Living With Lupus

By Janel Green

In the fall of 2010, my skin started to experience severe irritation. The breakout began with my hands and then spread to my stomach, back and neck. I began seeing a dermatologist in order to determine what was wrong with my body. In November, I was officially diagnosed with Lupus. Identifying the problem was only the first step in the learning process. I've decided to put together a help list of information that I have discovered since being diagnosed in 2010.

10 Things I've Learned Since Living With Lupus

1. Know Your Meds. It could take months before your medicine starts to work. In my case - 9 MONTHS!  My doctor failed to mention this fact to me. Now, whenever I get a new prescription, I ask what to expect.  When will it start to work? What are the side effects? Is there anything I can do to make taking it more tolerable? Don't be afraid to ask your doctor or pharmacist about new medication.
2. Know The Side Effects. I never knew that the medicine that suppresses my immune system has crazy side effects. The pain medication I've been prescribed always makes me nauseous. Eventually, I will have to stop taking one of my prescriptions because it causes osteoporosis, cataracts, facial swelling, weight gain, muscle wasting, and diabetes. Another medicine I take causes damage to the retina over time resulting in loss of vision - its effects are irreversible. Because of this, I have to get my eyes checked every 3 months.
3. Focus on the positive. Sometimes life sucks... but it could always be worse. I've learned to truly value the positive things in my life. There are days when I struggle to do simple things like brush my teeth, tie my shoes, or hug my husband. I personally know someone that had to have all their teeth removed because of an almost fatal reaction to a prescription medication. The medicine caused their tongue to turn black and swollen.  It put so much pressure on their teeth that they had to be extracted. My husband spent years struggling with a diabetic ulcer in his foot which eventually lead to an amputation. The point is that there is always someone going through something worse than you. Don’t spend too much time questioning why something bad is happening to you.
4. Stay Out of the Sun. I never knew why my mom (who has Lupus) never went to Walt Disney World with the family when I was growing up. Exposure to the sun can activate the symptoms of Lupus. By limiting my time out in the sun, I can reduce the chance of skin irritation.
5. Have a Bedtime.  I know that I can stay up till 3 in the morning playing video games...  But my body needs at least 7 hours of sleep or I might have a flare up the next day. To flare up means that your body's immune system is active, inappropriately releasing a variety of factors that lead to the inflammation in my joints, rashes, and a feeling of ickyness.
6. Eliminate the Sodium. When I first got sick, my face, hands and feet would swell up like balloons. I eat a lot of vegetables, so for a snack I might eat some celery. There is sodium in celery. Once I discovered this I began to research the foods I ate so that I could monitor my salt intake.  I did not know that sodium is naturally found in many of the healthy foods I enjoy.  Now that I know this, I try not to add additional salt.
7. Don't See Assistants. Sometimes the Doctor's office will schedule you with anyone except the actually Doctor. You don't have to see the Physician's Assistant. You don’t have to go to the Nurse Practitioner.  You can request the Physician. During a visit with a Nurse Practitioner, I complained about my skin breaking out and how uncomfortable I felt.  Her response was; “Ewww, you're making me itch!” Since then, I request my Rheumy and NOT his assistant.
8. I'm Not The Only One. The scars on Seal’s face are caused by Discoid Lupus.  Toni Braxton has Microvascular Angina which is caused by Lupus.  Nick Canon has Lupus Nephritis which affects his kidneys.  Other celebs with this disease include rapper Trick Daddy, model Mercedes Yvette, and the late Michael Jackson.
9. Lupus Can Be Lonely. There is one person in my life that I thought would be there for me, but when they found out I was sick they stopped talking to me.  That was a huge disappointment, but I will go on.
10. I Can Live With Lupus. After being diagnosed with Lupus, I've become dedicated to learning about the disease and raising awareness for it. The color for Lupus Awareness is Purple. May is Lupus Awareness month. My favorite color is purple and I was married in the month of May. Coincidence?

If you are interested in learning more about this disease and how you can help find a cure, visit www.Lupus.org

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Whites Outlive African-Americans by Up to Eight Years

A new life expectancy study conducted by UCLA researchers shows that in every state across the country white men and women are outliving Blacks. African-American die up to 8 years sooner than whites in certain states.


In Washington, D. C.,  Black men die up to 13.8 years sooner than Caucasian men and Black women die 8.6 years sooner than white women.

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Nail Health

Did you know your nails can reveal clues to your overall health? A touch of white here, a rosy tinge there, or some rippling or bumps may be a sign of disease in the body. Problems in the liver, lungs, and heart can show up in your nails. Keep reading to learn what secrets your nails might reveal.

• Pale Nails - Very pale nails can sometimes be a sign of serious illness, such as:
• Anemia
• Congestive heart failure
• Liver disease
• Malnutrition

• White Nails - If the nails are mostly white with darker rims, this can indicate liver problems, such as hepatitis.

• Yellow Nails - One of the most common causes of yellow nails is a fungal infection. As the infection worsens, the nail bed may retract, and nails may thicken and crumble. In rare cases, yellow nails can indicate a more serious condition such as severe thyroid disease, lung disease, diabetes or psoriasis.

• Bluish Nails - Nails with a bluish tint can mean the body isn't getting enough oxygen. This could indicate an infection in the lungs, such as pneumonia. Some heart problems can be associated with bluish nails.

