The use of Prednisone in Lupus Patients

Prednisone is one of those first lines of treatment administered to Lupus patients as they are initially diagnosed. Usually doctors opt to use prednisone in combination with immunosupressant.

Prednisone is one of those medications that no one likes due to side effects, which include and are not limited to weight gain, bloating in the abdominal area, propensity towards diabetes and palpitations, amongst other things.

For a lupus patient, prednisone is an easy solution that might drag in further consequences as it might develop cardiac problems and develop a propensity towards cancer in the most drastic cases. However, let's keep in mind that our doctors won't use this drug without a purpose. The main driver behind prednisone treatment is to offer immediate relief while the immunosuppressant does it job. As progress is recorded, the amount of prednisone can be decreased gradually under medical supervision.

What we can do is, modify certain things in order to avoid possible side effects, while the drug does its intended job. In my case, prednisone might lead to border line diabetes, so I watch what I eat, shutting down on foods rich in flour and sugar. At the same time it counteracts on that gaining weight effect, because it becomes minimal. I have also incorporated the use of Omega 3 oil to help with inflammation and to overcome that feeling of "prednisone withdrawal" when the medicine is regulated.

A prescription of prednisone is not a life sentence. This is one of those medications that, under a physicians supervision can be reduced to minimal dosages an even eliminated from a plan of treatment once it has served its purpose.I wish for all patients using prednisone to reap the benefits of the drug without side effects. Once your DS DNA, Sed Rate or CRP starts showing lower numbers, do not hesitate to ask your doctor about the possibility of decrease in prednisone. Of course last word resides with your physician, but this is one of those questions we tend to forget, especially when our appointments are kind of hurried.

Work along with your Doctor and let's ring on 2013 as the year Prednisone is going down!

The perfect Gift

Isaiah 9:6

“Because a child is born to us, a son is given, and a kingdom will be on his shoulders, and he will be called wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father and Prince of Peace.”

 

Christmas is upon us and to quote a few is the most wonderful time of the year. We flock to family gatherings and hold fast to friends, looking forward to a good time. Personally, I look forward to eat all those delicious treats I keep away from through the year.

We shop, it is madness, we will buy everything, for everyone, twice!

Anyway it is all in good spirits. In Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus (though he was not born on December 25^th , but that’s another story). However sometimes, through the whole dazed and sweetly confused holiday schedule we tend to forget about the one easy, free Christmas gift we can give one and other: a personal relationship with God. The best gift of all.

Once we believe, though Christmas  is still the dearest of holidays, it is but one day in 365 to express our relationship to God and showing His love in a practical way, to be aware of His plan in our lives. Opportunities to spread joy and friendship come around on a daily basis.

For us living in the United States, this Christmas season has been darkened by a national tragedy that turn most of our hurried shopping frenzies and holiday preparations in moments of quiet contemplation. In the midst of a chaotic world, God’s presence guides us and leads us to rest upon Him, even when we face circumstances that defy all understanding. God’s perfect domain has control of everything and His love lifts us to see beyond our tears. If there is something missing, something you can do to help us all heal, follow God’s voice and join in one of many acts of kindness meant to bring us together and cope.

 To all of you who are going through a difficult Christmas, be it because of illness, the loss of a dear, close friend or relative, loneliness, depression, or any other situation; getting close to God will help you to see yourself the way He sees you, as unique, valuable, but most of all, loved.

Let’s give some thought to this, most wonderful gift. Let’s pray for those who are going through a rough road right now. Sure, we all look forward to opening gifts, but let’s also share feelings, edifying words, strength of spirit. Let’s do it in memory of Him, who encompasses perfect love and perfect trust.

 Have a wonderful Christmas and may 2013 bring you beauty and health and the drive to keep on working for the goals we set for ourselves. May all be granted through God’s perfect will.

Thanksgiving

“Be thankful to the Lord, for he is good

And His Love is forever lasting” Psalm 106:01

 

Yay! Thanksgiving is almost here and along with it the beginning of holiday season. A time for family trips and mostly, FOOD!

Thanksgiving is one of my top holidays because it is the one day that I take to be with my extended family and be thankful to God for all my blessings.

 

Sometimes when we are ill, we tend to hold on to the bad experiences the cycle of our illness has brought us, because it is easier to track the bad rather than the good. If anything, take the chance this day brings to do it differently.

 

 If we are in remission, let’s be thankful. If we are going through the process, let’s keep in mind the hurdles we have cleared and be thankful for what is surely to come. After all there’s no better time that in which we are alive.

 

So, bring along the people you love, share your future goals; be thankful for the chance we have at life, for our struggles and our triumphs. Laugh! Try both the pumpkin and pecan pie, and be blessed!

 

 And of course I’m very grateful for all the wonderful people I have met through this blog, the people that keep in touch through Facebook and even my anonymous friends at the boards. God bless you all and know that you have had a great impact in my life.

The Change of Seasons

We watch the seasons mark the year round. I love watching colors fade and live again. Color me romantic, but I believe, seasons, as many other things on this Earth are intimately related to our being human. Seasons teach us a lot about change, the inevitability of it, also the wonder within it.

