R.E.F.L.E.C.T.I.O.N.S

http://www.christinehassler.com/2012/11/wondering-if-your-dreams-will-ever-come-true/

 This past week has been happening, like the whirlwind. Sweeping me off from the land of rejection to the heaven of acceptance.  Faced with utmost rejection and losing hopes of pursuing my dreams, i wonder whether have i really reached the point, where suddenly things start to work in my favour?

I have finally gotten my internship in a good PR agency. Why am i still on an internship after graduation? Reason being that I do not have adequate experience in public relations which make me inadequate to try for a full time job. I'm not sad at all. In fact, I'm entirely over the moon! A deciding factor is the corporate culture of the company. I love it when company directors are down to earth and willing to know each other better, regardless of who you are. I am confident that my future environment will be conducive for me to learn the ropes of PR.

I feel very honoured and privileged to have met nice directors throughout the past two weeks. Despite their amicable personalities, i know that they have high expectations on the work requirements. I would do my best to achieve that!

Joining the workforce in the future means that I now have to make adjustments to my life. This includes figuring out how to bring my chrysanthemum tea (with goji berries) to the office, ensuring that my eyes are in optimum health, keeping myself from occupational hazards. At the age that we are living in, it is always important to engage in preventive measures rather than healing oneself (for the recovery journey is not easy).
It took me almost 2 years to figure out the solution for dry eyes and the emotional burden which comes along with the physical illness is not light at all.

I will be sharing with everyone my daily food routine to help in my dry eye recovery soon.

Till then,
Josephine

Beautiful Days of My Life: I hold onto my dreams.

Fennel Tea



Image Credit: Britanie Faith


Get ready to leave your green tea leaves on the self & embark on this new love of mine! Fennel tea! Yes, I have started falling in love with this new fennel tea. Having drank consistently for the past 1 month, I have noticed some improvements in my overall health, especially my eyes. This drink was recommended by my naturopathy practician and i bought it from him in fact.

Fennel has been historically used for medical & culinary purposes. Recognising the benefits of fennel tea, it is not surprising to see fennel seeds still being used in culinary dishes such as Malay & Indian cuisines in Asia. For Chinese cuisine, I rarely see my mother prepareing her dishes using fennel.  Fennel has this slightly sweet & savoury taste when you sip it, with a slight bitter aftertaste.


Benefits of Fennel Tea

• Neutralises stomach acid, prevent heartburn.
• Ease digestion especially when you have a full meal
• Alkaline the blood
• Improves eye conditions (something which i can strongly attest to. I have not experienced bloodshot eyes for a long time)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Menstrual cramps

There are also countless benefits if you do a google search on the internet. Some benefits include "promoting lactation etc" which I, unfortunately, am unable to attest to that (young adult with no kids, unmarried). Therefore, I did not list them down on

When do i usually drink it?
For the past 1 month, I have been drinking fennel tea first thing in the morning. It awakens my liver and kick starts my bowel system in the morning. A common ritual done by many people has been to drink a warm glass of warm water with half the lemon. I find it harder to start my day with half the lemon. Just like any ordinary human being, I always wake up with my eyes half-opened. Groggily, i would walk to the kitchen, grab the sharp menacing knife & try to cut the lemon into half. Having realised the risk involved, i decide to search for the alternative. It has been recommended for fennel tea to be drank on an empty stomach. What good timing it would be to start drinking in the morning where your stomach is grumbling, hungry & empty? Simmer the tea bag/seeds into the cup of water while you shower & get ready for the day!

I would also drink the tea before i sleep. It helps to ease my digestion & helps my liver to function & heal well for the night. According to TCM, the liver and your eyes have a close relationship. Therefore, caring for your liver is the utmost important thing to do.

Of course, too much of a good thing may do you harm. Therefore, though i drink two cups of fennel tea a day, coupled with my chrysanthemum tea in the afternoon (how did i do that? i will explain next time), i will at times take a break. Some days, i will reduce my consumption. Or perhaps on one single day, i would not drink fennel tea at all. It takes some time to figure out what is best for you!

I got my organic fennel seeds (grinded i think) from Sebestian Liew Centre (naturopathic & phytotherapy centre). I forgot the price, unfortunately (Sorry!).

