tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42442550305644052202012-03-01T16:58:25.791-08:00Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.comBlogger1521100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-71806009527540087792012-03-01T16:43:00.000-08:002012-03-01T16:43:53.946-08:00

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-17649612011590476232012-03-01T06:01:00.001-08:002012-03-01T06:12:20.807-08:00

The year was 1982, and that summer was coming to an end. I was 19 years old and sitting quietly on the beach along the shore of Lake Erie. I was blissfully alone and contemplating the biggest crossroad of my life. I was a theater student in college. My grandest dream was to be a big star on stage. I loved performing for audiences. Any performer will tell you about that awesome wave of love that

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-17181670423312349652012-02-28T12:46:00.003-08:002012-02-28T12:48:30.529-08:00

There once was a woman who lived in a village surrounded by a huge forest of trees. She did not have much joy in her life, but she had her only child. This child was her joy.  One day the child became very ill and died. The woman could not believe that her child had died, so she carried the child in her arms asking people in the village if they had some medicine to give her in order to help her

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-36427981847599308132012-02-27T09:29:00.000-08:002012-02-27T09:29:32.678-08:00

The lotus flower grows deeply in the ooze at the bottom of murky ponds. The plant is hidden far from the pure light of the sun...  hidden in the gloomy depths... yet, the lotus is destined to grow and bloom. When the time is right, the lotus blossom emerges through the mud of the pond remaining untouched and pure from the sludge from where it grew. In many cultures, the lotus bloom is the

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-21942153021013262932012-01-30T09:49:00.000-08:002012-01-30T09:49:26.930-08:00

Living a life that goes beyond having lupus control your life means choosing your relationships carefully. You do not have the energy to expend on people who do not enrich your life. I am not saying that one should be cruel, but, living with lupus means setting very clear boundaries in regards to whom you allow into your life. Listed below are the 5 best types of friendship qualities that draw

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-58044804878785645952012-01-23T07:30:00.000-08:002012-01-23T07:30:41.587-08:00

Being cured is not the same as being healed. Cure means the absence of disease. Healed means being returned to a sense of wholeness. It is possible to be healed even if you never obtain a cure.

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-74170401533473494512011-12-07T07:53:00.000-08:002011-12-07T07:53:44.041-08:00

Meli is a graphic artist and jewelry designer. She is a fearless woman. Her courage grew on the most traumatic day of her life, July 4th, 1993. On that day Meli lost her husband, Russ, and her 12 year old son, Christopher, in a drowning accident. Meli had to go on to make the most heart wrenching decision that any parent could possibly be asked to do... she had to decide to take her child,

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-83475265640095696202011-10-11T06:15:00.000-07:002011-10-11T06:15:54.008-07:00

Nicole Paxson Cosmetics Nicole Paxson knows firsthand that beauty goes beyond skin deep. For Nicole a long history of struggle with the chronic illness Lupus has granted her the gift of a more beautiful perspective. Since 12-years of age, Nicole survived strenuous bouts of Chemotherapy, sun sensitivities, blood disorders, plus the red "butterfly rash" along her face and body associated with

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-72053958510504342552011-10-05T05:38:00.000-07:002011-10-05T05:38:34.658-07:00

Walk with Us, America! Saturday, November 12th, 2011  ALR Virtual Walk Day In 2011, the Alliance for Lupus Research launched Walk with U.S., Walk Local Cure Global Virtual Fundraising Event.  The virtual walk allows people around the country to raise crucial funds for lupus research and increase lupus awareness by walking anywhere they want and with anyone they want.  Thousands of ALR

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-14724404070199222062011-09-13T08:28:00.000-07:002011-09-27T10:31:30.927-07:00

Sjorgren's Syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person's white blood cells attack the moisture producing glands. Sjorgren's Syndrome can occur in association with lupus, as well as, rheumatoid arthritis. Learn More: Sjorgren's Syndrome Foundation Sjorgren's Syndrome and Lupus (LFA) People with Sjorgren's Venus Williams   (Tennis Player) The "Invisible Disease" That Forced

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-73234753138947069992011-09-12T10:48:00.000-07:002011-09-27T10:32:14.008-07:00

Lupus and Social Isolation in Adolescence: Part 1 - The Tasks of Adolescence Lupus and Social Isolation in Adolescence: Part 2 - Steps to Coping VIDEO CLIPS: S.L.E. Lupus Foundation: Life Without Lupus Young woman shares her experiences of coping with lupus through childhood and teen years. BOOKS: It's Not Just Growing Pains: A Guide to Childhood Muscle, Bone and Joint Pain,

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-20644292485372815802011-09-12T10:22:00.000-07:002011-09-27T10:32:50.005-07:00

From the Lupus Foundation of America "It is not uncommon for people with lupus to experience muscle aches and pain (myalgias) or have inflammation of certain muscle groups (myositis), which causes weakness and loss of strength. More than 90 percent of people with lupus will experience joint and/or muscle pain at some time during the course of their illness. In fact, more than half of the

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-2036845760018936212011-09-08T06:13:00.000-07:002011-09-27T10:33:19.151-07:00

