03.18.15

I know and I can feel you. You're tired. You're losing hope. You don't want to drink your medicines anymore. But I'm telling you, you must keep the faith. You need to stay strong and prove that lupus can't win this battle. And I know that you can do it. :) 

Lupus and Ovarian Cyst

Hi there my dear lupies! :)))) Been through the darkness of life these past few days... Another challenge. Another test of faith. 

Last week, I texted my doctor about the pain in my right pelvis, lower back, and can feel inguinal pain too. I also noticed that there is swelling or bulge on my anterior abdominal wall. I complained this pain when I was in  third year college. My doctor suspected hernia so he referred me to a surgeon. But the surgeon ruled out hernia and said it was peripheral neuropathy and ordered me to take vitamin B. 

On second week of June 2014, I felt severe pain.. severe pain.. severe pain. Same part. But the pain was really severe and I can also feel pain on other parts of my body.  So I texted my doctor. Again, he asked me to consult to a surgeon for he is again suspecting a hernia. Again, the hernia was ruled out. The surgeon ordered CT scan to confirm his diagnosis of Abdominal Wall Mass t/c Fibroma.

It was my first time to experience this. In fact, I enjoyed the procedure itself except for the contrast that was inserted thru IV and rectal which made me uncomfortable before the procedure. Luckily, my friend Gade assisted me so I'm not that anxious throughout the procedure.

The next day... I got the result.. and findings showed that it may be ovarian cyst. So for now, we're only doing "watchful waiting". Will monitor myself for 6 months then will have ultrasound to know if there are changes in the cyst. For now, we're praying that it is only a functional harmless cyst and not a pathological one. 

Yes, I've been through the darkness of life but I realized that life is filled with more light than darkness. I want to thank my family especially my Mom, aunties, uncles, cousins, J's family and of course J, and my friends who never fail to remind me not to give up and letting me feel that I am loved. 

At the age of 23, I knew what it feels like to have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. This diagnosis is only one of the thousands illnesses I may have. For in SLE, we must accept the fact that we are vulnerable to different illnesses BUT you must also accept that belief in recovery and living a positive life can lead to healthy and happy living. So, it doesn't mean that you have SLE, you will just lose hope. There will be always light. 

Just believe.

Btw, I can endure all the pain brought by SLE but not the feeling of seeing my family unhappy because of my condition.. so for them, I will smile, I will stay strong, I will be brave. I will never give up.

Sunday Thoughts

Secret to have healthy life - be happy!

It's not always about medications, doctors, eating what is right, doing what is right. Happiness is the key to have less stressful life. Spend time with friends and family. And PRAY. Pray because we should thank God that He allows us to wake up every morning and always gives us unlimited chances to enjoy and appreciate His blessings. Whatever problems, illness, disease, painful symptoms you're experiencing right now.. just hold on, never give up. Remember let us be thankful that we can still feel pain because pain reminds us that we are alive.. that we are humans. Always look on the brighter side of everything. Life is not perfect but it is in our hands on how we can spend our life meaningful. 

HAVE A NICE AND MEANINGFUL DAY MY FELLOW FIGHTERS. :)

Lupus and Exercise

My favorite! Flat abs workout :)

Due to fear of having osteonecrosis, my doctor advise me to have healthy lifestyle, diet and EXERCISE! As much as possible, he did not want me to gain weight. Caltrate + a glass of milk is a must also since I've been taking steroids for years. :) So, I keep on encouraging myself that I should exercise and maintain my body. Kuya Jr, my cousin/kuya, suggested Zumba for my daily exercise. He even gave me a copy of flat abs workout, cardio, live zumba and zumba basics. 

Felt so great after doing the flat abs workout :)))))) Sorry for my puffy eyes! :D

Lupus and Sunlight

It does not mean that you will not enjoy life if your doctor diagnosed you with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Protecting yourself from sun exposure is an essential part of lupus management because it may cause lupus rash or can even trigger a serious flare of the disease itself. But what can I do? It's summer time! I'm not avoiding the sunlight but I'm trying to avoid excessive sun exposure. (still a compliant patient here :) ) Make sure you are equipped with the proper protection from the sun.  Sunblock lotion with high SPF, hat, pashmina, umbrella, shades especially those who are photosensitive like me. 

So here are some pictures from our Baler trip. (plus our 5th year anniversary celebration ) 

With my date :)

Before going up.

Pashmina: To keep me safe from sun exposure. :)

with ate Rachel :) still I'm ok :)

MOTHER FALLS :)

But first, consult your doctor if he will allow you  to do these kind of activities. ;) 

Obligatory jumpshot :)

ROUTINE.ROUTINE.ROUTINE

Learn to love needles when you have an autoimmune disease. :) Needles, medicines, checkups.. etc etc .. Keep fighting dear lupies! :D I love you all.

I'm Back! :)

Hello my dear Lupus fighters :) I miss my blog. I miss writing here in my blog.
FINALLY.. had the chance to write again.
Been into remission and flares of Lupus. But here I am. Still have the ability to manage, to fight, to believe.. believing that I can.
I know you can do it also. Never give up. I'm here for you. ♥

-happylupuslife

Heart's Day

February 14, 2013 :) It feels so good knowing I am a part of their Valentine's Day. People from other countries asked me if I can surprise their loved ones here in the Philippines. Also, I made this candy roses and sell them on the day itself. I put the butterfly not only for design purposes but it represents my SLE journey. If you want to see more pictures or the detailed story you can go to www.facebook.com/mixedstuffs

Candy Roses

Lovely butterflies <3

Ready for business :)

Wide awake o.o  Did not sleep just to finish these candy roses. But it's all worth it. So thankful for this day.

