Well I ended off the last post by trying to cut gluten out of my diet to see if it will help with the inflammations and that I would stay clear of Enbrel, since I read of a number of lawsuits, suing Enbrel for causing cancer.
The truth is, I couldn't last 2 days without giving myself another shot. By day 2, places that haven't hurt since 2005 started to flare, like my collar bone and shoulders, in addition to my usual wrists and feet, making it hard to lift myself out of bed.
I couldn't bare the flare ups to see if cutting out gluten would work. Also, since I have a chubby 3 month old baby, I rather be able to pick him up and feed him, than be actively flaring up and bed ridden while testing natural remedies.
Though Cutting Out Gluten does make sense. The year I was diagnosed with RA, I remember being very unhealthy, living off pretzels and coffee while attending full-time school and working nights. High stress, unhealthy diet with excessive gluten, and genetics (my aunt has RA), are probably all common factors contributing to this auto immune disease.
Cutting Out Dairy?
Has any one watched "The Corporations" documentary? It is well worth watching.
From the video, I'm considering cutting out dairy as well since milk production companies inject cows with hormones to produce more milk. Many cows then develop infections (milk ducts get blocked) and hence are also injected with antibiotics. When milking cows, the puss from the infection can get into our milk, along with the hormones and antibiotics. YUCK! The US started to do this in 2002. I'm a type to have cereal with milk for breakfast everyday! I was diagnosed with an auto immune disease in 2005. Perhaps there is a link, because... get this.... my RA went into remission when I was in China for 4 months !! Weird. - The milk there tasted very different.
If you are a mom, please check this out: Check out: http://www.babycenter.com/0_bovine-growth-hormone-and-milk-what-you-need-to-know_64389.bc
Next action: continue taking Enbrel, cut out gluten, cut out milk, take multi-vitamins.
My next refill of Enbrel, may not be approved by the government, which means I am responsible for $1,500 which I do not have! So, I will have no shots. So I will update you soon.
:)
Jo
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Enbrel Nightmare?
I saw a commercial for the first time about Enbrel. At first, I was actually excited to see a commercial for the drug I was using; but that quickly faded when near the end a soft spoken lady calmly lists all the possible side effects... cancer.. What? Cancer? Really?
So I went home and googled Enbrel and Cancer to see what came up. Well I found this link:
http://www.aboutlawsuits.com/enbrel-120/ comments from 2008 - 2011 of people who have lost a loved one while taking Enbrel. What are the chances?
Its quite the dilemma. If i don't give my self my weekly Enbrel injections, I flare! My dose was due today and I skipped it. I could already feel soreness throughout my wrists, fingers, shoulder and feet.
Time to talk to my Rheumatologists and do some serious praying.
In the meantime, I will try cutting out gluten as I read that this helped someone else with RA.
Keep you posted and please pray for me.
Xoxo,
Jo
So I went home and googled Enbrel and Cancer to see what came up. Well I found this link:
http://www.aboutlawsuits.com/enbrel-120/ comments from 2008 - 2011 of people who have lost a loved one while taking Enbrel. What are the chances?
Its quite the dilemma. If i don't give my self my weekly Enbrel injections, I flare! My dose was due today and I skipped it. I could already feel soreness throughout my wrists, fingers, shoulder and feet.
Time to talk to my Rheumatologists and do some serious praying.
In the meantime, I will try cutting out gluten as I read that this helped someone else with RA.
Keep you posted and please pray for me.
Xoxo,
Jo
Friday, January 28, 2011
Love for my Son
The follow are a few questions I've been asked by friends.
"So how did you feel when you first saw your son? was it LOVE at first sight?"
Well its hard to explain; As a woman, I had 9 months to fall in love with my child within me before he was even born. At first sight, I was so happy to finally see his face, most important of all, I was relieved to know that he has arrived safely.
"If someone pointed a gun to your husband and to your son, who would you choose?"
That is a tough one. As I imagined the situation, it deeply grieved me. I would rather die so that the people I love deeply may live, so shoot me instead. - As I thought about this, John 3:16 started to sort of make more sense. Jesus, God himself came to earth to die, so that the children he loves so dearly may live.