Here is the best information I have ever seen on the internet about coping with diagnosis, life changes, severe depression, suicidal thoughts, and parenting. Lupus and Depression Video webmd.com

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-48723485934491604332011-09-07T07:19:00.000-07:002011-09-27T10:33:47.684-07:00

Facing a health crisis means coming to terms with changes in your financial situation. This page is being set up to help you locate online resources to get you through. One of the keys to surviving financially is frugal living. Here is a link to a terrific site with lots of useful information. Dollar Stretcher You may want to consider signing up for their newsletter which provides regularly

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-70873774884022496102011-09-01T06:59:00.000-07:002011-09-27T10:34:13.615-07:00

Benlysta is receiving "luke warm" reception from doctors according to Forbes online. You can read more using the following link: Ahead of Bell: Tough Start For Human Genome Drug - 08/31/2011 - Forbes

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-35365261412150937012011-08-30T09:32:00.000-07:002011-09-27T10:34:46.624-07:00

This page is Under Construction - check back regularly In the News: Lupus Sufferers Get Small Dose of Hope with Vitamin D - 07/19/2011 - NYDailyNews.com

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-83024092607944395642011-08-30T09:21:00.000-07:002011-09-27T10:35:17.778-07:00

September 20th, 2011 Design A Future Without Lupus

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-14680767598745612892011-08-30T08:33:00.001-07:002011-09-27T10:35:58.378-07:00

                                 MAY IS LUPUS AWARENESS MONTH

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-75740638044432051912011-08-17T07:32:00.000-07:002011-09-27T10:37:19.125-07:00

This section is under construction. Links Women Making Midlife Changes

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-974401162939122162011-08-11T08:15:00.000-07:002011-08-17T07:47:56.268-07:00

The Lupus Research Institute reports that four out of five lupus patients suffer with some type of neuropsychiatric difficulty. In the News Confusing Medical Ailments with Mental Illness - Wall Street Journal 08/11/2011 Research Updates Novel Drug Candidate May Block Lupus' Attack on the Brain - 07/27/2011LRI

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-27959416510329878602011-08-09T08:48:00.000-07:002011-08-09T08:49:31.009-07:00

"As many as 66 to 80 percent of all individuals with SLE have been reported to exhibit cognitive deficits. Recent studies suggest that the most frequently observed cognitive deficits are in the areas of attention, speed of information processing, learning (encoding) and working memory," Janet L. Schucard, Ph.D. In the News:  Researchers Track Basis of Cognitive Deficits in Lupus - UB NewsCenter

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-32565989363117778152011-08-09T08:35:00.000-07:002011-09-13T06:07:10.046-07:00

In the News Oakmont Woman with Lupus Spreads Love For Reptiles Through Programs and Parties 08/09/2011 My Story These are various journal entries that I have written about my personal journey in coping with lupus and my pets. Kittens at My Feet Updated 09/09/2011

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-63121880297989691952011-08-01T07:25:00.000-07:002011-08-01T07:52:03.959-07:00

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) can cause hair loss. About 45% of lupus patients will experience some hair loss; most often during the beginning of the onset of lupus.  Medication treatment usually will reverse hair loss. Discoid lupus, which causes rashes and scarring can also cause hair loss. Discoid lupus may effect the hair follicles, and hair loss may be permanent.

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-14248935025827147882011-06-08T08:15:00.000-07:002011-07-30T08:08:16.829-07:00

ARCThis review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers. Doctor Confidential: Secrets Behind the Wall by Richard Sheff, M.D. offers readers an opportunity to vicariously share in the experiences of a medical student in training. Dr. Sheff shows the emotional wounds that doctors garner through the highly pressured years of their medical school education. In order to survive student doctors

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-66442887736303568212011-05-10T07:27:00.000-07:002011-07-30T08:09:47.072-07:00

Musician and Philanthropist Julian Lennon to Elevate the Global Profile of LupusApril 20, 2011  The Lupus Foundation of America National Board of Directors Names Julian Lennon as Global Ambassador (Washington, DC) April 20, 2011 −Musician and philanthropist Julian Lennon has been named Global Ambassador by the Lupus Foundation of America’s (LFA) National Board of Directors. The role of the

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-73507542166379862122011-05-05T05:59:00.000-07:002011-07-30T08:10:27.063-07:00

Work in Progress Last Update May 5, 2011 External Links: - THE MEDICINE PROGRAM.COM - NeedyMeds - Welcome to RxHope - RxAssist - Patient Assistance Programs - PARTNERSHIP FOR PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE - Walmart.com: Pharmacy: $4 Prescriptions

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-8839116644105241882011-05-02T10:07:00.002-07:002011-09-06T10:08:11.909-07:00

Updates coming soon External Links:  LUPUS: MARRIAGE, FAMILY, and SEXUALITY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE  HOW TO GET HELP FOR VERBAL ABUSE      Updated June 2011 Domestic Violence Awareness

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-88438935875274273302011-05-01T06:52:00.001-07:002011-07-30T08:11:57.856-07:00

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-53391594315207320982011-05-01T06:48:00.001-07:002011-07-30T08:12:25.511-07:00

