Coping With Lupus

Note:  For the latest in smart phone apps specific to lupus, check out our updated blog by clicking here Lupus and Mobile Tech – Smartphone Apps and Managing Your Health Contents: EPA’s SunWise UV Index App MANGO Health App Lupus Tracker Pro Image InBox The Lupus Companion Other Helpful Apps     In the age…

Contents: What are the facts? How to Deal with Depression & Anxiety How to Deal with Worry About the Future How to Deal with Social Activities How to Deal with Explaining Lupus to Your Friends How to Deal with Your Parents or Guardian How to Deal with Dating Important Resources   When a teenager or…

What it is: Azathioprine or the brand name Imuran, is a drug that was originally developed to prevent organ rejection in people who had received a donor transplant.  Currently, in addition to its anti-rejection properties, it is also being used more and more to treat autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus, dermatomyositis, vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis and…

WHAT IS IT? Dehydroepiandrosterone, commonly called DHEA, is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.  DHEA leads to the production of androgen and estrogen, which are sex hormones that play an important role in the reproductive systems of both men and women.   Interestingly, studies have shown that people who have SLE, have lower levels of…

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…

THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM:  A powerful infantry of glands that affect virtually every cell and organ in the body – that with one blow may have one down for the count, waving a white flag of surrender. Okay, that not might be the exact medical definition one would find on webMD, but for someone who suffers…

Methotrexate is a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) that is used to reduce the swelling and pain associated with certain diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, vasculitis, juvenile arthritis and lupus.   More and more doctors are using methotrexate to treat lupus when antimalarials like hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs aren’t controlling patient symptoms.  This can…

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…

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    …

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…