Maureen's blog: Norovirus

Maureen's blog: Norovirus: I haven't felt well since my last blog (when do I ever feel well these days)! I am not complaining just stating a fact. God is still good an...

Maureen's blog: Norovirus

Maureen's blog: Norovirus: I haven't felt well since my last blog (when do I ever feel well these days)! I am not complaining just stating a fact. God is still good an...

Norovirus

I haven't felt well since my last blog (when do I ever feel well these days)! I am not complaining just stating a fact. God is still good and in control.

Managed to go out Saturday for lunch and I drove to the post office on monday (the first time in about two months). Both occasions I felt quite dizzy and weak and on both occasions I only spoke or even come in close contact with three people.

Tuesday night couldn't go off to sleep as I was very breathless and coughing a lot so I got up to have a drink. Just after midnight I started to feel hungry and faint at the same time, I went to make another drink cautiously as I was worried about falling on the floor. (I have had this feeling before and ended up on the kitchen floor, my dressing gown sleeve caught in the cooker hob and water from the kettle on the floor). I managed to make a hot drink and went back into the lounge with it and it stayed there until morning.

As soon as I got back into the lounge I had to run to the bathroom to vomit. During the vomiting I thought I would faint as I felt very light headed and this was now happening about every 5-10 minutes. Along with the vomiting I started to have loose stools (loose bowel movement), which was now very distressing.

I now started to shiver even with the central heating on and I am wrapped up in several layers on the sofa.

Because I was now feeling so weak I decided to seek help by ringing the NHS Direct (a telephone help line for patients). The nurse then said because I have lupus and I am taking steroids I will need to see the doctor, so she will get in touch with the doctors on call who then rang me to say a doctor will come to give me an injection to stop the vomiting. This was just after 3 am.

The doctor did not come until after 6 am and instead of giving me an injection he gave me a prescription for anti sickness tablets as the vomiting had subsided there was nothing left in my stomach not even bile.

After the doctor left I finally went to bed and slept on and off most of the day. Each time I got up I felt so weak that I decided to have some toast with lemon curd for energy and it actually stayed down. Praise God

I am still praising God it is Another day and no more diarrhoea or vomiting, thank you Jesus.

Maureen's blog: More vomiting and backache

Maureen's blog: More vomiting and backache: The Lord is good all the time and all the time He is good. No matter what I have been through I know he has promised to never leave me or fo...

More vomiting and backache

The Lord is good all the time and all the time He is good. No matter what I have been through I know he has promised to never leave me or forsake me.

I have been vomiting again this week as everything I eat including drinks is resting in my oesophagus. I have not been eating much as I just don't have an appetite but I have to drink a lot of fluids to stop the chemo from damaging my bladder. The muscles of my oesophagus are now weakened by the lupus so everything I eat or drink is taking longer to go into my stomach and instead is building up in my oesophagus which is causing me to vomit after much discomfort.

Along with the vomiting this week I have had awful backache which is keeping me awake at nights. The pain has eased on Sunday but today is Monday and I awoke with the dreaded backache again.

Over the weekend every time I bend down I feel very dizzy and lightheaded. The weirdest feeling ever but I know that all of this is just feelings and my God is bigger than all the awful symptoms of lupus including the breathlessness which is on going.

I am just going to trust in God to hear my cry of distress every day that I call out to Him as He has promised to be with me and to give me my heart's desire.

Maureen's blog: More chemotherapy

Maureen's blog: More chemotherapy: Since my last chemotherapy treatment I have only been out of the house three times as I have been feeling so unwell. I have been feeling ve...

More chemotherapy

Since my last chemotherapy treatment I have only been out of the house three times as I have been feeling so unwell. I have been feeling very light headed with awful backache.

My breathing has been worst, I get very breathless if I move too quickly, talk loudly or get excited. Getting dressed and undress is a problem as I get so breathless I have to remember to do so slowly so i just cannot rush. Life is so different and difficult for me now, especially when I try to do every day chores.

Today I went for more chemo, which was given much slower than the last time so I did not feel faint and the burning that I had in my nostrils was not as severe. However I felt nauseous after having a sandwich and a cup of tea with severe abdominal cramping. The chemo infusion was stopped while I stood up to see if the pain would go away, which it did.

The nausea and cramping pain has continued after I returned home but thank God I did not actually vomit.

I know that no matter how I feel it is only temporary as one day I will be completely healed with new lungs able to breathe and run. My God is bigger than lupus and he is the Great Physician. Thank you Jesus for going to the cross for my healing.

Got up today and got dressed as I just wanted to feel well but after about an hour I had to put my night clothes back on. My whole body feels heavy with aching every where. I am finding it difficult to concentrate so I am just going to rest now.

Maureen's blog: Tears

Maureen's blog: Tears: It has been a week of tears as I have been so breathless and not able to do anything. If I get up to answer the telephone I cannot talk so I...

Tears

It has been a week of tears as I have been so breathless and not able to do anything. If I get up to answer the telephone I cannot talk so I have to have the phone beside me and be sitting still to talk. This has left me feeling very tearful as I like to be doing things not sitting all the time (which is not good for anyone).

I have not been outside the house for over a week now. I can't even put my clothes on without getting very breathless. I am beginning to feel like an invalid person.

Today is Sunday and once again I am not able to go to church. I know that God is every where so He is right here with me as He has promised to never leave me or forsake me but it it also good to be with others of the same mind as iron sharpens iron and I can draw strength and increase my faith from these people.

Still God is good all the time and no matter what I am going through I know He has a plan and purpose for my life. I can only trust Him to lead me through this dark valley that I am going through knowing that I will make it out safe and well.

Maureen's blog: Hospitalisation againA

Maureen's blog: Hospitalisation again: Thursday morning the day after having chemotherapy I went to make a cup of tea and suddenly I felt a crushing pain in my chest along with fe...

Hospitalisation again

Thursday morning the day after having chemotherapy I went to make a cup of tea and suddenly I felt a crushing pain in my chest along with feeling faint and breathlessness.

I could not speak for about ten minutes because of the breathlessness. I rang the hospital (as soon as i could talk) to speak to the chemo nurse and was put through to a doctor who suggested I ring for an ambulance to take me to the Accident and Emergency department of my local hospital as I could be having a heart attack.

I was examined by the paramedics before being transported to the hospital where I was examined again this time by a doctor. I had another ECG and a chest X-ray. I was then told I need to go to the Emergency Assessment Unit to have a blood test at 9 pm which will be 24 hours after the first onset of the pain. This means I would have to stay in hospital until the next day.

On the unit I was examined by another doctor and again by his consultant who told me I had pleurisy. I was now given intravenous antibiotics.

Just after 9 pm I had the blood test and I later tried to settle in a very busy and noisy ward. At midnight one of the nurse came to tell me I would be going to the Cardiology ward, so I was moved at 12:30 am.

Before the doctors came to see me on this new ward I went to the nurses station to use the telephone which was only a few feet away and I had to be wheeled back to my bed as I became very breathless and light headed (this was now being recorded). Later when I saw the doctors they informed me I did not have a heart attack but I need more help regarding my lungs so the chest consultant will need to see me.

The senior registrar for the consultant came to see me to discuss me having oxygen to carry with me so I can have a better quality of life. She also suggest I have another blood test to check I haven't got a blood clot in my lungs. If blood test result is clear then I could go home if not I would have to have a CT scan.

Praise God the blood test was okay and I was given oral antibiotics to take home.

I am now at home feeling very tired and weak in my body. I am also awaiting an appointment for a exercise test regarding the oxygen.

Maureen's blog: Chemotherapy

Maureen's blog: Chemotherapy: After waiting for over an hour after my appointment time I was finally called into the day unit for the chemotherapy treatment. Of course ...

Chemotherapy

After waiting for over an hour after my appointment time I was finally called into the day unit for the chemotherapy treatment.

Of course several checks had to be made with the doctors. The nurses checked my address and date of birth several times before the chemo could be administered.

Whilst receiving the chemo I went very light headed especially when I held my head down. The flow of the chemo had to be slowed and I was offered a hot drink, which then left me feeling quite nauseous (even though I was given an anti emetic drug).

I then started to feel as if I was in a swimming pool and the water had gone up my nose (I started to have burning in my nostrils).

Still felt very light headed and weak after the infusion.

It is now after midnight and I am vomiting, just hoping it isn't going to carry on for long. (I was given an anti emetic tablet to take at 8 pm along with another tablet to stop the chemo damaging my bladder but I am not sure if it did not come back up as everything I try to swallow stays in my oesophagus for hours before going down into my stomach.

I had a very disturbing night could did not sleep well as I felt awful. I awoke early and was out of bed by 06:15 to have a drink as I have to drink a lot. Decided to read the bible and pray and just to give thanks for my life and everything around me. Thank you Lord

Maureen's blog: Hospital Visit

Maureen's blog: Hospital Visit: I waited three hours yesterday to have the chemotherapy but was told I could not have it as the doctor had written for me to have it over 4-...

