Struggles and Good News

Just came from the hospital for check up with my nephrologist.

Nephro said I'm okay. My creatinine level, although still a little bit high, it's steadily going down. My doctor said he's not worried because I'm improving. Praise God!!! That's definitely music to my ears.

Had another doctor's appointment yesterday. My rheumy said I'm getting better.  She tapered my meds already, though gradually. That's better than taking my usual full dosage. She's pleased with the results of my blood tests. Actually, some were not good, but according to her, they're not really that bad and could've just been caused by the meds I'm currently taking. All I need to do is drink more water. Praise God!!!

I thank God for this good news. I believe in my heart that God's healing touch is working in my body everyday.

I did feel a little bit tired when I woke up this morning. I know that this is part of having lupus, but instead of dwelling on that, I choose to focus on the truth that God is in control. Same goes with my work and finances. Meds and vitamins are expensive. Working can be a challenge sometimes because there would be days that I'd feel overly fatigued that I'd rather stay home and sleep. All these could be valid reasons to cause me to panic already, but I keep reminding myself that God will supply ALL of my needs.

I also know that not too many people would understand the struggles I go through everyday with lupus.  From where I am, not everybody knows or have even heard what lupus is. When they ask me what it is, I don't even know how to explain it to them. How else would I be able to make them understand why sometimes my moods are so out of whack and why I feel exhausted sometimes even when I haven't been doing anything yet?

It's hard, but with God's grace I know I'll be able to surpass all these.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

"'My grace is all you need. my power works best in weakness.'" So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT

WFW - Deuteronomy 31:8

Hop on to Lori's for more WFW entries. God bless!!!

Sigh...

I hope my doctor tapers my steroid dosage already. It's really getting so frustrating when I look at myself at the mirror. I gained so much weight in a span of a month from having an appetite like a gorilla's. I couldn't stay out from an airconditioned room for long without sweating like an animal. I'm losing hair like they're running a marathon and have a mind of their own.  None of my jeans fit anymore. When I do wear them, I'd look like a gigantic sausage. My vision became so blurry. It's so frustrating! 

Sigh...

Forgive me for ranting... I'm just really frustrated.

I ♥ !!!

Watched my fave movie with my very good friend Enoch.

Meet the Blogger

I met another blogger last Wednesday!

Patsy from HeARTworks and I finally met in person. I got an email from her a few days before our meeting inquiring about Jule of the Orient. I gladly shared with her my experience and how the product is helping me with my on-going recovery.

I'm so glad to have met her family, too. They're all super nice. I truly admire this family for how they treat each other with much love and respect.

Achie Pats and her family own the famous Papemelroti here in the Philippines. Their products reflect their love for God, family, home, country and the environment. I especially love the story of how Papemelroti started... very inspiring.

With Peggy and Patsy

On a different note, I spent almost the whole day again in the hospital yesterday for more blood tests and a check up. I had thyroid and whole abdomen ultrasound done.  Thank God the results came out all good. I also had blood tests done for CBC, ESR, Lipid Profile, FT3, FT4, TSH, Glucose (fasting) and SGOT.  My ESR, cholesterol and triglyceride were high, but the rest were all good.  I have to cut down on carbs.  See those chubby cheeks? I'm not happy with those.  I hope my doctor would taper my steroids already!  Now, why is my cholesterol high??? I eat mostly fish and veggies.  Could it be because of steroids again? It's so frustrating!

Anyway, I'm glad I've had all those tested; at least now, I know.  I can't help but think about what God's been planning for me.  I know He's preparing me for something really great and, you know, in spite of everything I went through... I'm excited!

Lord, thank you for everything.  Thank you that You are in control.  Thank you that I'm so much at peace knowing that my life is in Your Hands.  

A Holistic Approach

I went to see a holistic doctor last Tuesday who was referred to me by my friend, Shirleen. I didn't know what to expect  during my first appointment with Dr. Millora. My objective was just to know more about lupus and optimize my wellness. I was quite pleased with the result of this first meeting.

A thorough investigation of my health was done. A comprehensive interview regarding my health concerns and health history lasted for about an hour or so. A routine check of my vital signs was also done. The doctor checked my medical records and asked about the meds I'm currently taking. Then, in the end, she gave me a customized treatment plan. These are mostly vitamins and antioxidants to supplement what's lacking in my body. By the way, I also checked with my rheumatologist about the supplements my holistic doctor recommended and she approved of them.

What I like about this meeting was that I discovered that holistic doctors do not just eliminate symptoms, but the underlying causes of illness. I was a bit surprised when she asked me if I have silver amalgam fillings. I thought "what does that have to do with lupus?" She then continued that those could be a probable cause of my autoimmune disease. Hmmm... Interesting.

Autoimmune disorders

Dental amalgam has been found to be a frequent contributor to oral lichenoid lesions and is possibly a variable associated with an increased risk of other autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, thyroiditis and eczema. (Wikipedia)

Whether this is a fact or a hoax, I've already decided to have all my dental fillings replaced after my treatment.

