Tag: nephrology

Basil Tea and Kidney Disease

Posted on by F.Magdalene

My friend in Arizona suggested Basil tea to help with kidney disease so I listened but I thought, will basil tea be tolerable? How do I make basil tea? With these questions in mind I set out to my favorite tea blog. I searched and read about mint, because basil is in that family, but I was unable to find anything about how to make basil tea. The best information about basil tea was Google itself. I began to ask it questions.

What’s the best way to make basil tea taste better? Some Answers are? Use various types of basil such as cinnamon basil, Persian or Blue spice basil.

How do I give it body? Answer: add tea leaves, green or black.

How long should I steep it? 3-7 normal 10-15 long 30 deep

Here’s what my friend and I finally came up with today!

You’re going to hate my measurements but remember it’s my kitchen not a restaurant.

Clean Green Basil – (24oz) 4 large basil leaves rolled, mint, lemongrass, black pepper, gunpowder green tea, honey

Basil Tea Black – (24oz) 4 large basil leaves rolled, mint, ginger, black pepper, black tea, honey

We even added cream for chai which was amazing! We were able to re-steep the leaves of the black twice, the green once. Steep 3-7 minutes being the preferred time. Roll and crumble the basil leaf to let the oils out before the steep. Add pepper, you’ll benefit.

All these teas have been on my radar because they are either anti inflammatory or they support kidney function. Recently my kidneys have given me so much pain I’ve been doubled over. I’ll see the doctor on the 25th. Hopefully progress can be made. I’m in constant pain and I’m tired all the time.

I’m never too tired for a good cup of tea. This is good tea but is basil tea safe? Google says people with bleeding disorders, diabetes and high blood pressure should not regularly consume basil tea. In other words, I personally shouldn’t use basil tea medicinally as intended because I’m on blood thinners.

Thank goodness for no shortage of teas. There are so many beautiful combinations to create that perfect moment in a cup that I can’t be disappointed that there’s one I occasionally have to sit out.

Until soon

Faith Magdalene’s Sundrip

Paranoia, Fear, OCD and Art

Posted on by F.Magdalene

My caregivers take me in the community regularly. They assume their presence is enough to keep me calm and feeling safe and grounded. I’d say the statement is 75% true. My anxiety after being stalked has risen. It wasn’t a joke. It wasn’t a game. It was a lot longer than a year! And it was violent and intense! I’m happy to be safe now.

I’m not paranoid in my new home any more than I’ve ever been paranoid. I don’t think being stalked changed that level. I’m back to my old fears, obsessions and compulsions in the new place. Like always I’ve kicked into my coping skills.

Reality check – Can I validate my fears? Are they in the realm of possibility?

Grounding. Remind myself of who I am and that I’m safe. My name is XYZ. I’m X yrs old. I’m safe now! I have an friends, an apartment and most of all a future!

Stimulation / Distraction. It’s time to switch the channels. I have a small vile with me that has the tiniest little bit of lavender in it. It’s my on the run aromatherapy. I also carry a small scratch pad to sketch in because art works for me. Earthing, sitting by the fan or just going outside can help eleviate stress and get it back down to a manageable level.

I would not normally suggest using a tablet at the table in a restaurant but I do it regularly now. I’ve done it in line at Ross because the line was long. The new Five Bellow needs to open more registers but this entry isn’t about that LOL. I sketch at any time, any place in order to control the anxiety, especially if I’ve already tried lavender.

Usually by this time the CNA has picked up on my sketching and starts to ask questions. She kicks into CNA mode and we move to the side for just a bit.

There are times when I can catch my breath and we can proceed but other times I just want to go home. In the car my pen moves like crazy.

OCD Getting all my teeth pulled was the single best thing I could have done. The tooth brush was simply too much.

Bidet. Yeah, should have done this a long time ago, too. It’s difficult to use the restroom. Difficult to clean up especially if there are issues.

The disorder is not fun. I’m trying to manage. I see the new psychiatrist August. That feels like… is... forever.

Faith Magdalene

Belly

Posted on by F.Magdalene

Is there even a comfortable position for people with inflamed kidneys? I’ve not found it.

Because I am now predibedic, I’m going to ask my doctor for the DEXCOM system. I’m a 7 but it’s still a problem and we want it worked on.

Faith Magdalene

I Can Feel That

Posted on by F.Magdalene

If I don’t drink all 64 oz of water a day as the doctor requested I feel my left kidney protest. It hurts.

After months of abstinence, I had a cheeseburger. I went to McDonald’s of all places. I can feel my left kidney protest. Holding my side, what was I thinking?

In general I qfeel physically weak, puny, chilled and tired.

Since I slipped a bit this week, I’d like to remind myself it’s only Monday. Keep at it. Don’t give up even for a minute.

I know I don’t feel well but I won’t stay down. I intend to do everything the doctor asks me to do as well as possible. I have a winning spirit. I intend to win this battle, too. My left kidney is currently unhealthy. It hurts. It slows me down even more and makes moving that much harder.

The quality of my blood is poor, too. I’ll know my numbers Wednesday. That’s when I go to Hematology / Oncology for my tests for other things. It’ll be interesting to see what my numbers are. By interesting I mean scary. They can’t be good.

Faith Magdalene