I don’t have a particular Season that is my favorite as I have found that each one is charming in its own way.

Most people live for an eternal spring and that splash of color, others love the chill of winter, the celebrations and of course the delicious, comforting food that comes with it. Summer brings sun and sand, and there’s no denying, for some of us, a lupus flare here and there, but we upgrade the sunblock and brave the day and get the tropical agenda going, because we are compelled to have a little fun. Last, but not least Fall, which we are going through right now; described by many as the most nostalgic of seasons. Our body screams for pumpkin lattes, a good book and those comfy loose sweaters.

In my opinion, I wouldn’t call Fall, nostalgic, lethargic, let alone depressing. I find change of Seasons have a parallel in our lives and there’s an open invitation to make the best of what change brings to our daily activities, even to incorporate the inevitability of change as the wisest of lessons. God compels us to make the best out of our seasons.

There are times in which we feel full of energy and times in which we are guided towards introspection. There are times in which we feel emotionally naked, with our last nerve exposed while we try to hold to our very last “leaf” and yet these moments of vulnerability are pathways to self- and analysis, a chance to review and renew. These little moments help us make the best of a sunny day, as we go out and soak of on life, feeling bright as ever.

What is important is to leave time and change in God’s hands. For His are all our Seasons.

Keep up in good spirit

 "A man's spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear?" Proverbs 18:14

More than once I have heard that high spirits and good disposition alone can’t cure an illness. It is true. Sometimes it is frustrating for people who are going through a situation to have to deal with the glass half full club who will come and cheer when they have never gone through a similar situation.

However, when it comes to staying positive and in good spirits, other people’s input is not as important as our own intention and will.

Lots of people see optimism and that need to cheer is something we need to receive from other people- and reject when we are not feeling up to par- but in order for it to work, it has to be borne from ourselves.

The book of Proverbs tells us that in order to overcome; the real strength will have to come from the inside. More than people cheering us on, it is fundamental for us to find that spark within ourselves.

 I’m by no means criticizing peoples who are harbingers of joy. After all, I am all for a network of support when it comes to illness. The worst would be, for us to have a wonderful outlook in life and be surrounded by people who will not support us. However, we will never fully appreciate what other people do for us, until we start working on it by ourselves. Most patients help their prognosis just by showing a positive attitude towards their illness.

If a patient sees things on a positive light, it is a lot easier to battle through what life throws at us.

I know a young woman who was diagnosed with cancer. She was a junior in High School at the time. I will always remember the initial shock and the tears. As much as I remember her pain, I will also be impressed with that relative “elasticity of feeling” that is characteristic to the very young. Once she discovered that crying won’t help but momentarily, she wiped the tears and quickly replaced them with a smile. Even facing the uncertainty of a treatment with a 50% chance of success, she didn’t give it a second thought. She asked for pictures. Yes pictures; of the activities she was missing out on. She had pictures of family and friend carrying on with their daily lives. She would look at them and visualize herself inside them.

Instead of looking at pictures that told her about a past without illness, she took these new ones and gave herself perspective. It kept her up, it made her smile.

 Her journey lasted almost a year and a half, but her attitude and good spirits never failed and were key to her success. She kept her eyes on Christ and today she is enjoying good health and can add cancer free to an ever growing list of personal achievements.

 As far as Lupus, we need to keep thinking that in spite of our chronic condition, we have to be grateful of alternatives of treatment that will allow us to live a normal life. Even those whose Lupus is severe, have found an alternative to improve their quality of life while searching for remission.

 So, let’s keep those spirits up, keep God as our guide and carry on!

Going for Gold

Philippians 3:13-14
New International Version (NIV)

"13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Through the last 17 days most of us were glued to the TV watching the London 2012 Olympic games. Well, at least I was. I've always been fascinated with the developments of competition and some of the interesting stories that athletes bring to the table.

It takes a lot of effort for an athlete to develop the abilities that secures them a spot on what is considered the ultimate sporting stage. at a given point in time they all meet on a particular place to compete for either gold, silver or bronze. Not all of them win, though. It has to be frustrating at least to train and not make it to the podium. That is the story of many athletes. However, just by not giving up, they certainly improve their chances to obtain a prize within the next four years.
As I see it, we need to go through the same trials in order to succeed. They might not be physical, but emotional, but believe me, they can be as taxing as any sporting event. i wouldn't dream to compare myself to an athlete, but I have goals to set and my own medals to win.

On the "Fighting Lupus Category" I have been excelling lately. after quite a rough patch I am asympthomatic and within remission. It took a lot of personal sacrifice and the support of a network of friends, family and health professionals, but I got there.

I like to see things as Paul saw them through his letter to Philippians. The best way to get ahead is forgetting about the stumbles of our past, be it for a professional runner or for a lupus patient, looking back will make you loose sight of your goal at best, stumble and fall at worst.

Training is never easy, but it guarantees results. Let's allow Jesus to lead the way, to lift a lot of our pressures and guide us to step ahead, and go for the gold.