                                 FDA NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release: March 9, 2011 Media Inquiries: Erica Jefferson, 301-796-4988, erica.jefferson@fda.hhs.gov; Morgan Liscinsky, 301-796-0397, morgan.liscinsky@fda.hhs.gov Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA FDA approves Benlysta to treat lupus First new lupus drug approved in 56 years The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-71019737815643656222011-04-29T11:38:00.000-07:002011-05-02T10:32:48.200-07:00

The Magic of Kindness I. Why Important Kindness makes life and relationships more pleasant. Amidst difficulties and adversities, kindness is the cushion that smoothens the roughness of the journey. It is the oil that soothes pain. It is the water that helps souls grow luxuriantly into mature well-balanced individuals. Without kindness, life is often a struggle, a defense, a competition or a

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-38581899880928833142011-04-29T11:32:00.001-07:002011-04-29T11:32:35.778-07:00

Be gentle with yourself. Healing is a process, not necessarily a destination. I received this one from my sisters. If anyone knows the origin, please leave a comment so I may credit the author. $20.00 Sometimes we just need to be reminded! A well-known speaker started off his seminar by: holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, 'Who would like this $20 bill?'

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-53886362743268369622011-03-24T10:51:00.000-07:002011-08-01T07:48:14.347-07:00

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus, also know as Discoid Lupus or DLE, is a type of lupus in which skin lesions are present. These lesions are called atrophic plaques. The discoid lesions are abnormally red and thick. If the lesions occur on the scalp, they may plug up the hair follicles. The discoid rash causes red raised circles that can be scaly. This rash does not itch. In describing

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-47604692437665574472011-03-24T07:37:00.000-07:002011-08-30T09:53:44.097-07:00

Authors      Lupus, Humor, and Wellness Bloggers Lupus and Chronic Illness Celebrities In the News Northeast Woman with Lupus Aids St. Joseph Center Residents (Scranton Times-Tribune 08/08/2011 Transplant Recipients Race Ahead With Lives - 08/23/2011 - The Columbian News Media Journalist Triona Holden  former television journalist who became an artist after receiving lupus

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-80788807209045224852011-03-24T07:25:00.000-07:002011-05-01T06:54:43.008-07:00

Contact at lrttklly@aol.com

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-37624263836330381892011-03-23T07:37:00.000-07:002011-09-12T08:15:06.067-07:00

                                                                       Online Support: PainAid Home Page Blogs of Note: Chronic Pain Journal Learn More: AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PAIN AMERICAN PAIN FOUNDATION About APF Founded in 1997, the American Pain Foundation (APF) is an independent nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that serves people affected by pain. APF stands up with people

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-64983476302846947312010-05-04T11:44:00.000-07:002011-05-02T10:33:47.250-07:00

Welcome to May. And welcome to Lupus Awareness Month. Are you aware? I sure am. I can't help myself. Lupus forcibly moved in on my life seven years ago. I have raged, cringed, pleaded, complained, cried, ranted, and raved. I have grieved. I grieved hard... real hard when lupus took control. And I have been fighting to get the reins of control back on my side. What I

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-66964440886486429072009-09-16T11:24:00.002-07:002011-05-04T10:15:03.273-07:00

VIDEOS: Histopathology Kidney --Systemic lupus erythematosus S.L.E. Lupus Foundation: Life Without Lupus Young woman shares her experience with edema, kidney disease, and transplant due to lupus. (Occurs a little past halfway into video clip) BOOKS: Life Beyond Lupus Book Store - Kidneys LINKS: LupusNY.org - Lupus & Your Kidneys PHOTOS: Lupus is often called the "

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-20399959046208537572008-05-27T13:38:00.000-07:002011-05-10T09:33:37.176-07:00

ANTM Mercedes on Lupus Awareness This young lady is the most requested topic in Life Beyond Lupus. Here is a brief awareness clip with Mercedes from the LA Lupus Lady:

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-84588131878489534382007-11-06T10:06:00.000-08:002011-09-20T09:28:59.735-07:00

Originally posted on Saturday, December 10, 2005 Part 2: Parenting a Teenager with Systemic Lupus Parenting a teenager with systemic lupus may at times feel like you are dancing in a minefield. You have to make choices in how you will parent your child. Should you run in crisis mode or should you approach your parenting as a challenge with the ultimate goal of raising a child into a

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-41028279149406173892007-11-06T10:03:00.000-08:002011-09-19T15:32:47.888-07:00

Originally posted on Saturday, December 10, 2005 Part 1: The Tasks of Adolescence Raising your teenager who is diagnosed with systemic lupus is nothing short of the jujitsu of parenting. To truly understand what your teenager is experiencing, you need to have a solid comprehension of the tasks of adolescence. Adolescents are multi-tasking in development. Their bodies mature

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-82150627304796031422007-08-02T10:11:00.000-07:002011-08-01T07:51:09.137-07:00

Updated May 3, 2011 NOTE: This bulletin was originally posted in 2007. So the live chat is no longer available. That being said, the links still work and provide very useful information regarding lupus and pregnancy. External Link: Can't read this? Go to www.lupus.org for information on our next Live Chat. Next Lupus Live Chat www.lupus.org Wednesday, August 8 3:00 p.m.