God sacrificed himself.
"Is it true that you forget about the pain?"
No, not for me. The pain was and still remember it to be INTENSE! It hurt like a B!@#%!%#%tch
However, if I were to do it all over again, I would be most willing to! This great bundle of joy is really worth the pain!
"So how do you feel? Do you have the Baby Blues?"
Honestly no, not at all! Perhaps not yet. I hear it can hit women later. For now I've been so excited and happy to be a mommy. I do get however over emotional and have caught my self crying a few times being overwhelmed by the grace & love of God to seriously give me a child. (If you know me well, you would know what I mean).
"So how did you feel when you first saw your son? was it LOVE at first sight?"
Well its hard to explain; As a woman, I had 9 months to fall in love with my child within me before he was even born. At first sight, I was so happy to finally see his face, most important of all, I was relieved to know that he has arrived safely.
"If someone pointed a gun to your husband and to your son, who would you choose?"
That is a tough one. As I imagined the situation, it deeply grieved me. I would rather die so that the people I love deeply may live, so shoot me instead. - As I thought about this, John 3:16 started to sort of make more sense. Jesus, God himself came to earth to die, so that the children he loves so dearly may live.
God sacrificed himself.
"Is it true that you forget about the pain?"
No, not for me. The pain was and still remember it to be INTENSE! It hurt like a B!@#%!%#%tch
However, if I were to do it all over again, I would be most willing to! This great bundle of joy is really worth the pain!
"So how do you feel? Do you have the Baby Blues?"
Honestly no, not at all! Perhaps not yet. I hear it can hit women later. For now I've been so excited and happy to be a mommy. I do get however over emotional and have caught my self crying a few times being overwhelmed by the grace & love of God to seriously give me a child. (If you know me well, you would know what I mean).
Friday, January 7, 2011
1 Month Update: Breastfeeding Tips
FINALLY my baby Lucas is 10 pounds and gaining weight!!
For the last month, I found my focus was on learning to feed my baby and maintaining a good milk supply.
Now that my milk has filled in and our latch is more comfortable, I can say good-bye to sore nipples, stress and worries.
OUCH MY NIPPLES!!!
Breastfeeding, though is much healthier for your little one, comes with its pros and cons.
The first couple weeks were excruciating! Most medical professionals say uncomfortable breastfeeding is due to an incorrect latch. So, I had a nurse come over to check and visited 2 lactation consultants. ALL said I was doing fine, yet my nipples were incredibly sore. At one point they were even bleeding. YOUCH!
I found 2 Treatments for Sore Nipples very helpful:
1. Medela sore nipple cream (softer than most lanolin creams) after feed, and cover with saran wrap
2. Dr. Newmans nipple cream (contains, anti inflammatory, anti fungal) - need prescription for
I wish I had taken the advice to "toughen up those nipples" during pregnancy to prepare.
WHERE'S MY MILK?
I was forewarned that it would take around 3 days for my milk supply to come in after birth.
Which meant that day 2, baby Lucas will be very fussy and losing weight. My routine was feed 20 minutes each side, then pump to stimulate the milk, then take care of my personal healing needs, brew some lactation tea, rest for 20 min, then do it all over again 24 hours a day. However, my milk did not come in on day 3 and I was getting worried. Lucas was losing weight (10% of birth weight is ok) and I contemplated on feeding him with a bottle. - I didn't quit; though some family members said I was starving my baby.
Thank God, my milk did gradually fill in on Day #5. - I encourage every women to breast feed and don't buy the lie that you have not milk. Our bodies were created for this and all new moms will have milk. It's just a matter of time and enough suckling and pumping.
Recommendations
1. Medela Swing Breast Pump - This is the brand they use in the hospital. I tried Safety First and it sucks.
2. Johnson Johnson Breast Pads - These pads were alot softer and comfortable compared to Medela. I didn't think I needed any breast pads to absorb the milk but yup, I do need these.
It helps keep my bra clean; so less laundry.
3. You Tube Videos on Breastfeeding - There are tons of helpful videos on you tube about breastfeeding
WHY DOES MY HIP HURT?
