The "Candies" Before Bed ...

As you can see, my daily 'candies' as I call them.

 

These are the night ones I take before bed. Two powerful purple tablets that suppressed the immune system and the little one with 'heart' is for blood pressure.

 

I am back on CellCept since two months (or so ago..) - My kidney biopsy results showed that I am now Class 4, I've upgraded from the previous Class 3. I am also a Class 5 holder. Class 5? Now, don't be confused,

 

Class 1-4 (I-IV) and 6 (VI) are related, means, the higher the no., higher severity.

While, Class 5 (V) its by its own, membranous lupus nephritis.

Class I	Minimal mesangial lupus nephritis
Class II	Mesangial proliferative lupus nephritis
Class III	Focal lupus nephritisa
Class IV	Diffuse segmental (IV-S) or global (IV-G) lupus nephritisb
Class V	Membranous lupus nephritisc
Class VI	Advanced sclerosing lupus nephritis

Treatment wise, I am back on CellCept, rather than the usual "Cyclophosphamide" treatment for LN. I consider myself "lucky" to get on to CellCept again - as it is the less prescribed treatment due to the cost involved. Being in public healthcare, I can only pray and hope to get the best or better alternative.

 

(Cyclophosphamide is a type of chemo drug, while CellCept is an immunosuppressant)

 

The problem with Cyclophosphamide is that it can cause infertility - permanent, and possible early menopause. Although doctors did explain that the dosage used now is much lower and infertility is more towards the 'male' gender. I was not convinced and ended up getting all emotional (first round) and was given CellCept instead. I responded well on CellCept, went into remission, got pregnant and during pregnancy, the proteinuria, blood all started leaking from my kidneys - prayed a lot during pregnancy and with the The Power of Prayers ...

 

.... talah .... I now have Sophia who loves to pull my hair!!!

 

 

 

That's me, with my moonface features.

Thanks to the 30mg of Prednisolone I take, on top of CellCept on a daily basis.

 

Prednisolone is a type of steroid that suppresses the immune system.

It has many side-effects if taken long term.

I've been on it since 2004!!! YIKESSS!!!!

 

Side Effects? Me? So far, weak bones, easily bruised and mild cataract!

Sometimes, on high dose - elevated BP and MOONFACE plus a camel hump and sometimes, weird craving for food, like now, I've been eating chocolate non-stop. NOT GOOD!

 

I must tame my appetite!!

 

 

P:S: Thank you to all my wonderful bloggie friends who still visits despite the lack of 'action' from me!! Love you all a lot!!

 

 

Renal Biopsy 2.0

 

BED 24 !!

 

Year 2010 - Renal Biopsy 1.0

Year 2014 - Renal Biopsy 2.0

 

Coincident?

 

 

 

Renal Biopsy 1.0 - Read all about the experience!

Survived my renal biopsy!

Had my renal biopsy late morning yesterday - after much pestering, I am allowed to go home same day, in the evening.

This time, the doc seems to be in a hurry for clinic duties, so, it was a little bit uncomfortable - especially when she was trying to numb the area (injecting very quickly) AND when she took the second sample!!

Ouch ... still having sore back.

Two weeks wait before I get my results ... hopefully they DO NOT lose my precious kidney samples!!!

Did I mention that back in year 2010, I had my biopsy two weeks or so before Chinese New Year?
Looks like it is the same this year! Chinese New Year 2014 falls on 31/1/2014!

Talk about coincident!

P:S:- Thank you bloggie friends for dropping by with encouraging words! Love you lots!!!

 

Renal Biopsy 2.0

Hospital lunch, photobombed by my urine specimen!

Admitted for renal biopsy tomorrow!

Good luck to me!