[Lupus] The most BORING DAY of ALL TIME

Alright, today is day 8 of my hospitalization and the boredom is kicking in. Nobody came to visit me today, I feel like a loser, but I know I shouldn't because I've had visitors from day one and I did speak to my best friend earlier and my family most of the day. I just think I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired now.

Let me give you some history on what's happening with me. Right now I'm going through a lupus flair, this one is nothing like the crisis situation I had last year, last year's ordeal was way more pressure, organ failure, seizures all sorts of shit. This one is not all that 'better' but it's way less stressful. My symptoms this time was excruciating chest pain, trouble breathing, almost like drowning. Let me tell you that is the scariest feeling of all time. Well,come to find out I had a large amount of fluid in my lungs for real so, I was really drowning. Anyways, to treat this they did a 'lung tap', this is when they take an ultrasound image to locate where the fluid is and then they stick a needle with suction and drain the fluid. It wasn't painful but when I saw how much liquid was in my lungs I was like DAMN!! That was on the 19th, the next day I had some other type of lung biopsy thing where they put me to sleep and thread a tube up my nose and look at my lungs. It's just too much. Now, mind you there is an even bigger problem I have other than my lungs too which is the fact that I have no immune system. My white blood cell count is non existent, and that's what really keeping me here soo long. Without my white blood cells, my already weak immune system cannot fight off infections and that can kill me. They have me in isolation, where anybody that comes in contact with me has to wear gloves and masks.

Anyways, I'm getting tired, I'll talk to ya tomorrow.

photo:chalkboardmanifesto.com

[fucking lupus]

Well I WAS supposed to go on vacation this coming Tuesday, but that is probably not gonna happen after all. This weekend I started having severe pain on like the whole right side of my body from the shoulder to the ankles. When I say pain, I mean the kind of pain that you think will kill you.
I had went in to the ER on Saturday night because I thought I was havin a kidney infection, but they told me no my pancreas was a little inflammed. They sent me home. That same night I started having the same pain along with severe joint pain and it was way worse than the night before, so I went to a different hospital for a second opinion, they basically told me the same thing too. But what they concluded thought is that I'm having a flare right now and I need my medications adjusted. This sucks because this means weight gain and I've been working soo hard to lose the weight I had already gained from the first set of meds I'm on just to have to start all over again.

Heaven Just Got A Little More Soul

RIP Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes.

[Spotlight] Leather Legging

photo:runwaydaily.comFall is my FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE shopping season. The classic colors, the layered looks everything. Growing up North (Boston) probably has a lot to do with that. Anyways, last week while waiting at the doctors office I was reading a Teen Vogue fall issue and they spotlighted the hot new look Leather Leggings, I instantly fell in love. I've hit up a couple websites to price this look and it's kinds hot, but thankfully next week I'll be visiting my Dad in Boston and I'm hoping for a mini shopping trip, Thanks Dad!!!

LeBron James - Europe??

Here's a post from my baby brother William, he's a sports nut and will be the newest contributer (sometimes) to this sweet blog. Enjoy.

Today on ESPN there's news of my boy Lebron James may be packing it up and heading off to Europe. Sounds like a bomb idea.
I believe that if LeBron James leaves the NBA for a team in Europe it would force a globalized NBA. LeBron should leave to help showcase on a global scale the greatness of American basketball and to add to the level of competition outside the USA. Let's face it if the major forces of the NBA leave a lot of loyal fans will still follow them and not to mention open up a whole new audience. Remember basketballs don't only bounce in America.

[Spotlight] First Lady Michelle Obama

Future First Lady Michelle Obama graces the cover of September's Ebony Magazine. The issue hits stands on August 12th, you know I'm gonna get it. To me Michelle Obama exudes class, elegance and grace, everything a true black woman is.

Here's a sneak peek of the exclusive interview from Bossip.com:

On her style…“I do think what you wear is a reflection of who you are. I love to look glamorous when there’s a wonderful, purposeful event that is appropriate. But when I’m in Iowa campaigning with the girls, I am in Gap shorts and a T- shirt.”

On being a mom… “My first job in all honesty is going to continue to be mom-in-chief,” she says, “making sure that in this transition, which will be even more of a transition for the girls…that they are settled and that they know they will continue to be the center of our universe.”