During week 2, I found that my hip joint was hurting. I realized that it was my positioning when feeding.
After sitting in a chair with proper back support and the help of an amazing breastfeeding pillow called MY BREST FRIEND, my hip started to improve.
Well that's it for now. Stay tuned on my experience with a colicky baby...
Xoxo,
Jo
For the last month, I found my focus was on learning to feed my baby and maintaining a good milk supply.
Now that my milk has filled in and our latch is more comfortable, I can say good-bye to sore nipples, stress and worries.
OUCH MY NIPPLES!!!
Breastfeeding, though is much healthier for your little one, comes with its pros and cons.
The first couple weeks were excruciating! Most medical professionals say uncomfortable breastfeeding is due to an incorrect latch. So, I had a nurse come over to check and visited 2 lactation consultants. ALL said I was doing fine, yet my nipples were incredibly sore. At one point they were even bleeding. YOUCH!
I found 2 Treatments for Sore Nipples very helpful:
1. Medela sore nipple cream (softer than most lanolin creams) after feed, and cover with saran wrap
2. Dr. Newmans nipple cream (contains, anti inflammatory, anti fungal) - need prescription for
I wish I had taken the advice to "toughen up those nipples" during pregnancy to prepare.
WHERE'S MY MILK?
I was forewarned that it would take around 3 days for my milk supply to come in after birth.
Which meant that day 2, baby Lucas will be very fussy and losing weight. My routine was feed 20 minutes each side, then pump to stimulate the milk, then take care of my personal healing needs, brew some lactation tea, rest for 20 min, then do it all over again 24 hours a day. However, my milk did not come in on day 3 and I was getting worried. Lucas was losing weight (10% of birth weight is ok) and I contemplated on feeding him with a bottle. - I didn't quit; though some family members said I was starving my baby.
Thank God, my milk did gradually fill in on Day #5. - I encourage every women to breast feed and don't buy the lie that you have not milk. Our bodies were created for this and all new moms will have milk. It's just a matter of time and enough suckling and pumping.
Recommendations
1. Medela Swing Breast Pump - This is the brand they use in the hospital. I tried Safety First and it sucks.
2. Johnson Johnson Breast Pads - These pads were alot softer and comfortable compared to Medela. I didn't think I needed any breast pads to absorb the milk but yup, I do need these.
It helps keep my bra clean; so less laundry.
3. You Tube Videos on Breastfeeding - There are tons of helpful videos on you tube about breastfeeding
WHY DOES MY HIP HURT?
During week 2, I found that my hip joint was hurting. I realized that it was my positioning when feeding.
After sitting in a chair with proper back support and the help of an amazing breastfeeding pillow called MY BREST FRIEND, my hip started to improve.
Well that's it for now. Stay tuned on my experience with a colicky baby...
Xoxo,
Jo
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
So What Do Contractions Feel Like? My Birth Story
My Birth Story
After drinking the Augment Tea mentioned in my last blog, I began contractions around 4 am in the morning. These first contractions felt much like heavy period cramps which lasted for 45 seconds or so.
By 6 am, my Doula was over, to cope with me at home. I was still able to talk between each contraction, so it was an indicator to her that I was not dilated enough to go to the hospital. (4cm is the standard here). By 7am, the midwife came to assess me and I was 3cm. After the assessment the contractions seemed stronger. I was now on my hands and knees to cope. Massages to the lower back helped throughout. Finally by 8am, I pleaded to go to the hospital and threw on my jacket.
By the time I got to the hospital I was in active labor, pounding on the admittance table through my contractions as they look me up in their system. While sitting in the assessment room, I begged and pleaded for the epidural, “Please can someone give me the Epidural, PLEASE! PLEEEAAAASE!!” The pain was intense and tears were streaming down my face. Its hard to describe the feeling. The contractions start with a lower abdominal pain and works its way to the center of your uterus, squeezing the life out of you, literally.... The pain increases to a peak and then starts to subside. The break in between was 1 – 2 minutes, sometimes it felt like only a few seconds and the next contraction would start again.
