I have been a good girl for the past months..trying so hard to avoid carbonated drinks. BUT a family gathering or eating out sessions will destroy that determination of mine..sigh.
Seeing others order Coke, 100Plus and the likes, I will steal a sip or two from my kids' to quench my thirst for these sweet drinks. The more you drink, the more you yearn for it..sounds familiar?
Well, for that moment of enjoyment, I would suffer the itch hours later. A sane and strong mind will say no to these but I am just Human...
H2O is still the best of all drinks, eventhough it tastes really uninteresting most times. Water nourishes and hydrates the skin and helps in washing out the toxin in the body..and this I must always remember :)
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Olive Oil as face moisturiser
I sometimes switch between Physiogel cream for the face and DHC nano platinum cream. When I sense the eczema coming, I will use Physiogel cream and when I feel that my skin is better I will switch to DHC Nano Platinum.
DHC is a Japanese brand, now available throughout Watsons. I also started testing on another DHC product - pure olive oil base for about 3 months already and the result is great.
After spa, I will pat dry my face and pat some olive oil on the damp skin. I use this as a base followed by Physiogel cream or DHC Nano Platinum cream. It keeps my face moisturised the whole day without having to reapply any moisturiser at all. I also realised that it has lessen the visibility of wrinkles around my mouth area.
One will notice that I do not usually smile widely when I take pics. This is because the lines around my mouth are so visible that they made me look older. I hope with continuous repair of the skin that I am able to smile widely from the bottom of my heart in the future :)
DHC is a Japanese brand, now available throughout Watsons. I also started testing on another DHC product - pure olive oil base for about 3 months already and the result is great.
After spa, I will pat dry my face and pat some olive oil on the damp skin. I use this as a base followed by Physiogel cream or DHC Nano Platinum cream. It keeps my face moisturised the whole day without having to reapply any moisturiser at all. I also realised that it has lessen the visibility of wrinkles around my mouth area.
One will notice that I do not usually smile widely when I take pics. This is because the lines around my mouth are so visible that they made me look older. I hope with continuous repair of the skin that I am able to smile widely from the bottom of my heart in the future :)
Friday, November 5, 2010
New hydratant I am trying
A close friend of mine has been very into Mannatech..another MLM in the market. She diligently went for the trainings and talks and even invited me to join her. As usual, I will place my family activities first and somehow cannot find time to join her on Saturdays.
Recently, she encouraged me to try out a hydrating gel which has been tried and tested by an eczema sufferer. The feedback was good and I thought why not?
I purchased one tube of 142g and hesitated to use cos my son applied it to his skin and said it was "sticky".
It was only 3 days ago when my hands felt itchy and dry that I took the first step to apply a teeny weeny bit on the outer part of the hands...it felt hydrated instantly.
I would consider my skin on my hands very sensitive cos any cream or gel that I apply can instantly give me more itch..yes it can itch until I rubbed it red and sore!! But this feeling that Emprizone gave was a layer of protection over my skin and I DON'T feel itchy at all. I am unsure if it is real and lasting..let me try a little longer to confirm this.
Just for your info, this product contains amongst others aloe vera extract.
Recently, she encouraged me to try out a hydrating gel which has been tried and tested by an eczema sufferer. The feedback was good and I thought why not?
I purchased one tube of 142g and hesitated to use cos my son applied it to his skin and said it was "sticky".
It was only 3 days ago when my hands felt itchy and dry that I took the first step to apply a teeny weeny bit on the outer part of the hands...it felt hydrated instantly.
I would consider my skin on my hands very sensitive cos any cream or gel that I apply can instantly give me more itch..yes it can itch until I rubbed it red and sore!! But this feeling that Emprizone gave was a layer of protection over my skin and I DON'T feel itchy at all. I am unsure if it is real and lasting..let me try a little longer to confirm this.
Just for your info, this product contains amongst others aloe vera extract.
My eczema is better with Spa
Humans can be forgetful. For those who have given birth. I am sure you would have cursed and swear that you will not have the second one due to the agony you have been put through during labour. After a year or two, you are pregnant with the second one and the pain rekindled your memory of the first one that you had been through..then you curse yourself for letting this happen again..sounds familiar??
Well, same with my skin condition..the Spa that I do every day has gradually repaired my skin in a way or so that I have forgotten that my skin condition was so bad before. Recently I had a little flare up, and I scratched myself quite a bit whilst sleeping and the next day I found my bedspread with blood stains. Then I began to realise that I had blood stains on my sheets pretty often last year. However, since this year, my sheets have been pretty blood stained free... and I am grateful for that..I Praise the Lord for all these positive happenings that I have been oblivious to. You know why? Because I focus on the negatives and have not been thankful enough for all things around me.
I also find that the intense itch that I have for yearssss has reduced so so much that I am experiencing life in a different way now..I love LIFE and am looking forward to live my life meaningfully ...God bless all of you.
Well, same with my skin condition..the Spa that I do every day has gradually repaired my skin in a way or so that I have forgotten that my skin condition was so bad before. Recently I had a little flare up, and I scratched myself quite a bit whilst sleeping and the next day I found my bedspread with blood stains. Then I began to realise that I had blood stains on my sheets pretty often last year. However, since this year, my sheets have been pretty blood stained free... and I am grateful for that..I Praise the Lord for all these positive happenings that I have been oblivious to. You know why? Because I focus on the negatives and have not been thankful enough for all things around me.
I also find that the intense itch that I have for yearssss has reduced so so much that I am experiencing life in a different way now..I love LIFE and am looking forward to live my life meaningfully ...God bless all of you.
Peri Menopause I am NOT
My cousin and I decided to keep each other company for our full medical check up..you know the kind that you have your blood drawn out and private areas inspected...you just feel a little terrified.
Nevertheless, we managed to keep our appointments and went through the medical without any issues.
The ONLY issue is when we received our results..we both had some health conditions. Anyway, my blood test showed that I am NOT even close to Menopause and I am puzzled.
I am experiencing Peri Menopausal symptoms and with consumption of Menopace into its 2 months 3 weeks, I have been having less hot flushes and night sweats towards the past 2 weeks. How is this possible? The doctor cannot give me an answer too but advised me to continue taking Menopace since I am getting better with it.
The other thing is I had my bones scanned to see if I have osteoporosis since I have been on steroid for a long long time since childhood. The result showed that my bone density was good - still way above average.
Our human body is so complex that sometimes Science and Technology simply cannot find the answer to the question.
Nevertheless, we managed to keep our appointments and went through the medical without any issues.
The ONLY issue is when we received our results..we both had some health conditions. Anyway, my blood test showed that I am NOT even close to Menopause and I am puzzled.
I am experiencing Peri Menopausal symptoms and with consumption of Menopace into its 2 months 3 weeks, I have been having less hot flushes and night sweats towards the past 2 weeks. How is this possible? The doctor cannot give me an answer too but advised me to continue taking Menopace since I am getting better with it.
The other thing is I had my bones scanned to see if I have osteoporosis since I have been on steroid for a long long time since childhood. The result showed that my bone density was good - still way above average.
Our human body is so complex that sometimes Science and Technology simply cannot find the answer to the question.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Part time helpers available
Hi..sorry for the long absence. I have been bogged down with exams..not mine but my kids'. As a mother, one has to go through the phases with the kids, holding their hands and also teaching them to be independent at the same time. Hopefully my youngest one will be able to settle most things on his own by next year. His PSLE results will be out end of November 2010. I am sure he is keeping his fingers and toes crossed.
I am still without a maid. It is already 5 months since my last maid left. I struggled quite a bit initially, hating the routine and mess that I have to pick up after the 3 boys. They seemed to take things for granted and needed alot of reminding. I realised it is always the same phrases I use like "Have you bathe?", "Do you want to eat now?", "Please brush your teeth before you sleep", etc..
Having said that, my hubby has taken on the role of part time washroom cleaner in the weekends. And it sure relieved me of that task of scrubbing the floors and washing toilet bowls :) My older son who sometimes become so sweet and understanding, will extend his help to wash the dishes and the youngest boy is always forced to fold the clothes.
Things are getting better and I am getting used to NOT having a full time helper around. Who says a family cannot survive without a domestic helper?
I am still without a maid. It is already 5 months since my last maid left. I struggled quite a bit initially, hating the routine and mess that I have to pick up after the 3 boys. They seemed to take things for granted and needed alot of reminding. I realised it is always the same phrases I use like "Have you bathe?", "Do you want to eat now?", "Please brush your teeth before you sleep", etc..
Having said that, my hubby has taken on the role of part time washroom cleaner in the weekends. And it sure relieved me of that task of scrubbing the floors and washing toilet bowls :) My older son who sometimes become so sweet and understanding, will extend his help to wash the dishes and the youngest boy is always forced to fold the clothes.
Things are getting better and I am getting used to NOT having a full time helper around. Who says a family cannot survive without a domestic helper?
Saturday, September 11, 2010
School hols is over
In a blink of an eye, one week passes so fast that the new school term is starting again.
