Year: 2018

Bullours pemphigoid

Last Updated on 18/09/2018 by Vivien Ayinotu

Image Source: Diseaseshow.com

Few weeks ago, I looked after a very sick patient who was treated for a rare disease condition. Oh! Well,  rare because I’ve never heard or come across the  condition till that very day.

Bullours pemphigoid is a harsh skin condition whereby the sufferer gets blisters all over their body. As the blisters get bigger and bursts newer ones develops. I haven’t seen anything like that before. In the picture above, the skin looks dry but Vera’s were mostly weeping blisters and the almost constant cream application made her skin moist most of the time.

Causes

It is triggered by a disorder of the autoimmune system which attacks the inner layer of the skin

Signs and symptoms

Appearance of blisters

Burning skin

itchiness

Red skin around blisters

Nose bleeding.

The appearance of the skin can be quiet  similar to the skin of a burns patient. Looking at Vera lying on her sick bed, I recalled a few years back when I had visited a schoolmate that had suffered severe burns which made her wound dressing takes more than half of the shift to complete.

Vera was nursed in a theatre gown as the usual cotton hospital gown would stick onto her skin.

Her care regime included cream application every two hours. You heard me right every two hours and Dermovate for areas without burst blisters.

Dermovate: this is a steroid cream tha that is used in severe skin conditions medication used to treat skin conditions that have not responded well to other corticosteroids, including severe psoriasis and eczematous dermatitis.

Vera was very unwell as she had sepsis; which was the main reason for admission to our unit.

There are different kinds of pemphigoid. Have you looked after someone with this condition? I will like to know your experience.

P.S.

Confidentiality was maintained through this post.

For my new readers, I’m a nurse by profession and do blog about health and health conditions too. Other health related post can be found in the health category.

How Do You Measure Your Quality of Life?

Last Updated on 08/09/2018 by Vivien Ayinotu

Image Source: Sharehimtoday.com

I was very opportune to witness a divinely-led preaching last Sunday. Two weeks ago,  I attended a bible conference where I made a few friends and eventually joined their online chat forum.

It happened that someone had put up a a post about 2pm mass by some charismatic Nigerian Priests, I thought to myself, why not? That was how I got there. I can’t begin to tell you how pleased I am to have attended that.

The preaching Centred on:  Does your external observances as a Christian correlate with your inner self?

Image Source: Dailybiblememe.wordpress.com

As Christians, there are articles or symbols that are part of us, they include the crucifix, medals, holy bible, rosary, scapula, holy water, anointing oils, etc. Others include the sign of the cross, genuflecting before the holy Eucharist, bowing before the cross amongst others acts.

Amongst all these, our external observances should be prompted from the interior.

There should be no discrepancy between our physical rituals and our spiritual lives.

Both should be in agreement and serve as a measure to the quality of our lives. The quality of our lives should be the sign that people see.

What use is it that we appear so religious but our hearts harbours evil and our attitudes very rebellious?

What happens when we are angered and flare up? Are we not at those times required to be an examplary Christian?

This is hardly the case.

As Christians, at any stage of our lives, we have symbols, uniforms that we are identified with, be you a youth, catholic men or women, priest or nun. Our uniform is our identity.

The Pharisees and believed in mere physical rituals like not washing hands before eating but God seeks more from our hearts.

Are you being Christlike in your encounter with people?

We live in a word were the society sanctions various actions that are clearly condemned in the bible. When society approves of an act does it get erased in the bible? The answer is no.

The scripture further says that there are acts that defiles a man (women included😄) : fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, malice, deceit, indecency, envy, slander, pride and folly.

The modern world 🌍 approves fornication( the number one God condemns) and indecency.

Is the word indecency any meaningful in this generation?

God urged us to obey his commandments and do not cling to mere human traditions.

Nothing that goes into a man can make him unclean only that which comes from within; e.g, grudges, hatred, jealousy, envy, evil plots and thoughts. All of such aforementioned acts are from within and they defile a man.

This message is drawn from Mark chapter 7 in the holy bible. The bible can be a perfect present 💝 too.

To sum it up, we should be strive to be exemplary Christians. When the society approves but the bible disapproves. It remains a capital “no”. May our lifestyles and physical observances be Christlike and come from within.

P.S:

I’m a work in progress, we are in this Christlike journey together. Do feel free to contact me. I am a catholic as you could see in my various examples but I believe there is a message for everyone who believes in God😄

Remain Blessed

Viviensvoice

Stay Motivated

Last Updated on 02/09/2018 by Vivien Ayinotu

Image source: Motivationping.com

Multitasking is a great skill, if only it can be mastered by all. It can be really daunting. Let’s say it has its up and downs but I’m looking at the positive side😄

In the past few weeks, I’ve made so much applications and here I am waiting for the results. Having said that, there are ones that of more importance to me than the others.

