People sent from heaven

On 15th May 2009, it was exactly the day two years ago when I reached the United States the for first time by boarding a plane with a flight ticket bought by a person (including her wonderful friends & family) that at the end proclaimed that it was a gift from God to her.

Eversince, this question of thought was raised in me "What did I do to deserve such kind and generous treatment?", its been years when I started pondering deeply on the question. I thought from the east to the west in search for the answer, thinking the best things or best attributes I have or done in the past (eventhough it is improper to think highly on one ownself) to deserve such kindness and generosity, but all is in vain...

At last, after nearly two years of search for the answer, the actual answer does not come and cannot be found from me. An answer from heaven has humbled me that it was not really about me, myself or I but the true answer lies within the giver herself.

Just as much as a bird is to fly or a dog is to beg for food :) (Let me try again...)

Just as much as God is to love, the giver herself (which I am the taker/recipient) is generous and kind. Yes, the answer to my question is NOT what I have done or not done or even who I am BUT it is who the giver/ person is WHICH is nothing lesser than a kind and generous soul sent from heaven.

It is not who I am or or what I have done BUT it is about who the giver is WHICH is a kind and generous soul.

I am blessed with so many genuine and kind friends. I thank the LORD everynight for all of you.

Thank you for being yourself/ yourselves, nothing lesser than a kind and generous soul.

Thank you.

Joshua

Response to intensive 3 months of prednisone treatment for AA

My response to three months of prednisone treatment for Alopecia areata. (As posted on Alopecia World website)



I am going to voice my opinion as brief as possible into three aspect Physiologically, Philosophically & Psychologically. I'm into veterinary medicine and we even use prednisone for animals but never longer than 7 days. However, I need more specification/ details in term of the dosage of prednisone and the route of administration. However, my response is based on the recommended prednisone dosage being used over this three months of treatment (given systemically).

The physiological aspect:

Side effects of Prednisone:
Major
1. Risk of developing diabetes
2. Weight gain (also increased risk of Cushing's syndrome- hyperadrenocortism)
3. Facial swelling / ascites/ edematous
4. Depression, euphoria, or behavioral changes
5. Fatigue or lethargic
6. Vision impairment
7. Ulcers / Mouth sores
8. Osteoporosis
9. Insomnia
10. Joints & abdominal pain
11. Cataracts
12. Anxiety
13. Blood vessels diseases

Minor
1. Rash
2. Diarrhea
3. Frequent urination

In short, I am strongly against the use of Prednisone for more than 7 days as recommended for the treatment of Alopecia areata and what more for 3 months. ( Again, very dosage dependent)

The philosophical aspect:
One must set priority right, naturally and normally in our body as designed by God. Hair is just a part of the body, when we are compromising the conditions of other major organs and vital organs and the IMMUNE SYSTEM in the sake of getting our hair back, I seriously urge people to re-examine their thoughts and decision. The compromises made would probably led to one the side effects mentioned above (Under recommendation, the use of prednisone is not more than 7 days or give and take 14 days). Three months is almost 12 folds higher. One must be compromising their quality of life and even their LIFE if agree to be subjected to the treatment regime. In short, it is philosophically unwise when one opt to regain a non-vital part of the body by compromising other vital organs and even LIFE itself!

The psychological aspect:It would be thrilling and exciting to have my hair back. It would be perfect and awesomely great if I can have my hair back just with a simple faith without compromising my quality of life and my loved ones around me. I have been living with AA for more than 20 years and with AU for more than 6 years. I would definitely sacrifice alot for my hair to grow back as long as my sacrifices are practical, logical and sensible (i.e the more people I help, the more hair I get...etc) In short, our psychology needs to grow through proper thoughts and knowledge together with practicality and wisdom.

AT THE END I STRONGLY OPPOSE TO THE ABOVE TREATMENT REGIME & WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE EVEN IF THE TREATMENT CAN WORK 100% EFFECTIVELY.

I couldn't read all the response to this discussion but I have read that some are willing to take this kind of treatment regime and some are trying for more than a few weeks already. I would like to add that some are taking calcium supplements to prevent the side effects of having osteoporosis while treating alopecia with long-duration of prednisone. Let me remind everyone to remember the amount of burden one is putting on the kidney. Kidney has to work extra hard for drug elimination and calcium mineral. The liver has to work extra hard for drug metabolism. The heart has to work extra hard due to the increase of blood viscosity due to the effect of drug, calcium supplements together with the ongoing comprimising of liver and kidney.

AGAIN, I AM STRONGLY AGAINST THE USE OF PREDNISONE FOR MORE THAN ONE MONTH (INJECTABLE into the body system) /TWO MONTHS (ORALLY) FOR THE TREATMENT OF ALOPECIA AREATA. * Local subcutaneous injection on the scalp are still acceptable once every two months (three times = six months)

SOME MAY DISAGREE WITH ME BUT THIS IS TOTALLY MY OWN OPINION. NO INTENTION TO OFFEND ANYONE. THANK YOU.

Joshua