Week 3

It's almost been three weeks since my first IVIG and my body still feels like it's fighting a battle. I am having a headache that never subsides (regardless of holistic, natural or western techniques), body aches, fever, restlessness, upset stomach and just plain blah feeling all the time. My mom and I have been talking to the immunologist and my primary doctor non-stop and we have decided that the cause must be inflammation. Just in case, I did tests for viruses that could be causing these symptoms - part of me hopes it's a virus and not a side effect from the IVIG and the other part of me hopes it's not a virus because, come on, can I really take much more? Either way I know that the doctors are doing everything they can for me and until this pain and fatigue subsides I just have to lay low and watch movies. The worst part is that being on the computer bugs my head - so blogging and schoolwork is not getting done.

My next IVIG is on May 6th - so about 9 days - and I am truly nervous. Everyone is saying that the side effects should be much milder and I hope their right. I'm missing everyone at school right now- as spring brings Athens nice weather and everyone is busy with midterms and such- wishing I could trekk up Morton to the library.

On a good note- my Mom took this picture during a doctors visit this week. They let me do the swabbing for viruses myself and I was very excited!!! The nurse certainly got some laughs at us :)

Happy Earth Day!

I hope everyone is outside enjoying earth day!!! Truly one of my favorite holidays!!! (P.S. it's 70 degrees here? I didn't think it was possible! Thank you mother earth!)

(and laugh)

Found this site the other day and must say that it's adorable.


http://cuteroulette.com/#/

Finally feeling a little better

It's been 12 days since my first IVIG and things have been rough. Luckily the past two or three days have been a little easier. I still have my moments of fatigue, headache and body pain but nothing as horrible as last week. I came down to Athens earlier this week so I could catch up on exams and papers. So far everything has gone smoothly. Just wanted to let you know that I am alive and functioning!

(and laugh)

For those of you who have known me for a while- you should know that I have a slight obsession with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Today on youtube I found this clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Sfdax1MBK4&feature=youtu.be  and man am I excited. It looks like after the Governor's term he will take on a new task of becoming a comic book and TV show star!!!  Pumped!!

be well (acupuncture)

I am now on day five since my first IVIG and things are slowly getting better.  I am still dealing with a serious headache and body pain but nothing comparable to the other night. I decided to try something new to help with the pain and made an appointment to see an acupuncturist. Upon arriving we went over my health history and then I was given a short consultation about the history and purpose of acupuncture along with what to expect. Next he did a body scan with a machine to see how my "chi" or energy was balanced. I was all over the place with only 4 of my 12 "chi's" showing up as stable. Next he placed several needles in my fingertips, feet, and ear - then I laid peacefully for a half an hour with the needles in place. After that he took the needles out and he said it could take a few treatments to feel relief.  I'm already noticing I feel a little bit better. My headache is much more tolerable and my muscles aren't nearly as tight as before. I hope it lasts - I have a follow up appointment on Friday. Who knows, maybe this will be a wonderful thing to add to my regime! It's important to consider alternative treatments for healing and comfort.

Here is a picture of the acupuncture points- there are so many!!! 

be well. (watermelon)

Today my mom picked up some watermelon from the market and I am so excited. It is one of my favorite summertime foods! It is so beneficial for our bodies - it keeps us hydrated, provides us with a huge amount of vitamin c. It is also said to help people suffering from asthma, colon cancer and arthritis. It's packed full of antioxidants which help balance the free radicals in our bodies.  Free radicals increase inflammation and can impact things like arthritis, asthma, etc... Watermelon is also high in Lycopene which is known to help prevent cancer and it allows our cells to get the most amount of oxygen (we need a lot of oxygen for our cells). My favorite part of watermelon is that it's full of B vitamins which gives us energy!

Scientific name: Citrullis lanatus

A New Twist: Watermelon mixed with thinly sliced red onion, salt and black pepper makes a great summer salad!