Hospital Visit

I waited three hours yesterday to have the chemotherapy but was told I could not have it as the doctor had written for me to have it over 4-5 hours.
Because the nurses did not have me in on time they could not give me the chemo as the department closes at 7pm and it was now about 5pm.

The nursing sister did speak to a doctor as she thought I could have it for two hours instead but unfortunately my blood pressure was raised so they could not risk me having too much fluid that could flood my heart.

I have been feeling so ill and my breathing is just getting worst each day. I am in away glad I did not have the chemo. Today I feel so exhausted, tired with Backache but I have to be thankful I am still alive.

Thank you Lord for carrying me as you know right now I cannot carry myself.



I went to the hospital yesterday for the chemotherapy infusion only to be sent home after waiting three hours

Maureen's blog: Consultants visits

Maureen's blog: Consultants visits: Went to the hospital on Monday to see the Gastroenterologist regarding the ma nometry and 24 hour pH test I had. The muscles in my oesophagu...

Consultants visits

Went to the hospital on Monday to see the Gastroenterologist regarding the ma nometry and 24 hour pH test I had. The muscles in my oesophagus have been weakened because of the lupus and I have a moderate amount of acid reflux.

The consultant has decided that there is not much can be done I will have to cope with it (the constant vomiting).
If I was loosing weight or could not swallow I would have to have a feeding tube inserted into my stomach (called pep)
via my abdomen, which would be left in for me to be fed only liquid.

On Tuesday I went to see my Rheumatologist because I have been feeling awful again with aches and pains and fatigue, also breathlessness

My Rheumy has decided I should have another three Chemotherapy treatment as it did help to improve my breathing.

I have now been given the appointment for the infusion next week. I will have to go and have a blood test the day before.

My body is still aching and I am not having enough sleep so I am feeling very exhausted. I have to give thanks to God for sparing my life and carrying me each day, because with Him I would surely fall apart.

Maureen's blog: Antibiotics

Maureen's blog: Antibiotics: The last few weeks have not been good and without the help of Jesus, friends and family to carry and support me I don't know how I would hav...

Antibiotics

The last few weeks have not been good and without the help of Jesus, friends and family to carry and support me I don't know how I would have managed.

I have been feeling so ill over the last few weeks with aches and pains, sinusitis and a cold. I went to see my GP who gave me antibiotics and told me I am suffering from hay fever even though I haven't been out doors for about two week prior to seeing her.

The antibiotics did get rid of the sinusitis but not the cold or the aches and pains. Now I have a constant tickle in my throat and I am forever coughing and clearing my throat especially when I talk.

I am taking over the counter medications for this cold and now I am asleep more than I am awake (it could also be because I have been feeling very exhausted for the pass few weeks). Which is also fatigue, part of the symptom of lupus.

Right now I feel I want to scream as I can't get rid of the tickle in my throat and my head and body is aching so much. Oh! And I want to sleep.

So please help me Jesus I know you have been good to me and you have promise never to leave me or forsake me. I think I will go and get a hot drink and hope this will help my throat.

Maureen's blog: Lupus flare

Maureen's blog: Lupus flare: After spending most of Friday and Saturday at the hospital last weekend for investigation querying pulmonary embolism, I returned home to re...

Lupus flare

After spending most of Friday and Saturday at the hospital last weekend for investigation querying pulmonary embolism, I returned home to rest but did not.

I did too much and by Tuesday night my whole body started to rebel, I now have pain all over my body and I just don't seem to be able to keep awake.

It is now Sunday night and I am in awful pain (chest, back and legs). My head is spinning and I am not sure if I should take some analgesic for the pain. This will surely help me with sleeping as I am feeling so tired.

Monday morning and I am vomiting constantly which is awful as my head is also aching and it feels as if it is going to explode.

The rest of the week i just slept amidst the aches and pain I felt.
Today is Tuesday and I am feeling just a little better as each day I wake up willing my self to feel better.

Big thanks to my friends who cooked meals and also came to look after me. Thank you Jesus for family and friends and for watching over us.

Maureen's blog: Blood clot scare

Maureen's blog: Blood clot scare: I started having chest pains a week ago which got worse each day. Went to see my GP on Friday about the chest pains and she immediately thou...

Maureen's blog: Oesophageal Manometry Test

Maureen's blog: Oesophageal Manometry Test: Had Oesophageal Manometry test and it was very distressing but not painful. I also had a 24-Hour pH Monitoring done. I had to come home with...

Blood clot scare

I started having chest pains a week ago which got worse each day. Went to see my GP on Friday about the chest pains and she immediately though I could have a blood cloth in my lungs.

My GP sent me to the Emergency Assessment Unit at my local hospital for tests. Had ECG taken and thank God I was not having a heart attack. I also had lots of blood taken, X-ray and even a CT scan.

Thank you Jesus and all my friends who prayed for a good result as that's exactly what I had, a good result. Praise God for His goodness, grace and mercy.

Each day brings new challenges such as the continued vomiting due to the muscles of my oesophagus being weaken by the lupus. I also get very tired, lethargic, sleepy and breathless but I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Oesophageal Manometry Test

Had Oesophageal Manometry test and it was very distressing but not painful. I also had a 24-Hour pH Monitoring done. I had to come home with a tube which was passed into my oesophagus via my nose.

It was very uncomfortable having to eat and sleep with the tube inserted into my oesophagus. I also had a monitoring box attached to the tube which I had to press if I was sitting, lying or walking. I also had to press each time I eat or drink.

I did managed to sleep even with the lump of the tube in my nose and throat. and the bulk of the box (I also had to lie flat in bed, as the acid in my stomach needed to be measured.

Because I was been monitored I did not throw up or had acid reflux (I tried eating some fruit to try and help the acid but nothing).

I really have to thank my Lord, Jesus for His love, faithfulness and mercy in sustaining me each day. Thank you Jesus you have never let me down.

Maureen's blog: Fatigue

Maureen's blog: Fatigue: It is only by God's grace and mercy that I am here today. After my trip to Ireland it has left me feeling very fatigued with aching muscle...

Fatigue

It is only by God's grace and mercy that I am here today.

After my trip to Ireland it has left me feeling very fatigued with aching muscles especially in my legs. I have continued going to the toning suite for gentle exercises.

The last week has been very busy and I have not been able to sleep for more than five to four hours each night.

I have continued to vomit at the end of each day but I am continuing to thank God for the strength I need for each day.

On Tuesday I will be going to have Oesophageal Manometry test and 24 Hour pH Monitoring done. This is to check if there is any muscle damage to my oesophagus (the consultant thinks the lupus has damaged the muscles in my oesophagus).

I am praying the test will not be too distressing, as I will have to have a nasal gastric tube with a camera passed down my nose to my oesophagus to my stomach.

God is my helper and my strength and an ever present help in times of trouble. I am putting my faith in Him, knowing that no matter how I may feel He is still with me.

Maureen's blog: Trip to Ireland

Maureen's blog: Trip to Ireland: Went to bed early this am (02:00) because I had tea with caffeine instead of my usual Red Bush caffeine free tea. I was up and awake just af...

Trip to Ireland

Went to bed early this am (02:00) because I had tea with caffeine instead of my usual Red Bush caffeine free tea. I was up and awake just after 06:30.

I am now sitting on a ferry, crossing from the UK to Southern Ireland (it is Saturday the 30th June). For the first time being on a boat or ship I am feeling nauseous and I am having the same feeling as if I am in an aeroplane. Just praying I will not need to go to the bathroom in a hurry as I cannot rush to get there.

We arrived safely in the County of Kilkenny at our hotel overlooking the river just before 8pm. I feel so tired and could not wait to vomit, this is the only way the belching and hiccuping will stop (I have been experiencing this for a few hours now).

Sunday and Monday we did a little sight seeing and window shopping and then slept the rest of the afternoon. I felt very fatigued and my body especially my legs ached a lot.

The vomiting is continuing and is very distressing

Tuesday we arrived in County Cork at our hotel in the middle of the city centre. I am still very tired and fatigued. And vomiting after my meals.

Wednesday we went sight seeing to a pretty village with quaint little side streets. Even though it as a very small port just walking round the little streets was far too much for me. I stayed in a cafe whilst Bob went to explore.

Thursday we went shopping in Cork and back to the hotel for a rest.

Friday we went on a coach trip to the West of Cork. It was very beautiful but we had to be up early for that and of course I did not sleep most of the night. I am feeling so tired and my legs are aching so much. We went on a ferry to a little Island to look at some wonderful gardens but it was very difficult and painful for me to walk around.