Faith

 Hebrews 11:1
“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen.”
 Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to Him…”


Sometimes we ask ourselves what is the point of having faith. Some people see faith as a synonym top Religion, others as a belief system, and others as a force that keeps them going forward.
The way I see faith is as a daily walk in which we show both our compromise with God and to ourselves. Some people believe having faith implies not taking some kind of action in what they are hoping for, because God wants us to lay all into Him. Here’s something you might have not thought about before… God wants us to be active in our faith.

The bible tells us in the book of Hebrews that it is impossible to please God if we lack faith. Each of the stories we read on the bible about people who took a leap of faith implies these people reached their goals, no matter how improbable. Taking that leap implies acting on our faith. If we are going to apply this to a chronic condition, it means that we will need to take a step forward and visualized ourselves as healed, even if the road ahead looks difficult.

You’ll need your faith strong even to start a treatment, to see the results we are waiting for, to stay strong through a remission. It is all part of a process.

 What is God expecting of us?... you might ask.

He wants us to believe Him, to see ourselves whole, to walk in faith, to set goals and reach them.
This is in no way escapism. I’m not asking you to deny a pain that is obviously there. However, we are called to rise above it. Even in the midst of pain or any health related situation, we need to come to an understanding that it is all just a step along the way and in the bigger picture; there is a chance at overcoming.


 My hardest experience with lupus was not only my initial diagnosis, but the development of nephritis. Those were scary, painful moments. There was so much stress, pain and swelling that I could not even walk. Even through those times I saw myself getting better. Giving up was never an option. For three years I lived through the harshest of scenarios. Three years with high Sed Rate and DS DNA until it reached Nephritis. Those were also three years of increasing my faith, of not looking back or feeling sorry about my condition. I decided to hold on to my faith, follow my treatments and give it a fight. Today, I am in remission, symptom free and although I need to keep monitoring, so far the protein secretion is gone and my kidneys are functioning at a normal rate.

Talking about following treatment, we need to keep the faith even when taking our meds. Sometimes I received medications which secondary effects were enough to make anyone cry, but through that as well, I decided to tackle it with faith and give it time. Eventually I found the treatment that was best for me. I trusted my doctors and my medications, sure. My faith though kept telling me that through this, all ends well that is well. I felt the strength of my faith beach time I saw results improving. It pushes me to reach out to others as help them as well.

To have faith is to understand that we are bigger than our condition, stronger than we thought we were.

It is waking up every morning knowing that it all will pass, that we have a hope to act on; that illness is part of life, but that does not mean that God is not present at the moment of healing. In His mercy, He always stretches out his hand.

Acting upon your faith also implies a responsibility. As I always advise, once you get it, don’t take it for granted. Make sure to follow up and keep good habits that will prevent any fall back. Taking good care of ourselves and being responsible for our welfare, we see the culmination of our faith journey.
God will help us through, in all ways.

Excelling in what we do

The fact that we have a chronic condition shouldn’t be an impediment to give the best we have to offer and excel in what we do. Things are not easy, but if you are willing to go for that extra mile, your efforts will be rewarded.

Dealing with the condition makes us face symptoms like fatigue and other debilitating stages that are tied to emotional responses as well. Sometimes it is easy to get frustrated over the fact that we feel too tired to complete a task. If we let ourselves go, eventually, we will slide and become depressed and we will miss a world of stuff we used to love.

Jesus told us to act in humility, but leaving a legacy in all we do. Don’t be afraid to try and make an effort, there is a reward in challenging ourselves exceeding our own expectations. Surprise yourself with the things you’ll do.

Many lupus patients keep working after overcoming serious episodes linked to their condition. Doing the things you love, even with limitations is one definite step towards healing. By incorporating the positive into our lives, that which we are passionate about, we open ourselves to learn new lessons while touching the lives of others who will benefit from our knowledge, work and effort.

Find your reason, get out there, get active, and give the best you have to offer. This applies in all areas. Even if the condition is keeping you homebound at the moment, take back the reigns of your household, find that online course you always wanted to complete, get ready to face the world once you overcome your particular obstacle.

If you can no longer work because of the condition, then find a venue to stay active, participate in forums, write, do research, and help yourself and others. Always give.

The most important thing is to do all in love and with a heart full of gratitude. Excel in what you do, overcome, and don’t allow Lupus to define who you are.

What we hold in our hearts

"Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind" Psalm 26:2

It is natural for all of us to worry about our physical well being. That is why we make sure to keep up with our check ups and follow up to see all our medical exams come back OK.

Sometimes, we forget about what is really important, what we carry inside, the things that make us up as a person.

We all agree the heart is a vital organ. It is essential to maintain the circulation and oxygenation of blood. If the heart doesn't carry its function, the body fails at a cellular level and eventually deteriorates.

On these verses, the Psalmist is talking about the importance of the heart; although he is not talking about the proverbial muscle. He is talking about our soul and mind.

The Psalmist is asking God to help him understand his own heart, he even asks of God to put him to the test. I mean, who in their right mind asks for that?

Simple: someone who is sure of his belief system and his worth as a person.

Through a relationship with God, we will better understand the processes of life and sometimes in times of trial is when we really find our mettle, the stuff we are made of, so to speak. We show what we hold in our hearts.

