I was not given product for this blog post, I just love this product- although if they wanted to send me some as a thank you I wouldn't turn it away) :-)
I am NOT a "health" person. I roll my eyes at people who say this vitamin or that will probably help me with my Lupus. Mainly cause I have tried it all. But I had confided in a friend of mine about my struggle to loose weight and how I desperatly wanted something I could have for breakfast that was fast and easy to do. She told me about this drink... I am a PICKY eater, so I was skeptical. She gave me a three day sample and I actually was able to drink it.
The first is a mix called "Green Vibrance"
Green Vibrance is the original Concentrated Green Superfood. It's a nutritional powerhouse that improves energy and endurance, strengthens immunity, improves digestion and circulation. Green Vibrance has more nutrient density than any other green-food product on the market. It contains 58 certified organic, concetrated foods and extracts, all of the highest quality, along with an industry-leading 18 billion probiotics per serving. (From the Amazon website)
Click here to find it on Amazon
I also mix it with "Rainbow Vibrance"
Rainbow Vibrance red, yellow, blue & green fresh fruits and vegetables two-thirds of a pound of fresh fruits and vegetables concentrated in each scoop. Equivalent to 4½ servings of fruits and vegetables 3,974 ORAC units per serving; Gluten free. We do not live in a monochromatic world. In the realm of nutritional supplementation, red drinks are not enough. Blueberry, blackberry, grape, plums, peaches and apricots measure up well against the famous red fruits cranberry, raspberry, cherry and Camu-camu. But good health does not revolve solely around the strength of anti-oxidants in the diet. Soluble and insoluble fibers, indoles, sulphorohane, flavanols, flavonoids, and complex polysaccharides and carotenoids all play a part.
Click here to find it on Amazon
I mix these together with 10 oz of orange juice and a scoop of Physillum Husk and drink it every morning.
I feel great. The digestion issues I have with my lupus are completely gone (Including when I had my major flare in December). It is the perfect breakfast for me and keeps me "full" until lunch time.
Feel free to ask me questions. But if you are looking for a healthy drink I would suggest these. The cost can be over welming by $100 for two months is pretty good for breakfast every morning.
Monday, January 9, 2012
December Update
So I have once again neglected the blog and now my mind is spinning with all kinds of posts... So I'll start with this one:
December was a fun month, too fun. We decided to take a last minute cruise and I pushed myself way to hard. I really over estimated how great Benlysta was working. So I flared, and flared bad. Still dealing with the flare. Good Times!!
I forgot how bad I felt before I started Benlysta. SO now I am taking it easy, as much as I can and wait for the medication to take control once again. Oh, who am I kidding I'm not taking it easy at all. Still working out, still have a crazy commitment schedule. Will I slow down, probably not. My body just needs to catch up.
My primary doctor wants to test me for diabetes, this to me is a HUGE blow. I'm overweight, yes. But I am trying so hard. If the "cure" for type 2 is weight loss and I can't loose weight how am I suppose to get over it? The test he wants is two hours long and I just haven't gotten up the courage to go do it.
So that is all I got for now... I have other posts that have nothing to do with an "update" that I will type up now.
December was a fun month, too fun. We decided to take a last minute cruise and I pushed myself way to hard. I really over estimated how great Benlysta was working. So I flared, and flared bad. Still dealing with the flare. Good Times!!
I forgot how bad I felt before I started Benlysta. SO now I am taking it easy, as much as I can and wait for the medication to take control once again. Oh, who am I kidding I'm not taking it easy at all. Still working out, still have a crazy commitment schedule. Will I slow down, probably not. My body just needs to catch up.
My primary doctor wants to test me for diabetes, this to me is a HUGE blow. I'm overweight, yes. But I am trying so hard. If the "cure" for type 2 is weight loss and I can't loose weight how am I suppose to get over it? The test he wants is two hours long and I just haven't gotten up the courage to go do it.
So that is all I got for now... I have other posts that have nothing to do with an "update" that I will type up now.