For those kids who are taking their PSLE, I am sure they are starting to feel the stress and jitters..I hope parents are not too harsh on them as it may give them additional stress and sleepless nights.
These kids nowadays have lots of pride. They dont want to reveal their weaknesses and put a front to convince us that they are ready for the exams BUT in true spirit, they are scared to the core. My son is one of this kind :)
With all the expectations of them to do well, naturally they feel the stress mounting. They sometimes can't cope and adapt well to stress and therefore throw tantrums and start to rebel. All these are symptoms of stress. As parents, I feel that we should encourage and love them unconditionally even though they don't fare well in their exams. Don't you agree that learning is a life long journey? Somehow, if our children can understand, nothing matters more to us than their well being.
After all, character building, compassion for others, honesty and respect for mankind are far important then a learned person with a flawed character, selfish and heartless towards elders. What kind of society will we have in the future if it is solely results driven?
For those kids who are taking their PSLE, I am sure they are starting to feel the stress and jitters..I hope parents are not too harsh on them as it may give them additional stress and sleepless nights.
These kids nowadays have lots of pride. They dont want to reveal their weaknesses and put a front to convince us that they are ready for the exams BUT in true spirit, they are scared to the core. My son is one of this kind :)
With all the expectations of them to do well, naturally they feel the stress mounting. They sometimes can't cope and adapt well to stress and therefore throw tantrums and start to rebel. All these are symptoms of stress. As parents, I feel that we should encourage and love them unconditionally even though they don't fare well in their exams. Don't you agree that learning is a life long journey? Somehow, if our children can understand, nothing matters more to us than their well being.
After all, character building, compassion for others, honesty and respect for mankind are far important then a learned person with a flawed character, selfish and heartless towards elders. What kind of society will we have in the future if it is solely results driven?
Purchase Menopace online
I went to the website http://www.vitabiotics.com/ and managed to purchase online the Menopace 90 tablets and Menopace Plus at half the local retail price after the currency conversion including airfreight charges. Locally, I could only get the 30 tablet pack and Menopace Plus is not available yet.
Check out the website for any concerns on health and nutritional products.
Check out the website for any concerns on health and nutritional products.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Follow Up on MenoPace
For the past week, I have been experiencing frequent episodes of hot flushes and night sweats. That was into my 4th week of consuming MenoPace.
I guessed it could be nearing my menses as there was spotting but no flow yet. Even today, there is very little stain.
Just bought a new pack yesterday and starting the 2nd month course today. I will monitor to see if the increase in frequency is due to my guess or that the pills are wearing out its benefits??
Stay happy and positive cos the brain is the most powerful tool that rules our spirit and mood.
I guessed it could be nearing my menses as there was spotting but no flow yet. Even today, there is very little stain.
Just bought a new pack yesterday and starting the 2nd month course today. I will monitor to see if the increase in frequency is due to my guess or that the pills are wearing out its benefits??
Stay happy and positive cos the brain is the most powerful tool that rules our spirit and mood.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Menopace
Menopace was recommended to me by my GP some 2 weeks ago. What is this for?
This is a nutrition pack created by pharmacists and nutritionists for peri menopausal women. In the web there is a group of women who have taken this product and shared their experiences and views on their well being. Some experienced only short period relief whilst others experienced great improvements in their quality of life.
This product has since been in the Europe market in 2007. I only heard of this recently when I consulted my GP with regard my unbearable hot flashes. He advised me against HRT which has higher risks than benefits and introduced me this MenoPace.
I have been on MenoPace for 13 days already and I must say I felt pretty good with high energy level from the beginning of the day. However, it makes me hungry all the time. I have been snacking here and there and I think the weighing machine will soon tell me if I have put on weight.
I have had 3 episodes of hot flashes for the 13 days and this is great cos in the past I can have 2x hot flashes on the same day. The night heat is still there but bearable.
The doctor advised that I should be taking the products continuously for 3 months to see the positive effects. I will patiently consume it since this is not a steroid or hormone pill and does not give any negative side effect other than making one hungry.
Will share more when I finished my monthly dosage.
If interested, check out the sharings of these other women on MenoPace:-
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2759.0
This is a nutrition pack created by pharmacists and nutritionists for peri menopausal women. In the web there is a group of women who have taken this product and shared their experiences and views on their well being. Some experienced only short period relief whilst others experienced great improvements in their quality of life.
This product has since been in the Europe market in 2007. I only heard of this recently when I consulted my GP with regard my unbearable hot flashes. He advised me against HRT which has higher risks than benefits and introduced me this MenoPace.
I have been on MenoPace for 13 days already and I must say I felt pretty good with high energy level from the beginning of the day. However, it makes me hungry all the time. I have been snacking here and there and I think the weighing machine will soon tell me if I have put on weight.
I have had 3 episodes of hot flashes for the 13 days and this is great cos in the past I can have 2x hot flashes on the same day. The night heat is still there but bearable.
The doctor advised that I should be taking the products continuously for 3 months to see the positive effects. I will patiently consume it since this is not a steroid or hormone pill and does not give any negative side effect other than making one hungry.
Will share more when I finished my monthly dosage.
If interested, check out the sharings of these other women on MenoPace:-
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2759.0
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Is this P.M.S?
PMS - what does this mean? If I am younger, I would think it means Pre-menstruation symptoms. At my current age, PMS stares out as Peri Menopause Symptoms instead.
What is this Peri Menopause Symptoms?
I recall having experienced mood swings or should I say anger within my inner self when I turned 40. I just can't lay a finger to it cos I was feeling real down and thought this is not the real me..I am a happy go lucky person - how did this happen? I told my hubby before that I wasn't feeling happy for awhile now. He didn't ask or probe further why I was feeling so..I searched myself, prayed very hard to seek an answer. What was wrong with me?
Slowly, I felt my health deteriorating..I felt perspiration and itch quite a bit due to my eczema or was it my eczema that caused me to perspire? I was confused. I started to sleep later in the nights and became drowsy and sleepy in the day. I can't focus well and realised that I began to forget things. I turned on the fire on the stove to boil soup and clearly forgot about it until the pot went dry. Sigh..I also left the tap on to fill up a water container and forgot all about it until I walked in to the kitchen to take some stuff after half an hour later. It never occur to me that it may be peri menopause.
What is Peri Menopause? It is a period of time (which can last for some time say 10 to 15 years) before our period stops. Yes..all these sufferings - which my mom never shared with me, even though she went through it all alone without even uttering to her children or my dad about the discomforts she had been through. She is indeed a strong woman. When I asked how did she go through those years of misery? She brushed me off with a simple - Just ignore it and get on with your life! That simple huh?
As for me..I can't and just couldn't ignore the symptoms. I have night sweats, hot flashes that could last me half an hour to an hour, draining me of my energy, forgetfulness, anxiety, palpitations and difficulty in sleeping and not forgetting DRY skin.
Some others may experience dryness of vagina, lack of libido, hair loss, weight gain at the waist..etc,
One prominent sign is also the menstruation cycle that can be become longer or shorter and flow can be light or heavier.
PeriMenopausal period happens when our brain and ovaries can't communicate well..estrogen and progesterone fluctuates resulting to all the problems above..causing havoc to a woman's life, behavior and feelings towards every single thing, small and big.
The average age of menopause is 51 but menopause is only official when we stop menstruating one year and after that we can say that we are in the POST menopausal period. So..menopause is only a ONE DAY thing!!!
But I read that those women who are in their post menopausal period enjoy life all over again - they felt that they were REBORN and want to experience new things in life - they became bolder and treasure their 2nd chance in life. I hope I will be able to experience that feeling soonER.
What is this Peri Menopause Symptoms?
I recall having experienced mood swings or should I say anger within my inner self when I turned 40. I just can't lay a finger to it cos I was feeling real down and thought this is not the real me..I am a happy go lucky person - how did this happen? I told my hubby before that I wasn't feeling happy for awhile now. He didn't ask or probe further why I was feeling so..I searched myself, prayed very hard to seek an answer. What was wrong with me?
Slowly, I felt my health deteriorating..I felt perspiration and itch quite a bit due to my eczema or was it my eczema that caused me to perspire? I was confused. I started to sleep later in the nights and became drowsy and sleepy in the day. I can't focus well and realised that I began to forget things. I turned on the fire on the stove to boil soup and clearly forgot about it until the pot went dry. Sigh..I also left the tap on to fill up a water container and forgot all about it until I walked in to the kitchen to take some stuff after half an hour later. It never occur to me that it may be peri menopause.
What is Peri Menopause? It is a period of time (which can last for some time say 10 to 15 years) before our period stops. Yes..all these sufferings - which my mom never shared with me, even though she went through it all alone without even uttering to her children or my dad about the discomforts she had been through. She is indeed a strong woman. When I asked how did she go through those years of misery? She brushed me off with a simple - Just ignore it and get on with your life! That simple huh?
As for me..I can't and just couldn't ignore the symptoms. I have night sweats, hot flashes that could last me half an hour to an hour, draining me of my energy, forgetfulness, anxiety, palpitations and difficulty in sleeping and not forgetting DRY skin.