Saturday I am awake early with awful chest pain. After breakfast we left County cork for Rosslare to catch the ferry back to the UK early Sunday morning.

I have been home now since Sunday night but the holiday (vacation)has left me feeling very exhausted, I am fatigued with dizziness and now headache and mouth ulcers.

Thank you Lord for your love, faithfulness, and mercy, without you I would not be able to breathe. I am so grateful for your love and peace during this storm in my life.

Maureen's blog: Another Lupus Flare

Maureen's blog: Another Lupus Flare: Felt very fatigued last week with aches and pains all over my body. I still carried on doing the things I usually do such as going to the to...

Another Lupus Flare

Felt very fatigued last week with aches and pains all over my body. I still carried on doing the things I usually do such as going to the toning suite for gently exercise.

The weekend started with diarrhoea but thank God it did not last for more than a day.

More aches and pains but I know it is only a flare up of the lupus symptoms. So I am ignoring them and just learning to know my limitations as to what I can and cannot do at these times.

Monday and the dreaded mouth ulcers are back. This time inside my lower lip which is making it difficult to have hot drinks or even eat anything hot.

Went to see the Rheumatologist today and forgot to tell him about the mouth ulcers and blood blisters I keep getting. I think the mention of more chemotherapy caused me to have temporary brain freeze. Any I decline the offer of more chemo for the present. If my breathing worsens during the next four months then I will have no choice but to have more chemo (it has helped with my breathing as I really though I was going to need lung transplant or oxygen).

I am trusting God for my healing and His help each day. He has promised never to leave me so no matter what or how I feel He is still there in charge.

Maureen's blog: Folliculitis

Maureen's blog: Folliculitis: I just want to thank God for sustaining and keeping me strong and sane each day, without His strength I know I would surely fall apart. It...

Folliculitis

I just want to thank God for sustaining and keeping me strong and sane each day, without His strength I know I would surely fall apart.

It is Tuesday and we have been having a lot of rain here in the UK and not much sun so I have been indoors and now I have a rash on my arms (large spots) it is very red and itchy and I am just praying it is not shingles.

I haven't been able to sleep much because of the backache and itching. I am now feeling very exhausted, lightheaded and just unwell.

The breathlessness and coughing are back even without much exertion. Because my lungs are damaged by the lupus when I get breathless I start to cough, this is helping the oxygen to flow through my blood more efficiently.

Went to my doctor on Friday because of the spots/rash and he said I have Folliculitis. I have been given antibiotic but it is causing me to throw up.

Today is Sunday and every part of me ache, I feel I have been in a boxing ring. I have no energy and am exhausted but God is on my side, so there is no need to fear or worry.

Maureen's blog: Gastroenterology consultant

Maureen's blog: Gastroenterology consultant: Went to see the Gastroenterologist on Tuesday because my food is staying in my oesophagus and not always going into my stomach. He has dec...

Gastroenterology consultant

Went to see the Gastroenterologist on Tuesday because my food is staying in my oesophagus and not always going into my stomach.

He has decided that I should have a special test done called a Oesophageal Manometry test. This will check my oesophageal spasm to see how strong or weak it is. The consultant thinks the lupus has weaken the spasm and this is why the food is not going into my my stomach.

I will have to go to a hospital out of my area for this test and will have a camera left in my oesophagus for twenty four hours.

It has been a week of aches and pains but I have to trust my saviour (Jesus) to see me through the good times as well as the bad times.

I had a friend came to visit me yesterday and I had to go to vomit and of course it took a while because I am now starting to get very breathless again and couldn't move for a while,. When I did return to the lounge she became frightened because I could not breathe properly therefore I could not speak.

Today is Sunday and I had another bad night of backache and coughing. I was up most of the night and only went back to bed about 5 am. Slept until after midday.

I did not go to church again today as I am now having another flare and rest is the order of the day and possible week.

Thank you Jesus for carrying me when I am weak, your strength is just what I need I know you will not let me down. Thank you that I can find rest and peace in you.

Maureen's blog: Another week of pain and vomiting

Maureen's blog: Another week of pain and vomiting: I am giving thanks to Almighty God for keeping me alive. I have had a week of pain in my body mostly in my muscles when sitting down or ly...

Another week of pain and vomiting

I am giving thanks to Almighty God for keeping me alive.

I have had a week of pain in my body mostly in my muscles when sitting down or lying in bed. The pain usually goes when I get up and move around.

Yesterday Saturday I decided to have a long soak in the bath to help with the muscle pain but as soon as I got out of the bath my head started to spin once again. The light headed ness continued all day.

I have also noticed that my memory has been very impaired all day. I am finding it difficult to remember certain things which is very frustrating.

It is now night and the vomiting has started again. I will be going to see the Gastrologist on Tuesday. Praying he will have a solution to help the passing of the food from my oesophagus to my stomach.

Today Sunday and I did not have a good nights sleep. I was up from about 04:00 to 07:00. Went back to bed and slept until nearly 13:00.

My legs and back are aching and I still feel very tired and fatigued but I am thankful that I am still alive and breathing (although it can be difficult if I move too quickly). So I give all the glory to my Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ.

Maureen's blog: A visit to the doctor

Maureen's blog: A visit to the doctor: I have been feeling faint and dizzy for the last three weeks with backache, headache and general feeling of malaise. I went to see my GP as...

A visit to the doctor

I have been feeling faint and dizzy for the last three weeks with backache, headache and general feeling of malaise. I went to see my GP as I thought my blood pressure might be very low and that could be the reason for the dizzy spells.

There is a special machine at my GP's surgery for the patient to take their own blood pressure. You put your right arm into the machine and press the on button and it record your blood pressure (which is never accurate). It was now saying my blood pressure was very low.

When I went it to see the doctor she checked my blood pressure with me sitting down and standing up and it was now back to normal. She decided that I may have a virus (another word for I don't know what is wrong).

I am still feeling the same but I know it is all a part of the lupus. I am continuing to vomit every day (mostly nights) as the food I eat during the day builds up in my oesophagus and is still not going down into my stomach, except for my breakfast.

Today is Saturday and I am feeling weak, lethargic, tired with body pain and my legs feel like lead. I had a long soak in the bath this morning to ease the aches and pains and now I am so sleepy.

It's now early evening and my head is spinning and I am feeling faint. I am just trusting God to take care of me. I know He will never leave me or forsake me no matter how I feel or my circumstance.

Maureen's blog: Aches and pains

Maureen's blog: Aches and pains: Another week of back, head and muscle pains. I haven't done much again apart from preparing and cooking meals (and even that has been a chal...

Aches and pains

Another week of back, head and muscle pains. I haven't done much again apart from preparing and cooking meals (and even that has been a challenge).

Went to the toning suite on Monday but could not go again for the rest of the week because my body was aching so much (even worst when I am in bed), not sure if it is another virus or a flare up of the lupus.

I could go to the doctor but if I went every time I feel any sort of discomfort in the form of a new symptom I would be there every day. As with lupus no two days are the same.

Because I have high blood pressure (hypertension) I might need to go to the doctor this week. I have been feeling faint and light headed and it could be my blood pressure is very high or gone too low because of the medications I am taking to control the hypertension.

The vomiting is continuing and I now have an appointment to see the gastroenterologist (after ringing his secretary to ask for the date of my appointment) which will be in June the same day as the queen's Diamond Jubilee celebration. Just hoping the appointment doesn't get changed.

My neck is aching so much because I am bending it forward and down to write, must go to rest now.

Maureen's blog: Strength to carry on

Maureen's blog: Strength to carry on: It has been a week of vomiting, aches and pains in my body especially before I get out of bed. Went to visit my 95 year old friend on Tues...

Strength to carry on

It has been a week of vomiting, aches and pains in my body especially before I get out of bed.

Went to visit my 95 year old friend on Tuesday only to find her confused about the disappearance of her back door keys (the keys where there in front of her). After looking in her fridge decided to clean it and then along with her daughter - in- law cleaned her kitchen, it was only when we had finished I remember how ill I felt as my back was hurting so much and I could hardly stand. I have to thank Jesus for blessing and giving me the strength so I could be a blessing to others.

I have been vomiting constantly every night. I would say only my breakfast have been staying down each day.
The vomiting has now affected my throat and my voice. I now sound as if I have a cold and I am been asked if I have a cold.

Yesterday (Saturday) I went out to lunch with my family and the vomiting started as soon as I returned home. My throat became very painful and sore, I was very difficult to swallow and even to have a cup of tea. I think it has now started to affect my thyroid gland (I have a small goitre and nodules in my thyroid gland).

Today (Sunday) my throat is not as sore as yesterday but I do feel as if I have a virus but this is the way I feel most days because of the lupus.

I know that the days when my body feels weak such as the vomiting and joint and muscle pains that there is someone carrying me (Jesus). Without Him I would probably give up. Thank you Jesus for sustaining me.

