tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20335862796308841222023-11-16T10:53:58.441-08:00Fighting Lupus to SurvivePhilippine Herbal'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07771696460941307265noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033586279630884122.post-16302976062375464092019-08-11T06:22:00.001-07:002019-08-11T06:22:42.160-07:00Itago Mo Ako Sa Iyong PusoJust want to share this story written by my husband. I found it in his files, and I think it is worth sharing. <br />
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<b>ITAGO MO AKO SA IYONG PUSO</b><br />
By: Sustines E. Laplana (June 5, 2001)<br />
Published: Diwaliwan Magazine (2003)<br />
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Naaalala mo pa ba? <br />
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Noong Hunyo 1998 ay pumunta ako sa Cebu City upang mag-review para sa aming licensure examination. Isama sana kita upang huwag kang malayo sa akin. Subali’t kailangan mong maiwan sa Samar, dahil nagturo ka do’n sa isang elementaryang paaralan.<br />
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Linggo-linggo ay nagpadala ako ng sulat para sa iyo. Wala tayong naging problema sa simula, hanggang sa panahon na iniwan ko ang aking dating relihiyon, at umanib sa isang relihiyon na sa paniniwala ko ay tama. <br />
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Ang pagsasama natin na walang kasal o ang pakikipagtipan sa hindi kapananampalataya, ay pawang labag sa doktrina ng relihiyong ito. Kaya, inakay kita na sundan ako at umanib na rin dito. <br />
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Nagalit ka sa akin nang malaman mo ito. Nais mong iiwan ko ang relihiyong ito, at bumalik na sa dati kong pananampalataya. Subali’t hindi ko kayang gawin ang nais mo, sapagkat sumampalataya na ako, na ito na ang relihiyong maghatid sa akin upang ako’y maging ganap na karapatdapat sa pagbabalik ng ating Panginoong Jesucristo, sa araw ng paghuhukom.<br />
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Pinauwi mo ako. Opo. Nais ko nang umuwi upang makasama ka. Maraming gabi na akong nagtiis sa pangulila sa iyo. Nais kong madamang muli ang init ng iyong mga yakap at tamis ng iyong mga halik. Nais kong matikmang muli ang hain ng pag-ibig sa piling mo. Subali’t nagmamatigas ako. Hindi ako umuwi dahil natakot ako na baka ang pag-ibig na ito ang maging hadlang sa aking hangarin na maging tunay na kaanib sa relihiyong ito. <br />
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Mahal kita. Alam ng Diyos na mahal kita. Pero di ko rin maipagkaila na mahal ko ang Diyos higit sa lahat. At sinampalatayanan ko na, na ang pag-ibig ko sa Kaniya ay maipakita ko lamang sa pamamagitan ng pagsunod sa kaniyang kalooban at mga kautusan.<br />
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Setyembre 1998. Tumawag ka sa akin. Umiyak ka. Nakiusap ka sa akin na umuwi na. “Dito sa relihiyong ito ako maghihintay sa’yo,” sagot ko. “Ipakita mo sa akin na mahal mo ako sa pamamagitan ng pag-anib sa relihiyong ito. Please!” Yan ang pakiusap ko sa’yo.<br />
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Hindi ka kumibo sa kabilang linya. Wala akong ibang narinig kundi ang mga hikbi mo. “Mahal kita, Ma. Alam mo yan,” sabi ko. <br />
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“Kung mahal mo ako, bakit ayaw mong umuwi dito? Bakit ayaw mo nang magpakita sa akin?”Humagulhol ka na. “Kung mahal mo ako, bakit ayaw mo na akong pakinggan? Dahil ba may iba ka nang babae?”<br />
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“Hindi sa ganon Ma...” Magpaliwanag sana ako, pero di mo ako pinakinggan. <br />
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“Yan ba ang tunay na dahilan kung kaya umanib ka sa relihiyong iyan?” Marami ka pang sinasabi pero... “Ma,” ayaw mo pa rin akong pakinggan. <br />
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Alam kong alam mo, na ikaw lamang ang aking minahal. At lalong hindi babae ang dahilan kung bakit ako umanib dito. Kilala mo ako, noon pa. Umanib ako dito dahil sa katotohanang aking natanto ukol sa aking dating relihiyon, at sa katotohanan ukol sa ating kaligtasan. Hindi ba’t noon pa man, ay nais ko nang ihandog ang aking sarili sa paglilingkod sa Diyos bilang isang pari? Hindi ba’t lumaki ako sa loob ng kumbento. Hindi ba’t noon pa ma’y kinahihiligan ko na ang magbasa ng Biblia? Alam kong alam mo yan.<br />
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Hindi mo ba naramdaman ang damdamin ko nang panahong iyon? Umiyak ako, dahil ayokong mawala ka. Opo. Umiyak ako... Sa unang pagkakataon, umiyak ako nang dahil sa pag-ibig... Dahil sa pag-ibig na ito... Dahil sa pag-ibig ko sa’yo. <br />
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Pero, ayaw mo akong unawain. Ayaw mo akong pakinggan. “Ma, hihintayin kita dito sa loob ng relihiyong ito. Kailan man ay hindi ako hahanap ng iba hihintayin kita.” <br />
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Subali’t kahit anong sabihin ko’y balewala sa’yo. Patuloy ka sa pagsasalita nang kung anu-ano. Hindi mo man lamang inisip na ang mga sinasabi mo’y nakakasakit sa akin at nagpapabigat ng aking damdamin. <br />
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Kaya, “kung di mo kayang patunayan ang pag-ibig mo sa akin sa pamamagitan ng pag-anib dito,” humagulhol na rin ako. Nanginginig ang aking buong katawan. Nahirapan akong huminga. “...Hindi kita pipigiling maghanap ng iba.”<br />
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Masakit man sa aking damdamin ay nasabi ko sa’yo ang mga salitang iyon. Hindi mo dapat marinig iyon! Alam ko hindi dapat pero nasabi ko na.<br />
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Nang ibaba ko ang telepono, bigla akong bumagsak sa sahig. Umiyak ako. Opo! Siguro di ka maniniwala. Hindi ka maniwalang umiiyak ako, gaya ngayon habang sinusulat ko ang sulat na ito. Umiiyak ako dahil labis ang pangungulila ko sa’yo lalo na ngayon na hindi na kailan man tayo maaring magkasama pa... Ngayong may asawa ka nang iba.<br />
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Mahal pa rin kita. Tatlong na taon nang nakalipas subalit narito ka pa rin sa puso ko. Hanggang ngayon ay ikaw pa rin ang laman ng isip ko. Ikaw pa rin ang nakikita ko. Hinihintay pa rin kita, kahit alam kong imposible nang mangyaring magkabalikan pa tayo. Hinihintay ko ang babaeng hindi na kailan man babalik pa.<br />
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Oktubre 1998. Nabalitaan kong mayroon ka nang iba. Hindi ko alam kung gaano ka totoo ang balitang ito, subali’t pinaniwalaan ko ito. Mula noon, hindi naging buo ang mga araw ko kung hindi tutulo ang mga luha sa aking mga mata.<br />
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At sa labis na pagdaramdam ay sinikap kong patayin ang aking sarili. Nakalimutan ko, na ang dahilan ng aking pag-anib sa relihiyong ito ay ang kapurihan ng Ama. Nakalimutan kong marami pang mga taong umaasa sa akin.<br />
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Salamat sa Diyos, isang babae ang kinasangkapan niya upang tulungan ako. Inakay niya ako upang tumayo sa aking mga paa, at muling ihakbang ito upang akyatin ang hakdan ng aking buhay. Tinulungan niya akong maging malakas. Minahal niya ako. Sinubukan kong mahalin din siya subalit hindi ko kaya sapagkat ikaw lamang ang laman ng pusong ito.<br />