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-73631819390850903302006-04-05T10:45:00.000-07:002011-09-12T10:40:05.190-07:00

This page is a work in progress... Lupus in Childhood Bone Health: Ways Children and Adults Can Reduce Their Fracture Risk

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-50436840510758543332006-03-27T09:32:00.000-08:002011-09-22T06:31:00.738-07:00

I went shopping yesterday! Many people would not consider this such an exceptional event, but when you are primarily housebound (like me) a trip to do some Christmas shopping is tantamount to preparing for a long hike in the woods. I packed my meds, bottled water, throat lozenges and made sure to wear warm comfortable socks and shoes. I had not been out of the house since Thanksgiving.

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-10508900624168577932006-03-27T09:10:00.000-08:002011-09-06T10:16:59.762-07:00

Today's entry is written by my husband: Thoughts on being a caregiver to a spouse / partner who has Lupus My wife was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus in 2003. She has been ill since 2001. She recently approached me and asked if I would write some thoughts down regarding my experiences as a Caretaker. My hope is that someone reading this might be able to garner some ideas for themselves. At

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-47566371441586473042006-01-04T07:26:00.000-08:002011-09-19T10:38:46.899-07:00

Okay. I admit this... I am a Class A #1 dirty little sleeper. What does that mean? I have poor sleep hygiene. There now... I've said it. "Hi. My name is Loretta, and I have poor sleep hygiene." What is up with that term.... "sleep hygiene"? The first time I heard this (and the ONLY time)... was from my rheumatologist. He serenely told me to "practice good sleep hygiene" like I was some

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-13369265961466345992004-10-28T19:55:00.000-07:002011-11-09T07:58:43.936-08:00

    Sooo... WAR and PEACE is a rather looooong movie. Three hours long. So I can't blow the plot for you... because I didn't get to watch all of it.      Deep into the movie, I get a phone call from one of my sisters... she wanted to stop in for a quick visit. She shows up with a huge carved pumpkin made by another one of my sisters and herself!!!      Yeah! Now we can spare Little Bear's

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-51449475552041766642004-10-28T07:46:00.000-07:002011-11-09T07:54:39.895-08:00

     Okay... I am about 40 minutes into this flick and FINALLY someone actually is "doing" a Russian accent.      I feel like I am watching a study in monotones. You know a bunch of actors playing "being serious" as they act out a significant piece of literature.      Poor Henry Fonda is so constricted in this role that he might as well be wearing a straight jacket.     Audrey Hepburn bounces in

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-81289018477923841542004-10-28T07:10:00.000-07:002011-11-09T07:53:34.323-08:00

     Resting up today and waiting to go  say "Hiya!" to my doctor a bit later.       While I am sitting here "resting" I decided to watch War and Peace on cable. This should be an interesting study in miscasting very talented actors. Henry Fonda with his broad flat American accent is playing a French guy named "Pierre"...hmmmmm.  He surprisingly is very George Clooney-esque with his hair brushed

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-8859594111891501832004-10-27T08:03:00.000-07:002011-11-09T07:51:55.253-08:00

Not doing very good at all today... so this is a lupus quickie entry. Been spending more and more time in bed due to really bad fatigue. Pain is going off the Reichter scale this morning. Low grade fever, infected toe and mouth ulcers.  My stomach has jumped ship... I have been living on toast and froot loops for the past three days. It's probably time to call the doctor, but here's the rub... I

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-28438286574901536302004-10-25T06:29:00.000-07:002011-11-09T07:44:29.521-08:00

 I contacted one of the research centers from the news.       Guess what?       I am going to be on the waiting list for upcoming clinical trials for lupus.         The University of Rochester Medical Center has had success treating systemic lupus with cancer medication. Here is the press release. ---------------------------------------           Cancer Drug Shows Promise Against Lupus A

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-57181830415190791802004-10-24T09:25:00.000-07:002011-11-09T07:41:55.515-08:00

     Researchers are beginning to find the connection between autoimmune diseases and endometreosis.      Endometreosis is a disease in which the tissue which lines the uterus grows elsewhere in a woman's body. Endometrial tissue is designed to grow and thicken in response to the hormones during a woman's monthly cycle. This tissue lines the uterus and swells each month to prepare for a

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-4810539123870911922004-10-22T08:17:00.000-07:002011-11-08T09:54:28.629-08:00

I forgot to mention that the folks on the Journal Message Board (I can not remember specifically who...sorry...) offered a link to a fun site where you can create fader text. Here watch this: WHOOPEE!!! Isn't that F-U-N ? Here's the link: http://www.vex.net/~x/xfade/advanced.html

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-1791698845062556612004-10-22T08:02:00.000-07:002011-11-08T09:53:24.655-08:00

Just a brief update today. Sleeping a lot again, running a fever, mouth ulcers are back, and nausea is back big time. Ain't lupus fun? Nah...  really this is no big deal, but I do need to rest today before a little nuisance becomes a big problem. That is the way it is with lupus. We don't just get a cold...  we have to do it up big time and get BIGGER things like pneumonia.  We don't just get a

