Kaleidoscope Fighting Lupus
About Lupus, Coping With Lupus, Featured, General Information, Living with Lupus, Lupus Awareness
Lupus Remission Guilt
You’re in remission – that is fantastic! So why do you feel so guilty? Keep reading and learn more about lupus remission guilt – how to understand it and do your best to manage the feeling. Introduction What is Lupus Remission Guilt? Shame vs. Guilt in Lupus Remission Managing Lupus Remission Guilt In Conclusion …
Featured, General Information, Lupus Awareness
Drug-Induced Lupus
Lately, watching the evening news includes watching a myriad of drug commercials and hearing a litany of side effects, which often seem worse than the illnesses the medications are supposed to treat. Who knew that some of these drugs might even induce lupus? Introduction What medications cause DIL? What are the symptoms of DIL? How…
About Lupus, Diagnosis, Featured
New Protocol for Diagnosing Lupus
The American College of Rheumatology’s (ACR), in 1997, approved a specific set of criteria for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Recently, however, in collaboration with the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), these criteria have been significantly revised. Read on to learn more about these important changes and how they can affect how lupus…
About Lupus, Featured, Sjogren's
Sjögren’s Syndrome and Lupus
Commonly characterized by dry eyes and mouth, Sjögren’s syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect up to 15% of those diagnosed with lupus. Keep reading to learn more about this complex condition and how it overlaps with SLE. Introduction Causes of Sjögren’s Syndrome Sjögren’s Syndrome as an Overlap of SLE Symptoms of Sjögren’s…
About Lupus, Featured, General Information, Living with Lupus, Lupus Awareness, Overlap Diseases, Raynaud's, Scleroderma, Symptoms
Scleroderma and Lupus
Scleroderma is one of the most common “overlap diseases” for those living with lupus, with about 20% of those with scleroderma also having lupus. Learn about the complexities of scleroderma including its symptoms, possible complications and the most common ways to manage this autoimmune disease. Introduction Types of Scleroderma Symptoms of Scleroderma Causes of Scleroderma…
Blog, Coping With Lupus
Pets, Emotional Well-Being and Lupus
While mental health therapy can provide the skills needed to cope with the ups and downs of life, the unconditional love of an animal can also help emotionally sustain us though the toughest times. Those who have pets know the feeling you get when a purring cat curls up in your lap or when a…
Human Biology, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, Overlap Diseases, Pain
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) and Lupus
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease is one of the most complicated conditions to diagnose and treat, especially as it often mimics the symptoms of lupus. This article sheds some light on this misunderstood condition. Introduction Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) Is MCTD an overlap disease of lupus? What causes MCTD? Antibody Profile of MCTD Symptoms of…
Blog, Coping With Lupus, Featured, General Information, Living with Lupus, Stress
Isolation and Anxiety: Living with Lupus
Many living with lupus suffer from feelings of anxiety and isolation that comes from the pain, fatigue and even uncertainty that SLE can cause. These feelings of being cut off from others are understandable, but there are also ways to find emotional relief! Introduction Isolation Anxiety and Fear In Conclusion Introduction Individuals with a chronic…
Coping With Lupus, Featured, General Information, Living with Lupus, Medications, Plaquenil
COVID-19, Plaquenil and Lupus
We at Kaleidoscope Fighting Lupus are monitoring the ever-changing news concerning the use of the antimalarial drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) for treating the COVID-19 virus during the current global pandemic. Plaquenil, is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for lupus. It is primarily used in the prevention and treatment of malaria, but as…
About Lupus, Coping With Lupus, Featured, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, Overlap Diseases, Raynaud's, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma, Sjogren's
Lupus Overlap Diseases and Overlap Syndrome
As an individual with lupus, you may find yourself managing additional autoimmune and connective tissue diseases. This article provides a brief overview of these conditions collectively known as lupus overlap diseases and overlap syndrome. Introduction Rheumatoid Arthritis Sjögren’s Syndrome Raynaud’s Phenomenon Scleroderma Mixed Connective Tissue Disease Overlap Syndrome In Conclusion Introduction Several autoimmune, rheumatic and…