Some others may experience dryness of vagina, lack of libido, hair loss, weight gain at the waist..etc,
One prominent sign is also the menstruation cycle that can be become longer or shorter and flow can be light or heavier.
PeriMenopausal period happens when our brain and ovaries can't communicate well..estrogen and progesterone fluctuates resulting to all the problems above..causing havoc to a woman's life, behavior and feelings towards every single thing, small and big.
The average age of menopause is 51 but menopause is only official when we stop menstruating one year and after that we can say that we are in the POST menopausal period. So..menopause is only a ONE DAY thing!!!
But I read that those women who are in their post menopausal period enjoy life all over again - they felt that they were REBORN and want to experience new things in life - they became bolder and treasure their 2nd chance in life. I hope I will be able to experience that feeling soonER.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Physiogel cream for my inflammed face
Hi. Remember me sharing with you that I am currently using Physiogel cream for my face. I found another sharing from a website called http://community.livejournal.com/eczematic/208732.html with regard the feedback on this cream. This website is useful for eczema sufferers as there are sharings from other eczema sufferers all over the world. Check this out.
Recs - physiogel and sonia rykiel
Recs - physiogel and sonia rykiel
Why Is it Important to Drink Water Before You Go to Sleep? | eHow.com
I recall in my earlier post that I mentioned about drinking water before one sleeps..whether it is good or bad. Read the link below for the answer.
Why Is it Important to Drink Water Before You Go to Sleep? | eHow.com
Why Is it Important to Drink Water Before You Go to Sleep? | eHow.com
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Know yourself
I have been monitoring the eczema flareups I have been experiencing in a month. It seems to be there most of the time and when it does not flare up, the feel on the skin is still dry but not itchy. Skin still flakes but lesser. I am in my forties but my skin looks like someone in her fifties..true..I am not exaggerating.
I am pretty sure that sleep - deep sleep, does play a part in the healing process. When I have enough of rest, I tend to find the sores and redness to heal better. Whenever I have some tasks to attend to or I am terribly late for an appointment, I will naturally perspire alot and that's when I feel itchy again. So, stress is one factor that affects my skin condition.
An eczema sufferer should have a routine..sleep on time, wake up before the sun is up, do everything in a slow but steady pace so that it does not disrupt or stress us up unneccesarily. Easier said than done right? When I do things slow but steady, I feel ok but when I rush..my hands will be the first place perspire and the itch will come. The skin on my outer hands and feet have not really looked normal for around 2 years already. Eczema seems to flareup on these areas more frequently than other areas now.
However, I realised that the color tone of my neck down to the ankles have improved with my frequent spa. There are areas with white spots all over my body and upper arms which are actually marks from all the scratching. With spa, these white spots have become less whitish. My knee caps used to be dark because I dare not scrub my skin before. With spa, it softened the outer layer of the skin and I am able to scrub the acummulated dead skin away with loofah.
I consulted a popular dermatologist in PJ some months back, upon persuasion from my sis-in-law and I was surprised that he told me that my skin condition will improve. He asked me to show him the parts that are affected by eczema and when he saw the scratch marks in the process of recovering, he said I'll be ok. As expected he too prescribed me some steroid ointment for the more stubborn eczema on my outer hands and feet.
The short consultation at the dermatologist left me with a deep impression especially when he told me this.. "have a love filled heart and a positive outlook of life and you will be fine" - how wise.
I am pretty sure that sleep - deep sleep, does play a part in the healing process. When I have enough of rest, I tend to find the sores and redness to heal better. Whenever I have some tasks to attend to or I am terribly late for an appointment, I will naturally perspire alot and that's when I feel itchy again. So, stress is one factor that affects my skin condition.
An eczema sufferer should have a routine..sleep on time, wake up before the sun is up, do everything in a slow but steady pace so that it does not disrupt or stress us up unneccesarily. Easier said than done right? When I do things slow but steady, I feel ok but when I rush..my hands will be the first place perspire and the itch will come. The skin on my outer hands and feet have not really looked normal for around 2 years already. Eczema seems to flareup on these areas more frequently than other areas now.
However, I realised that the color tone of my neck down to the ankles have improved with my frequent spa. There are areas with white spots all over my body and upper arms which are actually marks from all the scratching. With spa, these white spots have become less whitish. My knee caps used to be dark because I dare not scrub my skin before. With spa, it softened the outer layer of the skin and I am able to scrub the acummulated dead skin away with loofah.
I consulted a popular dermatologist in PJ some months back, upon persuasion from my sis-in-law and I was surprised that he told me that my skin condition will improve. He asked me to show him the parts that are affected by eczema and when he saw the scratch marks in the process of recovering, he said I'll be ok. As expected he too prescribed me some steroid ointment for the more stubborn eczema on my outer hands and feet.
The short consultation at the dermatologist left me with a deep impression especially when he told me this.. "have a love filled heart and a positive outlook of life and you will be fine" - how wise.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Lalang eyebrows
The rough skin patches on my face have subsided after much patience with application of physiogel cream day and night. Worst is whenever my fingers touch any roughness on the face, I'll automatically start digging scratching or peeling it. There is no end to this process.
I tried wearing soft cotton gloves from Body Shop to lessen the scratching but the rubbing of the face in the night when I sleep resulted to my skin being red from abrasion.
After reading and sharing with other eczema sufferers, I realised that it is not unusual for us to have constant itch around the eyes areas. Very often I will rub my eyes until the lids felt sore and had infection on the inner lids. When I applied steroid cream then, I avoided the eyes areas because the skin around the eyes is thin and sensitive.
I recall that I use to have puffy eyes too and some people advised me to drink less water in the night. On the contrary, some articles on the web advised that drinking some water before sleep can help in reducing any incident of a stroke?? I need to verify this again..
Did I mention that eczema also robbed me of my once so dark and thick eyebrows that my spouse admired? What is left now are some strands of hair here and there which don't look like normal brows..shall I say they look more like lalang or wild grass on dry land? I feel the urge to go for the eyebrows tattoo which my cousin Ling did. They looked fine but I am hesitant firstly because the needles they use to tatoo may worsen my skin condition and secondly, I just can't trust these tattoo artists to create the arch I want...otherwise they may turn out to be like those I call "ah lien" look.
I tried wearing soft cotton gloves from Body Shop to lessen the scratching but the rubbing of the face in the night when I sleep resulted to my skin being red from abrasion.
After reading and sharing with other eczema sufferers, I realised that it is not unusual for us to have constant itch around the eyes areas. Very often I will rub my eyes until the lids felt sore and had infection on the inner lids. When I applied steroid cream then, I avoided the eyes areas because the skin around the eyes is thin and sensitive.
I recall that I use to have puffy eyes too and some people advised me to drink less water in the night. On the contrary, some articles on the web advised that drinking some water before sleep can help in reducing any incident of a stroke?? I need to verify this again..
Did I mention that eczema also robbed me of my once so dark and thick eyebrows that my spouse admired? What is left now are some strands of hair here and there which don't look like normal brows..shall I say they look more like lalang or wild grass on dry land? I feel the urge to go for the eyebrows tattoo which my cousin Ling did. They looked fine but I am hesitant firstly because the needles they use to tatoo may worsen my skin condition and secondly, I just can't trust these tattoo artists to create the arch I want...otherwise they may turn out to be like those I call "ah lien" look.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Should I persevere?
Had this rough patches on the face since I was in PJ until today.
I didn't deliberately scratch the face..all I did was pat yes pat pat with my inner palms when it felt itchy. Little did I realise that the rough skin on my inner palms were causing friction to my face. I started to feel the roughness initially, then the skin became thick and the face red. Not as red as a lobster which I experienced before. Somehow it felt dry and I can hardly give anyone a sincere smile due to the taut skin - trying to imagine if this is similar to the effect after receiving botox jab.
I dare not look at myself in the mirror..maybe a distance away. Just a quick glimpse of my hair and that's it. I will rush through anywhere so that there is no one familiar that I need to say hi to.
The inner me begged for some steroid cream, say a dab of Elomet cream will do the trick with Physiogel moisturiser. The other side of me says no no. Let it heal on its own. So, here I am still feeling the tautness of the dry skin but I am sure it is getting better slowly with JUST the Physiogel moisturiser...
I didn't deliberately scratch the face..all I did was pat yes pat pat with my inner palms when it felt itchy. Little did I realise that the rough skin on my inner palms were causing friction to my face. I started to feel the roughness initially, then the skin became thick and the face red. Not as red as a lobster which I experienced before. Somehow it felt dry and I can hardly give anyone a sincere smile due to the taut skin - trying to imagine if this is similar to the effect after receiving botox jab.
I dare not look at myself in the mirror..maybe a distance away. Just a quick glimpse of my hair and that's it. I will rush through anywhere so that there is no one familiar that I need to say hi to.
The inner me begged for some steroid cream, say a dab of Elomet cream will do the trick with Physiogel moisturiser. The other side of me says no no. Let it heal on its own. So, here I am still feeling the tautness of the dry skin but I am sure it is getting better slowly with JUST the Physiogel moisturiser...
