Blood update

The quick update: last week Thursday I went to see my hematologist. I thought that he'd be enthusiastic about my blood coming up. However his response was not what I was expecting. He said that he thought he would see much more improvement after so many infusions. So he said that I need to continue infusions. However I can go down to getting them once a week instead of every 2 days. 

Here's what it's like when I'm getting infusion.

Everyone in the room getting infusion is chronically ill there either getting chemotherapy for cancer or infused with medicine for  a chronic illness such as RA or lupus. When I was there a few weeks ago I met a lady who's a teacher. She was receiving her every three-month chemo treatment. She's a single mother with twin boys and is a teacher. Her and I know what it's like to trying go through life like everyone else well behind the scenes were constantly at the doctors office and fighting.  We're fighting in different degrees but we can definitely relate to one another. Just remember that some of the people that are the most physically weak are the most mentally and emotionally strong.

Did you know...

Did you know that vitmain B12 is one of the main vitamins that helps your body replenish blood cells. I have been chronically low in blood about 2 years now and doctors haven't really been able to figure out why. I consistently ask my modern medicine doctors about whether they think diet can help with my issues. The usual response I get is that they haven't known of any particular diet that helps with my condition(s). I think it's kinda crazy because I KNOW how much diet matters, just by the way it affects me. For me diet determines whether I am able to walk, get myself dressed, use the restroom on my own, OR not.
 What's even more crazy is that about 2 years ago I stopped eating red meat and dairy. This is about the same time I became anemic and I know its dumb of me but I never put the 2 together until now.

Dairy and beef are primary foods that provide b12. Since receiving b12 injections, reintroducing beef ( FREE RANGE ORGANIC ONLY) into my diet and getting iron infusions - my blood levels have already come up. Who would of thought?! Right?

I wish I knew, but just one more thing I've learned from suffering. So if you know anyone low in blood, b12 or anemic- Have them eat diary ( the good diary, from a good source)!!

Why did I stop eating diary?? Because for the most part diary is known as an inflammation food. Rationally thinking, with eczema and RA you want to stay away from anything that causes inflammation and that is why. 


So my follow-up is Thursday and the hemotologist will direct me as to whether I need to continue with iron infusions or not. I had blood drawn today for this.

Since I mentioned eczema...I wanted you to know I have had this the longest of any of my issues. Lately, Ive had a rash on my hands so bad it is typically red and almost raw. Every soap burns and hurts it, even ALL-NATURAL/ ORGANIC ones. Here is the ONLY soap that does not burn my skin and leaves it moisturized. Just thought I would share. I pay $18.50 and I get it from redlands wellness. I think its on amazon too. You can use it for shampoo too.

Friday Fun

PToday I had my monthly B-12 injection. Here is the nurse right before she pricks me.

One big reason I started this blog was to not only help raise awareness and perhaps help others who go through the same thing, but just to let people know whats going on in my life on a day to day basis. Often, my family and friends will say, " you don't tell me." " I need to know this." When you are at the doctors office about 20 times a month you don't really share it every time. And when you have lupus, chronic fatigue and anemia- you don't exactly have energy to call or text people to tell them. Yeah, I usually tell no one. My mom calls a lot and sometimes she said I called you for 3 days to see whats going on and you don't call me back. It's true I don't- that's one of the reasons I started this blog because I want my mom and all my family yo come to it for updates because I just don't have energy to call and update all the time. The only energy I have I use to dig myself out of this health hell and to devote to my husband and daughter.

I'm having better and better days currently with my blood levels up a bit I've been noticing I am able to do more without crashing and when the meds provide some relief it doesn't make you as sleeping either. I've been making mjs lunches every night and I made my family dinner twice.

Here was my day today:

( I had a cortizone injection yesterday- so typically I can't do this much but today I was able to)

- Went to my daughter's awards assembly

- stopped by corner bakery with my dad and chela (I didn't eat, because practically EVERYTHING on the menu has sugar in it, I almost order a plain egg but it didn't sound good)

- ran home to meet a someone to look at my house

- subbed for an hour high school

- went to reflexology ( this helps me go longer)

- went to the drive-thru car wash ( I'm not able to wash my car anymore and my hubs is too busy)

- went to get my b-12 injection

- came home to meet my friend the realtor to list my house

- typed this blog/ate prepared dinner from fit foods and now I am off to bible study.

You guys will know when I am feeling better because there will be more frequent blog post. When there's not post most likely im not doing so great. Love you and hope you have a great weekend!

-

The time...the money...the energy...

So I had yet another doctors appointment.  Today it was with my rheumatologist. It went almost 2 hours. She came in we went over my current  medication and my most recent bloodwork. 

My appointment was at 10:20am. I told you guys before that mornings are hard. I was limping into her office with a high level of pain. We discussed my current condition. And I guess you can say methotrexate is working. My inflamation  is down. But.... It's not working quite enough as walking is still a very difficult thing most days. So she wants to increase my dosage.

I've been getting iron infusions twice a week for my low blood and I have good news it's up to a 10. That is still not in the normal range. The lowest of normal is a 12. But I'm heading in the right direction without having to resort to blood transfusions thank the Lord! 

I decided to let her do Cortizone shot as well. I know steroids are not good to inject and my body. However I have lost 75% of use of my right arm and she thought this may help me get some of it back. 

She said I will be able to tell in a few days. She ordered MORE LABS 😣

I go to physical therapy once a week to try and regain motion of my right arm.

 

I want people to see just how much time, money, prayer and energy is devoted to trying to get to a place where many people are without any work. I took my helath for granted before. I pray one day I can be healthy again! ❤️ 

In Gods timing...