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-90650957406076395052004-10-21T06:33:00.000-07:002011-11-08T09:51:22.627-08:00

 Here are some very informative  links : NATIONAL STUDY OF WOMEN WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES: SEXUAL FUNCTIONING  by CENTER FOR RESEARCH FOR WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES http://www.bcm.edu/crowd/national_study/SEXFUNC.htm Here is the standard handout from the National Institutes for Health:    Sexuality and lupus Adapted from the National Institutes of Health by HealthGate Editorial StaffThe

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-27537150726821245682004-10-18T12:55:00.000-07:002011-11-08T09:46:33.495-08:00

Four Hundred and Eighty Seven days have passed since I received a confirmed diagnosis of lupus. Eleven thousand six hundred and eighty-eight hours. Seven hundred and one thousand two hundred and eighty minutes. Forty two million seventy six thousand and eight hundred seconds. One would think by now that I would have grown accustomed to this lupus thing. I haven’t. If this were a Hollywood movie I

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-81059294546080850482004-10-16T09:54:00.000-07:002011-11-08T09:36:06.962-08:00

      Today I am providing you with the FACTs that most of us with lupus worry about on a very regular basis. Lupus used to be considered a "death sentence" because the prognosis was so dismal.        The survival rate for systemic lupus has greatly improved over the past two decades.        What statistics fail to reveal is the quality of life issues that people with lupus must face.       No

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-8814829847232454142004-10-14T17:32:00.000-07:002011-11-08T09:26:25.093-08:00

       Hey!        Guess what?        It is still LUPUS AWARENESS MONTH!          But... you wanna know what?          I need a day off.          Tired of lupus today (not that I ever have enjoyed it...lol).         I am having trouble tolerating my medications again. Lots of nausea and stomach troubles with insomnia.        Feh.       So I took a break today. Spent most of the day in bed.      

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-25425058184400019772004-10-13T08:23:00.000-07:002011-11-08T09:24:37.920-08:00

     I received a letter yesterday from American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc. They are requesting that I participate in an interview to be assessed for participating in an autoimmune family research project. I just need to sign and mail in the consent form to set up an initial phone interview.      This should be interesting.      Here is a link to AMERICAN AUTOIMMUNE:

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-1751766646254053802004-10-10T22:24:00.000-07:002011-11-08T09:19:27.180-08:00

Hi, Everyone! I took Sunday off. Everyone needs a break from lupus...  awareness month or not.  Besides.... I turned 42 on Sunday! Yippee! The best birthday so far. Here is a link to ay least a kerjillion other blogs written by folks with lupus... http://lupusnewslog-library.blogspot.com/ I have not had the time (nor energy...lol) to review all of these so READER BEWARE!

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-482224927210667762004-10-09T07:19:00.000-07:002011-11-03T10:11:22.722-07:00

Today is going to be blood test Saturday.                                                   Whoopee! Bloodwork is one of the many fun activities someone with lupus can do on a pretty regular basis. I actually had Buffy the Vampire Slayer at my front door this morning ...  a tad confused by the tubes and vials of blood that I have been surrendering up to the great phlebotomist powers that be.

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-79268761256797998732004-10-08T05:23:00.000-07:002011-10-24T17:41:18.675-07:00

 I was going through some of my old writings and found this little gem buried in a personal journal. I had completely forgotten about this. Here is my writing the day after I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus: Day #1 – June 24, 2003 Yesterday my rheumatologist called.I have systemic lupus. I start on an anti-malrial drug this morning called Plaquenil.I think… I should be freaking out… I

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-8111113518156532162004-10-07T07:01:00.000-07:002011-10-24T17:32:50.408-07:00

 I am feeling happy today.       The autumn weather is taking hold here and we get some of the most beautiful foliage during this season. I have been sneaking outside early in the morning with Little Bear before the sun gets intense. I soak up the fresh air and shiver and watch Bear draw pictures on our car with the morning dew.         And that makes me happy.      Working on plans to make Bear’

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-88817605707133804262004-10-06T06:59:00.000-07:002011-10-24T07:34:13.444-07:00

     The Cozy Cottage is quiet right now. Hubby is at work, and Little Bear is at his new school.      I am missing Little Bear this morning. I miss the long days of just Bear and me hanging out together in the Cottage. Watching Barney, making up silly songs, throwing birthday parties because somebody somewhere in the world must be having a birthday today.       I miss the adventures, packing his

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-15622543681146620762004-10-05T05:54:00.000-07:002011-10-24T07:32:03.686-07:00

Good morning, everyone and WELCOME TO DAY #5 of LUPUS AWARENESS MONTH!!! Yippee! Whoopee! Copious Horn Tooting! It is freezing cold here at the Cozy Cottage this morning...so I am dancing around tooting horns, jumping up and down, and clapping my hands to bring the circulation back. What?! You thought all that Hooraying Yippee stuff was for Lupus Awareness Month? No, man....I

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-43785226341242263562004-10-04T08:04:00.000-07:002011-10-24T07:26:09.136-07:00

Just wanted to share with those of you who have been visiting regularly that we transferred Little Bear to a small Catholic school in our neighborhood. He started Catholic school this morning, and we feel very happy about this. There are other adoptees in his new class, and children who look like him. Bear seemed to fit right in. His new teacher is a musician and sings a lot...he'll love that.