Friday, November 18, 2011
November
I haven't been thinking too much about my Lupus lately because it really hasn't been an issue, which is a HUGE relief. I must admit this week didn't start off too good and it was a sign that the Benlysta is actually working.
I started to flare on Monday night. Stress and the fact that I was due for another infusion probably started the whole thing. I was so sick. Facial rash, chest pain, mouth sores, exhaustion and pain EVERYWHERE. So I fought my way through the four days to this morning. But I have to say I was reminded of how I feel when I am not on Benlysta.
Every joint feels like it was hit with a baseball bat, every movement has to be carefully planned. Every free moment should be spent resting. I am so incredibly thankful that this medication is working, and working well. I would be happy to take a few days every month of feeling like this if it meant the other days were so much better. The other days are filled with activities, family & friends. It is so great to feel so good.
So today was my 4th infusion. I enjoy getting them. I am excited to get them. And then 1/2 way through I am reminded of why I do these on a Friday. Nausea and exhaustion quickly set in. I am not complaining by any means. I will be rejoicing for as long as it works. I am so greatful for a drug that finally makes a difference in my life.
But now I struggle with habbits. After years of having to come home after work and lay down I come home from work and I have no idea what to do, so I go lay down. I need to learn to cook and clean spend more time with my family. I still need to listen to my body, but I need to learn it's ok to push myself and do what a "normal" person does on a daily basis. This will take time, but honestly, I don't even know where to start.
I hope you all have a safe, rest filled Thanksgiving next week. I will be enjoying time with friends as we play cards until the wee hours of the morning!
I started to flare on Monday night. Stress and the fact that I was due for another infusion probably started the whole thing. I was so sick. Facial rash, chest pain, mouth sores, exhaustion and pain EVERYWHERE. So I fought my way through the four days to this morning. But I have to say I was reminded of how I feel when I am not on Benlysta.
Every joint feels like it was hit with a baseball bat, every movement has to be carefully planned. Every free moment should be spent resting. I am so incredibly thankful that this medication is working, and working well. I would be happy to take a few days every month of feeling like this if it meant the other days were so much better. The other days are filled with activities, family & friends. It is so great to feel so good.
So today was my 4th infusion. I enjoy getting them. I am excited to get them. And then 1/2 way through I am reminded of why I do these on a Friday. Nausea and exhaustion quickly set in. I am not complaining by any means. I will be rejoicing for as long as it works. I am so greatful for a drug that finally makes a difference in my life.
But now I struggle with habbits. After years of having to come home after work and lay down I come home from work and I have no idea what to do, so I go lay down. I need to learn to cook and clean spend more time with my family. I still need to listen to my body, but I need to learn it's ok to push myself and do what a "normal" person does on a daily basis. This will take time, but honestly, I don't even know where to start.
I hope you all have a safe, rest filled Thanksgiving next week. I will be enjoying time with friends as we play cards until the wee hours of the morning!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
3rd treatment done
So I had my 3rd infusion last friday for Benlysta. The nausea was nonexsistent, but I was still pretty tired for two days after. Luckily I can handle being tired. I did however realize another side effect I was having... after 48 hours of sheer exhaustion I deal with several days of insomnia. That's right as of today (Wednesday) I have had maybe 7 hours of sleep since Sunday night. You would think I would be exhausted, but really I'm not. I hate being awake all night. It is so boring. I do go watch TV, but our couch and chair are so incredibly uncomfortable that I begin to hurt all over so I can't do it for long.
I have realized that the Benlysta is begining to work. First, I have a monthly flare with my cycle and I didn't get one. And second, I worked the Seattle Lupus Walk and even after all that no flare. I have had some minor set backs with my pluerisy, but that I have been able to deal with.
It is really exciting to know it's working. I'm still causious about talking about the fact that it's working. But I secretly know that it is. It is so exciting to think it might be working. 11 years of medication after medication.
Now my infusions are monthly, so I guess time will tell.
I have realized that the Benlysta is begining to work. First, I have a monthly flare with my cycle and I didn't get one. And second, I worked the Seattle Lupus Walk and even after all that no flare. I have had some minor set backs with my pluerisy, but that I have been able to deal with.