Saturday, June 26, 2010
I must not shower
Hi. Have been back from PJ Malaysia for some days now..6 days to be exact.
Feel great to be back to my own place especially to my spa. I have been bathing under the shower for 3 days and I can't wait to return to my spa. I realised that there is vast difference when one spa and shower.
When I shower, I am afraid to rub my skin hard because it hurts, especially on areas that are already raw and sore. After showering for a few days, I found my dead skin to have thickened and there is no way I can slough it off unless I stay under the shower longer - maybe more than half an hour so that the skin was soft enough to rub the dead cells away. Cracks also appeared on my knuckles and sole of the feet..ouch. Really hurt when I walk.
Having said that, I can't be bringing my spa machine every place I go. So, this is a good break from my spa machine. It reaffirms the benefits the spa machine gives and I am thankful for owning one. Thanks Mrs Ong!!
It took me about 4 days to feel better from all the dryness and cracks. At home, I will remind myself to take my daily cod liver oil and spirulina every time I walk pass the shelf. Nothing beats drinking lots of water and a good rest.
Feel great to be back to my own place especially to my spa. I have been bathing under the shower for 3 days and I can't wait to return to my spa. I realised that there is vast difference when one spa and shower.
When I shower, I am afraid to rub my skin hard because it hurts, especially on areas that are already raw and sore. After showering for a few days, I found my dead skin to have thickened and there is no way I can slough it off unless I stay under the shower longer - maybe more than half an hour so that the skin was soft enough to rub the dead cells away. Cracks also appeared on my knuckles and sole of the feet..ouch. Really hurt when I walk.
Having said that, I can't be bringing my spa machine every place I go. So, this is a good break from my spa machine. It reaffirms the benefits the spa machine gives and I am thankful for owning one. Thanks Mrs Ong!!
It took me about 4 days to feel better from all the dryness and cracks. At home, I will remind myself to take my daily cod liver oil and spirulina every time I walk pass the shelf. Nothing beats drinking lots of water and a good rest.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
I am allergic to OAT
My husband bought a can of Oat for his morning breakfast. I haven't had Oat for a long time now. So, greedy me made a huge bowl of Oat, added my favourite honey and raisins and finished every bit of it gleefully.
Within the half an hour of consuming the Oat my temperature rose and I was perspiring profusely. Then I could see red dots appearing on my face, then the trunk of my body, arms and they itch real badly - HIVES. The worst thing was my throat began to feel tight and I was hard of breathing..I thought hey..what incredible reaction my body was going through? I never had such reaction when I took Oat some years ago. Is it due to age or my immune system had gone downhill since I am past 40?
My right sense of mind prompted me to quickly take a tablet of anti-histamine. I laid down on bed and switched on the fan to full blast. I could remember the ordeal lasted about 4 long hours...the perspiration went on and on for that 4 long hours..imagine..I was real tired by then..and fell asleep.
When I awoke the Hives had left me for good..I just needed water..water..because I felt so thirsty and exhausted after the long internal battle.
Within the half an hour of consuming the Oat my temperature rose and I was perspiring profusely. Then I could see red dots appearing on my face, then the trunk of my body, arms and they itch real badly - HIVES. The worst thing was my throat began to feel tight and I was hard of breathing..I thought hey..what incredible reaction my body was going through? I never had such reaction when I took Oat some years ago. Is it due to age or my immune system had gone downhill since I am past 40?
My right sense of mind prompted me to quickly take a tablet of anti-histamine. I laid down on bed and switched on the fan to full blast. I could remember the ordeal lasted about 4 long hours...the perspiration went on and on for that 4 long hours..imagine..I was real tired by then..and fell asleep.
When I awoke the Hives had left me for good..I just needed water..water..because I felt so thirsty and exhausted after the long internal battle.
Itchi bitsi polka dot bi....
It has been scratchy scratchy for a few days now. Was trying very hard to trace back what had happened or what I had eaten that caused the itch.
After much analysing, I felt that the temperature difference I was subjected to on Tuesday,8 June started all these crap. I attended a course at Suntec City for about 3 hours at The Rock and felt very uneasy as the aircon there was TERRIBLY cold. I was practically shivering under the temperature after being exposed to the cold air for an hour. I felt dry and itchy. The next thing I knew, I was out of the hall frantically searching for a hot drink to keep me warm.
See, if the aircon in Singapore can make me so, what about travelling abroad on an airplane with dry air and temperature as low as 15 degrees make me?? That is why I have stopped travelling via air for about 2 years now. I am fortunate enough to have flown several times to many countries and thus do not feel remorse for not being able to do so now or in the near future.
My husband suggested driving up to Kuala Lumpur in a week's time to bring the kids for a short break. I was not enthusiastic about it because I loathe sitting in the aircon and face the glare from the sun, unless it is raining throughout the journey. However, as I mentioned in my earlier blog - life is short and we are here only once. So, I will make the best of it..the trip and the company. I have to stay positive and strong, reminding myself that I will make it to KL in good shape. I do not want to spoil everyone's mood and enthusiasm. It is also a good opportunity to pay my brother and his family a visit. My nephew is unwell and we could go and lighten up their moods.
I tell myself to bring the steroid ointment as a standby, my Invite bath oil, protopic, Q10 moisturiser, face rosehip oil, DHC silver nanocolloid cream for my face and etc but I'll sure miss my spa machine for a day or two. The spa machine is portable but mine was almost fixed to the wall and therefore find it troublesome to detach it.
Anyway, I will be able to cope and all I need to do ..during the journey is to gulp down lotsa water.. yes H2O, it is the best source of moisture for the skin.
After much analysing, I felt that the temperature difference I was subjected to on Tuesday,8 June started all these crap. I attended a course at Suntec City for about 3 hours at The Rock and felt very uneasy as the aircon there was TERRIBLY cold. I was practically shivering under the temperature after being exposed to the cold air for an hour. I felt dry and itchy. The next thing I knew, I was out of the hall frantically searching for a hot drink to keep me warm.
See, if the aircon in Singapore can make me so, what about travelling abroad on an airplane with dry air and temperature as low as 15 degrees make me?? That is why I have stopped travelling via air for about 2 years now. I am fortunate enough to have flown several times to many countries and thus do not feel remorse for not being able to do so now or in the near future.
My husband suggested driving up to Kuala Lumpur in a week's time to bring the kids for a short break. I was not enthusiastic about it because I loathe sitting in the aircon and face the glare from the sun, unless it is raining throughout the journey. However, as I mentioned in my earlier blog - life is short and we are here only once. So, I will make the best of it..the trip and the company. I have to stay positive and strong, reminding myself that I will make it to KL in good shape. I do not want to spoil everyone's mood and enthusiasm. It is also a good opportunity to pay my brother and his family a visit. My nephew is unwell and we could go and lighten up their moods.
I tell myself to bring the steroid ointment as a standby, my Invite bath oil, protopic, Q10 moisturiser, face rosehip oil, DHC silver nanocolloid cream for my face and etc but I'll sure miss my spa machine for a day or two. The spa machine is portable but mine was almost fixed to the wall and therefore find it troublesome to detach it.
Anyway, I will be able to cope and all I need to do ..during the journey is to gulp down lotsa water.. yes H2O, it is the best source of moisture for the skin.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
It's a beautiful day
This day unlike the past few days, three of us here have bad sore throats and body aches..
I woke up at 6am and went back to bed, fell into a deep sleep and forgot to make my husband his breakfast. Not that he doesn't know how to do it but I feel that it is my duty as a wife to do so. After all he works so hard for all 4 parasites at home, namely mua, my 2 kids and the domestic helper.
I am staying home most of the time now then why need a domestic helper? I have thought long and hard about this issue..last year I managed without one but it was not the lifestyle I wanted. I will wake up very early around 5 plus to prepare breakfast for all and retire to bed real early too (around 2am). That left me only 3 hours of sleep and it was not a complete 3 hours of sleep cos I would toss and turn on bed until I find a good position to fall asleep in. To be honest, I stole some hours of sleep when my body begged me to. Then I would have to go pick my kids and prepare their lunch and so on so forth..the day just passed by with a twinkle of an eye. And I spent so little quality time with my kids and husband. Instead I would nag and whine whenever they did anything I couldn't stand and I thought what kind of a Domestic Director am I??
I started the day with my washings. I would separate my clothes from the others because my clothes would have all the moisturiser or blood stained on them. And I find it more hygienic to separate them. Throw all these in the machine to do the job. I use Dynamo anti-bacteria detergent and found it alright so far. Next, I would plan lunch and dinner for the day. Whisk out the vegetables to soak and meat to thaw.
Then came the vacuuming part - I would vacuum the floor and areas I hang around quite a number of times. My husband said I was mad but I felt really good that the house appeared skin debris free :) Am I sick in the brain? Definitely not.
The skin debris can cause alot of undesired consequences. It can be food to alot of dust mites..and you won't want them to multiply because they are not great friends of eczema suffers. Their excretion would cause allergic reaction to eczema sufferers. Also ants love the protein on the skin and therefore can trail them to the places they accumulate.
So, vacuum I must..my neighbours will curse but I simply can't stop!!