Anyhoo, yesterday I went to see an opthalmologist, as advised by my rheumy, for my blurry vision which I've been complaining about for almost two weeks now.  She said I have to have my eyes checked for glaucoma or cataract, could be side effects of steroids.

In my mind I was already screaming. "WWWHHHHAAAATTTT??? AAAAAARRRRGGGG!!!!!!!!"

Okay, so the doctor checked my eyes. He said that no nerve has been damaged so far.  My blurry vision is temporary and once I get off the steroids, my vision would eventually normalize, but I have to change my glasses because the grade increased.

Whew! That's a relief.  He ordered a series of other tests to be done just to make sure my eyes were okay.

Sure. No problem.

When I got home after a day of check up in the hospital, I couldn't help sighing.  I've spent so much for medicines on top of the bills that I have to pay.

Sigh...

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Dear Lord, I need your help. I know You know what I need now.  You promised You will provide and I'm depending on Your promise. Help me, Lord. Thank you for hearing my prayer and for your provision. In Jesus' name, amen!

Going Natural

Ever since the flare, I've been very careful with everything I eat and use for my body.  You can say that now I'm a little bit obsessed with anything natural.  Organic food... hmmm... not really sure about that since a lot of goods being sold in the grocery are not really organic, unless I get it straight from the farm.

Since I was required to put on sunblock everyday, I got curious about the ingredients being used in the product. Are these ingredients safe to use everyday? How about my lotions, moisturizers, lip balm, soap, shampoo, conditioner? The list goes on. Do they contain harmful chemicals?

I will talk about the products I use probably on my next posts. 

Not too long ago, I was introduced to this product called Jule of the Orient by a friend around July of this year and I decided to give it a try. I used it for a month and a half then I had my OBGYN check up. Still wasn't sure if it worked, but I received good news. My left ovary was finally NORMAL as opposed to being polycystic for as long as I can remember. After taking it for 3 months, I had another OBGYN check up and yup, my left ovary is normal.  Praise God!  Will have another check up by early next year.

Then the flare happened. I got even more curious about Jule so I did a little bit of research if this could help me with lupus or any other disease for that matter. Please note that I'm still on Prednisone and Plaquenil until my doctor tapers them down on my next check up this November.  Also, please take time to read this because this helped me a lot and I want to share this with you. A little bit lengthy, but please bear with me.

What's in the Jule of the Orient?

Jiaogulan. The immortality herb is considered as the premier adaptogen to balance body systems and enhance energy production.

Goji Berry. Contains glycoproteins called Lycium barbarum polysaccharides with wide-ranging benefits for human health.

Açai Fruit. Has a very high antioxidant capacity and possesses a wide nutrient spectrum.

Japanese Sophora Bud. The world’s richest source of the flavonoid quercetin, a powerful antioxidant.

Amalaki Fruit. The centerpiece of many traditional Ayurvedic formulations; exerts natural prodigestive properties.

Aronia Berry. One of the highest reported antioxidant scores on ORAC scale.

Astragalus Root. A staple of Traditional Chinese Medicine to improve immunity.

Camu-Camu Fruit. Contains more natural Vitamin C than any other known botanical.

Cranberry. Promotes healthy urinary tract function.

Elderberry Fruit. Rich in flavonoids and other compounds to support immune function.

Ginger Root. Promotes healthy digestive function and may support healthy blood and vascular health.

Jujube Fruit. One of the world’s oldest fruits; used in Chinese medicine as tonic for 4,000 years.

Luo Han Guo Fruit. Contains unique antioxidants that support healthy immunity.

Pomegranate Fruit. Hundreds of studies validate its health-promoting effects.

Rhodiola Root. Used traditionally in Tibet, northern China, and Eastern Europe as an adaptogenic tonic.

Blueberry. May protect the heart, brain, and vascular system against free-radical damage.

Lychee Fruit. High in nutrients, especially Vitamin C; supports gastrointestinal health.

Schisandra Berry. Promotes energy, supports liver and kidneys, and supports a healthy heart and central nervous system.

Bilberry. Contains powerful antioxidants to protect eyes, brain, and other organs.

Longan Fruit. Contains several compounds, including ellagic acid, that bestow antioxidant and cell-protective effects.

Codonopsis Root. One of the most widely used Chinese tonic herbs; supports digestive, respiratory, and immune health.

Cherry Juice. Contains 17 antioxidants; may help with joint discomfort.


54 scientifically validated health benefits you can get from taking Jule.

Frequently Asked Questions

I thank God for paving the way for me to get to know this product.  Mom and my 2 nephews are now taking this too.  I wish I'd known about this product before Dad passed away.

If you have questions about my experience with Jule and how it helped save my kidneys from the effect of lupus, please leave a comment or send me a private message here.

"For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13