God does not gives us grief, He is the author of all beauty. However, as part of our growth we go through unseasonable experiences and even in those moments God is holding us and watching us, looking at what lies within ourselves. It is easy to be happy and smile at life when everything is perfect, but when it isn't, can we do the same?

Its easy to follow when everything is fine, but loyalty and worship in a moment of trial is worth a thousand words. Even if the disposition of our hear is shaken for a brief moment, we must always find within it our ability to be grateful.

God will visit your life for it, because even through moments of trial you are thankful and He is faithful to those He loves.

For every day we live, we have the opportunity to share a smile, give a kind word, make a difference.

Let's just allow God to have a peek at our hearts, change what He thinks, do what its best and keep up with our work in progress. We all live in a world in which, though not perfect, we can still be better.

The Special Power of those who Serve

“…freely, you have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8

May 10: International Lupus Awareness Day

May is once again upon us and it is a month in which we celebrate things that are very dear: Mother’s day, National Prayer Month, Memorial Day…May is the grand harbinger of hot Summer Days and also, on May 10, it is  International Lupus Awareness day.

I must confess that at first, when I was diagnosed with Lupus, I didn’t even want to talk about it, as I related it with all that was negative and down turned in my life at the moment. However, I have learned that educating ourselves is the best way to partake in the control of our condition, and educating others is a call and a privilege that keep us emotionally healthy. Knowledge is power and to share it is a responsibility.

It is not only a matter of sharing info within ourselves (those affected by Lupus) but with others as well. On this day, as  it is dedicated to awareness, you might catch a glimpse of purple butterflies, be it in brochures, posters, t shirts, walk for the Cause, speeches, blogs, or another promotional medium.

The main goal for us Lupus patients on this day and always is to focus on healing, first and foremost the physical and emotional aspects of our condition and then share our experiences with others.

Maybe not all of us are ready to give a speech on a public forum, but we can always find a way to do an outreach.

When my attitudes were negative, I used to think “why me?” Now that my perspective has changed I see that every trial just allowed me to grow, live and learn while shaping me into someone string enough to survive my circumstances and come on the other side with a story to share. The pain is but momentary when you compare it with the things that are truly everlasting: the blessings, the opportunity to touch someone else’s lives and say “hey, I’m here, I’ve been through this. I’ll lend my ears, my shoulder if you need it and I’ll keep my eyes open for those things we might learn from one and other at the end of the day.”

So, let’s be open to dialogue, even if informal conversation. Let’s have a word with members of our family, let’s make sure they know about our condition and understand our limitations. That combination of love and understanding will help us all get through.

Let’s talk to our employers, if they understand our condition, it will help productivity, as our needs and those of the company can be aligned.

If you are willing to take dialogue a step further, keep working through church or the Lupus Foundation by doing volunteer work; let’s put our ability to serve to the test. Volunteering is a wonderful complement to your therapy! If you focus on the bigger picture, then those pesky details (read, painful, dark days) won’t hurt as much. I love the idea of freely giving what we have received. Even when going through a condition like ours, let’s make life a blessed event and face the day with renewed faith.

Last but not least, let’s keep in our prayers those who are going through crisis related to our condition, hospital patients, people who have been recently diagnosed. Let’s pray so they can experience effective treatments and let’s also keep their families in our thoughts and prayers as they too are going through a transition that is sometimes confusing and even emotionally draining. Let’s give our support to those who are grieving over family members that lost a battle against this condition as well. We all belong to one family and must care for one and other.

Love to all and keep on walking down the path to healing!

Pregnancy and Lupus

From Web M.D

Doctors once advised women with lupus not to get pregnant due to the potential risks. But while pregnancy with lupus still carries its own set of risks, most women with lupus can safely become pregnant and have healthy babies.

If you have lupus and are thinking about getting pregnant, here's what you need to know about the possible risks and complications. Here's also what you and your doctor can do to help ensure the best outcome for you and your baby.

Preparing for Pregnancy

The first steps toward a healthy pregnancy and baby begin before you become pregnant. If you are considering pregnancy, it's important that you:
Ensure your lupus is under control. The healthier you are when you conceive, the greater your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and baby. Pregnancy places additional stress on kidneys. Having active kidney disease can cause problems in pregnancy and may even lead to pregnancy loss. So if possible, avoid getting pregnant until your lupus has been under control for at least six months. That's especially true for lupus-related kidney disease.
Review medications with your doctor. Some medications are safe to take during pregnancy. Others, though, can harm your baby. Your doctor may need to stop or switch some medications before you become pregnant. Drugs that should never be taken during pregnancy include methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, leflunomide, and warfarin. Some drugs need to be stopped months before you try to become pregnant.
Select an obstetrician for high-risk pregnancies. Because lupus may present certain risks -- including pregnancy-induced hypertension and preterm birth -- you will need an obstetrician who has experience with high-risk pregnancies and is at a hospital that specializes in high-risk deliveries. If possible, you should meet with the obstetrician before getting pregnant.
Check your health insurance plan. Inadequate insurance should not keep you from getting the treatment that you and your baby need. Make sure your insurance plan covers your health care needs and those of your baby, as well as any problems that may arise.

