcept also has more risk for skin cancer so I really need to stay away from the sun. It also lowers my body’s immune system and I am more vulnerable for infections and I must not get pregnant while I’m taking Cellcept for it will cause serious harm for me and for my unborn child. That is if I ever get pregnant at all, or if I ever get married even.

But I am not losing hope, for I know the Lord’s plan in my life and He always keeps His promises.

I was in the middle of arranging my sidebar when I accidentally browsed on some Lupus sites. Of course, I don’t need to take any Lupus screening test anymore to determine if I am indeed a “Lupie” but I just can’t resist it and do I really need to be surprised with the result?

You answered 14 items out of 16 which may be associated with the symptoms of lupus.

Your score is 88%. You have many of the symptoms associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. If you have been evaluated by a doctor for clinical and laboratory findings, continue to follow your doctor’s recommendations. If you have not seen a doctor or rheumatologist yet, please make an appointment so your condition can be properly evaluated.

Anyway, if you suspect you have Lupus or if you know someone who might have Lupus then there’s really no harm in trying out this Lupus Screening Test. The earlier you detect you have the disease, the better you can prepare for it.

Everyone knows eating fruits is good for health since fruits make your skin glow and your hair healthy. But what is the best way to eat them? Is eating fruits with their skin more beneficial? Should you eat fruits before or after a meal? There are many other questions, which normally bother you. We have thus brought for you some fruit facts and tried to dispel some myths.

Apple a day keeps the Doctor away

This is very true and it does keep the doctor away. In fact apples and all other fruits, for that matter, have proven over time to do nothing but good for human beings.

It is better to eat fresh fruit

This is also true. When making fruit juice, valuable fiber may be removed. Sugar may also be added to packaged juices that are bought from supermarkets. Sugar syrup may also be added to the juices sold at hawker stalls. So, by drinking juices in place of fruit, you could gain more calories but miss out on valuable dietary fiber.

Fresh orange juice is better than frozen concentrate orange juice

This is a myth. Researchers have recently discovered that orange juice made from frozen concentrate can have higher levels of active Vitamin C than ready-to-drink orange juice. And once reconstituted, the vitamin in frozen juices may keep its potency longer. This is because Vitamin C is destroyed very easily and ready-to-drink orange juice goes through more processing than concentrates.

Yellow fruits are rich in vitamin C

This is true. The puld of yellow fruit is a good source of bioflavonoids, which can help neutralize cancer-causing substances. Color therapists say yellow foods are foods associated with the sun, and can raise one’s spirits and boost optimism. Thus eat lots of yellow fruit like bananas, grapefruit, pineapples, melons, lemon etc.

Red fruits contain vitamin A

This is true. Red fruits contain beta-carotene, the plant version of vitamin A. Fruits with a higher level of beta-carotene are redder in color. Color therapists say red fruits have a warming and energizing quality. Thus eat lots of watermelons, cranberries, red apples, raspberries, red cherries, red plums, strawberries, tomatoes etc.

Green fruits are good for your heart

This is true. Green fruits are the most vital of all fruits since they contain a chemical that protects you against heart attack and keeps your heart healthy. They also protect one against bacteria, thus reducing the risks of food poisoning and tumors. They are recommended for low blood pressure and soothing the nerves. Thus you should include avocados, green grapes, green apples, kiwi fruit, limes etc in your meals.

Orange fruits keep you fresh and active

This is true. Orange fruits are rich in beta-carotene, which makes one energetic and active all day long. It is seen by color therapists as the color of creation, and is linked to the mind and ideas. Eat lots of mangoes, apricots, oranges, nectarines etc.

People who want to lose weight can go on a fruit-only diet

This is a Myth.The body needs a balanced diet in order to be healthy. Eating only fruits will deprive the body of the necessary nutrients not found in fruits.

Popping a Vitamin C capsule is just as good as eating an orange

This is a myth. Fruits and vegetables contain numerous phytochemicals. For example, broccoli alone may contain as many as 10,000 phytochemicals. Although phytochemicals have been found to benefit the body in some ways, the safety of large doses of isolated, purified phytochemical, as found in supplement capsules, has not been investigated thoroughly. So, the best and safest source of phytochemicals is an actual fruit and not a supplement

In my personal quest to somehow ease the effect of Lupus in me, I’m always at the lookout for new medicines, new research and ways to improve my condition and avoiding the dreadful flares. It has been said over and over again that Lupus is a chronic illness, something that I would have for the rest of my life and although I’m not going to contradict Science I am claiming for complete healing through my faith in God. Somehow I know that God will release me from all these pain in His own perfect timing and for now I just need to be patient and work on some ways to somehow live with Lupus with grace…

My first step was changing my diet. I’m not really a health buff and I enjoy comfort foods a lot but I have strictly followed a diet to help boost my immune system and who knows, it might be helpful for you too.

1. Cook with Olive Oil. Excessive fat intake does impair immune system response to illnesses, however monounsaturated fats found in olive oil does not have this effect, it may even strengthen our immune system. Canola oil can be used as replacement if olive oil is not available.

2. Eat a lot of fruits, at least two to three times a day.

3. Consume vegetables at least once a day. This one was tough for me since I don’t really like vegetables but we all need it to have a good defense on any sickness.

4. Make eating fat-free live-culture yogurt a daily habit. It strengthens our immune system and I usually start my day with it as part of my daily breakfast, along with oatmeal or bread.

5. You do need something fishy, especially the ones that are high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon and mackerel. Fish is also the healthiest of meats that we can have in our diet.

6. I love chicken and it was a sacrifice on my part to take out its skin and just eat it at least two to three times a week.

7. Avoid red meat! Need I explain more?