Would You Like to Have a Glass of Milk?

It's raining outside. Yey! Finally, some cool breeze is coming inside the house. I guess summer is almost over.

I've been crazy busy with work the past weeks. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, busy is good. I've also started distributing farm fresh cow's milk. It's so yummy! I've tried it myself and even checked out the farm where the cows were. If you're a Philippine resident and want to know more about Holly's milk products, send me a message.

The farm

Anyway, my blood test results weren't all that good, but my doctor said, it's not alarming. Yes, it's frustrating, but she said it will eventually stabilize. And I'm praising God for that.  I feel fine and that's what matters to me now. God is still good.  I still believe that healing is mine.  I still believe that His promises to me, ALL OF THEM, will come to pass.  That I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

So... Would you like to have a glass of milk? =)

Yada Yada

I've been sitting here for hours wanting to write something, but couldn't think of anything to write.  Nothing's happening really except for my weekly check ups which will just bore you if I start talking about it.  But I'm good and I thank God for that.

Regarding my work... I'm still doing client calls, closing sales (Thank God!) and meeting my quota... most of the time.  I wish I could say all the time.  =) I'm still waiting for that BIG break though.  I know it'll come.

I'm still taking care of my fur baby, Sushi.  She's such a cutie. She's now 8 months. There's this event called BlogPaws Conference 2013. Wish I was able to attend though.  Oh yeah, one thing new I guess is how I became a pet lover. I especially love cats.

My family is doing good.  Thank God! Mom is quite happy with her new place. I think I already told you that before.  

Financially, well,  it's always been a challenge with the price tags of my meds and supplements, but God has been faithful. He does provide.  For those who know lupus, you know that that does not come in cheap.  Probably in other countries, people are well informed what lupus is about and maybe they have programs to support people with lupus.  Well, not from where I am.  

Anyway, I will have to start ordering my supplements online.  Will have to check if I can get them cheaper that way or buy them from my doctor.  

Well, I guess that's it for now.  Have a happy weekend! 

Yey!

I had my check up again yesterday with my three doctors. Showed them my latest blood test results and they were quite happy with them.  My nephrologist said lupus is under control.  That's music to my ears.  Praise God!  But as you all know, I'm not just believing God to make lupus under control but to make it disappear forever in my life.  Translation: completely healed!

Photo credit: loadedwithexcuses.com

I think the lupus was "under control" mainly because of my diet.  I eat what most would qualify as "boring".  I'll eat a banana and a glass of green smoothie for
breakfast. Okay, I have somebody who supplies me with that that's good for 3 days a liter. I'll have veggies and fish or chicken for lunch and dinner.  I'll have green salad in between meals. I'll have either avocado, pineapple or papaya for dessert. I'm not perfect and sometimes I still succumb to some of my guilty pleasures like ice cream, chocolate cookies, brownies and cheese quesadilla.

Believe me, with that kind of diet, my weight is still like a roller coaster.  I'd gain some, I'd lose some then I'd gain them back again.  I asked my doctor about this and she said it's mostly water retention and for as long as I'm taking steroids, I'll have that problem.  Good news is, my doctor started tapering my steroids. Yey!

I'm praising God for this!

Thankful Thursday

This week I'm grateful for His word to me.  It's an assurance, a promise that I can hold on to.

"No one will be able to resist you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not abandon you or leave you alone." Joshua 1:5

Please click HERE for full details.



What are you thankful for this week?

For more Thankful Thursday, visit Iris over at Grace Alone.

I Got a Miracle

I was so sure that something was wrong because I can still feel a little bit of pain on the mid section of my back where the kidneys are and lower back too.  I had UTI before my blood test yesterday. I knew my test was not going to be good.

I prayed.  I told God my concerns.

Lord, with how I'm feeling right now, I know something is wrong. But I know you can turn this around.  It's clear that I need a miracle to make the results favorable to me.  So Lord, I'm asking for a miracle.  Not my will but Yours be done.  I'm asking all these in Jesus' name.

And this was His word to me:

"No one will be able to resist you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not abandon you or leave you alone." Joshua 1:5

I went to the hospital for my blood test.  Got the results last night.

I couldn't believe my eyes.  My creatinine level was normal.  My urynalysis' protein level which is also an indicator of my kidney function says "trace". That's better than having a positive number next to it. With a positive number, it means my kidneys are leaking protein which shouldn't be the case.

Now that my kidneys are doing much better which I have to maintain, the goal is now to make the lupus go in remission away for good.

God is so good!  He's amazing.  He granted me a miracle.

Thank you, Lord!

Now I Understand

I know I may sound like a broken record when I say that I'm in pain, but that's the sad, awful truth. For somebody like me who's having flares often this season of my life, pain is something I have to live with.  It's hard to explain how painful is painful when I do go through it.  I wish I can, for 5 minutes, to transfer this pain to somebody who's curious or even judgemental on how I feel when pain is there, then I'll take it back just so they will have the "feel" of what it's like to have this chronic illness. But of course I know that wouldn't happen.  They just simply wouldn't understand until they experience it themselves.

