I feel slightly sad that I don't post as much as I use to on here but my life is reasonably still these last several months. Also, I hate to admit with Facebook I seem to write a short sentence or two on my status update instead of writing my usual paragraph on blogger. Maybe because I know people actually look at my facebook and comment back! Which is fine because I think this blog has really only become a creative journal for me instead of a method of communication.
I did, however, want to share some health news with you. I hinted awhile back that I had blood test done and the results directed my doctor to Lupus. I have a specialist appointment the end of August which will hopefully give us more details but until then I have been educating myself on the disease. Reading and learning more about support groups, community, research, facts, and myths. Luckily I have been symptom free since the 2nd of this month and not on any prescriptions only
Juice Plus and
Pycnogenol® (antioxidant, acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, selectively binds to collagen and elastin, and finally, it aids in the production of endothelial nitric oxide which helps to dilate blood vessels). However, there are millions of people that deal with this disease in the worst way every day and depend on research and development to strive for advanced treatment and a cure. I’m happy to share with you that the largest lupus drug trial ever completed was successful!
The following is a small excerpt from
On the Road to a Cure:
"Today, Human Genome Sciences (HGS) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced positive results from a year-long clinical trial of BENLYSTA for treating lupus. When the 52-week study concluded, the lupus patients who were treated with BENLYSTA had improvement in overall disease activity without clinically significant flare-ups in one or more isolated organs when compared to patients who received the placebo (inactive agent). The patients receiving BENLYSTA also were able to reduce their intake of steroid medications. The study is the largest ever to be completed for lupus and the first Phase III (late stage) trial of a new biologic immune therapy for lupus to succeed in meeting its primary endpoint and most of its secondary endpoints."
The subject of lupus is very discreet and unknown, unlike cancer, but during my self education on this matter I have read some of the most touching and inspiring storing about this silent disease. I'm excited about what the Lupus Foundation of America is accomplishing and ready to educate other people about this disease.
For more information
Lupus.org is a great place to start.
And read
Christine Miserandino's "The Spoon Theory" . Her personal story has been referred to for many years, it allows people to share with their family and friends the day-in and day-out struggles with lupus. It’s a good read!