Hope that this post inspires you to start drinking fennel tea. Get going!

Do let me know if you have found other good benefits of drinking fennel tea!

Beautiful Day of My Life: Each day, I take positive step to improve my life.

Friends or Foes?

I decide to list down the type of medications that I have used to cope with my dry eyes. Though these medications may be seem as friends to some, unfortunately, they are my foes. 

• Zylet
  "Zylet is a topical anti-inflammatory corticosteroid and antibiotic combination for ophthalmic use. It is indicated for treatment of steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions for which a corticosteroid is indicated and where superficial bacterial ocular infection or a risk of bacterial ocular infection exists." (Bausch & Lomb) Long sentences blah blah blah. In other words, it is an antibiotic and you can use it whenever you have sore eyes, conjunctivitis etc. I was prescribed this medication when I told the doctor I had itchy eyes feeling which wouldnt go away. Sometimes, I would have red eyes and this was meant to make them go away. However, after using for one week (the recommended period of treatment), the itch/redness returned with more gusto. I would have dry eyes which would get worse at night.


 
• Refresh Eye Drops
  "Instantly moisturises and relieves dry, irritated eyes with a fast acting, long-lasting formula for sensitive eyes." (Refresh)
  Refresh Eye Drops did provide temporary relief. However, when my dry eyes got worst in 2012, this did not help at all. In fact, my dry eyes got worst. I recalled one TCM lecture which I attended in school, the TCM professor highlighted how we should not always wash our body or with soap more than once a day. He highlighted how it would strip the body of its natural ability to produce the natural layer of oil to protect our skin. Similarly, upon my research on TCM treatment on dry eyes, it is commonly recommended by the TCM doctors to use less conventional eye drops less. A common risk is that you will strip the eyes of its ability to produce oil & tears to moisturise your eyes, and it will take a longer time for your eyes to heal itself.

• Genteal Eye Gel
  "Genteal Gel is a long acting eye gel for lubricating the surface of the eye for all patients with ocular discomfort." (Full information here)I have used this for quite a few times. It did moisturise my eyes for a longer time but my eye conditions did not improve. Same philosophy as TCM. Each morning as I wake up, I would encounter itchy eyes.

• Hialid Eye Drops
  "Relief of burning sensation, irritation & discomfort due to dry eyes & to enhance wound healing of ocular surface (Sjogren's & sicca syndrome)."  (Hialiad) This offers the best relief among other eye drops. After a few drops, my eyes are nearly moisturised. However, the healing capacity of my eyes is not as great as experienced during food therapy.


Beautiful Day of My Life: I am truly thankful to the blessings I receive each day.

Dry Eyes Recovery Updates

(decide to include the word 'recovery' into my title. Sounds more apt!)

Ever since I have started drinking Chrysanthemum tea (with Goji Berries) about 3-4 months ago, I have noticed improvements in my eyes. There were occasional downfalls (swollen lower eyelids) which I attributed to the high stress level and intensive computer work during my last lap of school!

Improvements:

• Eyes no longer itch in the morning (when i wake up)
• Slight dryness in the morning (considered remarkable if I were to compare with last time)
• Eyes are definitely brighter than before
• No signs of random red eyes
• Ability to wear contact lenses with slightly more comfort than before
• All eye-related medications have been thrown away. Except Optrex Eyewash solution (which contains witch hazel extract)

Look how bright and healthy my left eye is! (Pardon my small eyes)


If you look at the picture above,  it is a picture of my left eye (obvious, I know). This was the eye that had been through various sorts of inflammation (dry, sore, red, and itchy). I have no idea how it spreads to the right eye though my gut feelings tell me it is because of my itchy hands.  Regardless of the conditions, i could tell my right eye was always much better than my left eye, for it heals much faster than the left eye. From then on, I know that my left eye would always have a weaker immune system than the right eye. But, look at my left eye, so bright and healthy! I am happy with my recovery process. Looking forward to times where I can wear contact lenses comfortably as before!

Do take note I did make some changes to my food diet and lifestyle during this period. That might have hasten the recovery process. I'm still in the midst of experimenting, but once things work out, i will share with you without hesitation!