Maureen's blog: Another virus

Maureen's blog: Another virus: The week started off with the usual vomiting before going to bed and just general aches and pains. Today Wednesday I was woken up by the ...

Another virus

The week started off with the usual vomiting before going to bed and just general aches and pains.

Today Wednesday I was woken up by the telephone ringing. I jumped out of bed to answer the phone and felt quite dizzy.
After having my breakfast I got up and again I felt very dizzy and I had to sit down again so as not to pass out.

I am now experiencing awful backache along with the fainting feeling, tiredness and fatigue. I have decided not to go out for the rest of the week as I think I may have another virus.

Saturday I had a long soak in the bath to try to get rid of the backache before going out to the hairdresser.

Sunday woke up with pain all over my body but decided to go to church as the pain usually go once I am out of bed and mobile.

Each day I wake up I declare the day belongs to the Lord, because it's His day He made it and I am going to be glad and rejoice in it. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in His house forever.

Thank you Lord that I don't have to go by feelings to know that you are with me always and you have promise to never leave me or forsake me.

Maureen's blog: Blood blisters

Maureen's blog: Blood blisters: I had to go to the doctor on Wednesday morning because I had another blood blister on my tongue on Tuesday, as were having lunch at the mot...

Blood blisters

I had to go to the doctor on Wednesday morning because I had another blood blister on my tongue on Tuesday, as were having lunch at the motorway services. My GP did not know the cause of the blood blister, she even consulted another doctor who did not know the cause also. My GP will now write to my Rheumatologist as I keep forgetting to tel him about the blisters each time I see him.

The blood blister I had this time was very painful and my tongue felt very swollen. Which prevented me from been able to eat or drink properly.

I have posed this question to other lupus sufferers to see if others have reoccurring blood blisters and the cause and treatment. I now know that quite a lot of lupus patients get this regularly but their doctors do not know the reason or even treatment.

Today is Saturday and the pain is just going away, the next time I have another blood blister I will record my state of health, was I tired etc.

Spring Harvest was very good but tiring for me and my body hasn't recovered yet. I have been getting up early for a few weeks now and I am feeling very fatigued, so now the Easter holidays are over I am praying I will be able to relax and stay asleep for longer and not just in bed reading or up late watching television.

Thank you Jesus that you have promised never to leave or forsake me. I am so grateful that you have not left me during this difficult time of my life. I have turned my back and even try to hide myself from you a few times but you have remained faithful.

Maureen's blog: Spring harvest

Maureen's blog: Spring harvest: My back was aching a lot last night and it kept me awake most of the night. Had my breakfast at 05:00 and went back to bed at 06:00. It too...

Spring harvest

My back was aching a lot last night and it kept me awake most of the night.
Had my breakfast at 05:00 and went back to bed at 06:00. It took awhile to fall asleep. I slept until about 10:00, when I got up to get ready to leave for our journey to Minehead, Somerset (UK) for Spring Harvest.
We had a good journey but my back is still aching.
Woke up at 02:30 Good Friday because I had vomited in my sleep.
Had breakfast and then watched the bible reading in the chalet before going to join in the discussion group in the zone.
After lunch I went to watch the Saltmine Theatre Company perform a series of funny biblical sketches.
Came back to the chalet because I am now feeling exhausted and unfortunately I am vomiting again.
I am now in bed trying to rest until dinner then we will go to the Big top (a hugh marque holding four thousand people) for the evening celebrations of worship and preaching.
Vomited a lot Good Friday and most of today (Saturday).
Preaching and worship was awesome again tonight.
Each day we have been going to the discussion zone which has given us food for thought but it has been very tiring for me.
Went for prayers on Sunday night and again today (I was told to come for more prayers today for healing) just waiting to see the manifestation of my healing.
Awesome preaching tonight. I have just been watching a puppet show with George (it was for all ages as most of the children are now in bed). George and I are going to watch a street dance crew at 22:00.
The dance crew were awesome.
Today, Tuesday is our final day we got up early to pack the car, leave our chalet and go for breakfast before going to the Big Top for the final celebration and communion.

Maureen's blog: Muscle aches and pains

Maureen's blog: Muscle aches and pains: Woke up on Monday morning feeling okay until I went to the toning suite and went on the first chair. The muscles in my legs and back was so...

Maureen's blog: Hospital Consultant's Review

Maureen's blog: Hospital Consultant's Review: It has been another beautiful warm and sunny week. I have to thank God for His beautiful creation and my life. Each day I have felt ve...

Hospital Consultant's Review

It has been another beautiful warm and sunny week. I have to thank God for His beautiful creation and my life.
Each day I have felt very good and I am managing to walk a few more yards (or even meters) without getting breathless.
I still find the fumes from the chlorine in the swimming pool I walk past at the leisure centre is still making me breathless (each time there is a big party of school children I think they add more chlorine).
Saw my Rheumatologist today (Friday), he was very pleased with my progress, there is no change in the lung function test and CT scan of my lungs compared to the last one and the heart scan is okay. He has decided to reduce the dose of the steroid again (I am so happy) I will be having a normal looking face soon instead of a moon shaped face.
Unfortunately I am vomiting a lot again so I will have to see the Gastroenterologist I saw over a year ago. I am praying he won't be suggesting surgery.
The mouth ulcers and blood blisters are back so I will have to see my GP as I forgot to tell my Rheumatologist today.
Felt so good and uplifted after coming back from the hospital that I actually went and did some gardening for about an hour.
Today Sunday I went to church and after having some lunch I actually cleaned the kitchen cupboards and I felt very ashamed to find lots of tins, jars and bottles that were out of date that had to be thrown away.
I am now aching all over and I feel so shattered and fatigued. I really have to remember to pace myself in the future.
I am thanking God for His mercies as they are new everyday and great Is His faithfulness, surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.

Maureen's blog: Loss of memory

Maureen's blog: Loss of memory: Friday night I vomited nearly all night and in between I remember that I hadn't changed the tax disc on my car at the end of February (I am ...

Loss of memory

Friday night I vomited nearly all night and in between I remember that I hadn't changed the tax disc on my car at the end of February (I am praying that the vasculitis is not affecting my memory).
I spent most of the night searching for the new disc, so at 07:00 I was up to check the disc on my car as I really couldn't believe I have been driving around for three weeks illegally.
I actually found the disc at about 08:00 in a box with all my bills (thank you Lord for helping me in time of need and distress).
Saturday was another bright and sunny spring day. Went out to lunch again with Bob (of course the lunch went down to my oesophagus instead of my stomach until night time when it decided to come up again). Went to bed fell asleep knowing I was going to have to vomit at some time. Woke up coughing as I had started to vomit in my sleep, stayed up until 02:00.
Sunday another warm and sunny day, went to church came home and had a nice relaxing day watching carrying on films.

Maureen's blog: Springtime

Maureen's blog: Springtime: Spring is here at last, it seem as if the dark months of winter was never going to go away, but I am happy to say I am looking forward to th...

Springtime

Spring is here at last, it seem as if the dark months of winter was never going to go away, but I am happy to say I am looking forward to the bright and sunny days of spring (praying this will be the springtime of my life where I will be coming out of the dark period of lupus and into good health).
Felt quite unwell on Tuesday, went to bed early as I was so sleepy. Woke up in the night with a sore throat.
I got up this morning and I now have a cold.
Hooray! The cold didn't last, although my back is very cold and aching.
Went out to lunch with Bob today (Thursday) and had a very nice meal. It is now night and I am hiccuping and belching and now all my lunch is up again. I continue to vomit until the early hours of Friday morning.
Today I decided to not mope around the house so I went out to the toning suite and had a good time exercising and meeting new people.
I am now hiccuping and belching again so I have to go.

Maureen's blog: Joint and muscle pains

Maureen's blog: Joint and muscle pains: Went to bed very late on Friday night. Slept until about 06:30 when I woke up with awful pain in my abdomen, lower back and legs. Got out o...

Joint and muscle pains

Went to bed very late on Friday night. Slept until about 06:30 when I woke up with awful pain in my abdomen, lower back and legs.
Got out of bed about 10:00 after reading and praying.
Had a long soak in the bath to ease the aches and pains. It is now afternoon and my back is still aching a lot.
Had my dinner and I have started to hiccup and belch.
It is now bedtime and I am vomiting and coughing again which has now left me very breathless.
Sunday am, I have been awake very early as all the pain of the previous day is back with a vengeance but I am not going to let it stop me from going to church.
It is Mothering Sunday here in the UK and I received some beautiful bouquets of flowers (which has left me feeling very special) from my children far and near. I also had a plant and lovely cup cakes at church.
Thank you God for helping me to see and enjoy another year with my family.
Had a good day at home just relaxing and now I have just had a wonderful meal (praying it will stay down).