They made me walk to my room, despite the fact I didn’t want to move at all. I suppose walking helped the baby drop lower in the pelvis and push against the cervix. The walk to the Cedar room was LONG.
My eyes were completely closed the entire time, baring down on the rails on the way, screaming in the elevator and finally planted my face on the bed they assigned me. I dropped down on my knees and begged God to take the pain away! (I tend to do this often..lol)..
My eyes were completely closed the entire time, baring down on the rails on the way, screaming in the elevator and finally planted my face on the bed they assigned me. I dropped down on my knees and begged God to take the pain away! (I tend to do this often..lol)..
Now shifting, to why the epidural was still not here yet, I started to accuse my doctor of lying to me and holding out on me so that my birth will be faster!!! She reassured me that I would not be the person she’d hold out on and that the anaesthetist is on her way.
Finally 11:30 am, the anaesthetist arrived with the epidural. She stood infront of me while my head was buried in my doulas shoulders and started to read the disclaimers. I said, “I don’t care, just give me the pen” and signed the damn thing.
Around 12pm, the numbing took affect and my labour was a piece of Cake from then on. I felt NOTHING! It was great. I ate chocolate, prayed, texted my friends, all the while my contractions was getting stronger and stronger, opening up my cervix, larger and larger, and I felt NOTHINGJ
By 5:30, my doctor checked me and instructed me to push. 40 minutes later, my baby was out and on my chest staring at me in wonder and I stared back in awe and disbelief that he is really here, alive and well in my arms. – Life is such a miracle. ! and all the pain in the world is worth it.
Here are My Two Cents:1) Get the Epidural ( it makes a huge difference )
2) Make sure to pack lots of juice boxes ( helped with pushing ) and snacks
3) Download the app "Full Term Labor" to time your contractions - It's Free!
4) Don't forget your camera and something nice for baby to wear the next day for photos
5) Remember to ask several nurses for the following items to take home with you:
a) an extra pair of those funky sexy grandma underwear they give you
b) nipple cream (you'll need this only if you are breasfeeding)
c) pads (for bleeding)
d) the Sitz Bath basin (to rinse and bath the stiched area if you have stitches)
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
3 AM - Leaking Fluid with Blood - No Contractions Yet
So obviously the Augment Tea mentioned in my previous blog works.
The main ingredient is the Verbena Oil (pure essential oil) and it is suppose to help with producing hormones to ripen the cervix, causing it to shorten and dialate.
The aroma also helped relaxed my body and made me sleepy. As I was getting ready for bed, I asked my husband to massage my back. After he was done, I shuffled a bit and a small amount of fluid leaked out. I started to walk downstairs and noticed that more leaked out. The fluid is clear and thick. As I walked down the stairs to the bathroom, the fluid continued to trickle and it was mixed with blood.
"is this my water breaking?" or "is this my mucas plug?".
It is my first baby so I have no idea. Thankfully, there is a 24 hour on call care provider line. After speaking with a rep, she advised me that it sounds like my mucas plug; however it could also be a rupture in my amniotic sac aka water leaking. My GBS test was negative, so it is safe in my case if my water broke. However if you have tested GBS positive; it is wise to get treatment asap and head to the hospital.
For more info on GBS: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/groupbstrepinfection.html
She recommended that I get some sleep and call either her or my doula again once I feel strong contractions. Every women is different and it can be either in hours or even days. "What's considered a strong contractions?" She assured me that I will KNOW if I had a strong contraction. Currently I am experiencing mild cramps very similar to menstrual cramps.
I'm too excited to sleep. Instead, I double checked and packed a few more things in my hospital bag and now I'm blogging to document this for myself and share this with others who may be going through this in the future. After this entry, I'll probably pray myself to sleep. LOL.
:) Lucas will be arriving soon !!!
The main ingredient is the Verbena Oil (pure essential oil) and it is suppose to help with producing hormones to ripen the cervix, causing it to shorten and dialate.
The aroma also helped relaxed my body and made me sleepy. As I was getting ready for bed, I asked my husband to massage my back. After he was done, I shuffled a bit and a small amount of fluid leaked out. I started to walk downstairs and noticed that more leaked out. The fluid is clear and thick. As I walked down the stairs to the bathroom, the fluid continued to trickle and it was mixed with blood.