• Rippled Nails - If the nail surface is rippled or pitted, this may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Discoloration of the nail is common; the skin under the nail can seem reddish-brown.

• Cracked or Split Nails - Dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease. Cracking or splitting combined with a yellowish hue is more likely due to a fungal infection.

• Puffy Nail Fold - If the skin around the nail appears red and puffy, this is known as inflammation of the nail fold. It may be the result of lupus or another connective tissue disorder. Infection can also cause redness and inflammation of the nail fold.

• Dark Lines Beneath the Nail - Dark lines beneath the nail should be investigated as soon as possible. They are sometimes caused by melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

• Gnawed Nails - Biting your nails may be nothing more than an old habit, but in some cases it's a sign of persistent anxiety that could benefit from treatment. Nail biting or picking has also been linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you can't stop, it's worth discussing with your doctor.

Though nail changes accompany many conditions, these changes are rarely the first sign. And many nail abnormalities are harmless -- not everyone with white nails has hepatitis. If you're concerned about the appearance of your nails, see a dermatologist.


Source: webmd.com

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Fighting Winter Dry Skin

Winter is often a time for more noticeably dry skin. It is a problem that becomes worse due to low humidity in cold weather. It can also bring about dry “patches” in certain areas such as feet and elbows. Here are some tips to fight winter dryness:

• Apply a generous amount of skin moisturizer to keep the water from leaving your skin. A thick moisturizer should work quite well, and you can also try some petroleum jelly. It is best to apply a moisturizer on your skin, immediately after a shower, while your skin is still moist.

• Limit the amount of time you spend while bathing and reduce the temperature of your bath water, as these factors remove the natural oil from your skin. Make sure that you do not spend more than 15 minutes taking a shower and use lukewarm to warm water.  

• Use a bath or shower gel that contains added moisturizer, instead of using a soap that is harsh and drying. 

• Avoid rubbing your skin vigorously after a shower, as it damages your skin and causes it to dry out. Pat your skin dry gently, with a soft towel and allow some of the moisture to remain on your skin while you moisturize to allow for better penetration into the skin.

• Use a humidifier if you spend a lot of time indoors or in an artificially heated or cooled environment. Be sure to keep the humidifier clean and free of bacteria and fungi. 

• Fabrics like cotton and silk allow your skin to breathe and therefore are good for the health of your skin. Certain fabrics like wool and polyester can irritate your skin, leading to dryness, itching, and so on.
It is also important to drink plenty of fluids. However alcohol and caffeinated beverages should be avoided due to their dehydrating properties.

You can also keep skin hydrated by increasing your consumption of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, zinc, sulfur, and vitamin C. With a daily regimen of these tips you should notice healthier looking skin and a happier you.

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The Warning Signs of Depression

Depression

We all have experienced times in our lives when we have felt sad, tearful, and just low. These are normal emotions of life, but if you find these feelings taking control and not easy up in frequency, you may be experiencing depression. Depression can make it difficult to function daily and enjoy a quality of life if left undiagnosed.

Learning about depression—including its signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment—is the first step to overcoming the problem. This article is to be used as a tool, not to diagnose depression. If you think you are suffering from a form of depression, contact your family physician.

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Surviving Breast Cancer

For the last 10 months I have been on a journey to survive breast cancer. My family and I were diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in March 2010. I say my family and I because every trial, tribulation, and ordeal I have been through since that time, they have been through as well.

We were all in disbelief after the diagnosis. Care progressed quickly within the medical team I was assigned to. Breast cancer is not necessarily a “death sentence”. With early detection and depending upon the treatment, survival rates for Stage II breast cancer is 81-92%. It feels good to be able to say I am a “survivor”. Here are some tips to reduce your risk:

Don’t Smoke and Eat a Healthy Diet

While smoking has not been directly linked to breast cancer, it remains the leading cause of many other types of cancer and appears to be more harmful than most all other known carcinogens combined. The healthier you keep your body, the stronger your immune system and other vital functions will be in a fight against breast cancer. Likewise, eating a healthy diet – one low in saturated fats and simple sugars, high in fruits, vegetables and dietary fiber, and rich in vitamins and nutrients like anti-oxidants, will make your body less susceptible to disease.

Don’t Drink Alcohol, or At Least Be Conservative…

Alcohol consumption appears to have a well-documented link to increased risk for breast cancer. In a compilation of recent studies, it was shown that the equivalent of only two drinks a day increased a woman’s risk of breast cancer by 21%!

Exercise Regularly…

Scientists have recently discovered a link between a woman’s risk for breast cancer and regular exercise. While the scientific community is not yet fully aware of why regular physical activity reduces breast cancer risks, many believe it is due to exercise’s effect on hormones and overall well- being. The truth is, exercise benefits almost every system of the body. For your health, exercise regularly! (If you have not exercised vigorously for a year or more, you may wish to consult with a doctor prior to beginning any new routine.)

Get a mammogram!

(Especially for those over 30 or with a history of cancer in their family) Because there is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, a regular mammogram is the best way to detect cancer at its earliest stages. Early detection through mammography screening can greatly improve a woman’s chances for successful treatment, treatment options, and ultimately increase survival. A mammogram can detect up to 90% of breast cancers where there were no other detectable signs or symptoms.

Source: breastcancersociety.org, komen.org

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