Maureen's blog: Toning suite

Maureen's blog: Toning suite: Went to the toning suite this week, I feel so much better for going out and exercising and meeting people. I was very breathless when I go...

Toning suite

Went to the toning suite this week, I feel so much better for going out and exercising and meeting people.
I was very breathless when I got up off the table at the toning suite today (Wednesday), as I got ready for bed the breathlessness and coughing returned.
Once I was able to breathe properly again i manage to fall asleep until about 02:00 when I woke up with heartburn and backache. I got up to take antacid medication and have a hot drink.
Stayed up until 05:30 reading and praying before going back to bed. Slept until 08:50 when my alarm went off (the sound of a ship's siren). I had to be up because I was having visitors arriving very early.
Had a good day with my prayer partner.
Today I went to the toning suite and I was not breathless and passing the swimming pool was not a problem (thank you Jesus).
Looking forward to having a great weekend.

Maureen's blog: Weekend

Maureen's blog: Weekend: Woke up Saturday morning felt very tired but had no pain in my body. After having a nice relaxing bath Bob and I went to visit a friend in B...

Weekend

Woke up Saturday morning felt very tired but had no pain in my body. After having a nice relaxing bath Bob and I went to visit a friend in Birmingham because she had broken her wrist.
Before going to bed that night all my dinner came up again which had been happening most of last week.
Had a good night's sleep got up Sunday, went to church, came home and had a relaxed day but felt very tired and lethargic.

Maureen's blog: Chest pains

Maureen's blog: Chest pains: The week started with lots of aches and pains in my body especially my lower back. I have started to go back to the toning suite at a leisu...

Chest pains

The week started with lots of aches and pains in my body especially my lower back.
I have started to go back to the toning suite at a leisure centre but it is a challenge to walk pass the swimming pool as the smell or fumes caused by the chlorine is affecting my breathing.
I woke up (thursday) with awful chest pains at about 04:00. Stayed in bed until the pain eased enough for me to get up and have a hot drink.
Went back to bed at 06:00, as the pain was easing and I felt very tired and sleepy but I just could not sleep so I read and prayed before getting up again for the day.
Had a pastoral visit from my church pastor and assistant today, which was very uplifting.
Before going to bed last night I took a lot of Antacid medication as the chest pain was back (I wasn't sure if it was trapped wind) I got.
I slept very well as I was so tired, I woke up very early this am (Friday) coughing, Bob was just leaving for work so he made me a cup of tea, which helped to ease the coughing.
I did not go and could not go back to sleep as my legs were aching so much again.
Went to a luncheon club today it was very good and refreshing. The speaker gave a word that the lord gave him and it was for me (Song of Solomon 2:11) The winter is past and; the rain is over and gone. This means for me that the things in the past has gone, everything I have and been going through will be no more (New beginning).
I had a very busy day, I went to the toning suite and then to visit a friend which has left me feeling very tired now and I am hiccuping again.

Maureen's blog: Toning

Maureen's blog: Toning: Had a fairly good weekend. Managed to go to church on Sunday. Just the same old aches and pains along with vomiting, not much has changed. ...

Toning

Had a fairly good weekend. Managed to go to church on Sunday.
Just the same old aches and pains along with vomiting, not much has changed.
I am now going back to the toning tables and chairs (the tables and chairs move while I lie or sit, this is low impact exercise) to help with the aches and pains and to tone my body now I have lost nearly a stone in weight since January.

Maureen's blog: Mouth ulcers

Maureen's blog: Mouth ulcers: Visited a friend who is receiving chemotherapy today (wednesday). We had lunch together which I took for us to have. It was a fairly good d...

Mouth ulcers

Visited a friend who is receiving chemotherapy today (wednesday). We had lunch together which I took for us to have.
It was a fairly good day but I felt quite shaky again when I got home.
Everything that I ate and drank today is stuck in my oesophagus again so I am hiccuping and belching again.
I have also got more mouth ulcers appearing once again, this has been happening more since I had chemotherapy last year.
Today (Thursday) was a good day, hot and sunny. Spring is here at last!
I actually went and opened the gate for the window cleaners, which they were surprised that I could do without getting breathless (I usually give them the key to lock and unlock the gate).
I have to thank God for is love and mercy in sustaining me throughout this illness.

Maureen's blog: Vomiting

Maureen's blog: Vomiting: Went to bed late last night after a lot of vomiting, everything I eat or drink is getting stuck in my oesophagus again. Got up early this m...

Maureen's blog: Vomiting

Maureen's blog: Vomiting: Went to bed late last night after a lot of vomiting, everything I eat or drink is getting stuck in my oesophagus again. Got up early this m...

Vomiting

Went to bed late last night after a lot of vomiting, everything I eat or drink is getting stuck in my oesophagus again.
Got up early this morning (Monday) I was in a lot of pain whilst in bed but most of the pain went when I got out of bed.
The afternoon started off well, I visited my prayer partner we had lunch and a good time together praying.
The vomiting has once again started and continued until bedtime.
Today (Tuesday) after a good nights sleep, I got up early and tidy one of my bedroom cupboard and now I am feeling very shaky.
It is now about an hour after having my dinner and it's up again (I have decided to eat the things I fancy) and forget eating healthy.

Maureen's blog: After going to bed late on Friday night and feelin...

Maureen's blog: After going to bed late on Friday night and feelin...: After going to bed late on Friday night and feeling very stressed, I eventually had a good nights sleep. When I got up Saturday morning I h...

After going to bed late on Friday night and feeling very stressed, I eventually had a good nights sleep.
When I got up Saturday morning I had a long soak in the bath to help me relax.
Had a good day but vomiting again at bed time.
Slept very well again last night.
I went to church today but I was very cold so I am just praying this won't have any effect on my body (the cold).
The rest of the day has been very good and relaxing.

Maureen's blog: Fatigued

Maureen's blog: Fatigued: Had a lazy day yesterday (I was feeling very fatigued). A friend came to visit and we had a wonderful time chatting and praying. Today Frid...

Fatigued

Had a lazy day yesterday (I was feeling very fatigued). A friend came to visit and we had a wonderful time chatting and praying.
Today Friday I am not feeling too good very fatigued again.
I have been awake since 06:00 my body was aching Whilst in bed so I have been up very early.
Went out with my son for an appointment he had. I went to visit my 95 year old friend who was very confused when I got there, she had taken her medications for the day and night and could not remember taking them. Spent the time ringing her son and explains that she cannot take anymore Meds until tomorrow.
This has left me feeling even more fatigued and stressed.
Started vomiting again last night before going to bed.

Maureen's blog: Vomiting again

Maureen's blog: Vomiting again: Had a good day (Tuesday) and went out to buy flowers for a friend. It's now night and I am vomiting again. The lupus rash is back on my fa...

Vomiting again

Had a good day (Tuesday) and went out to buy flowers for a friend.
It's now night and I am vomiting again.
The lupus rash is back on my face at the sides of my nose which is quite itchy and painful.
Got up this morning feeling quite energetic, I decided to tidy the utility room which has now brought on fatigue. I had to stop and sit down as I felt very faint and worn out (I have to learn to leave things alone and know my limitations).
I am not feeling well, backache and general malaise (hoping and praying it is not a flare up of the lupus).

Maureen's blog: Mouth ulcers

Maureen's blog: Mouth ulcers: Went to bed early on Saturday night because I felt very tired and ill, slept well. Woke up early morning with dry painful eyes (I haven't b...

Mouth ulcers

Went to bed early on Saturday night because I felt very tired and ill, slept well.
Woke up early morning with dry painful eyes (I haven't been able to put a lot of lubricants in my eyes) because I slept for a few hours without waking.
This is Sunday and my left eye is very painful and now I have ulcers in the roof of my mouth.
Spent most of the day putting artificial tears into my eyes to try and lubricate them, they had become dry and sore during the night.
I have the added problem with dry mouth and now ulcers (I have to drink a lot or chew gum to keep my mouth moist), with the ulcers it can be very uncomfortable to have hot drinks).
Went to bed at 24:00 and got up at 02:30 stayed up until 06:00. Fell asleep about 08:30 for about an hour.
Today (Monday) went well felt very tired all day so I will go to bed early and praying I will stay asleep all night.
Whilst eating my dinner felt more mouth ulcers, this time on my tongue.

Maureen's blog: Abdominal pains

Maureen's blog: Abdominal pains: Went to bed late last night (Wednesday ) because I kept vomiting. It all started with hiccups and belching as the food I had eaten during th...