I woke up at 6am and went back to bed, fell into a deep sleep and forgot to make my husband his breakfast. Not that he doesn't know how to do it but I feel that it is my duty as a wife to do so. After all he works so hard for all 4 parasites at home, namely mua, my 2 kids and the domestic helper.
I am staying home most of the time now then why need a domestic helper? I have thought long and hard about this issue..last year I managed without one but it was not the lifestyle I wanted. I will wake up very early around 5 plus to prepare breakfast for all and retire to bed real early too (around 2am). That left me only 3 hours of sleep and it was not a complete 3 hours of sleep cos I would toss and turn on bed until I find a good position to fall asleep in. To be honest, I stole some hours of sleep when my body begged me to. Then I would have to go pick my kids and prepare their lunch and so on so forth..the day just passed by with a twinkle of an eye. And I spent so little quality time with my kids and husband. Instead I would nag and whine whenever they did anything I couldn't stand and I thought what kind of a Domestic Director am I??
I started the day with my washings. I would separate my clothes from the others because my clothes would have all the moisturiser or blood stained on them. And I find it more hygienic to separate them. Throw all these in the machine to do the job. I use Dynamo anti-bacteria detergent and found it alright so far. Next, I would plan lunch and dinner for the day. Whisk out the vegetables to soak and meat to thaw.
Then came the vacuuming part - I would vacuum the floor and areas I hang around quite a number of times. My husband said I was mad but I felt really good that the house appeared skin debris free :) Am I sick in the brain? Definitely not.
The skin debris can cause alot of undesired consequences. It can be food to alot of dust mites..and you won't want them to multiply because they are not great friends of eczema suffers. Their excretion would cause allergic reaction to eczema sufferers. Also ants love the protein on the skin and therefore can trail them to the places they accumulate.
So, vacuum I must..my neighbours will curse but I simply can't stop!!
Prednisolone and Cataract
Prednisolone is a form of steroid used widely to treat inflammatory and auto immune conditions such as lupus, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema and many more.
A lengthy course of prednisolone can result to bloody or black stools, rounding of face, muscle cramps, retards healing of wounds, thinning of skin, etc etc...and CATARACT.
At this tender young age (ahem) I already was diagnosed with cataract in both eyes, just last year. My opthalmalogist queried if I had any eye injury before as it is rare for young people like me to contract cataract.
After gathering my health facts, he realised that it is possible that I get cataract caused by lengthy prednisolone consumption and dosage patterns since childhood. I went through all relevant eye tests and the results showed that my left eye had severe cataract.
I was scheduled for the eye surgery to remove the natural lens and replaced with an artificial one. It took me about one year to adjust to this alien.
Cataract is common amongst older folks, usually from age 50s and above. Having cataract is similar to seeing things through an unwashed glass..you can sometimes see white blur patches here and there making the whole picture unclear. Blinking of the eyes will not make it any better or clearer.
What was my reaction then? I recalled that I felt sad and fearful as I did not know what to expect from the surgery. After the first consultation at the ophtalmalogist, my husband and I went searching for books and websites on cataract.
A day surgery was scheduled at Camdem and I faithfully brought myself there earlier to go thru the administrative stuff first and change into the hospital outfit. The surgery took 15 minutes to 20 minutes and the next thing I knew was that I was moved out of the surgery room to a ward to rest.
I am now experiencing blurring of my right eye...think it is time to see my ophtalmalogist again..sigh.
A lengthy course of prednisolone can result to bloody or black stools, rounding of face, muscle cramps, retards healing of wounds, thinning of skin, etc etc...and CATARACT.
At this tender young age (ahem) I already was diagnosed with cataract in both eyes, just last year. My opthalmalogist queried if I had any eye injury before as it is rare for young people like me to contract cataract.
After gathering my health facts, he realised that it is possible that I get cataract caused by lengthy prednisolone consumption and dosage patterns since childhood. I went through all relevant eye tests and the results showed that my left eye had severe cataract.
I was scheduled for the eye surgery to remove the natural lens and replaced with an artificial one. It took me about one year to adjust to this alien.
Cataract is common amongst older folks, usually from age 50s and above. Having cataract is similar to seeing things through an unwashed glass..you can sometimes see white blur patches here and there making the whole picture unclear. Blinking of the eyes will not make it any better or clearer.
What was my reaction then? I recalled that I felt sad and fearful as I did not know what to expect from the surgery. After the first consultation at the ophtalmalogist, my husband and I went searching for books and websites on cataract.
A day surgery was scheduled at Camdem and I faithfully brought myself there earlier to go thru the administrative stuff first and change into the hospital outfit. The surgery took 15 minutes to 20 minutes and the next thing I knew was that I was moved out of the surgery room to a ward to rest.
I am now experiencing blurring of my right eye...think it is time to see my ophtalmalogist again..sigh.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Downhill at 40
People say Life starts at 40 for Man, so Woman?? goes downhill at 40?
I believe it holds strongly for mua. When I was about to turn 40, I was afraid because I had a childhood guy friend who died at 40..he had nose cancer. I remembered him as a gentleman, kind and proud in his own ways and a cheerful being. I regretted not knowing him better and never kept in touch with him after he left for his studies in US.
I then feared that I too can't make that mark because I had signs of the pre-menopause symptoms every now and then. Or was it my mind playing havoc. I called my good old friends and told them my fear. You know who you are buddies..I thank you for being there to listen. I was elated when the clock struck 12am as I finally turned 40. Yeah.
Having said that, turning 40 brought about many problems too. The skin on my face had less elasticity. The fine lines appeared deeper when I smiled. I have lost plenty of collagen!! The skin on my outer hands tend to dry easily and become more sensitive when I touch water. I feel drier than before and all these are not my imagination. My face was so dry it made me look older and believe it or not, my eyebrows were also thinning.
I started bleeding twice a month (yah lost of blood too) and felt weak and DRY. I also felt thirsty most of the time. I thought hey this is it. Am I leaving earth soon? My liver or kidney must have been overloaded with all the supplements and steroids.
My mother saw the changes in me and practically had to drag me to see the Chinese Physician near her home. I went just to appease her.
The sinseh is a young fellow from Taiwan. He can't practice in his own country because he got his degree from a China University.. I was inquisitive and interviewed him to see if he is reliable. Why? I didn't know there was such rule in Taiwan. Weird.
But he was pretty diligent..he referred to books to see what he could prescribe me. He asked me to try out a drink with the following concoction to replenish moisture to my skin:-
Waterchestnut
Cucumber
Chinese Pear
Honey
I left the medicine hall with at least 8 packs of dry herbs and "creatures" to boil. Yulks.
After seeing the sinseh for 3 months, my condition did improve. Maybe I was more cautious with my diet then and took alot of the juice that he asked me to.
My tongue felt less dry and skin looked less dull. I was patient because I can see that this sinseh was also trying his best to help me. Why did I say that I was patient..it was because I had to see him every other 3 days. He would change the prescription in accordance to my reaction to the herbs. I must say that he was pretty good.
The sad thing was he left for China again to upgrade himself and I lost touch with him.
Today, I am still in search of supplements that can boost my collagen level. I saw the advertisement on DHC collagen drink and immediately searched the net for feedback/review. After knowing more of the product, I went on to try it. I drank this collagen drink for about 3 months and felt good. It helped somehow but the price was steep. 10 bottles for $48. One bottle a night before sleep. After that I switched to another 2 different brands."Fine" in powder form and "AFC" in caplets.
Which gives the best results? In my opinion "Fine" contains more ingredients that will boost the skin's vitality and youthfulness in the long term. But the liquid DHC seemed to give me faster results. AFC lacks the ingredients compared to "Fine".
I am also alternating coconut oil and cod liver oil intake. Primrose oil I have been taking for yeeears but did not feel any different when I stopped. I read that flaxseed is good for skin too. Haven't tried that though. Would be good to have some feedback on this..anyone consumed flaxseed before?
I believe it holds strongly for mua. When I was about to turn 40, I was afraid because I had a childhood guy friend who died at 40..he had nose cancer. I remembered him as a gentleman, kind and proud in his own ways and a cheerful being. I regretted not knowing him better and never kept in touch with him after he left for his studies in US.
I then feared that I too can't make that mark because I had signs of the pre-menopause symptoms every now and then. Or was it my mind playing havoc. I called my good old friends and told them my fear. You know who you are buddies..I thank you for being there to listen. I was elated when the clock struck 12am as I finally turned 40. Yeah.
Having said that, turning 40 brought about many problems too. The skin on my face had less elasticity. The fine lines appeared deeper when I smiled. I have lost plenty of collagen!! The skin on my outer hands tend to dry easily and become more sensitive when I touch water. I feel drier than before and all these are not my imagination. My face was so dry it made me look older and believe it or not, my eyebrows were also thinning.
I started bleeding twice a month (yah lost of blood too) and felt weak and DRY. I also felt thirsty most of the time. I thought hey this is it. Am I leaving earth soon? My liver or kidney must have been overloaded with all the supplements and steroids.