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Pebrero 1999. Nabalitaan kong buntis ka na. Masakit, pero dapat kong tanggapin. Wala na akong ibang magawa kundi ang lumuha, .... ang muling lumuha pa, at iluha ang lahat ng bigat ng aking loob sa Ama.<br />
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At kahapon ay naramdaman ko ang kaligayahang noon ko pa hinintay. Hindi ko alam kong bakit ko ito naramdaman. Aang tanging alam ko ay karga ko ang iyong anak... Na yakap-yakap ko siya, si Jufil Jr.<br />
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How I wish na si Jufil Jr. ay aking anak. Subali’t hanggang sa wish lamang iyon, sapagkat alam kong siya’y hindi akin, kundi anak ng iyong asawa.<br />
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Saan ka man naroon at saan ka man paroroon, nais kong malaman mo na hanggang ngayon ay mahal pa rin kita, at mamahalin ka hanggang sa araw ng aking kamatayan.<br />
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Makikisuyo sana ako sayo. Maari bang sabihin mo kay Jhenette, Jufil Jr. at sa mga anak mong darating pa, na minahal ko na rin sila, gaya ng pagmamahal ko sa’yo.<br />
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Please, itago mo ako sa iyong puso. At habang binabasa mo ang sulat na ito... Wala na ako. Pagod na pagod na ako, at kailangan ko nang magpahinga. Mahalin mo ang iyong asawa higit pa sa pagmamahal mo sa akin. Ingatan mo ang iyong sarili.Philippine Herbal'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07771696460941307265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033586279630884122.post-10403875553790921042019-04-12T23:07:00.000-07:002019-04-12T23:07:03.471-07:00Attending SPPMPC Annual Assembly<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today is the annual assembly of the Sts Peter and Paul Multi-Purpose Cooperative held in the municipal gym.I actually don't want to attend like this considering my health but I need to do do it because I want to receive something as incentives to members who will attend such activities.</div>
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Early this morning, I went to the venue of activities to register. So I need to stand for a while in a queue during this warm morning. This initial activity actually makes me feel bored and tired.</div>
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Yes, I am tired. I think, it is because my hemoglobin level is too low again. You see, I failed to follow the instruction of my doctor. I was told to take three immunosuppressants (HCQS, Prednisone and MyCept) but I could only afford to buy two of them (HCQS and Prednisone). And I was also told to take these immunosuppressants one tablet each three times a day, but I only take one tablet once a day. To raise my hemoglobin level, my doctor told me to take a certain injection once a week, but I couldn't because I couldn't afford to buy such injection.</div>
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Actually, I don't have sponsors anymore since the month of March. So, I don't have any option but to focus all my trust to God. If God permits that even without meds I can survive this illness, then that will be a great miracle to happen. God's miracle in my life is my only hope.</div>
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Philippine Herbal'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07771696460941307265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033586279630884122.post-13795109234229824062019-04-12T08:37:00.000-07:002019-04-12T08:37:47.197-07:00Lupus, Ice and Water<div style="text-align: justify;">
This post has nothing to do with my illness, Lupus. I just want to compile information that I learn after doing an information-search about making Ice Cream.</div>
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Why am I doing a research about making Ice Cream?</div>
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Well, I already had told you that my family is currently struggling to survive. We already had spent a lot of money for my therapy. I already took loans and am already at the point that I couldn't take another loan account because my net pay is already too low to have another loan account.</div>
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So, my husband decided that he should find a job for us, and this is the only way. But, he doesn't want to abandon his offices in the Church of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo) and for him, have a job, as if he is an employee might force him to abandon his Church offices and responsibilities. And then he suggested that it would be better if he will open a small business, instead... like doing a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) services or selling own-made ice cream (sorbetes style).</div>
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And as part of the start of the business, he did a research about Ice Cream making. And part of the procedure is the use of ice and salt.</div>
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So, I wondered: "why use the salt to the ice?" These are the result of my little research:</div>
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<li><u><b>What's the effect of salt to the ice?</b></u> Salt lowers the freezing temperature of the water. If the temperature of the ice is 30 degree Fahrenheit (for example), after adding salt, the freezing temperature will be come 29-down degree Fahrenheit. With the salt added to the ice, the salt after in contact with the liquid surface of the ice will melt first (dissolves) and make the liquid salty. Salted liquid film of the ice because its freezing point has been lowered already, causes the ice to melt down causing to have more liquid that also causes more salt to dissolve... the effect goes on and on, until all ice in a container or in an area melt. So, this is the reason why in the snowy places, they apply salt into the snow or ice to melt them down faster. This is also the reason why making artificial rain uses salt as part of the procedure.</li>
<li><u><b>How does we compare the melting ice without salt and melting ice with salt? </b></u>The ice without the salt melts because the air around it is warmer. The ice tends to absorb the warmth around it that causes it to melt. However, ice with salt melts faster that the ice without salt not because of the warmth around it but because its freezing temperature has been lowered down by the salt.</li>
<li><u><b>What's the point of using salt in making Ice Cream?</b></u> Salt lowers the freezing point of the water, right? So, the ice with salt will be much colder than the ones without ice, thus causing the ice cream to hardened faster. So, the water with salt needs more time to freeze compared to the liquid without salt. So, if you put a bag of water without ice into the cold water with salt, the water with salt remains liquid but the water without salt inside the bag freezes fast.</li>
</ol>
Philippine Herbal'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07771696460941307265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033586279630884122.post-75664788003495346792019-03-27T22:54:00.000-07:002019-03-27T22:54:27.022-07:00Voclosporin for Lupus Nephritis Patient Like Me<div style="text-align: justify;">
