The Lupus Chronicles Plus: July 2007

7.16.2007

Expensive

I just came from my doctor. Two doctors, actually. One is my rehab doctor for my back problem, who just discharged me from physical therapy. The other is my doctor of 15 years who's been looking after my SLE condition. My total medical bill for today ran almost three thousand eight hundred pesos. All in one day! It included my rehab doctor's professional fee, the fee for my last physical therapy, anti-influenza and anti-pneumonia vaccinations and my SLE doctor's professional fee for the vaccination. Am I glad my SLE doctor waived her professional fee for my check-up. Otherwise, the three thousand peso withdrawal I made from my ATM just this morning wouldn't have been enough, and I'd have to skip blogging to another day. *Sigh*. Sometimes I feel that this condition of mine is one of God's mechanism to put my in my place, to remind me that no matter how much I earn, I'll have to be more conscious and save some more than I ought to. I often think about those not really earning as much as I do (low as my salary is), especially the senior citizens. Medical care and treatment is very very expensive these days. My doctor is a rheumatologist and her lowest professional fee doesn't go below five hundred pesos per visit. Imagine all those old folks who experience joint and muscle pains due to old age, and they don't have the means to consult with a good doctor as I do. Makes me feel blessed in a way, even if I'm not THAT old yet.

Paying Up for Being Sedentary

I've just finished three weeks of physical therapy. That meant three times a week that I had to leave before lunch at work, rush all the way to the Philippine General Hospital, and have my physical therapist do the following: massage my shoulders and neck via the "ultrasound" procedure, do a warm compress with towels, and massage me further to release the stiffened muscles on my neck and upper back. My condition did improve over the three weeks. Now my rehab doctor says I just need to be more conscious of my posture and in stretching more. *Sigh*. This is what I get for being such a couch potato and an office freak. Pretty expensive, this physical therapy thing. But then, I guess if I didn't have it, it'll be harder for me. Hopefully this back problem doesn't happen again with the regular stretching I'm going to do.

Living with SLE

SLE is not understood well enough to be prevented, but, when the disease develops, quality of life can be improved through flare prevention. The warning signs of an impending flare include increased fatigue, pain, rash, fever, abdominal discomfort, headache, and dizziness. Early recognition of warning signs and good communication with a doctor can help individuals remain active, experience less pain, and reduce medical visits.

Avoiding sunlight is the primary change to the lifestyle of SLE sufferers, as sunlight is known to exacerbate the disease. Drugs unrelated to SLE should be prescribed only when known not to exacerbate the disease. Occupational exposure to silica, pesticides and mercury can also make the disease worsen.

"Lifestyle and home remedies" by Mayo Clinic staff

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. And although no specific foods have been shown to cause or worsen lupus, it's best to avoid any food that seems to make your symptoms worse.
Don't smoke. Smoking increases your risk of cardiovascular disease and can worsen the effects of lupus on your heart and blood vessels.
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. Exercise as much as your body allows — aim for 30 total minutes of activity most days of the week, which can be divided up throughout the day. You'll likely feel fatigued and not up to exercising sometimes, and that's OK. Rest when you need to. Time outdoor activities so that you avoid the sun when it's most intense, and if you're having a flare, stay out of the sun entirely.
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 15 every time you go outside, even if it's just a quick trip to the mailbox. Be sure that your ears, scalp and the backs of your hands are protected. Avoid tanning beds and stay out of the sun entirely when it's strongest, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. if possible. Because fluorescent and halogen lights also can emit ultraviolet (UV) rays and thus aggravate lupus, you may need to wear sunscreen and protective clothing indoors or use plastic devices that block UV emissions from indoor lights.
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. Friends and family members need to understand and respect your need for rest.

The Lupus Chronicles Plus

7.16.2007

Expensive

Paying Up for Being Sedentary

About Me

Living with SLE

Other SLE Adventures

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"Lifestyle and home remedies" by Mayo Clinic staff