Today, I still feel a little bit of pain in my arms, but it's less painful than usual. Days like these I rejoice because I can move without pain getting in the way. This actually makes me appreciate life in a new perspective.  When you're living in pain most days and suddenly you wake up without it or less of it, you'll understand me when I say it's a time for rejoicing.  All I can utter is THANK YOU, LORD!

I wish everyday I will be pain free. I wish everyday I won't feel tiredness or brain fogs. I wish I can be "normal" again.

Looking back when I was barely a teenager, now I understand why I felt the way I did.  Why I had those episodes where no concrete explanation was available. Today, they're all making sense.  Different kinds of autoimmune diseases struck me in the past - Guillen Barre Syndrome, Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome to name a few.  All life threatening, but I survived them all.  I feel like my body is being overhauled now that finally this lupus thing came out, the mother of all these sickening autoimmune diseases I had in the past.  Now that it's identified, I can now deal with it head on.

I don't ask God why me because really, that's one question that I'll tell you you're wasting your time asking.  God has a purpose. He knows what He's doing. He knows me even before I was born.  He already plotted the path I will have to take.  In short, everything I'm going through will not surprise Him because He knew all along. And since I trust Him with all my life, I am assured that the best days are yet to come.

Friends, thank you for praying.  I also pray for all of you.  I don't need to know who you all are because God knows.  I pray that you be blessed in all aspects of life.

Lupus Struggles

Hi friends.

I guess, my posts will be mostly updates on my health for friends and families overseas.  Forgive me for posting less and less lately.  Honestly, I'd love to post more often, but lately I haven't been feeling too well to do so.  I've been having blood test almost every week to monitor progress or regress/lapses on my current condition.

My doctor was kind enough to get me an eBook about lupus - The Lupus Bible & Norton Protocol.  This will help me understand more on what's happening in my body and how to control flares.

I've been experiencing lupus arthritis every morning for the past three weeks.  It's very painful and would wake me up very early in the morning.  I'm also experiencing muscle stiffness and brain fogs.  I keep forgetting things so I have to list down everything I need to do so I won't miss out on anything as much as possible.  This is very frustrating for somebody like me I tell you.  I also feel very exhausted most of the time to the point of not being able to get up from bed.

Do I like going through all these? NO!

But how would I explain these things to ordinary people who don't even have the slightest idea what lupus is?  I don't look sick, I look like I just gained a lot of weight. Surely, some would think I'm just slacking off, but they don't know the pain I'm going through each day.  How do I explain this to regular people? How will they understand?

Aside from these inconveniences, this illness also gave me lupus nephritis. It affected my kidneys and now I have to constantly watch what I eat and how much I take in.  No fun for somebody who's taking steroids, who's constantly craving for food.

May I ask you to please continue to pray for me.  I really want to get well and yes, I still believe healing is mine.  I'm not doubting that.  I know Jesus will heal me.  When?  Only He knows.

Lord, I humbly submit myself to you.  I know you will give me the grace and the strength to keep going because I know you're not done with me yet.  But should I reach the end of the line, I am most excited to finally meet You.. my Maker, My Lord.

Lord, Thank You for Loving Me

I'm spending this holy week with Mom and Sushi.  I packed our stuff and brought them all to Mom's.

I'm reflecting on how good God has been to me all this time.  He has provided me everything that I need. He has shown me favor beyond expectation. Though my health is still being challenged, I am confident that God is at work and I'm on my way to full recovery.  Honestly, this has been a difficult journey.  It's not easy to be in pain most of the time, but God has been sustaining me because He gives me enough strength to function normally when the need arises.  It's not also easy to be on a high dosage of steroids because I'm gaining the extra pounds and feeling way too heavy for my normal built which makes it difficult for me to move around.  Sometimes all these difficulties would make me want to give up, but God is constantly reminding me that He is not done with me yet... that the best is yet to come.   

God is so good... SO GOOD!

Lord, thank you for loving me.  I love you very much.  

Request for Prayer - Update

***UPDATE***

I received the results of my blood tests.  My creatinine level is now down to 115.90. Normal values are between 53-115.  Praise God!!!  Prayer is very powerful.  Thank you for praying for me! The rest of the tests are okay.  I still have to see my doctor to know what the next step will be.  I will have another round of blood tests after the Holy Week.  God bless you, my dear Prayer Warriors!

*****************************************************************
March 21, 2013

Hi friends.

I will have another round of blood tests tomorrow.  I haven't been feeling well for the past 4 days.  I stay in bed most of the time because I've been feeling very weak. I really hate having all these symptoms because I couldn't do what I need to. I had to cancel meetings because I couldn't get myself to get up because of joint pains.  Please pray for me.  I really want these symptoms to go away.  I haven't been getting enough sleep either.

God, please help me. I need you right now.

I'm Not Giving Up - Another Health Update

Just another update on my check up.