In my two years after being diagnosed of Lupus Nephritis, the immunosuppressant drugs given to me are Predisone, Mythel Prednisolone, Hydro Cortisone, Hydroxycloroquine Sulfate, Mycophenololate Mofetil and Cyclophosphamide. I can say that they are all effective based on the medical program administered by our Doctors.</div>
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Just today, while reading the news, I found a new drug, an immunosuppressant drug which is effective in treating Lupus Nephritis patients. And this is the Voclosporin.</div>
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Voclosporin of <a href="http://www.auriniapharma.com/">Aurinia Pharmaceuticals </a> is a calcineurin inhibator.</div>
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Calcineurin, on the other hand, according to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcineurin">Wikipedia</a> is "<span class="ILfuVd"><i>a calcium and
calmodulin dependent serine/threonine protein phosphatase (also known as
protein phosphatase 3, and calcium-dependent serine-threonine
phosphatase). It activates the T cells of the immune system and can be
blocked by drugs.</i>" In other words, it is an enzymes that activates the T cells of the immune system which then signals the the nearby cells to activates them in order to attack the invaders. The activation of cells as a way to attack invaders is called inflammation.</span></div>
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<span class="ILfuVd">So, Voclosporin when taken by a Lupus patient, combines with the Calcineurin that will cause to the change in structure of calcineurin. The structurally changed calcineurin will not be detected by the T cells thus T cells will not activate and there will be no inflammation to happen. </span></div>
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<span class="ILfuVd">According to a <a href="https://lupusnewstoday.com/voclosporin-lupus-nephritis/">news</a> article about Voclosporin, "</span><span class="ILfuVd"><i>70 percent achieved partial
remission after 24 weeks of treatment and 33 percent achieved complete
remission. After 48 weeks, 49 percent of patients on voclosporin, 23.7
mg twice a day, achieved complete remission, compared to 24 percent of
those given a placebo. </i>"</span></div>
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<span class="ILfuVd"> </span> </div>
Philippine Herbal'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07771696460941307265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033586279630884122.post-74757915565844957372019-03-19T16:28:00.002-07:002019-03-19T16:28:28.636-07:00Claim Your Free PhP50.00 (Philippine Peso)Who among you want a free PhP50.00? I am giving away this amount for free.<br />
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There are times that I couldn't sleep immediately at night because my brain is reminiscing those days when all those who cared for me and have great concern of me visited me, texted me, and called me up just to let me know that they're there ready to support me.</div>
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Then after that, I just make use of the time by blog hopping to the blogs maintained by Lupus Fighters around the world. I actually enjoyed this activity... reading their thoughts on their experiences being part of the Lupus community. And I just realized that there lots of them blogging like me.</div>
Philippine Herbal'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07771696460941307265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033586279630884122.post-60929960846518303472019-03-14T19:57:00.000-07:002019-03-14T20:02:18.304-07:00Toni Braxton, Finished a Tour<div style="text-align: justify;">
Toni Michelle Braxton who is a singer and songwriter and seven-time Grammy winner successfully finished her "<i>As Long As I Live</i>" tour even if she's suffering from Lupus symptoms. She called her illness , the "Stupid Lupus." (<a href="https://www.ebony.com/life/toni-braxton-finished-touring-lupus-symptoms/">news report</a>)</div>
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In 2010, Ms Braxton revealed for the first time in an interview that she's suffering the symptoms of SLE or Lupus. She told her audience how she struggled with the disease especially during its flare-up like what happened in 2012 and 2016. (<a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/toni-braxton-released-from-hospital-after-lupus-flare-up-115949/">source</a>)
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Philippine Herbal'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07771696460941307265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033586279630884122.post-33957854242809966502019-03-06T22:09:00.001-08:002019-03-12T22:44:54.644-07:00I Salute The Fallen Lupus Fighters<div style="text-align: justify;">
Every time I hear a news about a fallen Lupus Fighter, I feel a little bit nervous. For example, last December 2018, three of my fellow known Lupus Fighters in Eastern Visayas (Philippines) were fallen. And just this February 2019, another fighter, (Ma'am Kate Camagting) surrendered. I know them because they are members of the Eastern Visayas Lupus Warrior Group organized by a patient of one of the Rheumatologist in Tacloban City. And I believe, that there are others who are defeated by Lupus day by day.</div>
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Fighters' defeat simply tells us that Lupus really kills. And not only this Lupus can kill us but the drugs used to control Lupus can cause death too to us in a way that it will <a href="https://fightinglupustosurvive.blogspot.com/2019/02/lupus-and-aids.html">lower down our defense system against infection</a>. </div>
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We have no choice but to face the fact that if we want to win against Lupus, we need to use the weapons that can kill us too. In other words, we, the Lupus Fighters, are engaged in a battle against Lupus using our weapons that can kill both Lupus and us (the fighters). As we attack Lupus, we are actually attacking our own too. So, in the end, we will be killed either by Lupus itself or by the weapons we used to attack Lupus.</div>
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That's how ironic it is to be a Lupus Fighter. That's why I am getting ready for the worst. And I hope I will be one of the lucky fighters who will be successful in suppressing Lupus without losing our own life. </div>
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<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Draining Resources</h3>
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Just like what I already had told you, I am engaged on this fight against Lupus since 2016. The fight is not easy for us because we don't have the money for the medicines. You see, our income is only enough for our daily needs. So, in order to get hold of the medicines that I need, I am forced to have a series of loans from a bank, until I am no longer allowed to get another loan account.</div>
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When the Lupus flared up on July 2018, we were at the point of nowhere to run for, except to beg people to support us for this fight. And I am very much thankful, first to God, for giving you a generous heart and letting you feel pity (mercy) on me. And with your help and support, I am able to survive at least for seven months now. Thank you so much. </div>
