Blog

The Shame Game: Why You Hide Your Lupus from Others

SHAME. The word shame can be described as a painful, social emotion that can be seen as a result of an awareness of inadequacy or guilt.  Experiencing shame is, honestly, one of the most miserable and self-loathing emotions this world has to offer.   Interestingly, the roots of the word “shame” are believed to be derivative…

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Lupus and the Endocrine System

The endocrine system doesn’t get the respect it deserves – after all, it influences almost every cell, organ and function of the body.  It is also intimately connected to your immune system and can be heavily influenced not only by your lupus, but also by the medications you take.  How?  Read on to find out!…

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What-is-Lupus

Prednisone: Pain Relief vs. Weight Gain?

Contents: What is prednisone and why is it prescribed? What is the benefit? Weight gain and other side effects of this medication… what are the risks? 10 Things you should know/do before taking prednisone How should it be used? In conclusion: The benefits and the risks weighed   What is prednisone and why is it prescribed? What…

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100 Years of Lupus

INTRODUCTION If you were to question people on the street about the discovery of lupus, if they knew what it was in the first place, they would probably assume that it was a modern day disease.  That assumption makes sense as to why so many people still don’t know what it is and what it…

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STOP! LOOK! AND LISTEN! How to Get Your Doctor to Take You Seriously… In a Seriously Short Office Visit

Contents: How to Get Your Doctor to Take You Seriously… In a Seriously Short Office Visit Write Out Your Questions In Advance Speak Up! Check Your Fear At the Door Conclusion   How to Get Your Doctor to Take You Seriously… In a Seriously Short Office Visit Physicians now, more than ever, are in a…

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Your “New” Normal: Finding Joy After A Lupus Diagnosis

Contents: Introduction Steps to Creating Your New Normal           Start your day the right way… with an attitude of gratitude           Praise yourself for who you are not what you do           Let go of the past           Welcome new experiences    …

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Lupus and Epigenetics

Lupus is complex!  Epigenetics is  a new frontier in lupus research and therapy that combines what we know about genetics with all of the environmental and lifestyle factors that can affect our health.  It may be the key to not only unlocking some of the mysteries of the disease, but also its cure! Introduction An…

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Rituxan and Lupus

Is It Lupus Chemo? INTRODUCTION Before diving into this blog topic, I thought I knew the exact waters I was entering.  I mean, pretty clear in my mind, Rituxan is “lupus chemo” right?  Many of you (like me), may be shocked to find out that although Rituxan is used to treat cancer, it is not classified…

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Alternative Lupus Treatments and Therapies

Contents: Complementary Medicine Complementary and Alternative Supplements and Treatments for Lupus Alternative Lupus Therapies/Treatments Complementary/Alternative Lupus Treatment: Precautions   Complementary Medicine In our blog, Lupus Treatment Options: Lupus Medications, we covered many of the most common pharmaceutical treatments for lupus.  We also recently posted a blog on the first FDA approved lupus drug in 50…

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Your First Visit to the Rheumatologist

You just scheduled your first appointment with a rheumatologist – now what?  Whether you think you have lupus or not, you are probably feeling scared, confused, and tired of filling out repetitive forms … and maybe a bit alone.   Your body, your entire world may seem out of control.  Yet, you can take back…

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