I’m the kind of person that likes to know I’ve given something I like a try, at least. It works better for me than simply not making an attempt or thinking I can’t achieve that.

I’m writing this post to encourage or challenge someone who thinks they truly want someone but somehow are convinced they won’t get it, even if they try.

Simply do it. Do your best. Give it a try and leave the rest to God. I believe in you-never-know. Again, any body can make it in life.

Do not be discouraged by anyone or anything at all. Keep your head straight and take a good deep breathe of confidence. You are born great regardless of the circumstances.

Image Source: i.pinimg.com

“With God there are no favourites.” Those lines are in the scripture and not my words.

If you like this post, you will find this beneficial too. It encourages one to keep the passion burning till you achieve that very goal.

Remain positive and stay blessed.

Lots of Love

Viviensvoice.

How Do You Unwind?

Last Updated on 25/08/2018 by Vivien Ayinotu

Hello lovely people, how have you been?

I’ve had a very busy week, by that I mean that I’ve barely had time for myself.

I’m off work today and trying to do some house duties. My little girl took the Tv remote control and before I know it we were watching a movie named “Groundhog day“.

Ordinarily, I would have changed the channel to one of her favourite kids channels but the film was a romantic comedy and I realised I haven’t even seen a good movie in a long time.

The last times I had seen movies were thanks to my husband. He loves watching movies and knows the very good ones. We would simply lay in couch and elope into the world of films. However, when I’m very time-conscious I have zero time for Tv.

So, this time it was my daughter that made me watch. I enjoyed watching every bit of the movie as the weatherman couldn’t get over a particular adventurous day. The film features characters like: Bill Murray, MacDowell and Angela Paton.

It was a good way to relax and unwind from past days event. I like comedy and happy endings, although I can do with some adventures but not horror, at all.

So tell me, What’s your day like?

On a different note, in the coming weeks, I will upload some health posts and give you an update on my book promotion. See you there.

I hope you have a fabulous weekend,

Lots of love,

Viviensvoice

Living With HIV

Last Updated on 01/10/2018 by Vivien Ayinotu

Hello Friends, I’m posting a health related post today. Hope you had a great weekend?

I will be taking about HIV and our perception of sufferers.

I cared for a man who was in his late fifties last week. He was diagnosed with HIV about eight years ago but over time deteriorated as he wasn’t taking his medications judiciously as required of him.

“Vivien you always treat me very differently” he said to me. “People are always in a hurry to leave my room but you take your time”

I told him I was only doing what was required of me. This gentleman was so frail and needed lots of persuasion. In my opinion, it was quite draining especially emotionally, as he at times declined most nursing acts and I could see he was weak. He would tell me he wanted to be left alone.

Genuinely, I think anybody ill will want to get better and would comply with medical advice but when I come across patients like this I tend to believe that they are fighting a battle with their condition and even the tiniest acts can upset them. My first day with him was challenging but days went by and I had him again.

He was happy to see me this time, like old friends, we stayed friends all through that day. I felt fulfilled and better compared to the first day.

As a health personnel, we all become very protective and extremely cautious when we know patients have certain conditions. Please don’t blame us because no one would want to jeopardise their health in the course of saving the lives of others.

Nevertheless, I will urge my fellow nurses, doctors and other health staff to show love and affection to HIV/AIDS patients. With standard precaution measures; which ought to be part of our everyday practice, one should be able to practise safely.

The condition alone is a cross for them, let’s not make it any worse. They know what they have, they wake up every day and the condition is still same, any act to take their mind of it is much needed.

I don’t want to stress much in this post about the stigmatisation associated with HIV, it still exists regardless of the numerous awareness programmes. Unfortunately.

I have previously discussed HIV/AIDS in details. The post outlined what HIV/AIDS is, it’s symptoms, prevention and stigmatisation. It can be found here.

I will like you to read that too.

I have a soft spot for this condition, I’m happy to discuss and answer questions. Do leave a comment or contact me if you are affected by this post.

Other health posts can be found in the health category.

P.S: Confidentiality was strictly maintained throughout this post.

The Joy of Understanding

Last Updated on 04/08/2018 by Vivien Ayinotu

At times strangers become so close like family

They treat you right and understand your struggles

They know your pain

They tend to your needs.

A family is all about blood

They should stick together

Be a leaning shoulder for another

But that isn’t always the case.

There are times family fails

They treat you like an enemy

They fight you with all their might

It shouldn’t be so.

