Kaleidoscope Blog

If you experience foot cramps and pain on a regular basis, you are not alone. A whopping 77% of those living with lupus say they regularly experience foot pain!  To find out what causes lupus foot pain and what you can do about it, read on. How Lupus Can Affect Your Feet: The 30-second Overview…

Living with lupus is extremely challenging for those with the disease. At the same time, It can also be a challenge, albeit a different challenge for their partner or spouse.  Statistically, within 5 years of a lupus diagnosis, nearly half of married women are divorced. Fortunately, understanding the challenges and knowing where to get help,…

There is nothing quite like a breath of fresh air … for a multitude of reasons.  Yet, polluted air can hold the potential for triggering the immune system in a negative way with every breath.  What can this mean for those living with lupus?  Read on to find out! Introduction Lupus, The Air and Your…

At the heart of lupus is a genetic puzzle – a puzzle that has recently revealed a bit more of the complex causes and symptoms of SLE.  Understanding the relationship between lupus and genetics is crucial to finding answers about why it affects each person so differently and in the end perhaps the key to…

Fevers are a common symptom of lupus.  At times it can be your body telling you what you already know … you have inflammation, but sometimes it’s your body telling you that you have a dangerous complication, like an infection.  So, it is important to take fevers seriously!   Read more to discover the causes…

Lupus retinopathy is the most common vision concern for those living with SLE, and is often one of the first symptoms for the newly diagnosed.  Yet, serious problems with eyesight are relatively rare, and there are many ways to avoid the damage that lupus can cause.  So, read on to learn more about how lupus…

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sometimes called, the “winter blues,” can affect almost anyone this time of year.  However, this form of depression can be particularly challenging for those living with lupus.  Read on to find out more about the complex relationship between SAD and lupus, and learn some simple ways to “brighten” one’s outlook!  Introduction…

Seizures are one of the most common neurological symptoms of lupus – affecting about 10% of those living with SLE.  What are the causes of lupus seizures, and how are they diagnosed and treated?  Read on to find out!. Introduction More About Seizures Lupus and Seizures Diagnosing and Treating Lupus Seizures In Conclusion . Introduction…

For those living with lupus, blood clots can be a significant health risk, possibly leading to strokes, heart attacks, pulmonary thromboses and especially kidney damage. Treating for these conditions means that many with SLE add anticoagulants (blood thinners) to their lengthy list of medications. What could this mean for you?  Read on to find out!…

Sugar seems to be in everything. The average American gets 270 calories of “added” sugar each day in processed foods and sugary drinks – about 17 teaspoons!  Unfortunately, consuming too much sugar can cause many serious health issues.  So, what does this mean for those living with lupus?  Read on to find out. A Quick…

It may be easy to forget, but water is the most important and essential nutrient for the human body.  Good hydration is important for everyone’s health, but it is especially critical for those living with lupus.  What is the relationship between lupus and hydration?  Read on to find out! The 30-second Overview How can hydration…

Lupus may affect the central nervous system in possibly up to 40% of those living with SLE.  Often labelled by the rather scary sounding name, “neuropsychiatric lupus,” its symptoms can range from mild brain fog and headaches to more serious conditions like memory loss, seizures, strokes and others that can dramatically affect quality of life. …

Summertime … and the livin’ with lupus is… not easy. With the intense sunlight, heat, humidity, wind, pollen and even air pollution, summer can make life miserable for those living with SLE.  Summer conditions can trigger flares and possibly even the disease itself.  To learn how to best manage this time of year, read on. …

Talking about “biomarkers” may not sound exciting, or even particularly interesting, yet they are absolutely critical to both diagnosing lupus and improving treatment plans for patients.  They are also vitally important tools that scientists use in their search for a cure, and the future of biomarkers is a bright one for those living with lupus! …

 As you know, stress can negatively affect one’s health in many ways.  It can range from minor concerns to severe traumas that can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  The latest research on stress and lupus shows growing evidence that the effects of PTSD may actually trigger the development of lupus as a disease!  What…

Artificial sweeteners have become a prevalent way to reduce sugar and its potentially harmful effects.  Yet, is there a downside to consuming artificial sweeteners for someone living with lupus?  Read on to find out. Introduction The Problem with Sugar … and Artificial Sweeteners to the Rescue! Artificial Sweeteners and Lupus In Conclusion: What is best…

Corticosteroids, like prednisone, can be life-changing – even life-saving – for those living with lupus.  Yet, they carry serious side-effects and can disrupt your quality of life.  So, how to balance the good with the bad?  Under physician supervision, carefully tapering your steroid dosages –even eliminating them – may be the answer.  Read on to…

Selenium may be the most important nutrient that you have never heard of.  Yet, it is vital for maintaining overall health and reducing the inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases like lupus. Read on to learn more about the relationship between selenium, inflammation and SLE. What is selenium and why is it important for your health?…

The pituitary is the most important endocrine gland in your body and autoimmune hypophysitis, though rare, is a condition that can dramatically affect your health and your life with lupus.  How?  Read on to find out! The 30-second Overview Your Pituitary – A Quick Overview Autoimmune Hypophysitis – A Quick Overview Autoimmune Hypophysitis and Lupus…

Your skin is amazing!  It is your first line of defense against foreign germs, yet simultaneously, an incredibly complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and more that make up your skin’s natural microbiome.  It is also where lupus can make its most obvious appearance – with rashes, sores, alopecia and even scaring.   So, how do…