On a sidenote:

I HAVE FINALLY GRADUATED!

ISN'T LIFE BEAUTIFUL?


Beautiful Day of My Life:  I feel much more positive than ever.



What's the big deal with Dry Eyes? Stress, Anxiety & Quality of Life

All we need is your listening ear and support

 

Many people may wonder, "What's the big deal with dry eyes? If your eyes feel uncomfortable, just use eyedrops." Usually, that is what any individual would do, including me.  Life will go on as usual. But that did not happen to me even after I have used the eye drops. 

It took quite some time for my loved ones to understand what i have been going through becuase of the mindset that dry eyes is no big deal. Yes, it is definitely nothing when you have minor dry eyes. But if your eyes started tearing the whole time, redness, coupled with the constant eye strain, your eyes definitely need your tender loving care.

I recalled the struggles I had with work and my life, when my dry eyes syndrome got worst. During that time, I was still using antibiotics for my red eyes which, according to the opthamologist, is a symptom of conjunctivitis. Everytime my eyes began to tear, i constantly put the drops. The symptoms abade for 1-2 days and they returned after that. Having dry eyes during the period of study was not helpful at all. As I constantly have to write essays, it is necessary to use the computer. Presentation slides have to use the computer. These continuous usage were not helping me. Given the high level of discomfort, my work productivity had gone down. I used to be able to handle many tasks at one time, with the computer. However, it all went down. 

 

I was irritated and disappointed with myself. It just did not feel like me. But i did not tell anyone about it. I was embarrased by this condition. I don't smoke, I don't drink alcohol ALOT, I don't club etc. So why had this happened to me? I could not understand why at that time. This affected my relationships with my friends too. I cut down my social gatherings with my friends, using "busy" as an excuse. But in fact, all I wanted was to rest at home and cuddle up. I would cry at home silently.  I slowly redrew from school activities. My self-esteem was affected by my health. Though I looked comfortable to my friends, i was actually struggling inside. It was hard to tell people that I have dry eyes and difficulties because i was too proud to admit it and i dont think anyone would really understand me.

There has been a correlation between anxiety,depression and dry eye syndrome. There are research to support this point. (Though I have only use one article here to support my point, I believe you can understand my point. Any chronic illness, if not cared for, will affect one's quality of life. Don't you think so? Would you be happy to have this chronic illness to be with you for life? N.O NO! )

I was truly disappointed in the amount of support the local health system has provided for patients with dry eyes. Treatments are given but not adequate support to the patient. If no institution could offer me support, I have to seek my strength and support from other sources. (will share about that in future post). My life has been improving daily and I never regret the steps that I have taken.

Point to take away from this blog entry:
Do offer a good listening ear and support to your friend who may be suffering from some things. You can never imagine how your support, no matter how minute it can be, can mean alot to your friend. 

Beautiful fact of my life: I am truly happy that I have taken steps to embrace one of my fears openly. I am looking forward to more positive changes in my life.

 

Food for the Dry Eyes (Yes, they need moisture. duh)

Dry eyes can be burdensome, if you have the problem for quite some time, from days to years.  I have been dealing with dry eyes for 1.5 years. Some doctors told me it is eye allergy and this problem can never be treated which kinda make me sad. However, after listening to a TCM lecture in school, the problem in fact be solved. After changing the way I eat for the past few months, my eye conditions have improved a lot.  I'm looking forward to the time where my eyes are completely healed so that I can wear contact lense comfortably. 

What to Eat:

• Chrysanthemum Tea with Goji Berries (1-2 cups a day)
•  It is your daily dose of Vitamin C and A.
• Given its cooling properties, it can help to reduce headache, giddiness and eyestrains
• Sore, itchy and red eyes. 
• Caffeine Free - feel free to drink at anytime of the day!
• Note that if you constantly have cold hands, include more Goji berries and do not drink Chrysanthemum tea as intensely. Take a break in drinking the tea once in a while.
• Carrots
• Source of Vitamin A
• Consume once every 2-3 days would suffice. If not, too much Vit A will be reflected in the colour of your skin such as too yellowish.
• Goji Berries ( A handful each day, on an empty stomach. Before Meals)
• Mulberry leaf tea
• Cassia Seed Tea (For red sore eyes)

What to Avoid:

• Spicy food.
  It is very important. This is difficult if you stay in Asia such as Singapore where spicy food is almost part of your life. I love curry,Laksa, Otah etc. but one really has to stop eating to help your eyes. If your body is too heaty internally, the heat will travel up to your body (I know it sounds stranges..but this is some concept my mom has told me which I think it is quite true. If you eat too much spicy food, you will tend to have headache.)  