If you have a loving family,

Stay true to them

If you have a stranger-turned-family that treats you right;

Who cries when you are hurt,

Hold them close to your heart.

This was originally posted in Pencliff.

I recommend University of Derby Online Learning

Last Updated on 01/08/2018 by Vivien Ayinotu

Are you looking for an online learning that meets your need? I can tell you that University of Derby Online learning (UDOL) is the answer.

I was able to study along side my work and other family commitments. It was challenging but was worth it. I give God all the glory🙌🏼

UDOL has a lot to offer to both home and international students. The lecturers were wonderful and I found the chat forums very engaging. For instance, the tutors make out time to answer every single question asked by students.

My course was concluded last year but I went for the graduation this July. It felt so empowering being there with other students.

I was live @ Derby 20th July 2018

The ceremony went well and different people talked about the history of Derby and the University. They stressed on how much they value education and innovations.

Later on, there was a reception for UDOL students, which I enjoyed. I was able to meet some students and tutors that I have known virtually for months.

I strongly recommend this University if you want to further your studies but can’t find the time to attend campus lectures.

To every one across the globe whose graduation is around this time; a hearty congratulations from me to you. Your hard work has paid off. Enjoy 😊

Expect Nothing from Others

Last Updated on 24/07/2018 by Vivien Ayinotu

In my recent conversation with a few friends, I have realised that most times the problem is not always the issue. Our mindset goes long way to impact our actions and their various outcomes.

Let’s say you expect nothing from someone and they give you some money or gift items, you’d appreciate them but if you already believe they ought to give you certain amount of things and at a given time, I suppose the perception won’t be same.

I know it can be a difficult habit to break but I can tell from my experience that’s it is much better when you expect nothing from anyone and appreciate all that comes your way.

We are all faced with different challenges and have no clue what the other person is going through. Let be supportive of another and show appreciation. Besides, it’s even much better and rewarding to give than to receive, the scripture supports that too.

To sum it up, unbiased mindset is a great tool for longevity and a stress free lifestyle. Live and let live.

Thanks for reading my posts.

Do comment, I will like to know your thoughts.

You Are The Reason I write

Last Updated on 16/07/2018 by Vivien Ayinotu

I am overjoyed with the amount of support I have received here.

I am very grateful to each and all of you.

I have been meaning to do this in a very long time.

I want to take this opportunity to thank every single follower and subscriber of this Viviensvoice.

I can’t begin to explain to you how much that means to me.

You make my dreams come true.

You are the reason I write.

You are the drive – when I try so hard to produce stories and post even when I haven’t got enough time.

On a special note, I’m grateful for your loyalty especially in those times I haven’t got great contents but you still read, like and even comment without hating.

I wanna serve you better because you all deserve the best.

I’m amazed by the number of readers I’ve gotten so far.

I truly appreciate.

Thank you.

Viviensvoice keeps growing everyday and I’m truly grateful🙏🏼

The Mentor

Last Updated on 13/07/2018 by Vivien Ayinotu

Last week was an interesting one for me as I met a writer-friend online. This friend was actually keen to know a few things about my book publication and the protocols involved.

He asked questions nicely and I found his humility intriguing.

Being an online chat, I tried to answer his questions whenever I could. Having seen his online profile; which was the picture of a book, I had assumed he was a published author but as we chatted he made me understood that he was drafting his last chapters and have been in contact with several publishers.

I told him he was doing great because he was already promoting his work.

He told me about his Wattpad page where he has over 500k readers. I was impressed with his method and told him he was on the right path for his book.

I went on and created a wattpad page and over the next fews weeks will be uploading my book in chapters there😄 However, I do not think it is very encouraging if you are not published yet. I mentioned my concern to my friend and he said he had that under control.

I narrated my deal with the publishers with him, most of them he already knew. He was aware of the fact that most publishers would take 80% for each copy you sell and clearly doesn’t want to go through that route. I explained to him my idea of how kindle publishing works in Amazon and why I needed a publishing company for my first work.

Ha! Before I forget, he kept calling me mentor right from the very beginning. He told me that he was happy chatting with me as he had tried on countless occasions to connect with different local authors online but none responded to him.

Well, I try to respond to people most of the time, I can tell when I receive silly messages.

I am filled lots of book promotion ideas because that the phase I’m in now😄

As always, I love to learn from anybody and at any opportunity. This experience reminded me of my all-time quote “A candle loses nothing by lightening others”

It sounds like I’ve actually gotten a writer-buddy. We shared ideas and encouraged each other. Hopefully, we will push ourselves to produce our best.

Have you read my Midyear Gratitude post?

Who was the Mentor here?😄