Abdominal pains

Went to bed late last night (Wednesday ) because I kept vomiting. It all started with hiccups and belching as the food I had eaten during the day was once again stuck in my oesophagus.
Woke up this morning in a lot of pain but once I got out of bed the pain eased. Went to visit a friend in the afternoon had a really good time.
Went to bed late on Thursday night because I was once again vomiting.
Got up early on Friday morning for the gardener and an appointment my son had.
I went to visit one of my elderly neighbour in the afternoon (she is 83 years old), we both had this dreadful cold so it was the first time since just before Christmas I have been able to visit her.
After going to bed at 01:00 I was wide awake very early at 05:00 in a lot of abdominal pain, I decided to get out of bed to read and pray.
Despite the pain and frequency to the bathroom I actually went out to the indoor athletics meeting in Birmingham (at the NIA) today.
Hoping I haven't caught gastric flu from my husband, who had it during the week.

Maureen's blog: Blood Blister

Maureen's blog: Blood Blister: Today Monday the weather changed from being very cold to warm. A friend came to visit me and it was good to have company for a few hours. ...

Blood Blister

Today Monday the weather changed from being very cold to warm.
A friend came to visit me and it was good to have company for a few hours.
Another blood blister is back this time in my left cheek.
Because I am not feeling drugged I have more energy and moved from the bathroom to the bedroom quickly which caused me to be short of breath and coughing to get the oxygen back into my blood. This has not happened for a few days turning into weeks now.
Had a great day and dinner for valentine (the dinner did not stay down).
I was up until 03:00 before going to bed.
Today I went to visit and have lunch with a friend.
I have now had my dinner and I am belching and feeling uncomfortable because my dinner is stuck once again in my oesophagus.
The blood blisters have left my cheeks feeling very sore especially when I have hot drinks.
Tomorrow is another day so I can't wait to see what it will bring.

Maureen's blog: Vomiting again

Maureen's blog: Vomiting again: Vomiting started again on Friday night. Today Saturday is very cold outside, went out briefly to the shop, the sun was shining but the weat...

Vomiting again

Vomiting started again on Friday night.
Today Saturday is very cold outside, went out briefly to the shop, the sun was shining but the weather remains very cold, still it was good to be out in the fresh air, I was wrapped up well as if I was going to the north pole.
Felt more ulcers in my mouth and slight headache.
I didn't have breakfast just lunch a snack then dinner and it is up again.
Had a great night's sleep last night even though it was very cold outside it was lovely and warm in bed. The central heating was left on low (wonderful) if only we didn't have to pay for the heating.
Today is Sunday and the ulcers in my mouth haven't gone away.
Just praying that my dinner is going to stay down.

Maureen's blog: Backache

Maureen's blog: Backache: I decided to go to bed early last night because I was feeling very tired. Went to bed and started to read, which then kept me awake. It was...

Backache

I decided to go to bed early last night because I was feeling very tired. Went to bed and started to read, which then kept me awake.
It was very cold outside which made my bedroom cold even with the central heating on.
My bones started to ache especially my back (which also felt as if I have ice placed on my back).
I had to get out of bed to have a hot drink and end up staying up until 03:00.
I woke up early this morning at 06:00 but did not get out of bed until after 09:00.
My bones and back are still aching and I am just starting to get warm now that I am out of bed and moving about.
My right cheek is still sore because of the blood blisters that developed last weekend.
Praying this weekend will be a good one (it is going to be very cold so I am staying indoors again).

Maureen's blog: Blood Blisters

Maureen's blog: Blood Blisters: Another good night's sleep. Eyes very dry during the night. I have now started to develop blood blisters in the cheek of my mouth, which is...

Maureen's blog: Blood Blisters

Maureen's blog: Blood Blisters: Another good night's sleep. Eyes very dry during the night. I have now started to develop blood blisters in the cheek of my mouth, which is...

Maureen's blog: Blood Blisters

Maureen's blog: Blood Blisters: Another good night's sleep. Eyes very dry during the night. I have now started to develop blood blisters in the cheek of my mouth, which is...

Blood Blisters

Another good night's sleep. Eyes very dry during the night.
I have now started to develop blood blisters in the cheek of my mouth, which is very painful and uncomfortable. I will have to go to my doctor as soon as all the ice, snow and frost has disappeared (the cold air makes me very breathless).
Had another good day.
Thank you Lord.

Maureen's blog: Dry eyes

Maureen's blog: Dry eyes: I didn't go to bed last night until 01:00, slept very well woke up about 04:00 with my eyes very dry and sore again (this is all because of ...

Dry eyes

I didn't go to bed last night until 01:00, slept very well woke up about 04:00 with my eyes very dry and sore again (this is all because of the lupus).
I am feeling a lot better today not coughing as much, so hopefully the cold is going.
I am still waiting to go into remission (from the lupus), which has happened for a few years before I was actually diagnosed as having lupus. I was told then I have ME (which is similar to lupus).
Today is a new day and tomorrow will be an even better day, thank you Lord.

Maureen's blog: Lupus Flare

Maureen's blog: Lupus Flare: Had a good day on Friday, went to visit my 95 year old friend in the afternoon. Saturday got up late after going to bed at 02:00. Had a lon...

Lupus Flare

Had a good day on Friday, went to visit my 95 year old friend in the afternoon.
Saturday got up late after going to bed at 02:00. Had a long soak in the bath to ease all the pain in my body especially my left knee.
Started vomiting again after having my dinner.
The lupus rash is back on my face at the sides of my nose (this is one of the signs of a flare up) which is very sore and painful.
Slept well (the central heating was left on all night) woke up very early this morning because my eyes were so dry they felt very sore and painful (I did lubricate them in the night but not as often as I should).
I have had a good day despite the weather being so cold (it snowed yesterday and it is still on the ground)
Just praying my dinner is going to stay down.

Maureen's blog: Painful left knee

Maureen's blog: Painful left knee: Had a good night's sleep. Woke up with severe pain in my left knee which hasn't gone away today. It could be because it is so cold outside ...

Painful left knee

Had a good night's sleep.
Woke up with severe pain in my left knee which hasn't gone away today. It could be because it is so cold outside (or even a flare up of the lupus).
The gardener and window cleaners all cancelled (the ground is too cold and hard for the gardener to dig and the water kept freezing for the window cleaners).
I haven't done much today because my left knee is so painful and I couldn't even go outside because I wouldn't be able to breathe properly.
I am looking forward to tomorrow as it is a new day.

Maureen's blog: A very cold day

Maureen's blog: A very cold day: Had a good night's sleep despite vomiting before I went to bed. It has been a very very cold day but thank God the cold air did not affect...

A very cold day

Had a good night's sleep despite vomiting before I went to bed.
It has been a very very cold day but thank God the cold air did not affect my breathing when I went out this morning with my son for an appointment he had.
I am feeling a lot better today, still coughing (productive coughing and not because I cant breathe properly) as the cold I have, have not disappeared yet (can't wait for it to go).
The symptoms of the lupus have not gone away, at the moment I have arthritic pain in my left knee, this is something that happens daily but I choose to ignore it. I know my limits as to what I can and cannot do and I try to stick to it other wise I would be aching and feeling very lethargic.
It does not matter how I feel each day I know God is on my side and if He is for me than who can be against me.

Maureen's blog: Vomiting again

Maureen's blog: Vomiting again: Went to bed very late last night as I thought I was going to vomit. I was belching and hiccuping after not doing so for nearly two weeks (th...

Vomiting again

Went to bed very late last night as I thought I was going to vomit. I was belching and hiccuping after not doing so for nearly two weeks (this is usually because the food I ate have stayed in my oesophagus).
I slept very well, I did have a few coughing spells during the night but I did not get out of bed.
Today I started to vomit again after I had my lunch (I really thought that as I am on a reduced calorie diet and I am not eating a lot that the vomiting would now stop).
It is nearly time for my dinner and I am now not sure if it is going to stay down.
I have had my dinner and I am feeling uncomfortable, starting to belch and I can feel the food is stuck in my oesophagus, if and when I have a drink it will be stuck also.
Oh well! Life must go on. I know that if God is for me then who or what can be against me.

Maureen's blog: Sunday and Monday

Maureen's blog: Sunday and Monday: Did not have much sleep on Saturday night, coughing and choking and just wide awake. Felt a little better on Sunday. I did not do much as I...

Sunday and Monday

Did not have much sleep on Saturday night, coughing and choking and just wide awake.
Felt a little better on Sunday. I did not do much as I realise that every time I feel stronger and better in my self I start to do too much which then start the old process all over again (of feeling unwell). I will have to learn to relax and delegate.
Slept very well last night (Sunday) had a few worrying times in the night because my eyes went too dry again and I woke up with phlegm in my mouth which could have choked me.
Today is Monday a new day and I am looking forward to something new happening (don't know what).
I am feeling a lot stronger today but still coughing and breathless.
Went outside to move my car this afternoon (I had a yearly service on my car, the dealership fetched it and brought it back but parked the car across the drive so no one else could park). It was very cold and I began to get very breathless again as soon as the cold air hit my chest or it could just be me breathing in the cold air.
The weather forecast is very cold for the week so I am going to have to stay indoors for the rest of the week.

