Wednesday, June 4, 2014

New Episode For My Lupus

My new chapter of life living with lupus begin here.  I was discharged from hospital on 3 June 2014 for SLE Glomerulonephristis Syndrome, Class IV. It just comes unexpectedly and without much choice, I have to take whatever possible advise from Doctor to safeguard my kidney.
 
My rheumatologist referred me to see a kidney doctor as there was sign of protein and blood in my urine. My first visit with the Kidney doctor, he advised me to carry out a kidney biopsy to determine the extend of the inflammation in the kidney. I decided to get the biopsy done on the following week. So I went to the hospital on 29th May 2014, thinking that it just a simple outpatient procedure and I will be discharged on the next day. Doctor rang me up on the day when I was discharged from hospital. The test result showed that my lupus were very active. They need to put a quick stop to prevent further inflammation caused to my kidney. I was re-admitted on 31st May to start with chemotherapy  (Infuse with cyclophosphamide which is the immune suppression medication) followed by methylprednisolone on three consecutive days.

By hearing the side effect such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, infertility, urination bleeding etc, resulting from the medication.  Its really make feel nervous and demoralise. Even since living with lupus (for 8 years), I am always haunted by hair loss problem. My hair is getting thinner and lesser each days even though I have tried many hair supplement to savage the situation but with no avail . I wouldn't know how to face myself when the side effect kick in? Definitely, I will be demoralise! My lovely hubby keeps assuring me things will be alright and he will stand by me throughout this bumpy times.
 
I have never expect Lupus to attack my kidney even though I knew Lupus is a disease that can attack any part of your body organ. At some point when there were signs of flares, my rheumatologists will at most add on the dosage of prednisolone to keep the activity down. It seem to me that all these years it was quite under control.

Except for last year, in 4th April 2013, I was once admitted to hospital for Pseudomonas chest infection with acute bronchitis and sinusitis. Probably because of SLE that have make me prompt to bacteria infection. For that past few months, I encountered a rough and tough rollercoaster ride. I thought things will turn out better after my recovery.

Well, I have never expected this coming one did a great impact on me. After going through the 1st chemo session, I feel extremely tiring, fatigue and with lethargic joints. My back aches at times and my knee seem to break into two parts and have no strength upholding my legs. I even have to rest on bed for a while to rejuvenate my energy to keep up with my daily activity. I am expecting more side effects to occur within the next few weeks. Not knowing how bad is it, I know that it will make me feel lousy and terrible!  

In fact, this June holiday, we had planned an overseas trip to Beijing with my parents, siblings, niece and nephews. It was my Dad's dream (who is 80 years old) to be able to visit Greatwall of China in his life. We wanted to fulfil his wish and decided to organise a family trip to Beijing. Well, the negative news is doctor advised me not to travel overseas due to my low immunity. I am pretty disappointed but still holding out hope for travelling with my family in this June vacation. Hopefully miracles do happen and I could obtain green light from Doctor to allow me to travel.

At this point of time, my worrisome will not make any difference, so just let it be and takes one step at a times. Live as per normal and hope for the best.

I am looking forward for a positive outcome as I knew that my two lovely boys need my accompany. I wanted to give them a complete family life till they grown up and I will try my best to overcome whatever obstacles occurring to me.

Never underestimate this little friend, Lupus! Listen to your body!