Less Lupus, More Life- What's for snacktime?

I can't take a picture of it because it looks so gross. My latest smoothie recipe is not earth-shattering. You can probably find ten versions of it on recipe.com. 

1 cup frozen pineapple chunks

1/2 cup frozen blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries

3 cups fresh spinach

1 cup almond or rice milk (a bit more might be needed)

Blend well and drink in an opaque glass. The color will not be pretty! Added honey or maple syrup is not needed in this one because of the pineapple. Maybe my taste buds are off, but the spinach doesn't ruin the taste; it just seems a bit 'earthy.' Be certain to check your teeth for any tiny bits of greenery!

I had high hopes for the month of October and this blog, but my top priority is my children- right now I am specifically re-learning all my algebra so I can help my oldest do well in class...

Less Lupus, More Life- Day 7 of "31 Days" series What's for breakfast?

Funny, when I decided to write on lupus for this October series, I hadn't had a flare-up in 18 months. I mean, there is the constant fatigue and joint pain, but nothing acute. But I started writing and then I got my classic red mottling on the face. This is why I finally got bangs. Don't you, fellow lupus-dealers, get sick of people asking what is wrong with your face? Ah well...so let's talk about food.

I'm not going to photograph my bowl of oatmeal. You know what it looks like. I don't eat it every day, but I should. I feel good and also full after a bowl of oatmeal; most of the ingredients here would be considered 'anti-inflammatory.' I enjoy it with some kind of protein, something naturally sweet and something extra nutritious like chia or flax seed.

oatmeal (soaked overnight)

almond milk or rice milk

lots of sliced raw almonds or raw pumpkin seeds

a sprinkle of chia seeds or flax seeds

chopped apple or a chopped date/coconut bar (found in all health stores)

cinnamon and vanilla

You should not need any honey or maple syrup with the sweetness of the fruit and cinnamon, but a little bit is fine. I used some Trader Joe's 'pumpkin pie spice' on my oatmeal this morning- it was delicious! Anyway- this is my earth-shattering breakfast post...it's quick and easy...

Less Lupus, More Life- Day 3 of "31 Days" series to medicate or not to medicate?

Birth control pills lower libido and can increase the chance of stroke and heart attack. But many women feel that they are so necessary to their health that they insist that their university pays for it.   Anti-depression medication can increase thoughts of suicide. But many people, young and old, feel so desperate that they turn a blind eye to the side effects.

I'm not totally against pharmaceuticals. I used progesterone and heparin during my last two pregnancies. I just hate the idea of living 'under the influence' for the rest of my life.

Twelve years ago, I had my first lupus flare. It was the worst flare I have experienced in my life. I didn't know what was happening to me. My joints hurt so badly that I literally had to crawl up the stairs to my classroom to teach my college class. I went to our family doctor, and she prescribed me a month of prednisone. It worked. I was able to walk. Unfortunately, one of the rarer side effects is acid reflux. After only a month of using the drug, I had developed vocal nodules which later caused one of my vocal chords to be permanently paralyzed; I no longer can sing or speak as I once did.

I understand the need to relieve symptoms. When I was in so much pain twelve years ago, I knew that I couldn't live that way for long. I consider my semi-remission to be a miracle, and the loss of my singing voice is a small price to pay for my life these past twelve years and two more healthy children. I was so blessed that I don't need to go back on steroids. perhaps in the future I will. For now, I am attempting to maintain my tenuous health through natural means.  

Three years ago, my doctor had me take anti-malarials for about six months. He insisted that it would help with my chronic fatigue. I didn't feel any difference, not even any of the relatively minor possible side effects. It seems that my body doesn't really respond well to low doses of medication, so I prefer not to take any. When I got a tooth pulled out, it took 4 doses of whatever the dentist was using to numb the area. She was surprised. My first c-section was my first and only epidural; it took the anesthesiologist three doses or attempts to numb me to go ahead with the c-section. Maybe it is the slight redness in my hair....I'm not against trying the drug again. I will do anything to avoid taking prednisone again. Even though I needed the drug when I had the first severe flare, I regret using it. I think it changed my entire body chemistry for the worse.

from Mayo Clinic website: Side effects of oral corticosteroids
Because oral corticosteroids affect your entire body instead of just a particular area, this form is the most likely to cause significant side effects. Side effects depend on the dose of medication you receive and may include:

• Elevated pressure in the eyes (glaucoma)
• Fluid retention, causing swelling in your lower legs
• Increased blood pressure
• Mood swings
• Weight gain, with fat deposits in your abdomen, face and the back of your neck

When taking oral corticosteroids longer term, you may experience:

• Clouding of the lens in one or both eyes (cataracts)
• High blood sugar, which can trigger or worsen diabetes
• Increased risk of infections
• Thinning bones (osteoporosis) and fractures
• Suppressed adrenal gland hormone production
• Thin skin, easy bruising and slower wound healing
  

Less Lupus, More Life- Day 2 of "31 Days"

"Wonder what causes lupus? Lupus, an autoimmune disease, happens when the immune system attacks its tissues, causing inflammation, swelling, pain, and damage. Lupus symptoms vary, and early lupus symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, fever, and a lupus rash, especially after being in the sun." (webmd)

from the Mayo Clinic:

• Get adequate rest. People with lupus often experience persistent fatigue that's different from normal tiredness and that isn't necessarily relieved by rest. For that reason, it can be hard to judge when you need to slow down. Get plenty of sleep a night and naps or breaks during the day as needed.
• Be sun smart. Because ultraviolet light can trigger a flare, wear protective clothing, such as a hat, long-sleeved shirt and long pants, and use sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 55 every time you go outside.
• Get regular exercise. Exercise can help you recover from a flare, reduce your risk of heart attack, help fight depression and promote general well-being.
• Don't smoke. Smoking increases your risk of cardiovascular disease and can worsen the effects of lupus on your heart and blood vessels.
• Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Sometimes you may have dietary restrictions, especially if you have high blood pressure, kidney damage or gastrointestinal problems.
  

Less Lupus, More Life - Day 1 of 31 Days

I am one of the lucky ones. I was diagnosed with lupus, an auto-immune disease, over ten years ago and it really has not manifested itself in a deadly way. Lupus has had a profound effect of my life, however. We lost a baby at 20 weeks because of my body's auto-immune attack on the placenta. The last two pregnancies were coaxed along with blood thinners and hormones. I have more than fifty pounds to lose; my sluggish thyroid, chronic fatigue and joint pain make it nearly impossible. basically, my body is a mess, but I know that many people suffering from lupus have it much, much harder.

I've decided to tackle my lupus head-on. It is just not right that I am not taking this seriously. At the end of October, I will see my doctor who will probably give me a prescription for hydroxychloroquine (absolutely no steriods for me; that would be 'last resort') and, hopefully, also a natropath medical doctor to continue my journey to a healthier self. In the meantime, I will journal here on those healthier choices I will make to combat my lupus.

1. gentle, moderate exercise

2. hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

3. eat anti-inflammitary foods

4. combate any emotional stressors

5. take vitamin supplements

6. early to bed, early to rise

7. take a short nap once a day

If you are living with lupus or an auto-immune expert, I would love to hear your experience and advice in the comment box. 

many, many more '31 Days' series at The Nester

Less Lupus, More Life- 31 days in October

I'll be posting on 'Less Lupus, More Life' for the 31 days link-up at The Nester. Look for recipes and ideas for an anti-inflammatory diet, exercise tips (ha!), and journaling while I try and get my lupus under control in time for a doctor appointment in November! 

Click on the label "31 days 2013 Less Lupus" below this post for all of the posts as they are written