Another Lupus Update..

Sooooooo I recently went to my rheumatologist in June 2016. I am going to be starting a new medicine called Methotrexate. I will have to take it once a week. On the day that I choose to take the medicine I will have to take one pill three times in that day. So for example the day I chose to take it is on Saturday. I will take it once in the morning, afternoon, and evening. The purpose of this medication is to suppress my immune system. Once my immune system is suppressed it will stop attacking my skin. This will hopefully allow my skin to heal and my hair will start growing back. There are some drawbacks though. The first is This pill causes severe birth defects in fetuses. The second is that while taking this pill the patient is expected to stop consuming alcoholic beverages. I was told by my rheumy (rheumatologist) that I need to get a IUD for prevention of pregnancy. I am scheduled to have an IUD inserted in about two weeks. For anyone who does not know what an IUD is here is a definition I found on wikipedia. "An intrauterine device is a small contraceptive device, often 'T'-shaped, often containing either copper or levonorgestrel, which is inserted into the uterus". I am ok with the whole birth control thing, what I have a problem with is the fact that I can't have a glass of wine after a hard day at work. After thinking about it I have decided that my health is more important than the occasional glass of wine. I do not know exactly how long I will be on this medication and I am hoping that it actually works because nothing else seems to be working. I must admit I am excited because this is the first time that I will be treating my lupus internally. I am excited to see what kind of results I will have while on this medication. I will definitely keep you posted on how it goes. Have a great day!! Any questions?? Ask away!!!

Lupus update!

Hello Folks! So I went to my rheumatologist and my wonderful doctors have determined that I am having a "flare up". What that means is that my disease is active. I knew that she was going to say that because of the symptoms I have been having as of lately. These symptoms include itcy scalp, redness of the affected area, flaky scalp, and soreness in the affected areas of my scalp. At this appoinment I was informed that the disease is getting worse because I have a lot more lesions on my scalp compared to the last time I was there. I was prescribed a topical steroid solution called clobetasal. I was instructed to use it every day, twice a day. It was also suggested that I come back the following week to receive steroid injections in the affected areas. I went back the following week to receive the injections. My doctor also suggested that I start taking something in pill form. I am also G6PD defficient so that limits the kind of drugs I could take. G6PD or Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is a defect that causes red blood cells to break down prematurely. What does G6PD have to do with Discoid Lupus? Well apparently the pill hydroxychloroquine that is used to treat discoid lupus can lower or destroy your blood cells. For someone who has G6PD it is not a good idea to prescribe medication that can lower your blood count. So it was also suggested by my doctors that I get a blood test so that they see where my blood levels are. I was told to come back in one month and hopefully they can come up with a treatment for me and hopefully get my hair to grow back. Please visit www.lupus.org for more info.

Nervous!!!

It's been a little over a year since I went to my rheumatalogist. I am really nervous because i haven't been there in so long and I am praying that things are the same with my diagnosis. I was diagnosed with Discoid lupus about 5 years ago. Discoid Lupus is a disease of the skin that causes disc shape lesions on the face, scalp or body. There are 2 types of Lupus DLE (external/skin) and SLE (internal) To learn more about this disease I urge you to go to www.lupus.org and read more about it. Back to my dilemma, I usually have to give a blood sample when I go to the doctor. They usually do an extensive check to make sure that everything is at a normal level in my blood. The last time I had my blood tested I was told that I was boderline SLE. I am hoping that when my doctor tests my blood there are no changes to my diagnosis. Although I am eager to go back to my doctor for treatment. I am also terrified of what they will or won't find in my test results. My appoinment is March 11th at NYU skin and cancer unit. I will update you on my appointment. Wish me luck...

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Foundation

I made my way over to Macy's yesterday to get matched for the highly rated Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation. She seemed to know exactly which foundation color would match my skin tone but I guess it's her job to know. As she applied the foundation to my skin she noticed that my skin was smooth and blemish free. She then proceeded to ask me why I needed the foundation and suggested that I use the BB cream but I rejected that idea because I really wanted the foundation. One thing to take note about this foundation is that it comes in 30 shades. I nearly fell out of the chair when the beauty consultant told me that. The foundation claims are as stated

15-hour staying power for a flawless finish all day. The worry-free, long-wearing makeup stays fresh and looks natural through heat, humidity and nonstop activity. Won't change color, smudge or come off on clothes. Feels lightweight and comfortable. Now the flawless look you see in the morning is the look you keep all day. Oil-free. Fragrance-free.

The longest amount of time I have worn the foundation for is 8 hours (I did not remove my makeup until 9pm last night) and it held up really well. It did not come off when I blew my nose (It's allergy season) and it did not transfer on my clothes. It gave me a really natural appearance with one coat and it seemed to cover some hyperpigmentation that I have on my cheeks and around my mouth. This foundation had semi-matte finish when applied to my face (I would say that I have dry/combination skin with oil slicks that usually happen on my nose). Over all I think it's a really great foundation and I will definitely repurchase it.

Ipsy!

I have signed up for a makeup subscription called Ipsy. Ipsy is really great if you are like myself and just starting out in the makeup world. The subscription consists of 4-5 deluxe samples of makeup, skincare, and hair items. This subscription introduces you to many different brands that you may have never heard of before. Its a great way to try different products and at a price tag of $10.00 plus tax it's worth it. Most of the time the items in the ipsy bag are worth more than $10. If you want to sign up you may do so by going to this website http://www.ipsy.com/r/3ah2 Here are some pics so that you have an idea of what products you receive with your subscription.

Back to normal

I'm actually starting to feel like myself again. Giving birth is really hard work whether it be by natural delivery or ceserean section. With all that said, I got up and went shopping on saturday. I bought some clothing for my son and daughter. Then I decided to treat myself as well 😉 so I walked over to Sephora which for me is like the Disney World of all things beauty. I have wanted to repurchase the bareminerals foundation because a good friend of mi e told me that they have more colors for darker skin. So I went in and got "matched" by an associate. To make a long story short I ended up purchasing it and I absolutely love it. It is extremely natural looking and it feels like you're not wearing any makeup at all. I totally recommend this to everyone of all skin types and skin color. You will not be disappointed.

A child is born!

My little one is here! She arrived on valentines day and has captured my heart since she arrived. Please excuse any long stretches between posts while i adjust to motherhood again. Thanks for understanding.