Tragedy in the family...

Sorry I haven't posted in a little while. There was an unexpected tragedy with a family friend and we have been by her side since it happened. I will resume my posts soon.

Until next time...
xo

Inflammation & Immunity

All information can be found in and has been cited from; The Lupus Book (Fourth Edition) A Guide for Patients and their Families by Daniel J Wallace, M.D. (pg. 17-19)

Inflammatory and immune responses are responsible for many of the symptoms seen in systemic lupus. The body of a healthy individual is always on the lookout for foreign invaders that pose a threat. Hence, one's immunity.

There are many different components regarding one's blood supply. One's blood supply consists of different components, including:

Red Blood Cells (erythrocytes): responsible for the carrying and exchanging of oxygen. If someone has a low red blood cell count, they are suffering from something called Anemia.

White Blood Cells (leukocytes): it is these cells that make up the body's main defense system. White blood cells play a huge role in inflammation.

Platelets: it is one's platelets that are responsible for clotting blood.

Plasma: it is plasma that makes up the majority of our blood supply. Plasma contains lots of proteins and other substances being transferred to different parts of the body.


There are (5) types of white blood cells that have been identified all relevant to Lupus. The list is as follows:

- Polymorphonuclear Cells: Cells also known as neutrophils or granulocytes, which are made, and found, in our bone marrow. They circulate the blood for a few days which are then passed into tissue. 50%-70% of our circulating white cells are neutrophils (pg. 17)

- Eosinophils: These particular white blood cells make up 0% to 5% of our entire white blood cell supply. Eosinophils are involved in allergic responses. (pg. 18)

- Basophils: These particular cells don't have a defined function. Tissue based basophils are known as "mast cells". These cells fight against parasitic or fungal invasions to the body. They also play a huge role in allergy. (pg. 18)

- Lymphocytes: Gate keepers to our immune system. Also produced in the bone marrow, can survive up to 20 years. (pg. 18)

- Monocytes: The circulating blood component of the "monocyte-macrophage" network. It is these cells that are responsible for processing foreign invaders (antigens) and the destroying cells and tissues that are products of inflammation. Macrophages can be present in blood as well, however they are mostly found in tissue. (pg. 18)

This information is to solely be used as a resource tool for people living with Lupus and auto-immune disease. I thought the information would be an amazing tool for all of us :)

Talk soon...
xo

University of Athabasca

The possibility of achieving a post-secondary education seemed next to impossible after my health began to worsen. I was forced to withdraw from my program at a local university just a few short years ago. I never in a million years could have imagined that the opportunity to achieve my degree would have presented itself, especially with the numerous road blocks called my health. After explaining my situation to a student advisor at a nearby university, I was told about a credible, known university that is completely based on individualized and online programs. I was extremely hesitant at first, not knowing too much about the university. If I have learned anything at all, high schools aren't very accomodating to students with disabilities wanting to pursue a post-secondary method of study. It wasn't until 2 years after high school that I heard about this amazing opportunity. I went so long trying to fit my needs into the expectations of various universities, I never thought about having a university fit my needs. With the knowledge that things would always be a little bit harder and more challenging, I knew from the moment I spoke to my student advisor that this school was the perfect fit!

There are a few things you need to consider when registering for a program...
1.) Am I able to complete the suggested assignments, tests, and exams in a timely fashion without procrastinating?
2.) Am I ready to complete a course without deadlines?

The amazing prospects involved with the University of Athabasca begins to grow by leaps and bounds. Not only is Athabasca accomodating to students with disabilities, they are extremely supportive in wanting to see you achieve. I could have never found a perfect fit, even if I had dreamt it! One thing that really sold me was the opportunity to complete a course without deadlines. It became quite clear early on that I would not be able to attend lectures and classes on a daily basis due to my inability to sit or stand for long periods at a time, as well as the fear that I wouldn't be able to complete my assignments on time because I get acutely sick so often. No deadlines! If you are able to complete the course in an aloted amount of time, this is perfect for you!

What are some advantages to being a part of the students with disabilities program that is offered with the University of Athabasca?
1.) You are given the opportunity to utilize 3, 2 month extensions if needed without charge
2.) Each student is given the opportunity to apply for accomodations regarding the final exam. (This was the most important for me)
3.) Lastly, students with disabilities are given the opportunity to take advantage of helpful equipment to help achieve success in completing their degree.


For more information regarding admittance and tuition, visit www.athabascau.ca
You may also want to browse the different program offerings from both undergraduate and graduate programs. You can also go on to achieve your Masters in various areas of study.

If you have any questions regarding the University of Athabasca, don't hesitate to ask!

Talk soon...
Xo

Never Give Up!!

I am SO excited, I cannot contain myself! After alot of hard work and determination, I finally got my marks back from my exam! I PASSED :) It has only proven to me that if you work hard enough, anything is possible. Before I started my Psychology program with the University of Athabasca, I was scared and skeptical. I really thought I could never do it. With the encouragement of my parents and my boyfriend, I decided to throw myself into the course full force. Although it took me longer than the average person due to unforseen circumstances, i ended up proving myself wrong! I passed my course with flying colors :) A 50% is required to pass the course, and although i didn't do as exceptional as i would have wanted, I did pretty darn good for my very first year as a university student. Considering all of the aspects of my life that were working against me, i did well! I finished my course with a 69%, and have enrolled to start again on December 10th :)

If any of you take away any message from this post, i would want it to be that anything is possible with a little bit of hard work and determination. I don't care how daunting it looks, it is possible! You have to be committed, and you also have to realize, and let go of the idea that everything needs to be an A. Although that is what i strived for, I am certainly not dissapointed in the grade I got. That's all I want for all of you - strive for the best! If you are unable to meet that goal, don't beat yourself up about it, it was SO hard for you to get the grade you did.. you should be proud of yourself!

I have to be honest, my first attempt at the exam - i failed. I was extremely down on myself, but.. it only meant I had to work harder the next time. With each course you take, you have 2 chances to achieve a grade of over 50% however if you do not achieve it the first time, you have a second chance. The second chance was all I needed, and the hard work paid off! I will discuss a little bit about The University of Athabasca for those of you who are interested.

Talk soon, and good look on your studies <3
xo