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-60478493332515239532004-10-03T07:17:00.000-07:002011-10-20T07:01:59.278-07:00

Good morning Everyone! HAPPY LUPUS AWARENESS MONTH! Just a short note today. I received some correspondence from some readers who are concerned about the use of the word "lupie". I had not thought about the impact of that term on people who may feel that I am minimizing their suffering. I would never do such intentionally and I sincerely apologize to anyone who felt hurt by that word. The term "

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-40523857488498496122004-10-01T06:30:00.000-07:002011-10-20T07:00:24.075-07:00

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Lupus…but were afraid to ask Welcome to Lupus Awareness Month! I am so excited… aren’t you? This month I will be offering you all those little juicy tidbits that the doctor’s handouts and condensed web site outlines fail to mention. Okay, okay… I’ll throw in some facts too just to be legitimate and all that. So….  Let the fun begin. First things

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-54526882340559657532004-09-30T09:39:00.000-07:002011-10-20T06:53:54.130-07:00

News alert on AOL today that VIOXX is being removed from the market. Here is the news link: http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20040906114709990001 If you are being prescribed Vioxx you should contact your doctor promptly. Just a personal note regarding this medication: I was only able to stay on Vioxx for a few days. I started to swell up and I also had increased bruising. I am

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-22916894707916950512004-09-30T05:25:00.000-07:002011-10-20T06:52:21.357-07:00

Lupus Awareness MonthSoon… at a BLOG near you! yippee.... I can hardly wait... as if I weren't aware enough already... hmmmph Time for more coffee... and, yes, Mabel is still hanging around. I think it's the cookies....she loves cookies. Shucks.

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-78610649512470882382004-09-28T06:06:00.000-07:002011-10-20T06:50:25.756-07:00

Mabel the Migraine monster is now on Day #11...so who's counting? I called the doctor yesterday. Actually I called two. My rheumy's Nurse Practitioner never called back, so I called the PCP.... they recommended SUDAFED.  Hmmm.... okay... anything to avoid a trip to the ER. So now I am full of SUDAFED plus all my regular meds and still having ice picks whamming into my skull. Here is a small

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-38804942407656027772004-09-26T10:49:00.000-07:002011-10-11T07:10:11.610-07:00

I find myself increasingly in a life with my feet planted in two different realities. There is the “Real World” (nope…not a tv show…lol!). The Real World is the world that many of us spend a lifetime convincing ourselves that we belong there. This is the world of attachments, responsibilities, linear time, relationships, work, and recreation. Then there is the world

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-47530850510345342172004-09-26T10:48:00.000-07:002011-10-11T06:55:37.799-07:00

I have choices to make. Spend the day grieving over every single loss, or take the leap of faith that God will place my feet on a new path. I re-invent myself, I find those childhood desires that got lost in the business of growing up and being “normal”. I color, I paint, I write all the time like the little girl I used to be…hoarding my journals in an old trunk, filled to brimming

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-31005907163268835532004-09-23T09:21:00.000-07:002011-10-11T06:52:34.713-07:00

Okay....more lessons learned this morning as I got Little Bear ready for Picture Day at school. Neckties and five year olds are a really bad mix. I think I cut off the circulation to my kid's ears when I clipped that little gentleman tie on him this morning. "Bear, eat your breakfast." YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYA! "Bear, don't sit on the dog, you'll get fur all over your

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-31372545213354951132004-09-21T16:52:00.000-07:002011-10-11T06:46:38.415-07:00

Well, I made it to the rheumatologist today in spite of being on Day #4 of Mabel the migraine monster. I have been sleeping about 15 hours a day and still the fatigue is a huge problem. bleh. Found out I have an ear infection...surprise, surprise...the eardrum is swollen (or bulging...but I really don't like that word in this context...lol). Also got lupus sores in my ear. Yes, I

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-17531601408820703332004-09-20T17:45:00.000-07:002011-10-11T06:44:43.752-07:00

My mainline drug of choice to defeat the lupus purgatory of pain is SCRABBLE. Yep...S-C-R-A-B-B-L-E. I am a recalcitrant spelling bee failure having placed second in the school spelling bee at the tender age of twelve. I never got over it... NEVER. Ask my Scrabble pal Tom. He can attest to my tenacity. We have been playing Scrabble together for 9 years...and I have never

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-2428701610753701402004-09-18T18:59:00.000-07:002011-10-11T06:43:13.538-07:00

Ah well...all good things come to an end. So it is today that I have been sleeping more than I have been concious. Hubby thinks it is the anemia kicking into high gear again. I am sure I will hear an earful about all this on Tuesday when I have my next rheumy appointment. In the meantime...I am might tired and I am going back to bed. Nighty-night....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-16130500517685247512004-09-17T06:28:00.000-07:002011-10-11T06:39:47.850-07:00