It is really exciting to know it's working. I'm still causious about talking about the fact that it's working. But I secretly know that it is. It is so exciting to think it might be working. 11 years of medication after medication.
Now my infusions are monthly, so I guess time will tell.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Benlysta and Other feelings
I started Benlysta 5 weeks ago and on Friday I get my third dose. After the last two I have spent my weekend sick and tired. Normally I would say, it's not an issue, but this has knocked me out. If it works, it will be VERY worth it! So far other than the two days after each infusion I feel my normal.
This last weekend was the Seattle Lupus walk. I sit on the committee that puts it on and I must say I expected to have it hit me very hard. I didn't "wear out" until after 12:00 which is a huge improvement over last year. Now I did go home and spend the rest of the weekend resting. So I don't know if the fact that I feel ok today is a sign of successful resting or if maybe this new med is starting to work. I guess only time will tell.
And now on to some venting...
In the past I have been exposed to people who claim to be lupus patients. (I know I shouldn't judge and believe their word). But their actions really make me question whether or not they do have it. I have been exposed to one of these people a lot lately, and I just want to scream. I feel like she is belittling my disease. She never says she is doing a treatment she just waits for one of us to talk and then agrees or claims her doctor has talked about that treatment. It is so frustrating.
(one once told me that she too had Lupus and Fibromyalgia too but she didn't believe Fibromyalgia was an actual issue).
It's just interesting. Why are these people so in need of attention, why do they have to belittle my suffering?
Hopefully I can let it go, hopefully I can move on. Thanks for letting me vent. And for the record, I rarely question anyone who has Lupus, but after spending a LOT of time with a couple of people i have learned that their actions speak a lot louder and if they have Lupus I would be SHOCKED. What I would give to be healthy.
This last weekend was the Seattle Lupus walk. I sit on the committee that puts it on and I must say I expected to have it hit me very hard. I didn't "wear out" until after 12:00 which is a huge improvement over last year. Now I did go home and spend the rest of the weekend resting. So I don't know if the fact that I feel ok today is a sign of successful resting or if maybe this new med is starting to work. I guess only time will tell.
And now on to some venting...
In the past I have been exposed to people who claim to be lupus patients. (I know I shouldn't judge and believe their word). But their actions really make me question whether or not they do have it. I have been exposed to one of these people a lot lately, and I just want to scream. I feel like she is belittling my disease. She never says she is doing a treatment she just waits for one of us to talk and then agrees or claims her doctor has talked about that treatment. It is so frustrating.
(one once told me that she too had Lupus and Fibromyalgia too but she didn't believe Fibromyalgia was an actual issue).
It's just interesting. Why are these people so in need of attention, why do they have to belittle my suffering?
Hopefully I can let it go, hopefully I can move on. Thanks for letting me vent. And for the record, I rarely question anyone who has Lupus, but after spending a LOT of time with a couple of people i have learned that their actions speak a lot louder and if they have Lupus I would be SHOCKED. What I would give to be healthy.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Lupus is painful
For the last couple of weeks I have needed some heavy pain killers to get me through the night. But I always fear becoming addicted and needing them to sleep. So last night I decided I can do it, I can sleep without them. Boy was I wrong.
I am not a big pill popper, so I always look for ways out of taking medication. But with narcotics I am super careful. I don't like to take them every night and I don't like to take them after midnight (for fear of not being able to get up in the morning).
So last night I thought I could handle it. I thought I could sleep without issues. I was sore when i laid down but I didn't think much of it. Then at 1:00 I was awake, in pain. A lot of pain. I tried to get comfortable. I just couldn't. The only way I can describe it is it feels like someone beat me with a baseball bat. The covers on the bed were too heavy, the weight of my body on my hips shot pain down my legs. So I got up. I wasn't willing to pop the narcotics.
I watched tv, walked around the living room. Sat down, laid down, anythin position that would ease the pain for just a few minutes. After an hour of bad TV I knew I had to try and go back to bed and yes take those pain pills.