"is this my water breaking?" or "is this my mucas plug?".
It is my first baby so I have no idea. Thankfully, there is a 24 hour on call care provider line. After speaking with a rep, she advised me that it sounds like my mucas plug; however it could also be a rupture in my amniotic sac aka water leaking. My GBS test was negative, so it is safe in my case if my water broke. However if you have tested GBS positive; it is wise to get treatment asap and head to the hospital.
For more info on GBS: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/groupbstrepinfection.html
She recommended that I get some sleep and call either her or my doula again once I feel strong contractions. Every women is different and it can be either in hours or even days. "What's considered a strong contractions?" She assured me that I will KNOW if I had a strong contraction. Currently I am experiencing mild cramps very similar to menstrual cramps.
I'm too excited to sleep. Instead, I double checked and packed a few more things in my hospital bag and now I'm blogging to document this for myself and share this with others who may be going through this in the future. After this entry, I'll probably pray myself to sleep. LOL.
:) Lucas will be arriving soon !!!
Monday, November 29, 2010
40 Weeks Plus 5 Days Overdue - Still Waiting for Baby
Well I am 5 days now past my due date. I've tried bouncing on a yoga ball, eating 2 pinapples, eating spicy food, as well as having a glass of red wine as recommended by my doctor to relax. Results? - Still no labor.
Yet I was assured today by my doctor that my body is completely normal. I learnt that only 5% of women actually have their babies on their due date and 50% of women having first babies are past due. The hospital would not even consider inducing me unless I was at least 10 days over due and even then, others may take priority based on medical circumstances.
Speaking with my own family members, I myself was 7 days over due @ 10 pounds and my father was 1 month over due @ 7 pounds. Regardless, I do sympathize with all other women who are waiting because its not a pleasent process.
The doctor did check my cervix today and peformed "the sweep"
Results = Cervix is dropping, not dilated, and needs to ripen more. She did a partial sweep, quickly separating the membrane at the end of the cervix. It was not painful, but very uncomfortable.
We talked about possibility of inducement; however she warned me that it may not be wise to induce labor, before my cervix is open or "ripened".
Her recommendations to naturally ripen the cervix includes:
1. Sex (apparently semen helps ripen the cervix) -
2. Augment Tea
3. More walking so baby will drop lower
Here is the Recipe for the Augment Tea
5 Drops of Verbena Oil
1 Medium Cinnamon Stick
10 Cloves
1 - 2 cm of Ginger Root finely sliced
Combined all except Verbena Oil and simmer in a liter of water for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and add 5 drops of Verbena Oil
Let sit for 10 minutes
Sip until finished
I just finished preparing the tea and drank the entire litre! Please stay tuned....
Yet I was assured today by my doctor that my body is completely normal. I learnt that only 5% of women actually have their babies on their due date and 50% of women having first babies are past due. The hospital would not even consider inducing me unless I was at least 10 days over due and even then, others may take priority based on medical circumstances.
Speaking with my own family members, I myself was 7 days over due @ 10 pounds and my father was 1 month over due @ 7 pounds. Regardless, I do sympathize with all other women who are waiting because its not a pleasent process.
The doctor did check my cervix today and peformed "the sweep"
Results = Cervix is dropping, not dilated, and needs to ripen more. She did a partial sweep, quickly separating the membrane at the end of the cervix. It was not painful, but very uncomfortable.
We talked about possibility of inducement; however she warned me that it may not be wise to induce labor, before my cervix is open or "ripened".
Her recommendations to naturally ripen the cervix includes:
1. Sex (apparently semen helps ripen the cervix) -
2. Augment Tea
3. More walking so baby will drop lower
Here is the Recipe for the Augment Tea
5 Drops of Verbena Oil
1 Medium Cinnamon Stick
10 Cloves
1 - 2 cm of Ginger Root finely sliced
Combined all except Verbena Oil and simmer in a liter of water for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and add 5 drops of Verbena Oil
Let sit for 10 minutes
Sip until finished
I just finished preparing the tea and drank the entire litre! Please stay tuned....
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