Daddy came home early from work yesterday. Daddy has been running a fever and sneezing a lot. So, Little Bear woke up this morning with a genius five year old idea. He decided he was going to "get sick" so he could skip out of school today. My, my...how fast these little people learn! About the last thing our family needs this week is a little five year old elf

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-38281980589506903002004-09-15T19:51:00.000-07:002011-10-11T06:26:52.605-07:00

Lupus Parenting Tip #1 Do not take snack time and teacher notes too personally. Okay...so I am a very new Kindergarten mom. And today was snack day for Little Bear. This was a big deal for me. I felt like whatever my little guy brought in would be a representation of his home. Food is important. I wanted to send a stupendous, never to be forgotten, spectacular snack. A healthy snack,

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-7237486526799719362004-09-12T20:01:00.000-07:002011-10-11T06:23:41.768-07:00

If I were to create a time capsule that would be opened in some unknown future time I would take into consideration what the future person will need to explore the preserved past in that capsule. Five items I would place into a time capsule: 1. I would want to greet this future visitor with a warm welcome so I would include: A bottle full of my son's laughter 2. Of course, being

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-62140279373013696512004-09-05T22:23:00.000-07:002011-10-07T06:04:56.445-07:00

My Dad passed on 14 years ago today. Every year when I come to this anniversary the day he died is fresh in my mind.I can not believe how time has moved on. Dear Dad, Hi... it's me... your noisy kid. Your baby. The one who sang and danced and followed you around like a little shadow. So much has happened since you have been gone. When you passed on, I was an unhappy,

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-51063972407848605662004-09-05T22:02:00.000-07:002011-10-07T05:59:39.408-07:00

This is a photo of our loveable Calico Coney. She is a maternal sort of kitty and went through a phase of adopting our son's small toys. We named all of her "babies" PUPPY because we are just weird that way. We finally had to put an end to it when she started dragging home the neighbors' kids...only kidding! Um... only kidding about the neighbors' kids that is. She really did adopt toys.

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-9692548811141601232004-08-23T12:14:00.000-07:002011-10-07T05:56:31.397-07:00

At 41 years old...it always surprises me that I can still have a "big baby" moment. And I guess that is what I am having right now. I took my first oral dose of Imuran exactly one hour ago. I have to admit that I have had loads of anticipatory anxiety about this one. When I saw the word "chemotherapy" in the drug description, I just felt this huge knot in my throat.

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-84250503443125391662004-08-21T07:34:00.000-07:002011-10-07T05:51:46.459-07:00

There are a number of folks with fibromyalgia who use Reiki as part of their treatment regimen. I am no expert on this. My understanding of Reiki is that it addresses healing of the whole person. Reiki works at the energy level. I believe that this energy is referred to as Chi in Chinese medicine and martial arts. Healing in Reiki is not about making symptoms go away, but rather is

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-58633593867500356132004-08-20T06:31:00.000-07:002011-10-07T05:41:07.747-07:00

This has been a tough lupus week.  I spent Wednesday and Thursday glued to the chair... sometimes for a change of scenery I crawled into bed. Little Bear stayed with Granny and Grump so I could rest. Imuran starts in four days. I am really hoping that this works. Imuran is a cytotoxin... yes, it is a poison. Lupies take a low daily oral dose of this chemotherapy to suppress the immune

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-12841506479273192992004-08-18T13:13:00.000-07:002011-10-06T06:58:05.029-07:00

I saved up all my spoons (a whole silverware drawer full) in order to spend a few hours at the County Fair with hubby and Little Bear this past Saturday. For those of you who are wondering what the heck do spoons have to do with anything. check this out first: Spoon Theory Lots of excited preparations for the big outing. Smearing myself from eartips to fingertips and any piece of exposed

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-16576799599403325182004-08-17T18:44:00.000-07:002011-10-06T06:39:16.123-07:00

This is the last entry for today...I promise! I just realized why I am a mess today. My friend of 27 years was in the ER most of Sunday night for stomach pain. The doctors told her it was the cancer. They gave her pain pills and sent her home. Her CA 125 has shot up to 180 and she is debating going off of chemo. I need to smother her with my love, and she is needing

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-941969578602294392004-08-17T09:58:00.000-07:002011-10-06T06:37:20.845-07:00

Okay...freak out time over. Taking some deep breaths and settling into a quiet afternoon. I always wind up panicky when the lupus goes after my legs. I get too weak to walk and then I don't know what to do.... everyone has their bottom line... and my bottom line with lupus is "Leave my legs alone!". Little Bear and I are now listening to some rock and roll. He is going to play puzzles on the

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-75232375962225910382004-08-17T09:04:00.000-07:002011-10-06T06:35:10.727-07:00

I blew all my spoons on Saturday going to the County Fair with my guys. (That story saved for another time)  We had a great time and it was worth the sacrificing of spoons but, today is quickly spiralling into a bad lupus day and I am home alone today with Little Bear. I had a terrible time waking up this morning. I figured if I just stick to my routine the fatigue will pass. So I did

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-79988000603369294782004-08-12T14:38:00.000-07:002011-10-04T15:31:04.539-07:00

