I have a very bad credit that I need to have a cosigner on my new credit card. And yes, this is the first credit card I ever have under my name. So, how I have bad credit you may ask? It's a long story about my past and I don't want to talk about it, so beat it!
Well, I went to a place called La Curacao and tried to apply for credit. I have to have a cosigner who has an account with them so I could get a credit. Well, luckily, I was with one at that time. I have been wanting to buy a camera so bad for the past few months now, but somehow I never actually have a chance of saving enough money to buy me one. Well, since I was there, I dared apply. Got credit for $500. Sad thing is, the camera I wanted is $700. But, I have this very bad habit of having to buy something if I spend so much time in a store. I do wanted to have a DSLR, my new pic for the moment is Nikon D3100, but settled for a much cheaper, point-and-shoot camera, a Nikon Coolpix L120. I mean, of course there will be a huge difference, but for, I am ok with this one. And it's cheap enough for me to be able to pay it very fast.
So, I guess this is the time I tell you that I will be taking more photos of place where I live, and go to work or something like that. I am not a very vain person so I don't usually take pictures of other people or places. Unless, I feel extra pretty that day. Will be joining the band wagon of taking pics of everything. And hopefully, someone will like them. :) hehehe
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
I got it all wrong...
I just found out a few weeks ago that my body is not telling me I'm fat. It's more like telling me "you have a problem going on here, you should go have it checked."
After almost a month of having a rashes on my face, I finally got fed up of the none working hydro cortisone cream that I have been using. And my carpal tunnel syndrome that never got better no matter how many splints i wear it still not getting better. So, I had the courage and money to actually see a doctor and know what it is.
The first doctor I went to is actually kinda of a d*ck. He just looked at me and said I can't do anything about you, I think you have Lupus but I have to make tests. He called his laboratory and asked how much its gonna be for the test he will need me to put through. Costs will be $500!!! I mean what??? What kind of tests do I have to take?? But he was kind enough to give his consultation fee back and told me to try the County Hospital, they maybe could give me insurance, since I have none.
So, after some research, I was able to find a clinic a few blocks away from our house. They have really bad reviews but I have no choice. All I want is to be able to see a doctor who will try to treat me and get me laboratory test in a much cheaper price. Their consultation fee is only $40 flat so might as well. With $300 in my pocket and my boyfriend in my arm I went.
I went to Allied Medical Clinic. I already expect the worst, since they have bad reviews but actually they are not as bad as what people write. The only downside is there is only 1 doctor a day and so as you can imagine the waiting time is a but lengthy. After almost an hour and a half I was able to see a doctor. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to catch the doctor's name. They do not have those name plates in front of their tables, since he only is a Saturday doctor. And, my god! He was wearing a Hawaiian Shirt! I mean, he lost all his credibility after all the name plate and shirt thing. So he opened this big book of his comparing what I have with all the pictures and stuff. He did that for at least 15 minutes going back and forth to Psoriasis and Lupus. He can't seem to see the difference, hence, the lab exams. I had a complete blood count, an ANA1 and SED2 test. With already 2 common symptoms present, Malar rash and Arthritis, a blood confirmation is used. From a $500 laboratory and $50 consultation fee from the first doctor, the day's total for seeing the doctor and get 3 test is... tada!!! $125. Very cheap. So what if I waited for almost 2 hours right?
I got my results 4 business days after. It was positive for ANA. Which is usually the main test they give to patients if the doctors think of a possible Lupus Patient. I had my period during the time I went for the result, so I wasn't able to get a Urinalysis. During this time, the rashes on my face seems it is healing up. He took note of this rapid change considering I am on my period and my face rash looks like it's going away. This is the 3rd doctor I have seen so far and 2nd from the clinic. After 2 weeks, on a Saturday, I went again and saw a 4th doctor and the 3rd from the clinic. I told her that my face rashes looks like it's coming back after my period ended. She looked at my charts and said I definitely have Lupus, and she would like to give me steroids so that the inflammation would stop. I had steroid and pain shots on my lower back side, where the "hips" are. Hurts like crazy! I still had a few pains when I woke up the next day but more or less functioning. I started the steroid pills that day, Sunday. And Monday morning was a miracle. I could not feel the shoulder pain that used to wake me up at night. My fingers do not hurt a lot, although I still can't close it tight. Independence!!! How I miss you...
So here I am, writing, drinking steroids almost every 4 hours. Almost back to my independent self. The steroids for sure stopped the inflammation of my joints (arthritis) and soon, I hope, I will not have to drink it ever again. As soon as I got my face rash cleared out. I am quitting that stuff.. :)
I got my results 4 business days after. It was positive for ANA. Which is usually the main test they give to patients if the doctors think of a possible Lupus Patient. I had my period during the time I went for the result, so I wasn't able to get a Urinalysis. During this time, the rashes on my face seems it is healing up. He took note of this rapid change considering I am on my period and my face rash looks like it's going away. This is the 3rd doctor I have seen so far and 2nd from the clinic. After 2 weeks, on a Saturday, I went again and saw a 4th doctor and the 3rd from the clinic. I told her that my face rashes looks like it's coming back after my period ended. She looked at my charts and said I definitely have Lupus, and she would like to give me steroids so that the inflammation would stop. I had steroid and pain shots on my lower back side, where the "hips" are. Hurts like crazy! I still had a few pains when I woke up the next day but more or less functioning. I started the steroid pills that day, Sunday. And Monday morning was a miracle. I could not feel the shoulder pain that used to wake me up at night. My fingers do not hurt a lot, although I still can't close it tight. Independence!!! How I miss you...
