Coping With Lupus

The song “Summertime,” made famous by the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald, starts like this: “Summertime, and the livin’ is easy… Fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high…” Now, If you have lupus or another lupus overlap disease, you may relate MORE with lyrics like this: “Summertime, and the livin’ is weezy… Joints are hurtin’ and…

Set yourself up for success by reviewing the Kaleidoscope Fighting Lupus travel guide!   Preparing The Flight The Hotel Room Getting Around Town The Food The Medications In Case of an Emergency This time of year, many people enjoy traveling.  Exploring different places, cultures, foods and sights can be inspiring and life-changing. However, the stress…

Sometimes the hardest part of telling others that you have lupus is managing how they deal with your news. Read more about the complex emotions that can arise from a lupus diagnosis. Introduction Fear of the Unknown Vulnerability Trust Jealousy Guilt and Shame In Conclusion   Introduction Having a chronic disease like lupus can be difficult, to say the…

Here are some thoughts from a dad as we begin the summer vacation season and the 4th of July holiday … but these are important for any day of the year … because you are a dad 365 days a year! Introduction Fatherhood and Lupus Society’s Expectations In Conclusion Introduction I am a dad with…

Lupus and the Roller Coaster Which is Grief Grief (as defined by dictionary.com): “Keen mental suffering or distress over affliction or loss.” Grief (as defined by someone diagnosed with lupus or another chronic illness): “Overwhelmingly keen mental anguish, suffering and distress over the absolute topsy turvy and unexpected negative turn of events in his or…

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…