In this tough trying time, we only have ourselves to rely on, apart from God of course.
It is moving to see people reach out to those who were severely affected by the catastrophic storm.
Sharepoint is boundless. Donations and pledges are pouring from everywhere and each and everyone have their own means of helping be it financial, manpower or spiritual.
I know that in God’s grace, this too shall pass.

Another blow has hit the nation.
Typhoon Ondoy might have left the country and although the flood has subsided, it has left indelible memory to almost all of us, a very horrific one.
Many people were displaced as 80% of Metro Manila including Marikina and Rizal was submerged in muddy water. CNN reports that more than 100, 000 are homeless and there are about 100 people died.
People are left with hope and the will to move on and start their lives anew. Many hospitals were also affected as I have seen on TV that include the UERM hospital on Aurora Blvd. and Amang Rodriguez hospital in Marikina. Much as they want to open their doors and lend assistance to those who need medical treatment, their medical equipment was also soaked in and damaged by muddy water.
Everyone in the metro and nearby areas are looking forward to faster recovery through immediate relief and rescue operations.

Right after my nephro consult, I went straight to see my rheumatologist.
As usual, he greeted me with welcoming smile stating that he thinks of me (of course in a doctor-client sense).
Before I was let into his room, his fellow interviewed me. Then she presented my case to Dr. Lichauco, the consultant.
He was surprised to see that my protein surged and became concered about my high LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) or the bad cholesterol and my massive proteinuria.
He began telling me that we need to decrease my steroids to which I replied that my nephro actually increased the dosage along with CellCept’s dosage. He stopped for a while, and told me that the steroids aim to cure the inflammation. I knew he explained to me the mechanism of action of CellCept and what it actually targets but I think I am too bombarded with the information that he has been sharing to me. In the end he told me that the “new” care of plan my nephro has made for me is okay and he told me that doctors in St. Luke’s are usually in coordination in terms of patient’s care especially if there’s a conflict. This one I doubted because I was sensing of a tension between them.
Dr. Lichauco asked if I am taking anything to lower my cholesterol and I told him that I stopped taking Ezetrol because of the myalgia and arthralgia that I am experiencing. The myalgia stopped when I stopped taking it while the arthlagia was alleviated. He asked me if it is okay if he will ask me to take another anticholesterol medication that belongs to the family of Crestor (Rosuvastatin) but with a milder side effect – Simvastatin. He said that he is worried about my high cholesterol level and diet modification is not enough.
He also explained to me by asking the fellow the connection of proteinuia to high cholesterol level. I waste protein in my urine particularly the lipoprotein that has direct relationship to my increased LDL.
Then they proceeded with the head-to-toe assessment. This is what I really appreciate more about this doctor because he and his fellow performed the four modalities of physical assessment (inspection, percussion, palpation and auscultation). My BP was also taken and the fellow got 100/70 mmHg. I did not bring up the BP that my nephro has gotten earlier because my BP is within normal range.
During the assessment, he asked me if I was taking calcium and I said I am taking 500 mg. He told me to double the dosage but take each tablet separately. Another good thing about this doctor is that he gives instruction on how medications should be taken.
Finally, he asked me to come back on the 26th because he will be out of the country and will not be back by then. He did not order for any other lab tests as he saw the ones ordered by my nephro.
Prayers, prayers, prayers.
I know God will utilize someone to make me well.

Ever since I have I caught this disease, I have been trying to go natural, besides going vegetarian. Even in choosing beauty products, I almost always choose those that are chemical free and if possible organically produced. Like this lip gloss from Burt’s Bees, that uses all natural ingredients in most of their products.
Burt’s Bees is more than lip balm.

When I volunteered to help Nanay in setting up an appointment for an interview at US Embassy, I have no idea what number to dial on my cell phone. The last thing I want to do is to hassle my officemates looking it up on the intranet so I took the liberty of using the web directory which I found very dandy.

I have been trying to be on fruit and vegetable diet since I need to eat low salt and low fat foods. Going green and fruity really aids in digestion and it serves as sort of colon cleanser. Like a dieter’s diet plan, I also have my cheat days but I am trying to deal away with it because the more I indulge the more I become prone to abusing my “liberty”.

With the increase of my steroid’s dosage, I am expecting to have, yet again, voracious appetite and there is nothing I can do about it especially when I am faced with good food.
I am dreading to hit the gym again. I am just waiting for the opening of Gold’s Gym on Timog Ave. so I could do my cardio work out to burn calories, lower my cholesterol and to do yoga again. This way I do not have to think of diet pills ever again.

I got a text from my officemate asking for my dentist’s address. Her gums are swollen ad her dentist is nowhere to be found for almost a year already.
He braces have been removed by my dentist and she is scheduled for a fitting of retainers today. I told her to get dental discounts from the dentist.

After all possible efforts of calling the US Embassy has been exhausted, we have decided to schedule an appointment online. VisaPoint charges USD 10.00 for the procedure which is reasonable for a hassle free transaction.
Now, Nanay has been scheduled for an interview on Monday, September 28th. I hope that she gets approved to gain an entry to the US in order for her to enjoy the orlando vacations that have been awaiting her all these years.

I do not know if it is just psychological or what but ever since I started to drink the sambong tea, my fluid retention or edema has been kept on a minimal level. Then again, my lab results speak otherwise.
Two weeks ago, my urine creatinine protein ratio was 7.07 mg/dL. It surged dramatically from the previous reading of 1.61 mg/dL. Without changing my medication, my nephrologist ordered for a repeat test after two weeks.
I have got the result and it showed a whopping 8.87 mg/dL.
This time, the doctor ordered for an increase steroids (from 10 mg to 20 mg). I have been on steroids for almost a year already and I brought it up to my doctor and he said it is okay. I said I thought that he will increase the dosage of CellCept. In the end he increased it to 3 g from the usual 2 g that I have been taking in for the past six months.
He just took my BP (he wrote 100/70 mmHg) and looked at my feet.
He ordered for another series of tests: urine creatinine protein ratio, CBC, lipid profile (which I asked), serum creatinine, AST/ALT and CPK.
I pray that God will intervene in my complete healing.