So here I am, writing, drinking steroids almost every 4 hours. Almost back to my independent self. The steroids for sure stopped the inflammation of my joints (arthritis) and soon, I hope, I will not have to drink it ever again. As soon as I got my face rash cleared out. I am quitting that stuff.. :)
References/Additional Information:
Thursday, April 14, 2011
From her body to jocx: "hey you! You're FAT!" PART 1 - Joint Pain
So after having the annoying itchy allergy, I also have joint pain. It first started on my right hand. Just a little bit numb. I thought I slept on it overnight, and my arm fell "asleep". But the following week, my right and left hand are both hurting, and I can't even grab or pull up my pants. It hurts a lot. I can't bend my fingers.
Since arthritis runs in our family, and it could happen at a very young age, I assumed it arthritis. During the first occurrence, the weather is a bit chilly, so there is a possibility. I put Vanishing Scent BENGAY® Gel since I don't want to smell like that all day, pray it works and went to work. As the day progress, the pain in my hands minimize but it's still there. When I go to sleep and wake up the next day, same pain and same numbness. And as the weather gets hotter, the pain still remains. So I thought, it has to be something else. I have been drinking a lot of water, in case it might be caused by uric acid, but no difference. The only thing that helps me every morning is when I let hot water run through my hands. I am so afraid that this day might come, but it did. I think I have CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME.
For you who think that this is not a big deal, IT IS A BIG DEAL! I work using a computer, I take notes using a computer, I play games on my computer. And I have taken a great deal of taking care of my workplace so as not to have carpal tunnel syndrome. I am not much of a techie but I rely on my computer, A LOT. And the thing is, I do not know what to do. I bought a brace that should immobilize my wrist at night, but the same thing, every morning, pain and numbness. Although I am thankful that it doesn't progress, I do wish it will be gone. It hurts getting dressed every morning. I feel so useless. It takes me at least 2 minutes just to put on my underwear, and don't let me start talking about my pants.. God!! Why did then invent pencil cut pants AKA Skinny Jeans.. LOL
I am going to visit a doctor soon about this. When I have money.. Sheesh! I need to ask my dad to pay for the initial payment so I could get myself insurance. I can't go on like this. I have to adapt and accept that I am in America, and need insurance like the rest. Grrrr.. Another bill... But hey! it's for the better..
Since arthritis runs in our family, and it could happen at a very young age, I assumed it arthritis. During the first occurrence, the weather is a bit chilly, so there is a possibility. I put Vanishing Scent BENGAY® Gel since I don't want to smell like that all day, pray it works and went to work. As the day progress, the pain in my hands minimize but it's still there. When I go to sleep and wake up the next day, same pain and same numbness. And as the weather gets hotter, the pain still remains. So I thought, it has to be something else. I have been drinking a lot of water, in case it might be caused by uric acid, but no difference. The only thing that helps me every morning is when I let hot water run through my hands. I am so afraid that this day might come, but it did. I think I have CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME.
For you who think that this is not a big deal, IT IS A BIG DEAL! I work using a computer, I take notes using a computer, I play games on my computer. And I have taken a great deal of taking care of my workplace so as not to have carpal tunnel syndrome. I am not much of a techie but I rely on my computer, A LOT. And the thing is, I do not know what to do. I bought a brace that should immobilize my wrist at night, but the same thing, every morning, pain and numbness. Although I am thankful that it doesn't progress, I do wish it will be gone. It hurts getting dressed every morning. I feel so useless. It takes me at least 2 minutes just to put on my underwear, and don't let me start talking about my pants.. God!! Why did then invent pencil cut pants AKA Skinny Jeans.. LOL
I am going to visit a doctor soon about this. When I have money.. Sheesh! I need to ask my dad to pay for the initial payment so I could get myself insurance. I can't go on like this. I have to adapt and accept that I am in America, and need insurance like the rest. Grrrr.. Another bill... But hey! it's for the better..
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
From her body to jocx: "hey you! You're FAT!" PART 1 - Allergies
I think my body is telling me I'm fat. Because
I mean I don't feel it, I still could walk and run (a little). But I have been hurting for 2 weeks now and tried all the home remedy I could do. You see... I am really out of shape, and I got allergies I never had before. Or if I do and don't know about it, it is much worst now that it ever was. I have red, itchy scabbing marks on my face. It looks like from chafing but how could that be??? ON MY FACE??
