Living with Lupus

Few can argue that 2020 has been a year unlike any other. Feelings of isolation may be amplified now that it’s the holiday season, and if you have lupus, these feelings may be stronger than ever. Introduction Reframing Your Thinking 10 Self-Care Habits To Carry You Through the Holidays Do Onto Others In Conclusion Introduction…

It is estimated that over 70% of those with SLE experience some kind of headaches at one time or another throughout the course of the disease. Do you suffer and wonder why your head pounds, making you feel miserable? Read on to find out why. Introduction What are the most common types of headaches for…

Are you over 60 and living with lupus? Even it you are not over 60 yet, it is critical to know how aging affects those of us living with lupus. Read on and find out the facts about lupus, aging and immunosenescence. Introduction Lupus, Aging and Immunosenescence Staying Healthy While Aging with Lupus In Conclusion…

You’re in remission – that is fantastic! So why do you feel so guilty? Keep reading in order to learn more about lupus remission guilt and how to manage these feelings. Introduction What is Lupus Remission Guilt? Shame vs. Guilt in Lupus Remission Managing Lupus Remission Guilt In Conclusion   Introduction Living with chronic illness…

Approximately 1.3 million individuals in the US, and 23 million worldwide have rheumatoid arthritis. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this autoimmune disease that overlaps with lupus. Introduction Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis as an Overlap Disease of…

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…

For many around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has required restrictions on travel, work, school and gatherings in public areas!  Feelings of uncertainty and 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 The COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic is…

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…

An estimated 80% of individuals with lupus will experience brain fog. Learning what may contribute to brain fog and how to manage it can improve day-to-day quality of life.   Introduction Characteristics of Lupus Brain Fog What Causes Lupus Brain Fog? Testing Cognitive Function Managing Lupus Brain Fog Impact of Lupus Brain Fog on Quality…

Both allergies and lupus are conditions driven by an overly reactive immune system, and both are seemingly on the increase.  Are they related and why?   Introduction What are the most common types of allergies? What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction? What causes allergies? Testing for Allergies Treating and Preventing Allergic Reactions Allergies…