On being married to Barack… “Barack and I—as partners, as friends and as lovers—we accessorize each other in many ways,” she said. “The best thing I love having on me is Barack on my arm and vice versa, whether it’s having him standing there smiling at me, or watching him mesmerize a crowd or talk to some seniors in a senior center.”

I wanna be just like her when I grow up.

photo: suntimes.com

My 9 Rules for Success

In this life success isn't about having a million dollars in the bank or working at the dream job. Success is to me is who you are inside and out, your ultimate growth values.

1. Be Honest/Be Luv - with yourself and others


2. Be Proactive - get out and grab the bull by the horns


3. Insight - ask the right questions, be eager to learn


4. Take Risks - get out of your comfort zone sometimes


5. Make Yourself Invaluable


6. Accept Yourself - failure is a given without this


7. Attitude Is Everything - self-explanatory


8. Have Patience - you gotta be flexible


9. Aspiration - believe in your unlimited potential

At the end of the day, if you're not happy with yourself and who you are what do you really have?

Just UGH!!!

This is how I feel right now.

For the past two weeks I've been having a pain on my left side, I thought it was from working out but I realize it's probably my kidney. I've noticed my face has gotten a little swollen and my trips to the loo have slowed down so that points to my kidneys to me. Thankfully I have an appointment with my kidney doctor on Tuesday so I can get to the bottom of this.
Until then, I'll be at home takin it easy.

Good Money In Bad Times

Maintaining in a rough economy takes planning, consistency and effort. It doesn't happen over night and it won't happen if you don't take the time to try. Last Christmas I received a wonderful gift from one of the parents at the day care where I used to work. It was a book about personal finance, how to get out of debt, save your money and generally live better. Lifting The Burdens of Debt by Lisa Cherry is a wonderful book, not only is it really informative but it's very inspirational. This is the book that kick started my life change towards living debt free and money wise, here are some of the things I learned and basically how I live my life now. It's a real simple formula.

*Make Sure Your Expenses Do Not Exceed Your Income: Obvious, but I see people who find themselves in this situation month to month.

• If you live on your own, get a roommate to split expenses.
• Renegotiate your cell phone, insurance, cable etc contracts. I call my companies periodically to check for better promotions and sometimes it works out. You never know.
• Smart shopping. Do the research before you buy anything. There always a deal or bargain out there. Take the time to look.
  

*Create Passive Income: Passive income basically is making money with little to no work. That's the best way to make money to me. Some ways to make passive income.

• Surveys, I've made a pretty good amount of money this way. I usually use the money to buy splurge items like over priced cosmetics and treat myself.
• Interest earned, this is a slower way but it's still free money. Put your money in a high interest bank account or CD and chill.
• Sell items you don't need anymore.
• Make money from your hobby. If you're good at something turn it into a side hustle.
  

*Create A Budget and Stick To It: A budget is a a tool to help you prioritize your spending and manage your money. A good budget helps you see and achieve your goals. All you need to know is how much you make, subtract your expenses, after that, see where you can cut costs. With this you can visualize where your money is going when you see it on paper, it makes it real. Don't forget you have got to be honest with yourself and your spending. After you know what you're working with budget for saving or debt reduction.

At the end of the day, your success is up to you. As long as you maintain consistency, adhere to the changes and keep pressing forward you will see positive results.

[Lupus] It's Official

Two weeks ago I went to BGMC to have a DEXA scan (bone density test). It wasn't too bad, it was like having an x-ray done. My Rheumatologist wanted this done because I have been having major back pain that would come and go. I had taken some back x-rays prior to the DEXA and he also noticed my a disk in my spine was a little smushed. I was like, damn!

Well, on Monday I went to my PCH to deal with this cough and she got the results from the DEXA and it did show osteoperosis, she couldn't tell me to what degree I had it but she said that I do have it. My lupies know this is due to the prednisone and that sucks cuz I have to take it for my health but it's also breaking me down. My PCH was also telling me that because of the other meds I'm on I may not be able to take meds for it, in her opinion. This is not too bad for me becasue I'm on enff. I have to wait and see what my Rheumatologist has to say though.

Right now though all I can really do is take calcium and vitamin D and try not to slip in the shower, lol. I'm not taking it too hard though because I work out regularly and eat healthy so I will be good.