Perhaps a week or so ago -- I forget because my days tend to bleed into each other -- I saw a snippet of President Obama on television, announcing a five-year plan for reducing HIV-AIDS. I thought to myself, well, that's nice, but what about me -- and people like me? Then, I had to remind myself that there are lots of people like me who would gladly trade places with me, and properly chastised myself for such a lapse. But, let me tell you about people like me.
People like me have Sarcoidosis. Most times when I mention that in conversation, the reply is "Sarca-who?" and I have to repeat myself: Sar -- coi -- do -- sis. I'm not going to try to explain to you what it is, other than it has been described as a run-away immune inflammatory response. There are a few sources on the web for information, to which I commend you. Just google the word.
So why am I writing about this again -- today???
I just love it when you ask the right question! I want to tell you about the upcoming Annual Janine Sarcoidosis Outreach Foundation Walk for a Cure in October. I ask that if you participate in events of this nature, that you consider participating in this one. It is highly likely that you didn't know Janine; neither did I. However, I had the pleasure to meet her mom -- at least on the phone. At some point, whether during or after Janine lost her battle with Sarcoidosis, her mom, Emma Carroll, started a support group for people with Sarcoidosis. Emma is actively and regularly involved with this group and works hard to promote awareness of this orphan disease.
Speaking of orphans, how many 200-plus-year-old orphans do you know? Yes, it's that old; it's just not that popular. And it is more prevalent than one may think. Perhaps it just hasn't claimed the right person's life. Morbid? Sure. But it is what it is.
I just love it when you ask the right question! I want to tell you about the upcoming Annual Janine Sarcoidosis Outreach Foundation Walk for a Cure in October. I ask that if you participate in events of this nature, that you consider participating in this one. It is highly likely that you didn't know Janine; neither did I. However, I had the pleasure to meet her mom -- at least on the phone. At some point, whether during or after Janine lost her battle with Sarcoidosis, her mom, Emma Carroll, started a support group for people with Sarcoidosis. Emma is actively and regularly involved with this group and works hard to promote awareness of this orphan disease.
Speaking of orphans, how many 200-plus-year-old orphans do you know? Yes, it's that old; it's just not that popular. And it is more prevalent than one may think. Perhaps it just hasn't claimed the right person's life. Morbid? Sure. But it is what it is.
Consider that despite the crise de la saison folks are still getting out, enjoying time off, and going about their daily tasks. Just last Saturday on local news, this writer learned of an International Jazz Festival taking place at Discovery Green here in Houston. Saturday was another day of a triple-digit heat index. And the sun precedes such temperatures.
The sun. I love the sun. And not because I need to work on my tan (although I wish it were just a little more uniform as opposed to a plethora of shades of brown). The sun is life-giving. Yes, it can be dangerous when one over indulges, but in proper doses, the sun is a good thing. But not for people with Sarcoidosis. Many of us cannot abide prolonged exposure to sun, or triple-digit heat indices. Most of my time is spent indoors, and I relish the thought of a parking space near the entrance of whatever place I need to visit.
One of the added bonuses that
Do Not Use This Medicine If You Are Pregnant Or Plan to Become Pregnant. My first thought: why is the warning capitalized as if it's a title? Am I to look elsewhere for a detailed explanation? My second thought: no problem for me; there'd have to be a Star in the East and one occurrence of that in the history of the world is quite enough.
You Should Avoid Prolonged Or Excessive Exposure To Direct And/Or Artificial Sunlight While Taking This Medicine. My reaction: Duh . . . I cannot think of one "sarcoid" patient who gets to enjoy the sun anyway.
What I'm getting to is this: There is a Sarcoidosis awareness walk in October. I may not be able to come. At the rate our summer is progressing it will be a long time before we have manageable temperatures for outdoor activities. And if I do come, will I be in remission? We'll just have to wait and see. But will you come? Will you walk? For me and people like me?
One of the added bonuses that
often accompanies Sarcoidosis, including elevated angiotensin-converting enzymes, which causes high blood pressure. In a roundabout way, that's what prompted this writing. Years ago I divested myself of all prescription medications except one: the pilule du jour for high blood pressure. I have tried many. The current one is a high-dollar thing, labeled with its description and three warnings:
May cause dizziness. One might think why is this problematic -- just take it at bedtime. Well, that would be great, but I have to take it in the morning.
Do Not Use This Medicine If You Are Pregnant Or Plan to Become Pregnant. My first thought: why is the warning capitalized as if it's a title? Am I to look elsewhere for a detailed explanation? My second thought: no problem for me; there'd have to be a Star in the East and one occurrence of that in the history of the world is quite enough.
You Should Avoid Prolonged Or Excessive Exposure To Direct And/Or Artificial Sunlight While Taking This Medicine. My reaction: Duh . . . I cannot think of one "sarcoid" patient who gets to enjoy the sun anyway.
What I'm getting to is this: There is a Sarcoidosis awareness walk in October. I may not be able to come. At the rate our summer is progressing it will be a long time before we have manageable temperatures for outdoor activities. And if I do come, will I be in remission? We'll just have to wait and see. But will you come? Will you walk? For me and people like me?
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