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Lupus and Blood Disorders

It is estimated that 85% of lupus patients will experience some form of unhealthy blood condition. In this article, we will take a closer at the blood disorder risks, symptoms and treatments for individuals living with lupus.   Introduction What is blood? What causes a blood disorder? Diagnosing Blood Disorders Common Blood Disorders in Lupus…

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AZATHIOPRINE and Lupus

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…

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DHEA and Lupus

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…

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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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