Sunday, February 26, 2012

Holiday report-back

OK OK I know we've been back for a week already! At least I posted photo's :-) Our week off was very nice... Jansenville was nostalgic. I took Chris to my grandparents old farm, where we spend many a weekend as children. It was probably my last time on the farm too, as it's been sold now :-( Took a lot of pics, that I'll still post later.

Storms River Mouth was heaven as always. Still my favourite place in the world. Just the smell there makes me relax instantly. If only I could bottle it and take a sniff every time a Dr wants to take my blood pressure. Did a lot of hiking and relaxing, the two days went WAY too fast!

On Thursday we went to PE for the wedding. That evening we had a kitchen tea/bachelorette party for Chrislie. Was lots of fun, and she got some great gifts!!!! Friday was BUSY BUSY BUSY, picking up flowers, taking stuff to the hotel, having our nails done, driving between malls looking for a specific lipstick, helping with the flower arrangements, supper with family... On the Saturday we were up at 5h30, had to be at the hairdressers by 7AM, had make-up done there too. The ceremony started at 11AM, followed by photo's, and lunch was served at 14h00. Was a great afternoon, I think we only left the venue after 19h00. Went out for a pizza with Antoinette afterwards and collapsed in bed! On Sunday we caught up with some friends and sorted out my sister and her new hubby's flat for them a bit. Drove back to JHB on Monday...

Work was fine at least last week, 4-day weeks are great! This coming week's going to be full-steam rat-race again. Seeing dermatologist on Monday, and having my 3-monthly lung check up on Wednesday. Then Thursday and Friday at work is going to be crazy due to month end. So by next weekend I will have forgotten I even HAD a holiday :-)

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Thursday, February 9, 2012

1 more day at work....

Tomorrow's the last day of work before our holiday!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!! Going in to work early, at 5h30 AM (same as today!). Then after work have to go to pharmacy, pack, drop the kitties off at the cattery... busy busy busy! Then at 3AM on Sat morning we're on the road!!! Breakfast at 7AM in Bloemfontein, and should be by my grandarents in time for late lunch!

Please pray for a safe journey and healthy holiday :-) See you on the 2oth!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Guest Article - by Jenna Walters

One of by blog-readers asked if she could do a guest article. She is a recent college graduate majoring in English, passionate about writing about health issues. And come to think of it, I've never really posted much about CF and it's workings. Feel free to comment!

Cystic Fibrosis and Alternative Therapy

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. Over 70,000 people worldwide have been diagnosed with this condition in the last years. This inherited chronic disease is triggered by a faulty gene that controls the movement of salt and water in the body’s cells. The symptoms of cystic fibrosis vary over time. The main symptoms associated with this disease include persistent cough, repeated lung infections, intestinal blockage, and pulmonary hypertension.

This medical condition causes the internal organs to become clogged with thick, sticky mucus. A combination of medication and physiotherapy can help control lung infections. There is no cure for this disease. Cystic fibrosis can be kept under control through exercise and proper nutrition. Management of cystic fibrosis can help improve the patient's quality of life and delay the decline in organ function. In addition to standard treatments, doctors often recommend herbal supplements, acupuncture, massage, yoga, and homeopathic remedies.

Homeopathic treatments help the immune system fight against the disease and stimulate the body’s curative powers. Homeopathic remedies can relieve discomfort and reduce cystic fibrosis symptoms. This form of treatment is safe for pregnant women, children, and infants. Unlike drugs, homeopathic remedies are non-addictive and have no side effects. Homeopaths believe that this form of treatment uses the body's own powerful capacity to heal itself. Examples of remedies that may be prescribed for cystic fibrosis patients include Laurocerasus, Carbo vegetabilis, and Antimonium tart.

Acupuncture is a form of treatment that involves inserting thin needles in the body. This alternative therapy strengthens the immune system and stimulates respiratory function. Studies indicate that acupuncture is beneficial in treating nausea, anxiety, shortness of breath, pain, and other respiratory related symptoms that may be experienced by cystic fibrosis patients.

Massage therapy can help drain mucus from the lungs and trigger the release of endorphins. Therapeutic massage has been shown to reduce pain and muscle tightness in cystic fibrosis patients. This form of treatment improves pulmonary function, boosts energy levels, and increases muscle strength. Research has shown that massage therapy promotes well-being and reduces anxiety.

Diet is also a very important factor for individuals with serious illnesses such as pericardial mesothelioma, crohn’s disease, and Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis patients should be careful about what their diet consists of and should seek experienced advice on this subject. The use of certain herbal remedies may help relieve symptoms. Early treatment for cystic fibrosis can increase a patient's life expectancy and improve his general health.

- Jenna Walters

Sunday, February 5, 2012

5 more working days 'till bliss!!!

One more week of work!!!!! Don't even have Sunday blues, so excited! Saturday morning at 3am we'll be leaving for Jansenville where my grandparents are, spend 2 nights there, then on to Storms river for 3 nights in the honeymoon suite (can't imagine a more romatic Valentine's Day!). On Thursday morning we'll move on to PE for the wedding! Yay!!! So glad I'll be sharing my sister's big day with her :-)