Maureen's blog: Another Virus

Maureen's blog: Another Virus: I had to take some Night Nurse (over the counter medication for flu) before going to bed last night because my throat was so sore and I felt...

Another Virus

I had to take some Night Nurse (over the counter medication for flu) before going to bed last night because my throat was so sore and I felt so unwell.
Slept well and managed to keep my eyes lubricated during the night.
Got up after midday today feeling unwell with sore throat and general malaise.
I will have to take more Night Nurse later before I go back to bed.

Maureen's blog: Dry eyes

Maureen's blog: Dry eyes: Fell asleep last night early and woke up coughing, it then kept me awake for a few hours. I slept until just after 05:00 when I woke up once...

Dry eyes

Fell asleep last night early and woke up coughing, it then kept me awake for a few hours. I slept until just after 05:00 when I woke up once again coughing and choking and my eyes very dry and painful (I slept for about four hours without putting in any lubricants).
Today my eyes and throat are very sore. I also have a tickle in my throat which is making me cough and I am just not feeling well again, I have a headache and general malaise.
I haven't been asleep since waking up so early this morning, I am tired now.

Maureen's blog: Ring and Ride

Maureen's blog: Ring and Ride: Had a very good night's sleep last night. Got up early to go to the hair dressing salon to get my hair treated after having the chemotherap...

Maureen's blog: Maureen's blog: Weight loss

Maureen's blog: Maureen's blog: Weight loss: Maureen's blog: Weight loss : Had a bad night, I was so very tired yesterday so I went to bed early and started to read (this made me wide a...

Ring and Ride

Had a very good night's sleep last night. Got up early to go to the hair dressing salon to get my hair treated after having the chemotherapy (the treatment has now stopped).
I am registered with the local Ring and Ride transport service (this is a small bus service provided for the disabled to use for a small fee). Today I use this service for the first time to take me into the city centre for my appointment at the hair dressing salon, and to bring me home again. On the way home the driver took a detour to collect another passenger before dropping me off.
Today I had toast (no margarine or butter on toast) for breakfast, soup for lunch and very small dinner and plenty of hot water to drink throughout the day and now I have griping pain in my stomach again as yesterday when I kept running to the bathroom.
Just hoping I haven't caught a bug from the hospital when I went there for the scan.

Maureen's blog: Weight loss

Maureen's blog: Weight loss: Had a bad night, I was so very tired yesterday so I went to bed early and started to read (this made me wide awake). I got up and stayed up...

Weight loss

Had a bad night, I was so very tired yesterday so I went to bed early and started to read (this made me wide awake). I got up and stayed up until 03:00 before going back to bed.
I have been on a reduced calorie diet for a week (I had put on a lot of weight because of the amount of steroid I had been taking including the infusions I had while I was having the Chemotherapy), today I weigh myself and I have loss five pounds (hooray!).
I'm just hoping and praying that the CT scan I had yesterday will not show any deterioration of my lungs so my consultant can continue to decrease the dosage of the steroid I am taking.
Went and had my blood pressure checked by the nurse at my GP's surgery today (it was very high a fortnight ago when my GP checked it). Good news it is back to normal (thank you Lord), I am just waiting for everything to go back to normal (whatever normal is!).
I am now going to the toilet every time I have a drink or something to eat, so I am now going to drink just water for the rest of the day (praying it is not gastric flu or food poison).

Maureen's blog: CT Scan

Maureen's blog: CT Scan: Had a restless night last night, thinking about my appointment at the local hospital Xray department. Would I get a parking space close by ...

CT Scan

Had a restless night last night, thinking about my appointment at the local hospital Xray department. Would I get a parking space close by and would I be able to lie flat on my back without coughing.
Got up early and got to the hospital just after 08:15 my appointment was for 08:50 to have a CT Thorax High Resolution examination. I was seen after only waiting a few minutes. I was able to lie flat and also hold my breath when told to do so without coughing.
I have only my Heavenly father to thank for helping me today (thank you Jesus).
I am feeling very tired and sleepy today so it's early to bed tonight.

Maureen's blog: Dry eyes

Maureen's blog: Dry eyes: Slept well last night although I had to keep putting lubricant and artificial tears in my eyes throughout the night (every time I turn over ...

Dry eyes

Slept well last night although I had to keep putting lubricant and artificial tears in my eyes throughout the night (every time I turn over or go the bathroom, I do this automatically).
I am feeling very tired today and my eyes are still feeling very dry (Sjogren syndrome). My eyes are always dry but some days I notice it more than others, if I don't keep them lubricated my eyes could become ulcerated.
I am so grateful to God for my life despite all that I am going through, I know that he has made me in His own image, so I have nothing to worry about.
My life is in His hands.

Maureen's blog: Sunday

Maureen's blog: Sunday: Did not have a good night's sleep as I kept coughing and had to get out of bed to get a drink (3am). I went back to bed at 0600, It took aw...

Sunday

Did not have a good night's sleep as I kept coughing and had to get out of bed to get a drink (3am). I went back to bed at 0600, It took awhile for me to fall asleep again.
I have backache today and this wretched cold will not go away (I am fed up of it now).
My eyes are very dry and sore (this is because of the lupus) even though I have been putting the lubricants in at regular intervals.
Anyway not much to say today, everything is still very much the same.
Today is Sunday and this is the day that the lord has made so I will rejoice and be glad in it (He also made the rest of the days in the week).

Maureen's blog: Another good night's sleep

Maureen's blog: Another good night's sleep: Fell asleep reading and woke up coughing after only been asleep for a few minutes. I had to put the lights on again to read as I was now wid...

Another good night's sleep

Fell asleep reading and woke up coughing after only been asleep for a few minutes. I had to put the lights on again to read as I was now wide awake, I fell asleep once again reading my book.
I slept well until this morning, when I awoke with pain all over my body.
Had a great soak in the bath to relieve the pain in my body (I am feeling relaxed now) but the pain hasn't gone.
I went out (how glorious) to the pharmacy to collect my monthly medication the girl working there though I had come to collect the medication for my mother, she saw my age on the prescription and couldn't believe it was really me as she though I was in my thirties.
With this lupus I have good and bad days and today have not been too bad so far, I have learnt to ignore the pain, the tinnitus and even the lethargy. Infections takes so much longer to go away so I just have to be patient and wait for this cold to go.

Maureen's blog: Headache

Maureen's blog: Headache: I am having headaches every night (I am hoping it is not my blood pressure going up again). I did not have much sleep last night, woke up at...

Headache

I am having headaches every night (I am hoping it is not my blood pressure going up again). I did not have much sleep last night, woke up at 0100 and I got up at 0230 and stayed up until 0600. I then went back to bed, read prayed and then fell asleep until midday.
Got up had my breakfast then lunch later. I am still drinking a lot of fluids (because I am on a diet), this is causing me to go to the bathroom frequently.
I did not do much again today I have decided to rest as I must remember about the lupus and the effect it has on my life.
Just prepared and had my dinner and I am feeling so tired and weak.
The cold that I have has still not gone away and I am still coughing (because of the cold) and blowing my nose.
I can't wait to go and visit my friends or for them to visit me (no one is brave enough to visit) as they do not want to catch this cold.

Maureen's blog: The diet

Maureen's blog: The diet: Had a good night's sleep last night, no coughing or breathlessness (thank you lord for your faithfulness and promise to keep me in perfect p...

The diet

Had a good night's sleep last night, no coughing or breathlessness (thank you lord for your faithfulness and promise to keep me in perfect peace when I sleep).
Today is a new day and I am still blowing my noise but the coughing is a lot less.
I have started my diet and it is going well so far, not feeling hungry yet! I am drinking a lot of water and running to the bathroom frequently (I am not getting out of breath).
Oh! My meals are staying down so that is good, just praying it will remain that way (I am leaving a big gap in between meals).
I have five opponents going with Words for Friends and Hanging with Friends (this is helping me to keep my focus off food), so got to go.

Maureen's blog: Pain in the neck

Maureen's blog: Pain in the neck: Had a good night's sleep without coughing. Woke up this morning with a headache and pain in my neck (on the left side). I have started my ...

Pain in the neck

Had a good night's sleep without coughing.
Woke up this morning with a headache and pain in my neck (on the left side).
I have started my diet today (using diet Chef meals) my meals including snacks were all delivered this morning. So I have weighed and measured my self, I need to loose one and a half stone (21pounds). I also need to drink at least two litres of water each day (it will have to be hot as I don't like drinking water) I do like drinking hot water.
I am hoping this cold will go soon, I am so thankful that it has not developed into a chest infection (one of my neighbours developed this a few days after Christmas and she still has it), I can't wait to go out somewhere, okay anywhere, just to be out of this house for an hour or so (I do love my home) but I want to see people now and be able to interact with them.
Going to have a drink again now.

