Sunday 24 February 2013

Living with lupus is tough but I AM TOUGHER


 

Lupus the silent, invisible killer you can't see.

Some days I feel like my body and lupus are at war

Lupus might make struggle and fragile but you won't make me fall.

Regardless of you making me weak I’m going to stand tall.

To everyone else you are invisible but I know you are real because of all the pain you make me feel.

Some days  I wear the biggest smile even though I want to cry.

My feelings, hopes frustrations, my ups and downs, my fears all contribute towards my tears

How many tears do you still want me to cry?

Living with lupus is tough but I AM TOUGHER

By Mariam Sterras

Wednesday 30 January 2013

The 3 C's of life :)


2013.01.30

For the last 6 years I’ve been taking steroids to control my lupus. And as all other medication
It has side effects lie: weight gain, diabetes, hypertension, brittle bones and kidney problems.

I gained +- 30kilograms when I started taking the steroids. Especially the top part of my body.
My shoulders became broader ,my breasts larger and I developed a tummy that I never had.

As time went on the lupus became under control. I was weaned off from the steroids and currently only taking 5mg.
And I lost a huge amount of weight all over my body except for my breast. It felt and looked as it just became huger and huger. I had constant back and neck pain. My boobs became too heavy for my small frame. I struggled to buy clothing. I had to buy large sizes to accommodate my boobs but then it didn’t fit me properly because of my small waste.

My Rheumy recommended a Reduction Mammoplasty ‘Breast Reduction’
“Breast reduction removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort”

At first I was a bit sceptical because I was afraid that I might develop problems.
But then I decided to take the chance and on the 8th January I went for the Reduction Mammoplasty

I first had to go to my Rheumy for a full medical report and she gave the right away to the surgeon.

I went into surgery at 8h00 am and Algamdulilaah I woke up 11h30.The surgeons that did the procedure took all possible precautions to prevent any complications. The next day I started walking around in the ward and the nurses and surgeon were so amazed by my speedy recovery.

After a few days I developed an infection in my 1 breast but the surgeon assured me that it is common for woman to develop infection after surgery.

Today is exactly 22 days ago that I had my operation and I can honestly say I made the right choice to have the reduction. I don’t have that constant neck and back pain and I feel so much confident and happy with my new boobs.