Here is a great way to get out of washing the dishes.... Little Bear wanted to play outside . Any lupus parent will be able to tell you how complicated it can be to supervise your young child while he plays outside. You can't sit out in the sun...so what to do? Little Bear and I have devised a system that works. We have a picture window in the front and in the back rooms of our house. So

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-29184246198911951262004-08-11T08:56:00.000-07:002011-10-04T15:29:02.309-07:00

CRAFT TIME IN THE COZY COTTAGE Bright idea time...a few weeks ago in Wal-Mart I get this great idea to buy Little Bear this beady thing craft project. He loved it and used up the little package of beads quickly, making teddy bear gifts for his Pre-K teachers.So this weekend I tell my hubby to go buy Little Bear a BIG package of those little plastic beadie things, so that little Bear can have the

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-75387802311746769212004-08-11T08:48:00.000-07:002011-10-04T15:27:30.074-07:00

Hubby couldn't stand the messy kitchen this weekend..so he took pity on me and did the dishes. Of course, his little shadow...our sweet five year old son, insisted that he had to help Daddy do the dishes. Which always makes more of a mess.... So out of desperation....Daddy makes a huge glass of soapy bubbles for our Little Bear to play with on the floor while Daddy tries to

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-8589492506159040732004-08-11T08:35:00.000-07:002011-10-04T10:31:40.871-07:00

I decided to share my lupus bruises for those of you who may be waiting for diagnosis, or have questions regarding early signs of autoimmune disease. These photos were taken on the same day several days ago. I woke up with that dark nasty on my leg. I believe that is called spontaneous bruising because there was no injury or bump that caused this one. One of the early warning

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-22965229173305497162004-08-02T12:19:00.000-07:002011-10-04T12:23:33.342-07:00

Hey! Let's call AUGUST National Nap Month!! I don't really know if August is or isn't Nap Month. Having lupus must prequalify many of us lupies as class A "nappers"... I mean we practice napping a lot.  Here are some famous sleepers: SALVADOR DALI : napped sitting up in a chair holding marbles or a spoon with a metal bowl. When he fell into a deep sleep he would drop the marbles and

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-69908725315855126832004-08-01T09:49:00.000-07:002011-10-04T10:27:01.179-07:00

Right after I finished that last entry, Hubby comes up to me and firmly says, "Your job today is to rest. I do not want to see you doing ANY chores. That is why I worked so hard today, so you can rest and feel better." God was having a really good day the day God made my hubby.

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-25951241812356573202004-08-01T09:29:00.000-07:002011-10-04T10:26:05.300-07:00

My guys are in the kitchen right now... doing the dishes for me. Then the next big event will be vacuuming. Our dear doggy is shedding so much that we could knit a terrier with the leftover stray hairs! No Imuran yet. Saturday morning came with me running a 101+ fever, huge lymph glands, and a very messy sore throat. So I slept a lot and watched Audrey Hepburn in The Nun's

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-15351301229835237372004-07-30T13:30:00.000-07:002011-10-04T10:23:01.144-07:00

Rheumy appointment this morning. For the lupus uninitiated: rheumy = rheumatologist And "Say, what?!!" about sums up my reaction to the new addition to my treatment regimen. I will be starting on Imuran tomorrow. You have to start in small doses to see if it can be tolerated. Hopefully, this treatment will kick me into remission. At the very least, I will be feeling better and

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-50020029954610307852004-07-29T09:38:00.000-07:002011-10-04T10:21:42.583-07:00

The past few days have been what I have come to label as "roller coaster" days. I received an e-mail this weekend inviting me to consider taking a counseling job for a group that only meets once a month. Yes!!! Yes!!! My mind races with how I could do this. I would have to hitch a ride...(we had to sell my car several months ago to pay bills). Then I would have to figure out how I could

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-52084016968170177082004-07-27T12:00:00.000-07:002011-10-04T12:38:24.277-07:00

Many times I have been asked, "When did you know you had lupus?" or "How long did it take before you got the diagnosis?". There is absolutely no simple answer to these questions. Most lupus people suffer years and years (and years...) before they receive a confirmed diagnosis. Some folks never get their diagnosis confirmed. I try to pinpoint an "Aha!" moment, but fail.

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-52560735888580883242004-07-25T11:11:00.000-07:002011-10-04T06:52:11.897-07:00

Just took a look at my journal counter and...WOW! It is at 995. I am 5 away from the 1000 mark. So much has happened between 1 to 995.  September will be the one year anniversary of starting this journal. When I started this journal I was in deep depression bordering on despair. I had been diagnosed with systemic lupus a few months prior and did not see a future. So

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4244255030564405220.post-4786664214386374702004-07-21T13:16:00.000-07:002011-10-04T06:44:06.271-07:00

I am not the sharpest pin in the cushion today. There are cobwebs in the windmills of my mind. My hamster isn't running in the wheel. Someone took the meat out of my sandwich. I am too pooped to party. Add your own cliche' in the comments section if you're in the mood ...I am feeling the lupus too much today to add more...and I could use a good laugh.

Lorettahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05041603151355416506noreply@blogger.com2