My mother saw the changes in me and practically had to drag me to see the Chinese Physician near her home. I went just to appease her.
The sinseh is a young fellow from Taiwan. He can't practice in his own country because he got his degree from a China University.. I was inquisitive and interviewed him to see if he is reliable. Why? I didn't know there was such rule in Taiwan. Weird.
But he was pretty diligent..he referred to books to see what he could prescribe me. He asked me to try out a drink with the following concoction to replenish moisture to my skin:-
Waterchestnut
Cucumber
Chinese Pear
Honey
I left the medicine hall with at least 8 packs of dry herbs and "creatures" to boil. Yulks.
After seeing the sinseh for 3 months, my condition did improve. Maybe I was more cautious with my diet then and took alot of the juice that he asked me to.
My tongue felt less dry and skin looked less dull. I was patient because I can see that this sinseh was also trying his best to help me. Why did I say that I was patient..it was because I had to see him every other 3 days. He would change the prescription in accordance to my reaction to the herbs. I must say that he was pretty good.
The sad thing was he left for China again to upgrade himself and I lost touch with him.
Today, I am still in search of supplements that can boost my collagen level. I saw the advertisement on DHC collagen drink and immediately searched the net for feedback/review. After knowing more of the product, I went on to try it. I drank this collagen drink for about 3 months and felt good. It helped somehow but the price was steep. 10 bottles for $48. One bottle a night before sleep. After that I switched to another 2 different brands."Fine" in powder form and "AFC" in caplets.
Which gives the best results? In my opinion "Fine" contains more ingredients that will boost the skin's vitality and youthfulness in the long term. But the liquid DHC seemed to give me faster results. AFC lacks the ingredients compared to "Fine".
I am also alternating coconut oil and cod liver oil intake. Primrose oil I have been taking for yeeears but did not feel any different when I stopped. I read that flaxseed is good for skin too. Haven't tried that though. Would be good to have some feedback on this..anyone consumed flaxseed before?
Monday, June 7, 2010
Am I half a reptile?
I am sure you can envisage how dandruffs look like. My skin flakes like dandruff and sheds like a snake. I first experienced this some 7 years ago. It was so bad that I thought the dermatologist I was seeing made a Huge mistake. Maybe I have psoriasis instead of eczema or has my eczema turned into psoriasis?
So, off I went to see my long time dermatologist, Dr Cheong Wai Keong. Showed him my shedding skin parts - it was on the trunk of my body, my arms and my ankles...even my face :(
He examined me with his magnifying glass, asked me what I had done or eaten that caused my skin to be so bad. I couldn't think of anything in particular other than STRESS.
I was on prednisolone again and ointments to apply. He gave me ointments instead of creams because my skin was terribly dry and sore. As much as I understood NOT to further aggravate my skin..I just couldn't help the process of tearing the flaky skin off from my body. So I spent lots of my time doing that..peeling away all the dry skin..it was an endless task. The dry flaky skin will pile up around where I was seated all the time. It shed even when I didn't touch it..it was exasperating. I was down in spirit and ignored my children and husband. I locked myself in the room and asked to be left alone.
It took some time for the skin to recover..in fact should I be using the word recover?? My skin never looked normal..it looks dry all the time and of course there are signs of eczema here and there..they never totally left me. I am still flaking today but very much milder compared to that episode 7 years ago. I guess it is because I learn how to stay calm internally, not to expect too much of people and from people (so that I won't get angry over small issues), relax, take deep breaths to increase oxygen intake and most of all have a happy outlook of life.
I slowly picked myself up but with some encouragement from my spouse. He tried to talk some sense into me, telling me not to pity myself so on and so forth. The enemy is still Myself...I have to look forward and live my life. I don't want to rot away as a useless person. I want to be a good mother who can spend quality time with the kids. I want to join in the family activities but can I? I try..and am still trying today.
Whenever I feel a lot of heat pent within me..I will consume home boiled chrysanthemum drink without rock sugar. It does help in bringing down the internal heatiness.
So, off I went to see my long time dermatologist, Dr Cheong Wai Keong. Showed him my shedding skin parts - it was on the trunk of my body, my arms and my ankles...even my face :(
He examined me with his magnifying glass, asked me what I had done or eaten that caused my skin to be so bad. I couldn't think of anything in particular other than STRESS.
I was on prednisolone again and ointments to apply. He gave me ointments instead of creams because my skin was terribly dry and sore. As much as I understood NOT to further aggravate my skin..I just couldn't help the process of tearing the flaky skin off from my body. So I spent lots of my time doing that..peeling away all the dry skin..it was an endless task. The dry flaky skin will pile up around where I was seated all the time. It shed even when I didn't touch it..it was exasperating. I was down in spirit and ignored my children and husband. I locked myself in the room and asked to be left alone.
It took some time for the skin to recover..in fact should I be using the word recover?? My skin never looked normal..it looks dry all the time and of course there are signs of eczema here and there..they never totally left me. I am still flaking today but very much milder compared to that episode 7 years ago. I guess it is because I learn how to stay calm internally, not to expect too much of people and from people (so that I won't get angry over small issues), relax, take deep breaths to increase oxygen intake and most of all have a happy outlook of life.
I slowly picked myself up but with some encouragement from my spouse. He tried to talk some sense into me, telling me not to pity myself so on and so forth. The enemy is still Myself...I have to look forward and live my life. I don't want to rot away as a useless person. I want to be a good mother who can spend quality time with the kids. I want to join in the family activities but can I? I try..and am still trying today.
Whenever I feel a lot of heat pent within me..I will consume home boiled chrysanthemum drink without rock sugar. It does help in bringing down the internal heatiness.
What I do to stay sane..
Just had my spa..I feel clean and light. Straight after that I slap a whole lot of Moya Q10 lotion on my skin to lock in the moisture and to take this opportunity to allow the moisturiser to absorp into the thirsty skin. Use any moisturiser that suits you. For me, I have tried every moisturiser that you can find on the shelves at the pharmacy, Watsons, shopping centres, internet, MLM..but I still prefer Moya Q10. It doesn't sting my open wounds and it has a rose scent which is not too strong.
I have tried QV range from Australia and find them pretty useless on my skin now. They appear a little too thin on my skin and is not moisturising enough. Tried Aveeno, Invite Vitamin E cream, Akin, ROC Endyrial(?), Avene, Physiogel, an Oatmeal based moisturiser (cant remember the brand now), etc but didn't like the sticky feeling on the skin after application. The worst is that I SMELL after applying some of the creams.
There was once when I entered the car, my children said I smell and I burst out crying. I thought my family members should understand my condition and bear with it but children being children, they were just being honest. I discarded that moisturiser since.
Having touched on this "smell" thingy...I did recall I smell like a rotting human alive when I over scratched myself. My clothes will stick to my weeping skin making me feel so yulky all over. I am glad that I haven't been feeling that since I started my spa sessions.
I am thankful to Mrs Ong for recommending this Spa products to me. She is a wonderful friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer some years back and has since been suffering from lupus. Lupus is another auto immune disease that attacks your own cells. She is also on this home spa thingy a little longer than myself (probably 11 months) and has shown great results. She looks very healthy when I visited her on 2nd June 2010 to celebrate her birthday.
Next, I will stretch myself and take deep deep breaths to relax myself. Then I gulp down a mug of water and make myself a camomile tea. Yes..we have to learn to enjoy our lives..after all it is the one and only chance we have on earth.
I have tried QV range from Australia and find them pretty useless on my skin now. They appear a little too thin on my skin and is not moisturising enough. Tried Aveeno, Invite Vitamin E cream, Akin, ROC Endyrial(?), Avene, Physiogel, an Oatmeal based moisturiser (cant remember the brand now), etc but didn't like the sticky feeling on the skin after application. The worst is that I SMELL after applying some of the creams.
There was once when I entered the car, my children said I smell and I burst out crying. I thought my family members should understand my condition and bear with it but children being children, they were just being honest. I discarded that moisturiser since.
Having touched on this "smell" thingy...I did recall I smell like a rotting human alive when I over scratched myself. My clothes will stick to my weeping skin making me feel so yulky all over. I am glad that I haven't been feeling that since I started my spa sessions.
I am thankful to Mrs Ong for recommending this Spa products to me. She is a wonderful friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer some years back and has since been suffering from lupus. Lupus is another auto immune disease that attacks your own cells. She is also on this home spa thingy a little longer than myself (probably 11 months) and has shown great results. She looks very healthy when I visited her on 2nd June 2010 to celebrate her birthday.
Next, I will stretch myself and take deep deep breaths to relax myself. Then I gulp down a mug of water and make myself a camomile tea. Yes..we have to learn to enjoy our lives..after all it is the one and only chance we have on earth.
How does the ultrasonic home spa look like?
To me it is a God sent machine that can help us humans in many areas.
This machine looks so simple and comprises of 3 components. The machine, a PVC hose and a rubber mat. Yes a rubber mat that looks like any other anti slip mat in the bathroom (imagine that sold at Ikea). Just that the mat has 300 holes and lined with size of a fifty cents coin protrusions from the mat containing ceramic powder.