Managing Problems of Pregnancy

Regular prenatal exams are important for all women. But they are especially important for women with lupus. That's because many potential problems can be prevented or better treated if addressed early. Here are some problems that can occur during pregnancy that you should be aware of:
Flares. Some women report improvement of lupus symptoms during pregnancy. Flares during pregnancy are not common. Periods of increased disease activity occur more often during the first few months after delivery. Research suggests that waiting to get pregnant until your disease has been controlled for at least six months reduces your risk of a flare during pregnancy. Most flares, when they do occur, are mild. Your doctor can treat them with low doses of corticosteroids.

Pregnancy and Lupus

(continued)

Managing Problems of Pregnancy continued...

Pregnancy-induced hypertension. High blood pressure brought on by pregnancy can increase your risk of preeclampsia. This is a serious condition in which there is a sudden increase in blood pressure or protein in the urine or both. It occurs in about one out of every five lupus pregnancies. Preeclampsia requires immediate treatment and often delivery of the baby. It is more common in women with kidney disease or high blood pressure and women who smoke.
Miscarriage. Approximately one out of every five lupus pregnancies ends in miscarriage. Miscarriages are more likely in women with high blood pressure, active lupus, and active kidney disease. Miscarriage can also be the result of antiphospholipid antibodies. These are a type of antibody that increases the tendency to form blood clots in the veins and arteries. That includes those in the placenta. For this reason, it is important to screen for the antibodies. It's especially important for women who have miscarried before. If the antibodies are found, your doctor may prescribe a blood thinner. That will help prevent the formation of clots. With the use of such medications, about 80% of the women will not miscarry.
Preterm delivery. About one out of every three women with lupus delivers preterm. That means before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy. This is more likely in women with preeclampsia, antiphospholipid antibodies, and active lupus. It's important to know the symptoms of premature labor, including:

• Backache
• Pelvic pressure
• Leakage of blood or clear fluid from the vagina
• Abdominal cramps
• Contractions occurring every 10 minutes

Let your doctor know right away if you experience these symptoms.
Women with lupus may have a greater risk of pregnancy complications. They do not, though, have greater chance of having a baby with a birth defect or mental retardation compared to women without lupus.

Caring for Yourself During Pregnancy

In addition to seeing your doctor regularly and following your treatment plan, there are many things you can do to care for yourself and your baby:

• Get plenty of rest. Plan for a good night's sleep and take breaks throughout the day.
• Eat healthfully. Avoid excessive weight gain. Have your doctor refer you to a dietitian if needed.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
• If you have any unusual symptoms, speak to your doctor right away.

Managing Delivery and a New Baby

Your doctor will decide the method of delivery -- caesarian section or vaginal. He'll do this by taking into account your health and your baby's health at the time of labor. Many women with lupus can have vaginal deliveries. But if the mother or baby is under stress, a caesarian section may be the safest and fastest way to deliver. If you have taken steroids during pregnancy, your doctor will increase your dose during labor to help your body cope with the added stress.

Resurrecting your Dreams

“I’ve come so you’ll have life and life in abundance” John 10:10

This is week; we celebrate the most important week for those who follow the Christian faith. It will culminate next Sunday as we celebrate the Resurrection.

I have been thinking about the importance of understanding that Christ died to give us abundant life. For people like us, who suffer chronic conditions, this concept is hard to grasp, as we need to deal with our conditions and go through life either with limited resources or few opportunities to live plenty. We let ourselves go, and for those of us who believe in the concept, it does not pertain to our current condition, but to something only attainable at the end of our journey; a promise to be fulfilled.

However, the word of God gives us all certainty that our abundant life can start here and now. We can have a plenty and abundant life, here and now with Him and through Him.

Healthy or not, we have found ourselves thinking, well, if had the right amount of money, or if I had the means or the health needed, I would accomplish this or that. In my opinion, the first step towards accomplishing what is expected of us is to start a personal relationship with God. He will open our eyes to the beautiful, fulfilling things that require not money, means, and lots of time and will allow us to experience what it is to be healthy, even with a condition.

As a patient of a Chronic Condition, I remember clearly as I was diagnosed, on a month of April some years ago. My initial reaction was to put aside my dreams and expectations. The diagnosis occupied the whole frame of my mind. I gave a lot of thought to the things I could no longer do. I allowed it to take over. Eventually I understood that I was being selfish, in a certain sense, closing myself to experiences that yet awaited for me, shutting door to the people who loved and cared for me.

I learned to make it through, with God’s grace and now, looking backwards, it is all but a collection of bitter sweet memories. There were dark moments, but there were also breakthroughs.

I will always cherish the moment in which I realized, time was being wasted and that I needed to reestablish contact with family and friends that I needed to allow me to dream and believe in possibilities once more. I started reaching out to people I haven’t seen in a while, visiting those little restaurants I loved, planning trips, going back to that goal of having a family of my own, looking at my new diet restrictions in a positive light- you know there is always a chance to lose a couple of pounds J.

Start setting goals, big and small; Happiness is not as elusive as it seems to be. Sure, no one is promised a perfect life, but with God as our guide, there’s a chance things will be better. Dream big, act swiftly, when your mind is set on an attainable goal, even the pain seems lessened.

On this week in which we celebrate a risen Lord, unpack your long forgotten dreams, and make them spring back to life.