Maureen's blog: Breathlessness again

Maureen's blog: Breathlessness again: I did not have any sleep on Sunday night, I kept on trying but just could not find any sleep. Went to bed at 0600, read, prayed and eventual...

Breathlessness again

I did not have any sleep on Sunday night, I kept on trying but just could not find any sleep. Went to bed at 0600, read, prayed and eventually fell asleep.
Got up just before lunch time and got some very good news.
I am still coughing and blowing my noise and my head is still aching a lot.
Had a better night's sleep last night, woke up at about 0500 coughing I had to get out of bed to get a drink so I stayed up until Bob got up before I went back to bed.
Today is another coughing and blowing of noise day. I am actually dressed today but feeling very weak and cold even with the heating on.
Last week I wasn't getting breathless but this week as soon as I lie down in bed I am breathless again, this is concerning me as each time I have tried to decrease the steroid (with the doctor's advice) the breathlessness returns. I am praying I will be able to stay on this latest dose as I have reduce my calorie intake and hopefully I won't feel so hungry with this lower dose of steroid.
My head is aching so much especially when I cough, blow my nose or sneeze, I am just praying it is not my blood pressure as it was very high when I went to to see my GP last week. Oh well! Must keep calm and keep resting.

Maureen's blog: Saturday and Sunday

Maureen's blog: Saturday and Sunday: Woke up this am Saturday at about 0700 coughing (Bob made me a cup of tea) a hot drink usually stop the coughing. Read and prayed then went...

Saturday and Sunday

Woke up this am Saturday at about 0700 coughing (Bob made me a cup of tea) a hot drink usually stop the coughing.
Read and prayed then went back to sleep until about 11:00 I then got up and got dressed for the day.
I thought this would help me feel better but it did not, I still have the flu so I have decided not to fight it.
I am hot and cold and now it is night my nasal passage is all blocked again.
Fell asleep just after 2am.
It is now Sunday, woke up after 10:00 but did not get out of bed until about midday (I was reading and praying) I then had my breakfast.
My throat is still sore and I have a head ache.
I have decided to start playing games again on my iPad as this helps me not to focus on food (I need to lose the weight I have put on from having the steroid infusion).
Hopefully this will help me to be able to breathe properly again and I can then go and do some gentle exercise (the toning tables) once again.
Still feeling very weak with all the flu symptoms, just praying they will go away soon.

Maureen's blog: The Flu

Maureen's blog: The Flu: I have not written since Monday because I am still full of flu virus (coughing, sneezing and blowing my nose). I had to go to my doctor on ...

The Flu

I have not written since Monday because I am still full of flu virus (coughing, sneezing and blowing my nose).
I had to go to my doctor on Wednesday to get some antibiotics because of the fibrosis of my lungs (I had forgotten about the chemotherapy and steroid I have been and still taking that at the start of any virus or infection I should consult my GP).
It is Friday and I am only feeling slightly better, my throat is no longer sore and I don't feel so weak, but I am still having awful headaches and sleeping a lot.

Maureen's blog: The flu

Maureen's blog: The flu: Had an awful day yesterday, spent most of it in bed with the flu. The good think about it was I did not vomit (thank you Lord). Today is a...

The flu

Had an awful day yesterday, spent most of it in bed with the flu.
The good think about it was I did not vomit (thank you Lord).
Today is a new day (Monday 0725) I am coughing a lot, headache and blocked nose so I am going to take some Day Nurse and stay in bed. The vomiting was back earlier.
It is now 21:21 hours and my chest is hurting so much when I cough, i have now plugged in a karvel vaporiser so hopefully this will help me breathe properly. I will be taking some Night Nurse before I fall asleep.

Maureen's blog: Sore throat

Maureen's blog: Sore throat: After vomiting, went to bed about midnight and slept well. Woke up very early this morning with a sore throat and a headache and generally ...

Sore throat

After vomiting, went to bed about midnight and slept well.
Woke up very early this morning with a sore throat and a headache and generally feeling unwell.
Just had some Day Nurse (hoping to feel better soon).
Still no better, so that's it for today

Maureen's blog: Some good news

Maureen's blog: Some good news: Yesterday I had such a good day, I ate less and thought all would be well that I would not be vomiting but unfortunately before I went to be...

Some good news

Yesterday I had such a good day, I ate less and thought all would be well that I would not be vomiting but unfortunately before I went to bed it was all up again.
I slept very well again last night, so today is the day to see my consultant (Rheumatologist).
Just got back from seeing my Rheumatologist and he has decided that I don't need to have any more chemotherapy treatment (even though I am still very breathless and vomiting) and I can also reduce the amount of steroid I am taking as he thinks any medication I am taking is not being absorbed properly because of the vomiting (the oesophageal problem)
I also discuss with him the possibility of having lungs transplant and portable oxygen.
I am now waiting for an appointment to have a CT scan of my lungs and for my consultant to look at the echocardiograph (scan of my lungs) I had done about 3-4 months ago before he will refer me to a lung consultant.
I am feeling very happy at the moment but anxious as in the past when I tried reducing the steroid I just get so breathless (this is my main problem right now).
This is a new day and I am going to rejoice and be glad I am still alive. Thank you Jesus.

Maureen's blog: A good night's sleep

Maureen's blog: A good night's sleep: Went to bed early last night after the small portion of dinner I ate decided it did not want to stay down. Had a good night's sleep despite...

A good night's sleep

Went to bed early last night after the small portion of dinner I ate decided it did not want to stay down. Had a good night's sleep despite waking up every hour.
Just going to have my breakfast now at 1100 so praying that today will be a good day.
Had a visit from a friend and I am now going to have a very small lunch. It is now 1800 and I have just had another small portion of dinner so praying it will stay down.
All day I have felt like I have the flu but I know it is just symptoms of the lupus.
It has still been a good day as I have not tried to do a lot. I am still breathless and coughing a lot when breathless (to get oxygen into my blood).
Thank you lord for sustaining me today.

Maureen's blog: Maureen's blog: Breakfast in bed

Maureen's blog: Maureen's blog: Breakfast in bed: Maureen's blog: Breakfast in bed : Slept very well last night after vomiting earlier. Woke up just after 6 am and Bob is not in the bed, it ...

Sleepless night

All I kept down yesterday was my breakfast. It was a sleepless night, as I spent most of it in the bathroom.
I did not go to bed until 5:30 this morning, I almost finish reading the Secret power by D.L. Moody.
I think I have gastroenteritis (gastric flu) it will have to go by Thursday as I have an appointment at the hospital on Friday and I am not suppose to go there with any sort of bug pretty or ugly :).
It is now 10:30 am I am getting out of bed and I am going to have a drink and try some dry toast.
Lots of mouth ulcers today (a by product of the chemotherapy).
1800 had a very small portion of dinner hoping this is going to stay down.
Oh well.! Got to stay positive.

Maureen's blog: Breakfast in bed

Maureen's blog: Breakfast in bed: Slept very well last night after vomiting earlier. Woke up just after 6 am and Bob is not in the bed, it is back to work for him today. I w...

Breakfast in bed

Slept very well last night after vomiting earlier. Woke up just after 6 am and Bob is not in the bed, it is back to work for him today.
I would love to not have the desire to eat today as only my breakfast is staying down and because of the steroid I am taking I have put such a lot of weight on (my face is the shape of a full moon and I look as if I am about to give birth), my abdomen is so big.
It is now 8 am so I am off to have my breakfast.
I read prayed ate breakfast and fell asleep again until I got woken up by the ringing of the telephone (12:45).
Got dressed and had some lunch I have been hiccuping now for a few hours as the lunch is now once again stuck ( I thought if I had my breakfast early there would be plenty of time for it to be in my stomach to make room for my lunch.
It is now 5pm and even the drinks I consumed is in my oesophagus.
Oh yea! it's a new year so must try and be positive (that's what I was trying this am by having breakfast so early).

Maureen's blog: This morning I woke up in pain again but I have to...

Maureen's blog: This morning I woke up in pain again but I have to...: This morning I woke up in pain again but I have to be thankful to God that I am still alive. I know it is only by His grace (grace is what I...

This morning I woke up in pain again but I have to be thankful to God that I am still alive. I know it is only by His grace (grace is what I don't deserve) and mercy that I am breathing so thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for me so I can have life.
Went to buy a pair of curtains in the sales (only went to one store) I felt so weak by the time I went to the checkout.
It has been a good day so I am looking forward to tomorrow

Maureen's blog: New year 2012

Maureen's blog: New year 2012: What a year 2011 has been. It started off with a chest infection which left me feeling very weak and breathless. I had to give up going to t...