The benefits it gives are aplenty. The ceramic powder with a little heat from the water gives out far infrared rays whilst the bubbles gushing out from the 300 holes will collide and emit ultrasonic effects. The machine also produces ozone from its corona system which helps in anti inflammatory purpose.
Just want to keep this simple and not too technical.
This machine looks so simple and comprises of 3 components. The machine, a PVC hose and a rubber mat. Yes a rubber mat that looks like any other anti slip mat in the bathroom (imagine that sold at Ikea). Just that the mat has 300 holes and lined with size of a fifty cents coin protrusions from the mat containing ceramic powder.
The benefits it gives are aplenty. The ceramic powder with a little heat from the water gives out far infrared rays whilst the bubbles gushing out from the 300 holes will collide and emit ultrasonic effects. The machine also produces ozone from its corona system which helps in anti inflammatory purpose.
Just want to keep this simple and not too technical.
My childhood with eczema
I recall my buddy Janet Neo from kindergarten years that she noticed me at the assembly not because that I was pretty but because I had ROUGH legs. She ever mentioned that her legs accidentally brushed mine and it came as a shock as she had never experienced this before. She naively likened it to "crocodile skin".
Well, I was touched by her honesty but I was never disheartened by her remark. Strange though. Maybe because I still had friends around me despite my condition. I was surrounded by kind and loving people and it may have helped me deviate my attention to other things in life.
The moral of the story is to focus on something more worthwhile than on our predicament. We choose the path we thread on and it is important to stay positive.
Well, I was touched by her honesty but I was never disheartened by her remark. Strange though. Maybe because I still had friends around me despite my condition. I was surrounded by kind and loving people and it may have helped me deviate my attention to other things in life.
The moral of the story is to focus on something more worthwhile than on our predicament. We choose the path we thread on and it is important to stay positive.
Our Precious Jewel the Immune System
I realise whenever I fall ill, my skin will start to dry and become flaky. This has to do with my immune system. As an eczema sufferer, I strongly believe that either my liver or/and kidney is/are not functioning at its optimum or probably not as efficient as a healthy person. No one is perfect right.
Once the skin is dry, the itch starts and the list goes on..itch scratch, scratch bleed, bleed weep..then I weep too..
So, what I did was read up on the internet on how to detoxify these organs. One day, when I was in PJ, I dropped by a pharmacy and got myself a Wheat Grass Powder and a bottle of Probiotics. I had been consuming the products for about 3 months but did not realise the benefits of it until I finished the products.
The products helped me with my daily excretion and the skin showed very little improvement but can be felt by myself only. It felt less dry...could that be my imagination?
And yes, during the menstruation cycle, my skin tends to be very very dry in the first 2 days or so and subsequently, it will take at least another 5 days to recover. The 2 areas which are badly affected are the outer hands and the ankles and feet. The dryness is felt throughout the body and I would walk like a hunchback as I can't bring myself to walk upright due to the tautness of the skin.
I guess my eczema has come to a stage where it is chronic. I felt warm most of the time and whenever I rush or is stressed up, I tend to have flushes and slowly but surely the eczema condition will surface. I detest air con too..strange right?? I feel that it makes my skin drier.
According to one of the dermatologists I consulted during my teenage, I recalled him mentioning that I also have a condition on my legs called lichen amyloidosys (wonder if I spell it correctly). However, with spa of 8 months, the condition on my legs have improved tremendously.
Spa enhances our immune system by increasing our body temperature. It also slough away the dead skin cells throughout my whole body which I cannot achieve by taking a normal bath.
I do not know if this happens to all eczema sufferers but I find the cells on my skin die very fast..how do I put it?? Well, even when I spa 3 times a day, I could see dead skin floating on the surface of the water. This could be due to inflammation of the skin.
It never occur to me that I want to document this condition of mine in my blog..cos it is a very private matter and most people may get disgusted by it. Nevertheless, I felt that it is better to let people understand the condition than avoid or hide it. Hopefully one day, my children can read this blog and understand why mommy acts the way she does.
I am not advocating that the spa is the ultimate and best solution to my eczema problem but it does help me wake up to another new day with zest and reduced the itch by say 40%?? It can soften the dead skin on the surface and slough it away without causing me pain. It helped me regained a lifestyle that I am thankful for..a day without itch is day of bliss...it is just this simple for me.
To all eczema sufferers out there...try to recall what makes your condition worse? For me, I recall being down with heat stroke after returning from my trip to Vienna some years back and true enough, the condition worsened and nothing seemed to make it any better.
Understanding what triggered the condition can help us manage our conditon better...just pause and think..what have you been doing to yourself that may trigger the condition.
Once the skin is dry, the itch starts and the list goes on..itch scratch, scratch bleed, bleed weep..then I weep too..
So, what I did was read up on the internet on how to detoxify these organs. One day, when I was in PJ, I dropped by a pharmacy and got myself a Wheat Grass Powder and a bottle of Probiotics. I had been consuming the products for about 3 months but did not realise the benefits of it until I finished the products.
The products helped me with my daily excretion and the skin showed very little improvement but can be felt by myself only. It felt less dry...could that be my imagination?
And yes, during the menstruation cycle, my skin tends to be very very dry in the first 2 days or so and subsequently, it will take at least another 5 days to recover. The 2 areas which are badly affected are the outer hands and the ankles and feet. The dryness is felt throughout the body and I would walk like a hunchback as I can't bring myself to walk upright due to the tautness of the skin.
I guess my eczema has come to a stage where it is chronic. I felt warm most of the time and whenever I rush or is stressed up, I tend to have flushes and slowly but surely the eczema condition will surface. I detest air con too..strange right?? I feel that it makes my skin drier.
According to one of the dermatologists I consulted during my teenage, I recalled him mentioning that I also have a condition on my legs called lichen amyloidosys (wonder if I spell it correctly). However, with spa of 8 months, the condition on my legs have improved tremendously.
Spa enhances our immune system by increasing our body temperature. It also slough away the dead skin cells throughout my whole body which I cannot achieve by taking a normal bath.
I do not know if this happens to all eczema sufferers but I find the cells on my skin die very fast..how do I put it?? Well, even when I spa 3 times a day, I could see dead skin floating on the surface of the water. This could be due to inflammation of the skin.
It never occur to me that I want to document this condition of mine in my blog..cos it is a very private matter and most people may get disgusted by it. Nevertheless, I felt that it is better to let people understand the condition than avoid or hide it. Hopefully one day, my children can read this blog and understand why mommy acts the way she does.
I am not advocating that the spa is the ultimate and best solution to my eczema problem but it does help me wake up to another new day with zest and reduced the itch by say 40%?? It can soften the dead skin on the surface and slough it away without causing me pain. It helped me regained a lifestyle that I am thankful for..a day without itch is day of bliss...it is just this simple for me.
To all eczema sufferers out there...try to recall what makes your condition worse? For me, I recall being down with heat stroke after returning from my trip to Vienna some years back and true enough, the condition worsened and nothing seemed to make it any better.
Understanding what triggered the condition can help us manage our conditon better...just pause and think..what have you been doing to yourself that may trigger the condition.
Growing up with eczema
I started seeing the dermatologist in Johor Bahru, Malaysia when I was in kindergarten. It is the current Tun Aminah Hospital where my dad enjoys substantial subsidy from the Malaysian government as he was a civil servant.
The doctor gave me a translucent ointment to apply on the affected areas and with all these years of experience, I realised the ointment given was probably very high in potency. I remember splashing the ointment thickly on the parts thinking that the more I apply the faster I will heal - which is the wrong concept.
My condition did not improve and I was given all kinds of ointments and creams to try on - more like a guinea pig. After awhile, the family accepted the fact that I am what I am and I stopped consulting the doctor unless necessary. Oh yes..I was also given oral steroid - prednisolone as high as 15mg and it made me real plump. Not that kinda fatness all round but only on the face and legs. So, I was nicknamed Pig's legs when I was in primary school. Well, I was not sad then..I laughed along with them.
When I was a teenager, I started to feel more conscious of my looks and skin. With a recommendation from an uncle, my dad finally brought me to a Private Dermatologist. It is really sad to hear from the dermatologist's mouth that I went to him too late...sigh...if only I had gone to him earlier..that was what he said.
So, every trip cost my dad hundreds of ringgit. The doctor will give me at least 5-10 jabs on my legs which he called "lichen amyloidosys". The purpose of the jabs was to flatten the raised pimple like skin. I was terrified of the visits because I was subjected to these jabs which I hated.
My condition improved then came back again like a see saw...up and down. I stopped seeing the doctor later on because I could easily purchase the ointments and creams off the rack at the pharmacy. Slowly I began to accept my condition and made the best out of it.
Overall, I had a wonderful teenage life..learnt the ups and downs and how to manage criticisms from strangers on my skin condition. I did not mention the areas most affected then - it was concentrated on the neck area, inner side of the elbows and knees only.
It was during my first pregnancy that I had eczema flared up my whole body. I had to see 2 doctors at that time - the gynae and the dermatologist. I was practically scratching myself mad on the tummy and everywhere. And it made me feel "cold" all the time. That was a result of the inflammation on my skin.