Strawberry Season... Yay!

It is that time of the year, supermarkets are overflowing with delicious red. Over here in Florida we are big on strawberry plantations and these delicious fruit is affordable, readily available and best of all they are very versatile!

If anything positive could be derived off Lupus is that it forced me to take a good look at my nutritional patterns and gave me the opportunity to explore healthy eating, like that share of fruits and veggies, we make a point of avoiding in our daily lives.

Fruits and veggies are full of wonderful nutrients that help us achieve a balanced lifestyle and improve our function.

In the case of strawberries, they work as anti inflammatories. Try it, one cup a day for two months, and I can guarantee, based on experience that those C Reactive protein numbers will start going down!

Strawberries, combined with other fruits will work wonders on your kidneys also. As a patient of Lupus Nephritis, it is hard looking for food and beverages that will sit well with your kidneys. However, a natural smoothie comprised on strawberries, cantaloupe, honey dew and cherries ( along with your immunosuppresants of course) can help to bring those protein counters down.

Strawberries are also great immune boosters, as we tend to lack on that aspect, because of the medications to treat our condition. They also increase HDL, (the good cholesterol).

It's strawberry time, but through the year, we have all kinds of fruits and vegetables that will help us with different aspects of our condition, so enjoy what nature has to give!

It is important though, to always check with your doctor/nutritionist in regards with any food choices, specially when you are starting to introduce them to your diet.

I'll leave you with the recipe for a Strawberry Smoothie that will do good to your kidneys and liver :) (IF YOU HAVE KIDNEY STONES STRAWBERRIES ARE NOT GOOD FOR YOU :( )

1 cup of strawberries

1 cup of honey dew

1/2 cup of cantaloupe

1 cup of cherries

(You can dilute it in 24 onzs green tea, orange juice or water, to your liking)

You can enjoy this three times a day, using an 8onz serving with each of your meals.

And what about those times when grief sets in?

 

Proverbs 13:12

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."

Hope is defines as "the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best."

It is so true, because hope becomes the motor of our lives, for all of us who are waiting for something to change for the better in our lives, be it to heal, to obtain stability or to be granted that wish we have put all our yearnings on.

Even for those of us who believe in faith, is our hope is deferred, as the proverb reads, if that which we have set our sights on is delayed, it becomes some type of torment. This is the case for many people who are waiting to he healed; if the process takes too long, of if there are not enough breakthroughs, despair sets in. Holding on to faith, however, keeps hope in the horizon. I found myself getting desperate, even as I prayed for reaching a stability, until I finally acknowledged that for everything there is a season.

There will be a time to heal, not only physically, but emotionally as well. To me, the "tree of life" is an opportunity to heal in ALL aspects, to know that we will see the fruits of our labor, knowing that it takes patience. The greatest trees didn't come to be all of a sudden. It all starts with a seed that through a process, becomes stronger and finally brings forth life on its ownright. So is faith, we need to nurture it, make it active, so that it will keep us in constant sight of our hopes and their fulfillment, in time.

Let's wish for each day we will be able to perceive our greatest hopes closer to fulfillment and let's have faith that it will all come in due time. Despair has no place, so let's toss it aside and let our hearts enjoy the better things.

Steps toward Healing 2

Mark 1: 40-41⁴⁰ A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”
⁴¹ Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” 


 On our last entry we discussed how healing can come about in different phases, though instant healing was mentioned as a possibility, all details and scripture went towards a process healing. Today, however, I invite you to consider the more familiar approach to miracles the instant healing.


 The scripture above shows a person stricken by leprosy that gets close to Jesus, asking to be relieved of his misery, and Jesus shows how He is always willing to be a bridge between man and restoration and has mercy on him, imparting a healing touch.
As a personal experience I can relate to people who are going experimenting disease, we move at a whole different level than people who are healthy.  In our daily lives, we might find people who empathize, other that do not understand, our conditions. However, just like the leper, I've come to an understanding that we can never bring to question the fact that God wants us to experience healing.
The leper never doubted Jesus, he didn't ask whether the Lord could heal him, rather if he would.
If there was a moment of doubt coming from the leper, it was not because of the capabilities of Jesus, but because the man did not believe himself worthy of receiving the gift of healing.
However, Jesus did not hesitate.
 There's a lot to learn from Jesus here, especially for those of a less divine quality.


Sometimes as we struggle with chronic conditions, we face people that are neither supportive nor understanding. Just like in Bible times, when people used to link sickness to a hidden sin, people tend to come to their own conclusions. We have all heard the "it's not as rough as it looks" speech, haven't we?
People who are supportive are crucial to the healing process, we need to be more understanding, more accepting. We are not meant to push away or judge those who are suffering, God calls us to take action in their behalf, caring is like taking one's hand and walking with them through their journey.