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But as time goes by, my resources in fighting Lupus are fast draining too. I only have few armaments now and by a week or two, I will have no weapons at all. </div>
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But NO..... I am wrong!</div>
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I still have one very powerful weapon and more ammunition for the weapon too. That "<b>weapon"</b> is my faith to God, and these "<b>ammunition</b>" are your love and support to me.</div>
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This is the reason why in my past article (<a href="https://fightinglupustosurvive.blogspot.com/2019/02/lupus-and-cure.html">Lupus and the Cure</a>), I was talking about religion. And If you are one of my friends at Facebook, you would have noticed already that I am always posting updates related to my religion. </div>
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I just couldn't separate my fight against Lupus from religion because I am actually getting strength from the words of God taught to us during the worship services we have on Thursdays and Sundays. And I am such lucky to be part of the flock of Christ in these last days in the Far East (<a href="http://iglesianicristo.net/">Iglesia Ni Cristo</a>), because every time we congregate to worship God, I always receive the words of God in the form of lessons taught to us by our Church Administration that suits my situation.</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
God is My Lone Hope</h3>
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Lupus, just like what the doctors said, has no cure. It can be controlled but it has no cure. It means that if you have money, you can buy the needed medicines to control the illness. So, while being suppressed, Lupus is always there waiting for the right time to flare up, but at least with the right medicine, it is being controlled.</div>
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But in my case now, I think, it's different. As of the moment, I don't have the amount to purchase the medicines. The ones sponsored by the Hinunangan District Public Schools Employees Association (HDPSEA... Thank you very much) are almost gone. Without the right medicines to control this illness, Lupus will become an illness that has no cure and CAN'T be controlled.</div>
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Those fallen Lupus Fighters I mentioned above, before they tasted the defeat, they came first to the point of having a Lupus with no cure and can't be controlled, just because their resources were already drained.</div>
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So now, It's like I am already at a dead-end and nowhere to go, and I will just wait for the time to be defeated by Lupus.... But, that is, if I have no faith to our God. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At least, now I still have a firm faith to our God Almighty... <a href="https://askthebible.blogspot.com/2007/04/who-is-only-one-god-according-to-christ.html">the only true God</a>.... <a href="https://askthebible.blogspot.com/2007/05/who-is-father.html">the Father</a> of <a href="https://askthebible.blogspot.com/2019/03/questions-about-christ.html">Christ our Lord</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I think, this is the will of God that I will come to a point that I have nothing to control the illness, so that I will hold firmly to my faith to Him. And on the right time, you will see, how God will heal me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, I will just hold firmly to my faith, and be healed. To God be the Glory! </div>
Philippine Herbal'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07771696460941307265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033586279630884122.post-70224085568949319182019-02-21T21:50:00.003-08:002019-03-12T22:46:23.783-07:00Lupus and the Cure<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the truth about Lupus is that it has no cure, at least according to the doctors. So, once you are diagnosed of having Lupus, then you have Lupus forever. The only good thing, still according to the doctors, is that Lupus can be controlled and put-to-sleep. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzziC8kNUdAx1YLZJQAZiNS_ysYF_BcWKcz-qQTLhCAVt6hyphenhyphenqCRyWE8rC0GpMTMpYODic0sbbWSugN6gv9ek4dQGdN9K0OBvs9HLhA7JaXdRDoX56H4V7ogMSkbVwO0HPsRS6LmjFVzM/s1600/lupuswarriortours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="816" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzziC8kNUdAx1YLZJQAZiNS_ysYF_BcWKcz-qQTLhCAVt6hyphenhyphenqCRyWE8rC0GpMTMpYODic0sbbWSugN6gv9ek4dQGdN9K0OBvs9HLhA7JaXdRDoX56H4V7ogMSkbVwO0HPsRS6LmjFVzM/s400/lupuswarriortours.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lupus Fighter Tours</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just like asthma. If you are diagnosed of having asthma, this diagnosis will stay while you live. However, this illness can also be controlled, but I just don't know if it can be put-to-sleep.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To let you know, when I learned that my real illness is not just an ordinary nephritis but a Lupus-Nephritis, I suddenly felt nervous. I was thinking that that time might be my end, and that I might be leaving my two kids to their father, considering that Lupus really kills.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But it doesn't mean that I am afraid to die because for us, <a href="http://iglesianicristo.net/eng">Iglesia Ni Cristo</a> members, death is not a defeat, but it's a win (victory), as if it's the end of the race, and it's making us worthy of the prize. However, for me, it is sweeter to live longer here on earth along with my family.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last July 2018, while I was lying in bed in the Divine Word Hospital and my eyes were closed, I talked to God, and asked Him that If I am worthy, I want to live longer so that I may witness my two sons raising their right hands and taking oath to God as real Ministers in the Church of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo). And I believe, God has granted my request.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That recent flare-up of Lupus was, I think, very fatal (for me). And by considering my condition at that time and my financial capacity, I can say, I have less than 50 percent survival rate considering that Lupus treatment is expensive, and I almost have no income because my salary is almost gone for my loans. When my husband brought me to the Divine Word Hospital, he only had PhP5,000.00 in his pocket. I couldn't even imagine that from that amount, we spent atleast PhP200,000.00 for the medicine and my confinement in the said Hospital, including the chemotherapy sessions in another hospital (RTR Hospital) in Tacloban City.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If I am still alive now, it is already a miracle of God, and it's His answer to my prayers. It actually happened because of you, your concern to me, and your generosity. Thank you so much for the concern and support. I will never forget this. I owe you my life.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And I also know, it is God Himself who touched your heart. So, I always thank God for the blessings. That's the reason why I immediately returned to my duties in the church (as Choir Member and Finance Officer) soon as I regained my strength. Besides, God is the only one who can save me from this illness. He is the greatest Doctor. He is our creator. He is almighty. So, He can take away Lupus from me. So, I need to keep my relationship with God strong.<br />