After the joy of having the first child, I forgot about all the sufferings and had a second one 2 years later. My skin got worst this time round.
I stopped at 2. No more. I yearn for another child but I do not want to go through the hardship again - too mind torturing.
As I age, I realised that my skin weeps without any rhyme and reason. Or did I overlook some factors?? I experienced EXCESSIVE perspiration - my tshirt can get soaked with sweat..sticky sweat indeed. I felt terrible..this happened about 2 years ago. My health also deteriorated. I was wondering if this was what they called the pre-menopause symptoms? Or is it me going bonkers? After all these years, I felt myself indulging in my own negativeness..feeling down and sorrowful..why is this happening?
I consulted 2 doctors and a Chinese Physician to search for an answer. All 3 said it was unlikely to be pre-menopause symptoms as I am still "young". Hmmm..dermatologists say it could be due to my skin condition AGAIN..I was given prednisolone.. I chucked them away. I decided to go for more natural and less harmful methods to alleviate this itch of my skin. I am determined to find it.
After much reading and analysing, I find that the most important factor is rest..a restful sleep can help heal the body.
The doctor gave me a translucent ointment to apply on the affected areas and with all these years of experience, I realised the ointment given was probably very high in potency. I remember splashing the ointment thickly on the parts thinking that the more I apply the faster I will heal - which is the wrong concept.
My condition did not improve and I was given all kinds of ointments and creams to try on - more like a guinea pig. After awhile, the family accepted the fact that I am what I am and I stopped consulting the doctor unless necessary. Oh yes..I was also given oral steroid - prednisolone as high as 15mg and it made me real plump. Not that kinda fatness all round but only on the face and legs. So, I was nicknamed Pig's legs when I was in primary school. Well, I was not sad then..I laughed along with them.
When I was a teenager, I started to feel more conscious of my looks and skin. With a recommendation from an uncle, my dad finally brought me to a Private Dermatologist. It is really sad to hear from the dermatologist's mouth that I went to him too late...sigh...if only I had gone to him earlier..that was what he said.
So, every trip cost my dad hundreds of ringgit. The doctor will give me at least 5-10 jabs on my legs which he called "lichen amyloidosys". The purpose of the jabs was to flatten the raised pimple like skin. I was terrified of the visits because I was subjected to these jabs which I hated.
My condition improved then came back again like a see saw...up and down. I stopped seeing the doctor later on because I could easily purchase the ointments and creams off the rack at the pharmacy. Slowly I began to accept my condition and made the best out of it.
Overall, I had a wonderful teenage life..learnt the ups and downs and how to manage criticisms from strangers on my skin condition. I did not mention the areas most affected then - it was concentrated on the neck area, inner side of the elbows and knees only.
It was during my first pregnancy that I had eczema flared up my whole body. I had to see 2 doctors at that time - the gynae and the dermatologist. I was practically scratching myself mad on the tummy and everywhere. And it made me feel "cold" all the time. That was a result of the inflammation on my skin.
After the joy of having the first child, I forgot about all the sufferings and had a second one 2 years later. My skin got worst this time round.
I stopped at 2. No more. I yearn for another child but I do not want to go through the hardship again - too mind torturing.
As I age, I realised that my skin weeps without any rhyme and reason. Or did I overlook some factors?? I experienced EXCESSIVE perspiration - my tshirt can get soaked with sweat..sticky sweat indeed. I felt terrible..this happened about 2 years ago. My health also deteriorated. I was wondering if this was what they called the pre-menopause symptoms? Or is it me going bonkers? After all these years, I felt myself indulging in my own negativeness..feeling down and sorrowful..why is this happening?
I consulted 2 doctors and a Chinese Physician to search for an answer. All 3 said it was unlikely to be pre-menopause symptoms as I am still "young". Hmmm..dermatologists say it could be due to my skin condition AGAIN..I was given prednisolone.. I chucked them away. I decided to go for more natural and less harmful methods to alleviate this itch of my skin. I am determined to find it.
After much reading and analysing, I find that the most important factor is rest..a restful sleep can help heal the body.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Some facts about Life Insurance
- 1 in 3 persons will contract some form of cancer during their lifetime
- life insurance is not all that expensive - it just seems so because people usually package it together with a whole life or endowment (savings) plan
- if you want to protect your wealth, then start by protecting yourself first. What good is it to you if you end up having to spend your hard earned savings on medical expenses when it could have been covered by a critical illness plan
Friday, June 4, 2010
I tell you .....
... if no one bothers to post a comment or offer any feedback, I will be tempted to stop blogging FOREVER! Its so silent you can hear a pin drop. Is it because people are too stunned to react? More likely its cos no one is reading this and no one cares. Yup! That must be it.
Here was a blogger who tried her best
She put in her all but it was just a mess
Along came a reader who told her to stop
It was not the way to write a blog
Many a time we go out and try
Something new, something different or something "sai"
There, that feels goods to make things ryhme
I can end this blog, now is the time
Author: Justme
Thats' the truth. Its a thankless job, posting stuff and realizing that no one is reading it. Well not really. I read it. And you know what, my (courtesy of the Ghost Blogger) posts aren't all that interesting .... even to me. Sigh! What does a girl have to do to get people to view her blog? That has got me mystified.
Here was a blogger who tried her best
She put in her all but it was just a mess
Along came a reader who told her to stop
It was not the way to write a blog
Many a time we go out and try
Something new, something different or something "sai"
There, that feels goods to make things ryhme
I can end this blog, now is the time
Author: Justme
Thats' the truth. Its a thankless job, posting stuff and realizing that no one is reading it. Well not really. I read it. And you know what, my (courtesy of the Ghost Blogger) posts aren't all that interesting .... even to me. Sigh! What does a girl have to do to get people to view her blog? That has got me mystified.
Spa?
Sorry for not blogging for such a long while. Sometimes in life we tend to go off tangent and emphasize the nitty gritty things and spend way too much of our precious time mulling over the unnecessary.
From where I last left off .... I managed to "try out" 2 sessions of spa at a spa centre, after much persuasion from Mrs Ong. To be honest, I went with a "suspicious" mind and when the spa representative/consultant explained the theory of how the spa works and benefits I can derive from the machine, I practically told my brain not to believe her (sorry ahem). Sensing I was drifting away from the talk, she suggested I hop into the bath tub of spiralling warm water specially prepared for me with the essential oil for my skin, namely the camomille oil.
I reluctantly accepted the offer as I did not like the idea of getting myself wet in a strange place other than my very own bathroom. They offered me a disposable towel and a shower cap and the rest was done behind closed door. Ooh la la :)
My first instinct was that the water was too hot for me cos I was told by my dermatologist that hot bath is a no no for dry skin. So I added some cold water to make the water less hot. Then I eased myself slowly into the bathtub. Ooooh! I felt the warm water caress my dry, cracked skin and I wanted to stop. But then I steeled myself, convinced that no pain, no gain .... and who dares, wins! Alamak! Am I starting to sound like a motivation speaker?
Back to the spa. After a while, I found myself alone in a bathtub of water with millions of powerful bubbles splashing all over me. It was a new sensation for me. I tried to recall what the spa consultant had told me. Relax. Let the bubbles cascade over you. Don't be afraid to try out different positions eg. face front, face back, lie on back, curl up in foetal position ... Here I was, lost in my own thoughts listening to the sound of the bubbles as they collided with each other at super speed. Later I was to find out more about infra red and how raising the body's temperature actually helps the immune system ... to be cont'd
From where I last left off .... I managed to "try out" 2 sessions of spa at a spa centre, after much persuasion from Mrs Ong. To be honest, I went with a "suspicious" mind and when the spa representative/consultant explained the theory of how the spa works and benefits I can derive from the machine, I practically told my brain not to believe her (sorry ahem). Sensing I was drifting away from the talk, she suggested I hop into the bath tub of spiralling warm water specially prepared for me with the essential oil for my skin, namely the camomille oil.
I reluctantly accepted the offer as I did not like the idea of getting myself wet in a strange place other than my very own bathroom. They offered me a disposable towel and a shower cap and the rest was done behind closed door. Ooh la la :)
My first instinct was that the water was too hot for me cos I was told by my dermatologist that hot bath is a no no for dry skin. So I added some cold water to make the water less hot. Then I eased myself slowly into the bathtub. Ooooh! I felt the warm water caress my dry, cracked skin and I wanted to stop. But then I steeled myself, convinced that no pain, no gain .... and who dares, wins! Alamak! Am I starting to sound like a motivation speaker?
Back to the spa. After a while, I found myself alone in a bathtub of water with millions of powerful bubbles splashing all over me. It was a new sensation for me. I tried to recall what the spa consultant had told me. Relax. Let the bubbles cascade over you. Don't be afraid to try out different positions eg. face front, face back, lie on back, curl up in foetal position ... Here I was, lost in my own thoughts listening to the sound of the bubbles as they collided with each other at super speed. Later I was to find out more about infra red and how raising the body's temperature actually helps the immune system ... to be cont'd
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