God has never left us. Although there were instant, marvelous miracles while Jesus walked the Earth, the fountains of mercy are still flowing. I believe in science because I believe in God and the way I see it is that it is part of his plan to empower people with solutions. Next time you are given a prescription drug, take a moment to think how God allowed medicine to conquer most of our frailties in order to extend our opportunities and allow us to enjoy precious time.Think about how not so long ago lupus, for example, carried a death sentence. However, with the advance of medicine, a well treated condition can go into remission and people are able, not only to survive, but to thrive.
People might not understanding, but there no better process that that which combines science and faith. God is still touching thousand with his mercies, sometimes with a word, sometimes with medication.
I have been through quite a few treatments. The most successful are the ones I entered knowing that God is in control.
If we need healing or that sense of peace within our process, we need to start a relationship with God and allow Him to guide us in all our ways.

Steps toward Healing, Part 1

Many people ask themselves, why am I sick? There are a lot of reasons behind diseases. However the word of God gives examples in which sickness touches an individual to open a door to a blessing, to further glorify God. In other words, to open for a chance to experience a miracle!

As I've said I have been blessed with the opportunity to witness such miracles in myself and others. Though most people connect miracles with the idea of instantaneous healing, there are miracles that are in fact, a process. In my case, the road to healing has been a process, one that had allowed me to get a firm grip of God's hand, allowing Him to work through me in steps and each day guides me to a more stable tomorrow, to make fulfilling life choices that allow me to reach my potential as a human being without the shackles of the disease.

It happens that when enjoying of full health we tend to take for granted certain things. If anything this experience has served not only to further expand my relationship with God but also to enjoy moments that in other circumstances might have come across as trivial. I have learned to be grateful for little chances, to enjoy my family to the fullest and to share with others that might be going through similar situations as me. For this I am grateful, humbled and happy to be given such a grand opportunity.
Jesus Christ, our Lord has taught me this and more through His Word and thanks to walking in faith I have been able to avoid the pits of depression and self-pity. I have learned to see His hand, guiding mine, every step of the way.

Sometimes total restoration comes with instructions attached.
Let's take a look at 2Kings 5: 1-19
This is perhaps the best illustration of a process healing.

Naaman, a high ranking officer, had to follow a certain set of instructions to finally be completely healed of his leprosy. God could have granted him an instant miracle, a healing word from His lips, a healing touch through the hands of the prophet, however he was asked to follow a different path.

Naaman was forced out of his comfort zone, leave his home behind to go and submerge in the Jordan (river which not known for its beautiful and crystal sparkling streams!) because that is where God called him to be…

There are a couple of things worth noticing in this passage, the first being that Naaman, recognized God as a healer and completely trusted in the Lord’s power to bring comfort and restoration. Not only did he stretch his hand out to God, but he let himself be guided through.

I am by no means casting medicine aside. Medical treatments are effective and exist for a reason; in fact submitting to medical care and treatment should not interfere with faith at all. After all Proverbs 21:31 reads: "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord." (NIV)  This means we can do an assortment of things, take our meds, follow guidelines, it is all part of the plan and if on top of that we really listen and hold on to the word of God, we will be truly and completely free of affliction! Get ready for your healing because once God touches you with his word, you will overcome any battle!

Pharmacotherapy for lupus nephritis based on stage

 

Pharmacotherapy for Lupus Nephritis Based on Stage

Classes I and II

Minimal mesangial (class I) lupus nephritis requires no specific therapy.

Mesangial proliferative (class II) lupus nephritis may require treatment if proteinuria is greater than 1000 mg/day. Consider prednisone in low-to-moderate doses (ie, 20-40 mg/day) for 1-3 months, with subsequent taper.

Classes III and IV

Patients with either focal (class III) or diffuse (class IV) lupus nephritis are at high risk of progressing to ESRD and thus require aggressive therapy.

Administer prednisone 1 mg/kg/day for at least 4 weeks, depending on clinical response. Then, taper it gradually to a daily maintenance dose of 5-10 mg/day for approximately 2 years. In acutely ill patients, intravenous (IV) methylprednisolone at a dosage of up to 1000 mg/day for 3 days may be used to initiate corticosteroid therapy.

In patients who do not respond to corticosteroids alone, who have unacceptable toxicity to corticosteroids, who have worsening renal function, who have severe proliferative lesions, or who have evidence of sclerosis on renal biopsy specimens, use immunosuppressive drugs in addition to corticosteroids.

Both cyclophosphamide and azathioprine are effective in proliferative lupus nephritis, although cyclophosphamide is apparently more effective in preventing progression to ESRD. Mycophenolate mofetil has been shown to be at least as effective as IV cyclophosphamide, with less toxicity, in patients with focal or diffuse lupus nephritis who have stable renal function. It may be used alone^[ or sequentially after a 6-month course of IV cyclophosphamide.

Appel et al studied 370 patients with lupus nephritis in a randomized open-label study and found no significant difference in clinical improvement was observed with mycophenolate mofetil compared with IV cyclophosphamide. The study included induction and maintenance therapy, and both study groups received prednisone.

Administer IV cyclophosphamide monthly for 6 months and every 2-3 months thereafter, depending on clinical response. The usual duration of therapy is 2-2.5 years. Reduce the dose if the creatinine clearance is less than 30 mL/min. Adjust the dose depending on the hematologic response. The gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue leuprolide acetate has been shown to protect against ovarian failure.

Azathioprine can also be used as a second-line agent, with dose adjustments depending on hematologic response.