Future.

Happiness at Work :D

Who would have thought I'm sick? :) SMILE!

Done with my part! SPEAKER # 2 :)

will never miss a camera shot! haha

and I'm busy doing the powerpoint. But I love doing such things!

It is indeed true that there will be positive result at work if you're in good terms with your co-workers. As the saying goes, "Two heads are better than one." Working at RHU is a great opportunity for me to apply my nursing skills. And I've got the great blessing you can find at work -- NEW FRIENDS! :)

Maundy Thursday

at Sta. Rita Parish Church

Feel the fragrance that emanates from Christ. 

-St. Philip

Lights Off

Five minutes before Earth hour ends.. So I was here lying in my bed .. Thinking every single memory about my life without lupus. I have no idea where I got SLE. 100% sure, I’m not a smoker. I may drink alcohol but not always. Milk, fruits and veggies are my best friends. But instead of thinking negative things, I consider lupus as one of the best gifts God gave me. He made me realize that I’m special and I was chosen because He knows I can make it. I’ve been in different situations before, childhood trauma, and heartaches. But because God is with me, I know I can do everything. Lupus is just a simple challenge that I need to take. Never be affected by a simple thing. Instead make every single extraordinary dream come true despite of the illness that we have. Happy lupus life everyone! 

lalalalove.

There's so much LOVE in this world. 

All we need is to feel it. 

REFLECTIONS

Today, I asked God to give me an understanding heart and a matured mind. I feel so bad with many things right now and can’t find the reason behind it. I don’t know. I really don’t know. I don’t know what to do. I don’t have any idea what will be the right move, the right decision and right answers to my questions. So I spent 2 hours in the church a while ago.  I cried. I talked to God. Then He answered me. He reminded me of these quotations.

·   Never conclude. Never assume. Never expect.

Never ask questions to someone if you’ll just control the story without even knowing what really happened. Learn to listen to someone without doubting what he says. Learn how to trust. Learn how to forgive. Don’t be a paranoid person and never make your own problems. If that would be the case, you’re just punishing yourself.

·   Enough!

If you think you already gave your best, please remind yourself that you’ve given everything and it’s time for you to stop. Stop acting that you’re someone’s Mom or Dad. Let someone do what he/she wants to do. He/she has his/her own life and you do not have the right to own it. Learn how to grow up. Do not be a hindrance to someone’s growth.

·   Love and love until it hurts. Love and love until it hurts no more.  -Mother Teresa

It applies to everything. Love for self. Love for others. Love for bf/gf. Love for family. Love for work. Love for everything.

·   When you love, don’t expect anything in return from that person. Love unconditionally.

The quotation says it all. Just think that God gave His only Son to us. Jesus sacrificed Himself for the whole world and yet people chose to live as sinners. But in return, Jesus still shows His love to us. He loves us without conditions. He works in mysterious ways.

Problems do come in our lives. We just need to learn how to handle them.

REFLECT. PRAY. TALK TO GOD. 

It works. I received God’s comfort this day. Thank you Lord. I love you po!

Sudden Thoughts

Praying for more days, weeks and years to be in this world.. to experience life.. to be with the people I love.. to meet different people in the community and learn from them.  

EVERY SECOND COUNTS.

perfect combination :)

My doctor told me that I should drink milk every breakfast and dinner. :) btw, hindi Anlene milk ko. yan lang favorite ko ginagamit na baso. haha :))

Always First. Always Ready. Always There.

 

"Siamo Tutti Fratelli"

(We are all brothers.)

from: Jean Henri Dunant :)

I am blessed to be a part of the RED CROSS family. :) This is my dream.. my passion. I love what I'm doing right now - serving and helping. And SLE can't stop me from doing what I love.

Know Thy Rights

 Since I am a member of the Lupus Foundation here in the Philippines, I am updated with the current news and studies about SLE. I found out people with disability due to chronic illness - a disease that is long-lasting or recurrent like lupus / SLE or rheumatoid arthritis - can now avail of benefits such as discounts for products and services that they need, inclusive of transportation, medical services and products, and basic commodities. This was realized by Republic Act 9442 amended RA 7277 -- the country’s Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.

So, I research for related articles and for the requirements needed. On the first week of September, I decided to go to DSWD office in our municipal hall. I thought it would be difficult for me to get an application form but I was wrong. Ma'am Pineda gave me one then asked me to present a clinical abstract from my doctor and to bring 1x1 pictures. I didn't waste my time and prepared the needed documents. Last September 26, 2011, I got my Person with Disability ID wherein I can get discounts for products and other services. 

Visit http://www.ncda.gov.ph/ for more detailed information about this law. Know your rights. 

medicine of LOVE ♥

GROW OLD WITH YOU :)

Click the link and watch the video on youtube. 

Every scene in the video reminds me of J especially when I’m in pain. 

  

"Carry you around when your arthritis is bad." ♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫

I'm just so thankful that I have him in my life. 

CHECK UP

Every month, I need to go back to my doctor so that he can monitor my condition. So, I was used to syringes, needles, test tubes, urine cup. We spend a lot because of laboratory test and professional fee of my doctor every check-up. It was hard for me also to go out and walk under the sun and go to my doctor’s clinic because rashes easily appear on my face or body when exposed to heat.

ID :)

          Currently, I go to Hi-precision Diagnostics everytime I need baseline data for my monthly check up. Since I am a member of the diagnostic center, I get 10% discount which only cost me for about less than 400 in all tests that I needed. Usually, the tests are ESR, Creatinine, CBC and Urinalysis.