<br />
It might be true that Lupus has no cure, but with God, nothing is impossible. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
My Job and My Religion</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You might have observed me leaving my work behind just to attend our worship service, church officers meetings and devotional prayers, and other church related activities. I do it not for anyone, but for God our Father. I always make sure that God is the priority in my life. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you are my immediate head or once an immediate head of me at work, you might experienced being embarrassed of me when I left you (with full of respect) and my work behind for my church duties. I am really sorry for that. But I just needed to do that. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Remember, <a href="https://askthebible.blogspot.com/2019/03/questions-about-god.html">God</a> is our <a href="https://askthebible.blogspot.com/2007/05/who-is-father.html">Father</a>, isn't it? And as a child, I need to follow His will so that I will be worthy of the blessings that I am always asking Him. That's why everything that is for Him is my priority. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You also have nothing to worry of me even if I heard what you had said about me when I left my work just to attend church activities. I really understand. And if you're wondering why I am very confident of doing that without the fear of losing my job, actually, it is because what I am doing is all for God. And besides of doing this for God, I am also well protected by our Constitution. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the Philippine Constitution, we can read this in Article III, Section 5, saying: "<i><b>No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.</b></i>"</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In other words, as a Filipino Citizen and a resident of the Philippines, I am allowed to exercise or practice my belief (religion) without discrimination. I am always allowed to take a leave of absence or under-time, for my church duties. And no one can force me to resign from work by pointing my absences and under-time that I had at work as the basis because what I did is part of my exercise of my religion.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After all, we are in a free country and we are protected by the law.</div>
Philippine Herbal'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07771696460941307265noreply@blogger.com0National Road, Hinunangan, 6608 Southern Leyte, Philippines10.428990074605089 125.1791311196013810.427977074605089 125.17729911960139 10.430003074605089 125.18096311960137tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033586279630884122.post-38756054533544118782019-02-17T23:17:00.000-08:002019-02-18T00:06:11.547-08:00Lupus and AIDS<div style="text-align: justify;">
On Tuesday February 12, 2019, I accompanied our District Supervisor in visiting private schools that are under her supervision. As we entered the compound of the Holy Rosary Academy (Hinunangan), a student approached me and asked, "Ma'am, are you from the DepEd?" And I replied, "Yes."<br />
<br />
The student added, "Are you a DepEd's nurse?" I just simply answered her, "Sorry. I am not a nurse but a teacher." I smiled at her. I just don't know if she noticed my smile because it was hidden by the face mask that I was wearing.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
But why am I wearing face mask? Is Lupus Contagious?</h3>
Wearing face mask is one of the recommendation of my doctor. It doesn't mean that my illness, "Lupus," is contagious, because Lupus is an abnormality in my genes not an infection. The illness can be passed to the offspring through genes just like it has been passed through me by one of my parents.<br />
<br />
So, if I am wearing face mask, it is not to protect you from my illness, but to protect me from possible infection or from the disease that I might get from the air. I need to protect myself because my immune system is currently compromised.<br />
<h3>
Compromised Immune System</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3R_0b718TYSOZhG7BSh3tvaLTA70T5TB6rmPMi7d78RLou3ElxposuZZCNuCqc0aLSaT2rQh8a3F7_-3ioW6iCxPxLiXvDzJ6-NSwwdDbfV5fPhDBo4Cv9BW_ArnWDvv8WTetAEttQQ/s1600/nephroline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="309" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3R_0b718TYSOZhG7BSh3tvaLTA70T5TB6rmPMi7d78RLou3ElxposuZZCNuCqc0aLSaT2rQh8a3F7_-3ioW6iCxPxLiXvDzJ6-NSwwdDbfV5fPhDBo4Cv9BW_ArnWDvv8WTetAEttQQ/s400/nephroline.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken on <br />
February 16, 2019, before <br />
seeing my doctor at<br />
Nephroline Dialysis Center</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When talking about "compromised immune system," you might immediately think of a person having an HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Viruses) or suffering from AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). However, even if my immune is currently compromised but it doesn't mean that I have an HIV. The real reason why I have this immune condition is because I am taking immunosuppressive drugs such as the Mycophenolate Mofetil, Hydrochloroquine Sulfate and Prednisone. Suppressing or lowering my immune or making it underactive is part of the therapy against Lupus.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Actually, my immune system's current condition, which is called "Drug-Induced Immune Deficiency (DIID)," is different from that of the AIDS. DIID and AIDS are both immune deficiency but they are just few of the kinds of immune deficiency condition. We also have the Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID), and the Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID).</div>
<h3>
Lupus Versus Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lupus and AIDS are both immune-related illnesses, but they are directly opposite to each other.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The person with Lupus has an overactive immune system, while the immune system of the person with AIDS is underactive. And the person with overactive immune is well protected against infection, but the person with AIDS can easily get an infection.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With regards to the treatment, the treatment for Lupus and AIDS are
opposite too. The person with Lupus needs to undergo a treatment that
will suppress or control or slow down the immune reaction. While the
person with AIDS needs a treatment that will energize, activate or
