Grace in Lupus

Living life one day at a time...

-L U P U S-
Lifetime battle
(until cure is found)
Unpredictable
(with period of flares and remission)
comes with Psychological stress (due to the burden of the disease)
Unnoticeable
(invisible disease)
Systemic (may affect any organ system in the body)

What my doctor always reminds me especially during summer time is to put on sunblock... but regardless of the season, sunblock is a MUST. With the climate change and global warming we are currently experiencing now, the sun’s UVA and UVB rays are distressing…

We, lupies, are very much aware that sun exposure can trigger our illness and may lead to flare-ups, which is not fun at all… Those without SLE are equally concerned because of the damaging effects in our skin. The UVA rays is associated with premature skin aging and cancer while the UVB is associated with skin burning.

Like me, I believe you also look at the labels when choosing your sunscreen/sunblock because you wanted the product that would give you enough sun protection. You may have noticed the labels indicating SPF 30, SPF 50, or SPF 80; then, there is also the PA++ or PA+++, and you might be wondering what these marks mean. I was also curious so I looked it up. SPF or the sun protection factor protects us from the UVB rays. It is said that a person’s skin begins to burn after 10-20minutes of sun exposure. So, if you are using a product with SPF 30, you are 30 times protected from the UVB rays (around 300-600 minutes protection). On the other hand, PA+ shows the level of protection from UVA rays. If your sunscreen has PA++, that means you are protected moderately. It allows individual to handle 4-8 times exposure to UVA.

Knowing such information makes you more confident in selecting the right product for you the next time you shop.

Now, I’d just like to share with you two products that I use as part of my daily skin care routine. You may want to try it too.

For my moisturizer, I use MIYU 3in1 whitening moisturizer, it has SPF 30 PA++. To complete my skin care regimen, I use Artistry Exact Fit Powder Foundation with SPF 20 PA+++. These products are organic and suitable for all skin types.

Photos CTTO

It has really been a very long time since my last post...
a lot of things has happened...

I retired young from work force and moved to the province to recuperate. Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city life, the pollution, the stressful daily activities - enduring the traffic going to and fro the office, beating deadlines, attending meetings... seems to be one of the best decisions I have made. I was able to spend quality time with my family and even able to pursue another dream - that is to be in a helping profession. This decision also allowed me to rest and recover... and the start of my journey to remission...

During that time, my body has been in a good state that I was able to conceive. I had a very smooth pregnancy and delivery - no complications.

I adjusted for a while in becoming like a "new" Mom, after eight years and it has been a challenging journey. There are things that I used to do that I am unable to do anymore. Although I was already in remission at that time, sometimes I still feel pain and fatigue, that makes it hard to wake up in the morning. Also, as much as I want to finish all the chores in a day and play with the kids or assist them in their school works, it's not very possible.

And these experiences I had are common to lupies like me. Based on several studies, SLE can contribute to work disability, functional impairments, loss of valued activities and mood disturbance. So for those with lupus, especially those who are newly diagnosed, don't be afraid if you undergo these kinds of changes, it's normal. Learn to accept it and adapt to your new condition. If you are tired, rest, don't push yourself hard to perform well. Listen to your body. It will help in your recovery.

For over a year now, the whole world is facing this SARS-Cov-2 pandemic and it has taken millions of lives. We lupies, are very vulnerable to this covid-19 virus, so we should take extra precaution. Let us observe the health protocols being imposed by the government. As much as possible, let us stay home, aside from continuing with our medication and supplements, let's get vaccinated, so we can protect our love ones and others.

Also, being "locked up" and faced with other challenges at home may also take a toll on our mental health, if you see signs of depression (low mood, loss of interest/pleasure, weight/appetite changes, sleeping too much/too little, feeling physically restless or slowed down, strong feelings of worthlessness/guilt, difficulty concentrating/thinking/making decisions) and anxiety (nervousness, persistent worry, tension, restlessness, irritability, dread, trouble falling asleep/staying asleep, nausea/diarrhea), seek help. Or you may also do some self-management activities like taking part in physical activities/exercise - may be walking your dog or tending to your plants. Other lupies do yoga, for me I do zumba and fitness walk to keep me active.

Also, improve your sleeping habits. Get 7-8hours of sleep daily. Sleeping has a natural way of healing. It is said that "during sleep, the body is refreshed and more prepared to face the challenges of a new day instead of feeling defeated and stressed. This positive mood can boost recovery outcomes."

Keep in touch with your family, they are your strongest support during these times. You may also reconnect with your friends through Facebook or other platforms.

You may also want to try doing self-talk or saying positive affirmations to yourself. The moment you wake-up, you can tell to yourself, "I am loved," or "I am able to overcome all the challenges that comes my way," or you may say, "I am on my journey to recovery." Staying positive during these trying times, and believing that things will work out well will help you improve your quality of life and may extend your life span. :-)

My daughter captured this moment.
Me using skin care with SPF 20 UVA/UVB for sun protection.

🎼I'm so blessed my Lord
I can see you
In all the lovely things
So fine and true
I see you in the beauty
Of the flowers and the rain
I see you between the lines
Of a sweet refrain🎶

🎵I'm so blessed my Lord
I can see you
Even when I'm lonely and in pain
I see you in the beauty
Of the stars at night
I see you in my life
I feel alright🎶

🎶I see you Lord
In sorrow and in happiness
I see you in the glory
Of sweet success
I see you Lord
Every hour, everyday
I can see you Lord
Whenever I pray🎵

🎶I'm so blessed my Lord
I can see you
In the smile of a baby
Sweet and true
I can see you in the eyes
Of my very best friends
I see you in these bonds
Just like your love that never ends

It's been a while since my last post...
Anyway, I've been battling with SLE for six years now...
I'm in remission for three years.... and counting...
During this process of remission as a side effect of prolonged steroid use, I suffered from avascular necrosis or osteonecrosis -- loss of blood supply in the bone tissues which may lead to the collapse of the bones... as a stop-gap measure, I had core decompression on both hips in 2016... I had to take a leave from work and moved to the province to recuperate...
After a few months, I got pregnant with my third child... all my medications were stopped aside from Plaquenil and my usual dose of organic vitamins (e.g. Iron-Folic Plus, CalMag D). I had a smooth pregnancy and delivery... no complications at all... no flare-ups... My daughter has just turned two this year and she is doing really great...
I'm enjoying my life now as a home goddess, a hopeful entrepreneur, and a passionate student...
We are warriors... we don't give up no matter what battle we encounter along the way... we have always someone great and mighty above, whom we can always turn to... He never fails... He never turns back...
Thank you Lord for every day...

Having a chronic disease like "lupus" does not mean end of the world... one has just to face it head on and be positive in life... of course have faith -- it goes a long way...

I've been battling with lupus for four years now...
I had my share of challenges that makes me cry and question, but it made me stronger...
Look at me now... I've been blessed with my 3rd child... a healthy baby girl...

Girl diagnosed with lupus graduates cm laude from UP Battling a serious medical condition did not hinder one girl from pursuing her dream to finish her studies -- and she proved that she can do so with flying colors.