Yesterday I had my 3 doctors' appointments.  I showed them my blood test results and were quite satisfied with the improvement.  They said the results have to improve more until they hit the normal levels which I agree.  I will have another round of blood tests on Friday next week.  The good thing was all my 3 doctors were smiling when they were checking on my test results which was the total opposite of their reactions when I had my check up last March 1.

Now here's the challenge. They added more meds and supplements.  That translates to additional cost. I know God will provide as He always does. Sometimes through friends, through family members and sometimes through people I don't even know.  He makes a way.  Do I have the funds now to get all of the prescribed meds and supplements?  No, I don't, but I know I will.

I attended Victory Weekend, our church's retreat, early this morning to accompany a friend.  My faith was recharged.  And I know without a shadow of a doubt that my God will supply ALL of my needs from His glorious riches which have been given to me in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

This lupus is sometimes driving me nuts because my moods and my thoughts are going faster than I could handle.  They go haywire at times that even if I wanted to stay calm, I become too overwhelmed that I feel like I'm going bonkers.  Trust me, I hate it when that happens.  But again, as God has promised, healing is mine.  And I will continue to claim that promise until I see the manifestation happening before my eyes.

I'm not giving up!

Thankful Thursday - Health Update

I thank the Lord that although my blood test results came out still on the high side, everything went down from the last test I had two weeks ago.  I'm still not sure what my doctors would say tomorrow during my check up, but from the looks of it, it seems that the meds that I've been taking lately are doing their job.

Thank you to all my friends who prayed for me.

Thank you, Lord, for this.  I know I'm still on my way to my healing and recovery. That hasn't changed.  


What are you thankful for this week?

For more Thankful Thursday, visit Laurie over at Women Taking a Stand.

I'm also linking up with Sarah over at Thankful Thursdays @ F4

Needs Prayer

Please pray for me.  I'm going to have another round of blood tests on Thursday.  I hope everything goes well.  I will be seeing all my three doctors on Friday.  Here's hoping and praying for a good report.

Lord, I humbly submit myself to you.

Lupus Update

I had my blood test yesterday.  Got the results today.

Bad news.

Rheumatologist and nephrologist said it seems like the lupus is active again and more aggressive this time. They wanted me confined so they can administer high dosage of steriods via IV, but I asked if there are any other options. They agreed to give me meds for now and repeat blood test on the 14th.

Please pray for me.

God's will be done!

Healing Is Mine

I've been busy with work and doctor appointments for the past weeks.  When I had some free time, I felt like I'd rather take a nap than do anything else... Oh yeah, and snack, too.

My last check up with my rheumy and nephro went okay.  My blood tests were all good except for one - my SGPT went a little bit high this time. My creatinine is steadily going down to normalcy, so that's good news. My RBC, WBC, HGB, HCT and platelet were all good... Praise God! Over all, my doctors were pleased with the results.  Will have another round of blood tests on February 28.  I have one more check up on February 1 with my holistic doctor.

I was informed just recently that I've almost maxed out my health card limit for the year. I will be renewing mine in April. That means on my next lab tests and doctor's appointments, I'd be cashing out already.  I don't like that at all, but God knows what I need and He promised He will provide.  So instead of getting all stressed out because of this, I'm choosing to believe that God will make a way for me.

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"  Matthew 6:27

I'm finishing a book - The Heart of Healing by Ardy Roberto.  His wife also had lupus and in his book, he shared their journey and how God worked miracles in their lives. I really find it very encouraging.

"For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37

I believe that I am already healed or am in the process of being healed, but one thing is for sure... Healing is mine. To God be all the glory!

Thumbs Up

Had another check up yesterday with my holistic doctor. All went well. I'm done with my colon cleansing regimen and now I'm into liver cleansing. She said we'll do it step by step until we're done with the program.  She's quite pleased with how everything turned out for me.  I'm responding pretty well with the supplements she prescribed.  Of course, I'm also happy when my doctors have this smile on their faces which I know literally means "thumbs up."

It was such a busy week for me.  I had so many errands to finish and deadlines to meet. My close friends are telling me to slow down a bit.  I know... They're worried that I might have another flare if I don't take it easy. I will you guys, don't worry. Thanks for the concern.

Now that I'm slowly eliminating food in my already seemingly "healthy diet" which can cause inflammation and flare, I've noticed how pricey this can be. To buy "good" food is expensive.  This can cause a huge dent on my budget. So, in as much as I wanted to get the good ones, sometimes I have to settle with the not-so-good-but-not-so-bad-food-either because of budget constraints.

Yesterday, I bought a bottle of Kefir. I heard how good this is for me, so I bought one to try.  Its nutritional benefits are better than yogurt although I must admit it tastes like rotten milk.  I couldn't care less for as long as I'd be healthier, I'll take it.

Anyway, I've also realized that this is my first post for the month of December and it's almost Christmas.  How time flies... My favorite time of the year!

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

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.

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