Kaleidoscope Blog
We provide a wealth of information about lupus – its symptoms, treatments and the profound ways that it affects people’s lives. Our blogs also highlight the latest medical research behind the never-ending quest for a cure.
About Lupus, Blog, Brain and Nervous System, Comorbidities, Coping With Lupus, Depression, Emotional Health, Featured, Mind/Body Connection, Stress, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Lupus and PTSD
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…
Uncategorized
Lupus and the Menstrual Cycle
“The average woman experiences around 450 periods in her lifetime.” That means women spend nearly 10 years of their life on their period. Since 90% of individuals with lupus are women of childbearing age (15-44), it stands to reason that lupus may somehow impact menstruation. If so, what’s the relationship between the two? Introduction What…
Blog, Brain and Nervous System, Coping With Lupus, Featured, Nutrition, Uncategorized
Lupus and Coffee
How many of us NEED a cup of coffee to start our day? Yet, what does it mean to consume coffee while living with lupus? The medical community is beginning to ask that question as well. Read on and find out about coffee and its impact on lupus. Introduction What Makes Coffee, Coffee? Coffee and…
Anti-Inflammatory/Paleo Diets, Lupus Flare, Symptoms, Treatments
Lupus and Inflammation
Similar to “friendly fire,” with lupus, the body is constantly attacked by its own immune system, resulting in a series of reactionary, inflammatory responses. Understanding what can trigger these responses may help individuals with SLE play a greater role in the management of their own health. Introduction What is inflammation, and how does it relate…
Blog, Brain and Nervous System, Brain Fog, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Lupus and the Brain
It is estimated that up to 75% of individuals with lupus experience symptoms related to the brain. While it is unclear what directly causes these symptoms, researchers agree that this is an area for continued research. Introduction Anatomy of the Brain and its Role in the Central Nervous System What are the symptoms of…
Autoimmune Diseases, Blog, Featured, Heart and Cardiovascular Disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Lupus, Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) and Hydroxychloroquine
Did you know, that approximately half of individuals with lupus develop heart complications, which include rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation? Learning more about the association between atrial fibrillation, lupus and how hydroxychloroquine may prove to be a valuable tool in symptom management. Introduction Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors for Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosing and Treating…
Uncategorized
Lupus and Tattoos
It is estimated that almost one-third of all people on earth have at least one tattoo … including many living with lupus. You may have heard conflicting opinions on whether someone with an autoimmune disease should get a tattoo. To help, here are some of the most important facts and safety concerns to consider before…
About Lupus, Blog, Coping With Lupus, Diagnosis, Featured, Mouth Sores, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
The Impact of Lupus on Oral and Dental Health
From ulcers and dry-mouth, to tooth decay and gum disease, lupus can significantly affect your oral and dental health. Read more about the surprisingly complex relationship between lupus and a healthy smile! Introduction Signs and Symptoms of Oral and Dental Health Issues in Lupus Causes of Oral and Dental Health Issues in Lupus Oral…
Blog, Featured, General Information, Technology, The Doctors
Lupus and Telemedicine
Today, millions are receiving at least some of their healthcare virtually – through online medical visits. Read about this rapidly evolving practice, and how it can support healthcare for individuals with lupus. Introduction Telemedicine Versus In-Office Visits for Chronic Illness The Pros and Cons of Telemedicine Telemedicine and HIPAA How to Prepare for a Virtual…
About Lupus, Coping With Lupus, Featured, General Information, Living with Lupus, Lupus Awareness
Lupus Remission Guilt
You’re in remission – that is fantastic! So why do you feel so guilty? Keep reading and learn more about lupus remission guilt – how to understand it and do your best to manage the feeling. Introduction What is Lupus Remission Guilt? Shame vs. Guilt in Lupus Remission Managing Lupus Remission Guilt In Conclusion …
Featured, General Information, Lupus Awareness
Drug-Induced Lupus
Lately, watching the evening news includes watching a myriad of drug commercials and hearing a litany of side effects, which often seem worse than the illnesses the medications are supposed to treat. Who knew that some of these drugs might even induce lupus? Introduction What medications cause DIL? What are the symptoms of DIL? How…
About Lupus, Blog, Diagnosis, Featured, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), What is Lupus?
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Lupus afflicts approximately 5 million people worldwide. Learn more about this chronic illness and how it impacts those who receive the diagnosis. Introduction What causes SLE? How can SLE affect the body systemically? What are the symptoms of SLE? Diagnosing SLE Managing and Treating SLE In Conclusion Introduction Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic…
Blog, Featured, Lupus Flare, Symptoms
Lupus Flares: Recognizing one, triggers, and prevention
Lupus flares are the often unpredictable and debilitating bouts of symptoms that afflict many living with lupus. For some they may be rare events, but for others, they are an ever-present source of worry. This is an overview of lupus flares and suggestions for how to reduce their frequency and severity. Introduction What is a…
About Lupus, Diagnosis, Featured
New Protocol for Diagnosing Lupus
The American College of Rheumatology’s (ACR), in 1997, approved a specific set of criteria for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Recently, however, in collaboration with the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), these criteria have been significantly revised. Read on to learn more about these important changes and how they can affect how lupus…
About Lupus, Featured, Sjogren's
Sjögren’s Syndrome and Lupus
Commonly characterized by dry eyes and mouth, Sjögren’s syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect up to 15% of those diagnosed with lupus. Keep reading to learn more about this complex condition and how it overlaps with SLE. Introduction Causes of Sjögren’s Syndrome Sjögren’s Syndrome as an Overlap of SLE Symptoms of Sjögren’s…
Autoimmune Diseases, Blog, Coping With Lupus, Featured, General Information, Living with Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus
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…
About Lupus, Featured, General Information, Living with Lupus, Lupus Awareness, Overlap Diseases, Raynaud's, Scleroderma, Symptoms
Scleroderma and Lupus
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…
Blog, Coping With Lupus
Pets, Emotional Well-Being and Lupus
While mental health therapy can provide the skills needed to cope with the ups and downs of life, the unconditional love of an animal can also help emotionally sustain us though the toughest times. Those who have pets know the feeling you get when a purring cat curls up in your lap or when a…
Human Biology, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, Overlap Diseases, Pain
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) and Lupus
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease is one of the most complicated conditions to diagnose and treat, especially as it often mimics the symptoms of lupus. This article sheds some light on this misunderstood condition. Introduction Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) Is MCTD an overlap disease of lupus? What causes MCTD? Antibody Profile of MCTD Symptoms of…
Blog, Coping With Lupus, Featured, General Information, Living with Lupus, Stress
Isolation and Anxiety: Living with Lupus
Many living with lupus suffer from feelings of anxiety and isolation that comes from the pain, fatigue and even uncertainty that SLE can cause. These feelings 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 Individuals with a chronic…
Coping With Lupus, Featured, General Information, Living with Lupus, Medications, Plaquenil
COVID-19, Plaquenil and Lupus
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…