increase the level of his immune reaction.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But of course there are cases that Lupus and HIV-AIDS do exist in one person. This happens when a person with Lupus is infected by HIV. I just don't know what would be the effect of HIV to Lupus. I have read a lot of publications about it but I found nothing that would be favorable to Lupus patients. But there were studies made about it, and researchers found out that the immune system of the person with both Lupus and HIV produced antibodies that fight against the HIV. More studies have been made for the researchers to find ways in getting vaccine against HIV. And soon, if these studies will be successful, I think, vaccine against HIV will be available in the market.</div>
Philippine Herbal'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07771696460941307265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033586279630884122.post-54979845438852686972019-02-12T23:48:00.000-08:002019-02-13T00:05:47.677-08:00How To Diagnose Lupus?<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is said that Lupus is hard to diagnose considering that its symptoms are similar to individual illness such as allergy, nephritis, arthritis, diabetes and other diseases. Experts also said that the symptoms vary from one patient to the other. And symptoms that would manifest are depending on the organs affected by the disease.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmJNKaVvdwPlfLNno8zawJVfI-ku_m60WOpcB7eopyilQEHFwY98B8zgr_7qwxKeYlxkDtMXUlYs1vxYTWrayUmuk3sE4rPYEJAlR1FPO7Z90o2JKojUsfIoUxGioBeuQE9WqVCUBeRk/s1600/meds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="910" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmJNKaVvdwPlfLNno8zawJVfI-ku_m60WOpcB7eopyilQEHFwY98B8zgr_7qwxKeYlxkDtMXUlYs1vxYTWrayUmuk3sE4rPYEJAlR1FPO7Z90o2JKojUsfIoUxGioBeuQE9WqVCUBeRk/s400/meds.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want to thank all the members of the HDPSEA<br />
(Hinunangan District Public Schools Employees Association) for the aid <br />
that I received. And special thanks to Ma'am Pat and Ma'am Magna.<br />
God bless HDPSEA. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In my case, I am anemic (low hemoglobin level) for a long time. I am always allergic to anything, like when a mosquito bit me, the inflamed area as a reaction to the mosquito bite would have a diameter of more than two inches. I always had an inflamed ankles, which was diagnosed as arthritis. I also lost a lot of hairs, including my eyebrows and pubic hairs. I also had rosy cheeks that some of you thought I was using beauty products. And then there would be times that I had edema on my face.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
By simply considering these symptoms, nobody would think that my real illness is Lupus, especially that they did not come simultaneously.</div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Diagnosis Came Right</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can say that I am still fortunate that the diagnosis finally came right before my kidneys became useless. But it would be better if the diagnosis came early before it started to harm my kidneys. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Should I give the credits to my Nephrologist who upgraded the diagnosis to "<b>Nephritis - SLE</b>" from Nephrotic Syndrome? Or should I give the credit to my former Internal Medicine Doctor who upgraded the diagnosis from Nephritis to Nephrotic Syndrome? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, I think, the credit and praises should be given to the Almighty Father, the one and only true God. It's Him (God) who gave wisdom to the doctor in our local hospital who gave the diagnosis of "Nephritis," which she based it on the laboratory result telling us that my urine sample had plenty of bacteria. After administering a treatment procedure that she knew in treating a patient with Nephritis, she realized that the problem was still there even if after the treatment my urine samples were already cleared of bacteria. So, she ordered me to undergo ultrasound test of my kidneys. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bringing with me the result of the ultrasound and other laboratory tests, I went to see an Internal Medicine doctor who told me that my illness was an autoimmune one, which he called it as "Nephrotic Syndrome. He even assured me that the diagnosis was 80 percent true and only the biopsy that would be made from my kidney tissue samples could tell and verify the diagnosis. However, every time I went to see him, he always asked me if I had rashes.(Maybe, he was suspecting that SLE was my real illness.)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The treatment procedure that was administered to me against "Nephrotic Syndrome" is a bit successful. In three months of taking corticosteriod which is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressant properties, my kidneys returned to normal... in size, and in functions. So, the doctor decided to taper my intake of steroid. After that, the doctor said that I was already okay.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But three months after I stopped taking steroid, the illness attacked me again. I was brought by my husband to a Nephrologist bringing along with us the previous results on laboratory tests and ultrasound, just in case the Nephro-Doctor would be interested on my health history. By considering the diagnosis of my former Internal Medicine Doctor, the Nephrologist told us to undergo laboratory tests of my urine and blood. I was also brought to the x-ray lab, and then I also had the ultrasound test of my organs and also underwent the ECG. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When the doctor got hold of the results, she told me that I had Lupus.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But that news doesn't surprise us. My husband had done his research already about Nephrotic Syndrome and SLE (Lupus). They are both autoimmune diseases and the treatment is similar. The only difference between them is that the affected organs in the Nephrotic Syndrome diagnosis are the two kidneys, while in Lupus all the organs can be affected .... from Kidneys, to lungs, pancreas, heart, brain, blood, skin tissues, and other organs and tissues.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, finally, the diagnosis came right. We also had an aggressive but intelligent doctor. But the problem was, we didn't have ideas where to get the <a href="https://fightinglupustosurvive.blogspot.com/p/donate.html">financing of the treatment</a>.</div>
Philippine Herbal'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07771696460941307265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033586279630884122.post-70655287423427735572019-02-05T23:49:00.002-08:002019-02-08T16:40:06.044-08:00What Causes Lupus?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SHgAaIXZV2ongxHrBubYq-ZxNh-qiGocQDloZRkT528FEU8mIhcQ3zlOiotFAqMeT0a6K36Di2cfbs-CLDVO7evZjigcQdVmLwZUazbk28r-GnI7666zffMGV7PXx8kgqU10bgGjJ7k/s1600/ChemoTheraphy10-01-2018.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="1040" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9SHgAaIXZV2ongxHrBubYq-ZxNh-qiGocQDloZRkT528FEU8mIhcQ3zlOiotFAqMeT0a6K36Di2cfbs-CLDVO7evZjigcQdVmLwZUazbk28r-GnI7666zffMGV7PXx8kgqU10bgGjJ7k/s400/ChemoTheraphy10-01-2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken During the 6th Session<br />
of Pulse Therapy (with cyclophosphamide)<br />
at the Chemo Unit of RTR Hospital,<br />