The list will constantly be updated as I read and find out more.

My Dry Eye Journey

it has been a long journey, since 2011, that i have been dealing with my eye condition.

I have took my eyes condition for granted through the period I was wearing contact lenses.

June 2011:

The itchiness in my eyes started in June 2011 (the period of my first internship). I was bogged down by some commitments such as internships and outside school activities. During the busy period, i actually lost appetite.

I stopped wearing contact lenses immediately, because of the discomfort. But I was not aware of the importance of wearing dailies then.

The itchiness continued for months and i decided to see a professional opthamologist. He said that I have allergic conjunctivitis that is why there is constant itchiniess. I was offered antibiotics. The antibiotics were great, the itchiness stopped after that. I thought that was the end. Unfortunately, my eyes became worst than ever. 

2012:
For the whole year of 2012, I been going through periods of dry eyes, unexplained red/sore eyes, waking up with red eye (especially on the left eye), and constant itchiness (although it gets less mild). The only period it stopped was when i came back from Hong Kong after my second internship. It was all right! After that, it returned for no good reason.

It is hard to describe how I feel. There are times when i really feel sad about my eye condition. I enjoy the comfort wearing contact lenses because I can see things clearly at all range. With my spectacles on, I could only see things that are in front of me. There are times i feel insecure about myself too (feeling embarrassed about it as i'm writing this >.<)

Every morning when I wake up, my left eye will be red and both eyes actually itch with dryness. no serious eye discharge that I used to have (mmm, yellow eye discharge). Basically, it is just the typical minute white discharge that we have. However, the morning eye dryness and redness left so uncomfortable that it affects my mood (Don't laugh!). Actually, during this period, i resumed my contact lens wear after a 1.5yr hiatus. But it is not helping in any ways.

So last semester in school, I took an elective module on Traditional Chinese Medicine aka TCM! I love TCM. It has taught me to live a life, in a holistic manner. I paid great attention to the lecture and would continue to share these goodness to my mother. I guess, TCM taught me the importance of caring for my life really on my own.

But it took me some time to approach TCM for help. About 2 months later when I lost patience with the itchiness, I went to the nearest TCM clinic near my house. Well, the TCM doc said my eyes were not exactly serious. In fact, it can be rect
 So I do not have to do acupuncture. He gave me some herbs and recommended me to drink chrysanthemum with goji berries daily. It costs me about $32 plus i think (including TCM herbs).  After his advice, i started drinking tea for the first time - the time i introduced tea into my daily drink regime. 

2013:

My eye conditions have definitely improved, but not completely cured. No more itchiness and sore eyes for 3 months! Just the dryness. The intensive work has not allowed me to rest my eyes properly! But i'm trying! I love it when i wake up each morning with clear eyes, with minor dryness.

I was discouraged deeply by what previous doctors have diagnosed. Some said i have eye allergy. Yes, I do seem to reflect the symptoms earlier. Allergies are supposed to be with you for a lifetime. It has left me. And in fact, everything has just been an issue of dry eyes. If only I have sought the right treatment earlier...

Nonetheless, nothing is ever late. The step that I have taken to improve my life has made me feel much better about myself than ever.  

What is beautiful in my life : I know that each single day I wake up, I am healing.

(The purpose of writing is not to tell you to ditch your professional GP or specialist for alternative treatments, if you understand, western medicine are able to solve alot of emergency cases. TCM or alternative complemetary medicine aims to promote holistic health and prevent. So if your bodies are working fine or you sense any minordiscomfort, do aim to achieve the holistic health early and not wait till it is too late like me! For emergency cases, of course, approach western medical science!)