It's been a while since I visited this board. I guess men with lupus
won't easily come out in the open and share their views or experiences
regarding this disease. I cannot say I'm way past that notch where I
have accepted my fate as having it but, I am hoping that I'd live long
enough for its cure to materialize.

Now, the net is full of both information and list of vitamin
supplements that may help lessen the weakening effects of this
disease. Yet, in spite of such hollow promises, I never once tried to
purchase any but stick to all 37 maintenance meds my doctors give me.
Of course, there are days when (out of my own frustrations) I skip
out on any of those meds.

My last week's visit to my Renal doctors though made me re-think my
drug rebellion and am now trying to take every single pill included in
my daily regimen because of the sudden aggressive activities of this
disease in my body. Or so my doctors tell me. Both Creatinine and
Protein levels shot up-- enough for my doctors to be alarmed. So, the
only reason I know behind this were those days when I skipped my meds.

For anyone who has SLE, try not to repeat my mistake(s). It's
unhealthy for us who have it, for life. I will try to reform my ways
where my meds are concerned and change my attitude towards my timely
administrations. Bitter and icky as they all come, we just don't have
any choice but to take every one of those pills.

I normally drink orange juice or iced tea where small but bitter pills
(Prednisone, Plaquenil, Lasix, Losartan, Vytorin, Lotensin, Fosamax)
are concerned. The bigger pills go best with water because, either
they're bland to the taste or merely chalky (Os-Cal, Neurontin,
Renagel, CellCept).

For a while, this board was assailed by unknown spammers-- advertising
products unrelated to Lupus nor SLE. Pam, our Moderator, has been
warm and generous with her time by keeping the SHIP afloat. So sorry
I seldom appear, Pam. But new members are indeed welcome to come
share their mind(s). :D

I hope whoever drops by could just holler around and we'll try to echo
back.

Peace!

~Rob