Tacloban City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lupus, I think, had been killing humans before I came to exist in this world. It's not a new disease contrary to what people had told me. In fact, in a news article published in January 1986 (I was just more than a year old at that time), LA Times has this news item's head, "<a href="http://articles.latimes.com/1986-01-17/news/mn-907_1_rare-disease">Marcos Seriously Ill With Rare Disease Lupus, U.S. Sources Say</a>." </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, Lupus must be popular because it killed a popular man, President Ferdinand E. Marcos,... not just popular but a very popular man at that time. This disease was made popular by media men by following the treatment procedures of the former President up to the time he breathed his last gasp. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However, up until today, none of the experts can really tell the real cause why this Lupus disease has existed. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For now, let us just settle our minds in an idea that this disease is genetic in nature . Anyway, some studies led us to the idea that certain genes that inherited by people has the higher tendency to develop autoimmune disease, including Lupus. However, even if you have inherited that Lupus genes, it takes certain triggers for it to activate and start attacking you.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
The Triggers of Lupus</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Experts say that few of the known triggers in the activation of Lupus disease are:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. <u><b>Sunlight</b></u>. A person with Lupus genes is photosensitive. When exposed to sunlight, his immune system reacts and as the result he will develop skin rashes and damage to the internal organs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. <u><b>Infection</b></u>. If a person with Lupus genes got infected, his immune system reacts to protect him from the infection, and at the same time attacks his own organs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. <u><b>Food</b></u>. When the person with Lupus genes has eaten food that contains allergen or toxins, his immune system reacts to the allergen in order to protect him, but at the same time attacking his organs too.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. <u><b>Hormonal Change</b></u>. After giving birth of a child by a mother with Lupus genes, her hormones (estrogen and progesterone, including the hormones produced by thyroid glands) have an immediate drop that causes her to feel stress and depression which is called "Babies Blue" syndrome or <a href="https://mountainherbs.blogspot.com/2008/08/postpartum-o-bughat.html">Postpartum Depression</a>. This stress triggers the immune system to activate as a way of protecting her, but at the same time damaging internal organs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. <b>Stress</b>. If the person with Lupus genes felt stressed psychologically, his immune system activates to protect him, and at the same time damaging internal organs.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In short, Lupus is activated soon as one's immune system's activates. And the factors that cause the activation of the normal immune system, are the same factors that activates the abnormal immune system which we call "Lupus."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, to control the Lupus activity, one's immune system should be controlled too. This is the reason why the doctors gave me immunosuppressant drugs. These drugs suppressed my immune system thus minimizing the attack of Lupus.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Lupus Attacked Me When I Was Stressed</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just like what <a href="https://fightinglupustosurvive.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html">I have said already</a>, even if I was diagnosed of SLE or Lupus only in 2016, but I already had noticed its symptoms way back 2009, after I gave birth to our first child, which we thought that those symptoms were just another illnesses. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And my most stressful time was when my husband lost his business in 2012, thus losing his income too. I saw how depressed was my husband at that time, and I feel the pain of how he was badly hurt by that incident. I got sick, but I thought it was just another illness not a symptom of Lupus activity.</div>
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In 2013, after I gave birth to our second child, I got sick again, and I thought that that was another new illness not a symptom of Lupus activity.</div>
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As time goes by, my health condition had worsen. I couldn't grip something because the joints in my fingers hurt. I had knees and ankles problems. Got strange allergies. And I feel tired easily.</div>
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And then on January 2016, I got a problem in breathing due to internal abdominal pain. At first, the diagnose was Nephritis. And then it was upgraded to Nephrotic Syndrome. When all those illnesses that I had before manifested in July 2016 at that same time, the diagnose was finally raised to SLE or Lupus.<br />
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<h3>
Lupus Made Me... </h3>
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That's how Lupus attacked me. It made me suffer, but I am not blaming anyone. I consider it the gift of GOD to me. It made me special. It made me stronger than before.<br />
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It made me <a href="https://fightinglupustosurvive.blogspot.com/2019/01/lupus-illness-of-wealthy.html">poorer than before</a> (in terms of material wealth), but it made me rich of LOVE. Lupus made me feel the presence of God in my life.<br />
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God is really good to me!</div>
Philippine Herbal'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07771696460941307265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033586279630884122.post-65840192135559485272019-02-04T15:19:00.000-08:002019-02-04T15:41:00.651-08:00My Immune System is My Friend and My EnemyNormally, our immune system is our friend. It protects us from harm. It frees us from invaders.<br />
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But for us Lupus patients or anyone with autoimmune illness, our immune system is not just our friend, but our enemy too. As a friend, it protects us from foreign bodies like bacteria, virus, fungi, parasites, dusts, or anything that are not part of our bodies, including transplanted organ. It also attacks our own cells that became zombies like cancer cells and those cells where the foreign bodies attached themselves, so that the good cells will be protected. As an enemy, it attacks our own good cells and it will not stop attacking us until we die.<br />