I opted for my lesser dose meds in hopes of being able to get up in the morning. it took anoth 45 minutes of me laying there getting comfortable and waiting for the pain to go away. When it finally did sleep came back. Getting up this morning was extremely difficult. My joints were stiff and bearing weight on my joints was painful. But I have to get up. If I let Lupus win every day I will go no where. I need to win the battles.
BENLYSTA Update: I was approved for Benlysta over a week ago. But we have to go through my mail order pharmacy. Not sure why but it's frustrating. Last Monday I called and was told the RX was written for the full amount my insurance allows so they had a call into the doctor for a new RX. Then Saturday I get a call asking if I approve the medication and if I approve it to be shipped... um YES. But they can't ship it until they talk to my doctors office and confirm they will receive it. So HOPEFULLY yesterday my doctors office called them back and confirmed that yes they will receive the medication so it would be shipped. This is really frustrating. And to add to this awesome flare I am angry. Could the Benlysta have prevented what I went through? I don't know, but I am hopeful that I wont have to go through another night like that one.
I am not a big pill popper, so I always look for ways out of taking medication. But with narcotics I am super careful. I don't like to take them every night and I don't like to take them after midnight (for fear of not being able to get up in the morning).
So last night I thought I could handle it. I thought I could sleep without issues. I was sore when i laid down but I didn't think much of it. Then at 1:00 I was awake, in pain. A lot of pain. I tried to get comfortable. I just couldn't. The only way I can describe it is it feels like someone beat me with a baseball bat. The covers on the bed were too heavy, the weight of my body on my hips shot pain down my legs. So I got up. I wasn't willing to pop the narcotics.
I watched tv, walked around the living room. Sat down, laid down, anythin position that would ease the pain for just a few minutes. After an hour of bad TV I knew I had to try and go back to bed and yes take those pain pills.
I opted for my lesser dose meds in hopes of being able to get up in the morning. it took anoth 45 minutes of me laying there getting comfortable and waiting for the pain to go away. When it finally did sleep came back. Getting up this morning was extremely difficult. My joints were stiff and bearing weight on my joints was painful. But I have to get up. If I let Lupus win every day I will go no where. I need to win the battles.
BENLYSTA Update: I was approved for Benlysta over a week ago. But we have to go through my mail order pharmacy. Not sure why but it's frustrating. Last Monday I called and was told the RX was written for the full amount my insurance allows so they had a call into the doctor for a new RX. Then Saturday I get a call asking if I approve the medication and if I approve it to be shipped... um YES. But they can't ship it until they talk to my doctors office and confirm they will receive it. So HOPEFULLY yesterday my doctors office called them back and confirmed that yes they will receive the medication so it would be shipped. This is really frustrating. And to add to this awesome flare I am angry. Could the Benlysta have prevented what I went through? I don't know, but I am hopeful that I wont have to go through another night like that one.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
I'm Tired
Like that's a shock.. I'm ALWAYS tired. Yesterday, after almost three weeks, I got word that my insurance approved Benlysta. I was so EXCITED! The catch? it had to go through a mail order pharmacy (their pharmacy). I didn't think much of it until today. I called to find out when to expect the med only to learn that first, they had a question for the doctor so they were waiting for a call back. Second their processing time is 5-7 business days. I was so stinking annoyed. 5-7 MORE days? This is so stupid.
I realize this is probably another lesson in patience, but I don't feel well, I want to get it started. I WANT TO FEEL BETTER!!! Deep down inside I know it will take time for Benlysta to get in my system. But when you feel like I do that hope of getting in my system soon so it can start working is there.
So I sit and wait. It sucks. I guess the good thing is it's in process and the wait wont be that long, right?
I realize this is probably another lesson in patience, but I don't feel well, I want to get it started. I WANT TO FEEL BETTER!!! Deep down inside I know it will take time for Benlysta to get in my system. But when you feel like I do that hope of getting in my system soon so it can start working is there.
So I sit and wait. It sucks. I guess the good thing is it's in process and the wait wont be that long, right?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)