Well, since I have it on my head/scalp I blame it on the shampoo or conditioner I was using at that moment... SO, I changed it a very expesive (not really worth it) shampoo - Burt's Bees Very Volumizing Pomegranate & Soy Shampoo & Burt's Bees Very Volumizing Pomegranate & Soy Conditioner - and since my face is also affected I decided to buy another product with the same name as my shampoo - Burt's Bees Peach and Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub.
Why Burt's Bees you ask? Because I have done my research, on what usually cause allergies that looks like mine. My allergies is called "Contact Dermatitis", it's when my skin get inflamed by something it has touched (duh! that's why it's called contact dermatitis). It usually comes from detergents and soaps, so since my main culprit is my shampoo or conditioner, I searched. I found out about something called sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), which is used in shampoo, detergents and stuff like that to make it bubbly. It's not really that bad but if you skin is sensitive, like mine, allergies are bound to happen. So far, Burt's Bees is the only readily available for purchase at any Walgreens, CVS, Target, etc. near you, that doesn't have SLS. I am in search for another, and I have found out that conditioners doesn't have SLS but a lot of chemicals compared to shampoo. Maybe one day I will just make my own shampoo and conditioner...
I am also using Alum once in a while, since it could heal scratches and cuts faster since it's a blood coagulant. Anyway, I use it all the time for my armpits. I bought it from one of those Aztec Medicine People in Alvardo (90057) and he told me I need to use this certain kind of soap will help my skin, and also drink this certain tea that will help me cleanse my blood. Although the soap itself might be doing the trick on clearing my skin, it called Rattlesnake Soap or Jabon de Vivora, which is mainly used to clear up acne, its working, so I don't care what it is made of. So I went to the site and found out I need to put the soap and make a thick lather out of it and keep it on my face for 10 minutes, haven't been doing that so maybe I should try to do it later tonight.
I am still in search of a non-greasy, alcohol-free moisturizer for my face. I am currently using Lubriderm Intense Skin Repair Calming Relief Lotion on my face, it's the only thing that make it less itchy so I don't have to keep putting hyrdocortisone cream on my allergies all day, but it is very heavy on the skin. But it will do, for now...
And so, I think my skin is on its way to recovery, as long as I don't scratch it. Maybe because I am giving importance to it, unlike before where I just wash it with whatever I could grab. It's just so hard to do when you do not really have time and just wants to go to bed as soon as you get home... but I just have to make time.
I mean I don't feel it, I still could walk and run (a little). But I have been hurting for 2 weeks now and tried all the home remedy I could do. You see... I am really out of shape, and I got allergies I never had before. Or if I do and don't know about it, it is much worst now that it ever was. I have red, itchy scabbing marks on my face. It looks like from chafing but how could that be??? ON MY FACE??
Well, since I have it on my head/scalp I blame it on the shampoo or conditioner I was using at that moment... SO, I changed it a very expesive (not really worth it) shampoo - Burt's Bees Very Volumizing Pomegranate & Soy Shampoo & Burt's Bees Very Volumizing Pomegranate & Soy Conditioner - and since my face is also affected I decided to buy another product with the same name as my shampoo - Burt's Bees Peach and Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub.
Why Burt's Bees you ask? Because I have done my research, on what usually cause allergies that looks like mine. My allergies is called "Contact Dermatitis", it's when my skin get inflamed by something it has touched (duh! that's why it's called contact dermatitis). It usually comes from detergents and soaps, so since my main culprit is my shampoo or conditioner, I searched. I found out about something called sodium laureth sulfate (SLS), which is used in shampoo, detergents and stuff like that to make it bubbly. It's not really that bad but if you skin is sensitive, like mine, allergies are bound to happen. So far, Burt's Bees is the only readily available for purchase at any Walgreens, CVS, Target, etc. near you, that doesn't have SLS. I am in search for another, and I have found out that conditioners doesn't have SLS but a lot of chemicals compared to shampoo. Maybe one day I will just make my own shampoo and conditioner...
I am also using Alum once in a while, since it could heal scratches and cuts faster since it's a blood coagulant. Anyway, I use it all the time for my armpits. I bought it from one of those Aztec Medicine People in Alvardo (90057) and he told me I need to use this certain kind of soap will help my skin, and also drink this certain tea that will help me cleanse my blood. Although the soap itself might be doing the trick on clearing my skin, it called Rattlesnake Soap or Jabon de Vivora, which is mainly used to clear up acne, its working, so I don't care what it is made of. So I went to the site and found out I need to put the soap and make a thick lather out of it and keep it on my face for 10 minutes, haven't been doing that so maybe I should try to do it later tonight.
I am still in search of a non-greasy, alcohol-free moisturizer for my face. I am currently using Lubriderm Intense Skin Repair Calming Relief Lotion on my face, it's the only thing that make it less itchy so I don't have to keep putting hyrdocortisone cream on my allergies all day, but it is very heavy on the skin. But it will do, for now...
And so, I think my skin is on its way to recovery, as long as I don't scratch it. Maybe because I am giving importance to it, unlike before where I just wash it with whatever I could grab. It's just so hard to do when you do not really have time and just wants to go to bed as soon as you get home... but I just have to make time.
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