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In other words, I, as a Lupus patient, have an abnormal immune system that attacks my kidneys (that's why I have nephritis), lungs (enlarged lungs), heart (enlarged heart), and my blood (chronic anemia). In other Lupus patients' case, their immune systems attack their pancreas (so they have diabetes), and other organs... the worst case is when the attack is made against one's brain (patients will suffer from seizure and other brain damage including paralysis).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUA2jAZ3dnFLBLon0Ql5otC684opVztTeSwwgmI4yHcqz3BmOBGU-szDkHBcmUJfv2VTspAiPEER7AdtHn3j4SDqxgMayGXKGayiOM6THCeV98a3li4hevx4G7zPTyoydYI674weKi8A/s1600/meandmyhusband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUA2jAZ3dnFLBLon0Ql5otC684opVztTeSwwgmI4yHcqz3BmOBGU-szDkHBcmUJfv2VTspAiPEER7AdtHn3j4SDqxgMayGXKGayiOM6THCeV98a3li4hevx4G7zPTyoydYI674weKi8A/s400/meandmyhusband.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This illness is not contagious. So, you don't have to worry if I am near your, sit besides you or talk with you. Don't be bothered if I am always wearing face mask (I just want to be protected from possible infection because, currently, my immune system is compromised or being turned less active). <br />
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In explaining my illness to other people and in order for them to understand the nature of my illness, my husband always compares me to a car with factory defects. But the car can be brought back to the sales agent for replacement, but he couldn't or don't have the courage to return me to my parents. What I mean is that this abnormality in my immune system might be present in me since I was born. It is possible that I got this abnormality from one of my parents, and that particular parent got this abnormality from one of his or her parents too. It is also possible that my siblings (my brothers and sister) and my children, also my nephews and nieces, have this abnormality too. In short, Lupus is our clan's wealth... It is our friend and enemy.<br />
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So, if you are related to me in consanguinity, then you might have this abnormality too. But you don't have to worry, because it doesn't immediately activate itself. According to the experts, STRESS is the triggering factor in the activation of this abnormality. Philippine Herbal'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07771696460941307265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2033586279630884122.post-47421476740212018372019-01-27T01:03:00.002-08:002019-02-03T22:12:30.436-08:00Lupus, The Illness of the Wealthy<div style="text-align: justify;">
They said, "<i>Lupus is the illness of the rich.</i>" Now, I understand why they were telling me that.</div>
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If you're suffering from Lupus attack, you have to spend a lot of money
just to control the activity of this illness. There's no cure, according
to the doctor. But it can be controlled by suppressing your immune
system's activities through the use of immune-suppressant drugs. </div>
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As a Lupus Fighter, I
have to take a lot of medicine in order to normalize the symptoms brought by the
Lupus in my body. And because these immune-suppressant drugs have side-effects, so I have to take medicines and food-supplements that would counter the side-effects. <br />
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When I was confined at the hospital last July 2018, the doctor administered to me the Hydrocortisone shots, 1 shot 2 times a day. Hydrocortisone is another corticosteroid in which in a leading pharmacy in Tacloban City, it is priced at PhP1,200.00 per vial.<br />
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And since I was at that time at critical state based on the doctor's assessment, Pulse Therapy was administered to me: First, a 3 sessions of Mythelprednisolone Sodium pulse therapy in which we spent at least PhP15,000.00 per session for the drugs being used; And after that, I underwent 6 sessions of Cyclophosphamide pulse therapy which we spent PhP1,000.00 per session for the drugs, and the PhilHealth Insurance paid at least PhP7,000.00 per session for the Oncology Unit, including the professional fee.<br />
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Actually, from July 2018 to December 2018, I was given Eposino 6,000iu/syringe shots, 1 shot 2 times a week, to elevate the falling Hemoglobin level of my blood. Eposino 6,000iu/syringe was priced at PhP1,500.00 per syringe, at that time.<br />
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Currently, I am taking three (3) immune-suppressant
drugs, namely: The Prednisone which is a Corticosteroid; Hydroxychloroquine
Sulfate, an Antimalaria medicine; and Mycophenolate Mofetil, an organ-transplant medicine. Besides taking these drugs, I
also need to take food supplements like Calcium with Vitamin D, Multi-Vitamins and
Amino Acids to deal with the side-effects of these immune-suppressant drugs. </div>
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Immune-suppressant
drugs, except the Prednisone, are already too expensive for me to
afford. The HCQS which is the most affordable brand of Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate is PhP55.00 per tablet in a leading Pharmacy, and I need to take 1 tablet of it 2 times a day. Mycept, the most affordable brand of Mycophenolate Mofetil, is already PhP86.00 per tablet in a leading Pharmacy, and I need to take 1 tablet 2 times a day. And the food supplements that I need to take too, add up to my
burden.<br />
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Thus, I am spending from PhP15,000.00 to PhP50,000.00 a month just to
live longer, while my family's net income (the remaining amount after the gross income was deducted by taxes and loan payments) falls below PhP3,000.00 a
month.</div>
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We really are struggling to find ways to purchase the medicines and shots of drugs that I need to take every day. Actually, by simply considering our situation, I couldn't imagine how I survived the illness until now. I couldn't think of any reasons, except that God is always here at our side, helping me survive. It is true that since July 2018, I have been taking medicines from
the <a href="https://fightinglupustosurvive.blogspot.com/p/donate.html">donations</a> that we received. Without those aids given to us, I think I would have been gone already.</div>
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So,
I heartily knock the doors of your heart for your kindness and
generosity to help me fight the Lupus that has been attacking me. It
might not be good to beg but I am really hoping, you'll help me survive
this fight.<br />
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And to all of you who already have shared your blessings to me, thank you very much for becoming God's instrument in helping me <a href="https://fightinglupustosurvive.blogspot.com/">fight Lupus to survive</a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>TRIVIA: </b><br />
<a href="https://mountainherbs.blogspot.com/2019/01/sambong-herb.html"></a>
<a href="https://mountainherbs.blogspot.com/2019/01/sambong-herb.html">Sambong</a> and <a href="https://mountainherbs.blogspot.com/2019/02/healing-wonder-of-pansit-pansitan.html">Sida-Sida</a> herbs can help Lupus patients.
<br />
These herbs have anti-inflammatory characteristic that fight inflammation<br />in organs attacked by Lupus.</blockquote>
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Philippine Herbal'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07771696460941307265noreply@blogger.com0