Mycophenolate mofetil was found to be superior to azathioprine in maintaining control and preventing relapses of lupus nephritis in patients who have responded to induction therapy.

Class V

Patients with membranous lupus nephritis are generally treated with prednisone for 1-3 months, followed by tapering for 1-2 years if a response occurs. If no response occurs, the drug is discontinued. Immunosuppressive drugs are generally not used unless renal function worsens or a proliferative component is present on renal biopsy samples. Some clinical evidence indicates that azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, and chlorambucil are effective in reducing proteinuria. Mycophenolate mofetil may also be effective.

In a study of membranous lupus nephritis, 38 patients were treated with corticosteroids and azathioprine; after 12 months of treatment, 67% of patients had a complete remission and 22% had a partial remission, with only 11% resistant to treatment.^[ Long-term follow-up of 12 years showed 19 episodes of renal flares. Retreatment with corticosteroids and azathioprine showed similar responses.

info/emedicine medscape

For there will be a morning as sure as now is night

Psalm 30: 2-5
 2 O LORD my God, I called to you for help
and you healed me.
3 O LORD, you brought me up from the grave 
you spared me from going down into the pit.
4 Sing to the LORD, you saints of his;
praise his holy name.
5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may remain for a night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Psalm 30 is a song of joy composed by David after being delivered from sickness and death. This is a beautiful example of someone who is grateful, as he has come to understand life is a gift that comes wrapped in opportunities.

I'm not just talking about illness, I am talking about valleys, low points in life, situations that threaten to derail our objectives. In all this, if we allow Him, God will show His guidance and mercy and we will also be able to say. Thank you Lord because you didn't allow this evils ti befall me!

David also mentions that sadness might last through the night, but will be gone with the first lining of the golden sun in the morning. No doubt about it some of our "nights" are longer that others, specially for some of us who suffer from autoimmune diseases. If you want to take a "night" literally, think about turning and tossing in pain without sleep and in the vouches of depression that usually we find ourselves stumbling into...Yeah there are certain "nights" that lead to loneliness,regression into ourselves and loss of faith. But through it all we must NEVER forget that pain too, shall pass and that we need to rely on God and one and other and if we seek Him and hold on to Him, God will shower his mercy upon us all. This reminds me the beautiful lyrics of Laura Story's song:

" 'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise"

Give yourself an opportunity to wake - no matter how long the night- into the morning sun.
Think of what that morning will bring you, new starts, new opportunities, a new lease on life. Be grateful in all, for all the things that God has done.



But the path of the righteous is as the dawning light, That shineth more and more unto the perfect  day. Proverbs 4:18

Be a Bridge over Troubled Waters

Let's take in consideration the following Scripture:
Job 4: 1-7 (NIV)

 

 

Job 4

Eliphaz reprimands Job

¹ Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied:
² “If someone ventures a word with you, will you be impatient?
But who can keep from speaking?
³ Think how you have instructed many,
how you have strengthened feeble hands.
⁴ Your words have supported those who stumbled;
you have strengthened faltering knees.
⁵ But now trouble comes to you, and you are discouraged;
it strikes you, and you are dismayed.
⁶ Should not your piety be your confidence
and your blameless ways your hope?
⁷ “Consider now: Who, being innocent, has ever perished?
Where were the upright ever destroyed?



Whenever the word trial is mentioned, even folks who are not much into the Bible conjure the name of Job.

Job was a fair and righteous man who was tried in ALL aspects of his life, whom God eventually restored. While he was going through his trials and tribulations, when he had hit the rock bottom of human misery, Job got to experience a bit of the "add insult to injury" approach when he was reprimanded by his friend Eliphaz. As readers, we understand that Eliphaz was wrong in his interpretation of the root of Job's tribulations, and that his words, though might have carried good intentions, were by no means what Job needed to hear. However, Eliphaz still manages to put out a couple of simple truths about his friend:

" Think how you have instructed many,
how you have strengthened feeble hands.
Your words have supported those who stumbled;
you have strengthened faltering knees.
But now trouble comes to you, and you are discouraged;
it strikes you, and you are dismayed."

How many times have we found ourselves in a situation in which we have served as rock and north for others, in which we had given support and prayer for all, however, as soon as tragedy strikes our lives, we find ourselves demoralized and receding.

Sometimes, some of us who have gone through an illness, turn for the worse, we rebuke, question, cry, forget what we have believed in, look upon the words of comfort we have given others as if they came from the lips of strangers.

In moments like these we need to step back an realize that all life events are in fact opportunities to exercise faith, to be a conduit of God to people that might be going through situations that are similar to ours.

God is the fountain of our strength and He reminds us day by day that it doesn't matter how grim the outlook, He will be with us. Sometimes, going through situations, even painful ones allows us to be in a better understanding of other people's condition.

We are bridges, and our job is to reach out, God our father went through the greatest sacrifice for our sake, to bring us to Him, we might as well pay He's beautiful gift in kindness and care for others.

Be  bridge, build beautiful memories. each time you rise above your circumstances to give a hand, to share, to listen, you are not only serving as the reflection of God's undying love, you grow as a human being.

Spread Love and Enthusiasm; it's the best way to fight disease!