Kaleidoscope Blog

Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage that impairs of the communication between our central nervous system and the rest of the body.  It can affect up to 6% of those living with lupus, causing nerve pain, muscle weakness, paralysis and many more symptoms.  How is this condition implicated in lupus?  Read on to find out more!…

Though relatively rare in general – possibly affecting as few as one individual in a million – vasculitis can pose health risks in individuals with SLE where it reportedly affects between 11% and 36% of those with lupus.   Introduction What causes vasculitis? Antibody Activity in Vasculitis What are the symptoms of vasculitis? How is…

Anemia is the most common blood disorder associated with lupus – affecting over 50% of all those diagnosed.  So, if you have lupus, it is a good idea to review the latest information regarding the symptoms, causes and treatment options for the various forms of anemia. Introduction Symptoms Types of Anemia and Causes Tests and…

While Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is not an overlap disease of lupus, current research is revealing more and more similarities between both conditions and what may cause them. Introduction What causes CFS? What are the symptoms of CFS? How is CFS diagnosed and treated? In Conclusion Introduction In 2015, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) published a…

Affecting approximately 6% of the world’s population, fibromyalgia is one of the most common chronic, widespread pain conditions diagnosed. What exactly is fibromyalgia and who is at risk for developing it? Introduction What causes fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia’s Relationship to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) How is fibromyalgia diagnosed? How is fibromyalgia treated? What is the prognosis? In…

This article examines the relationship between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the development of lupus. Introduction Who is at risk, and what causes EBV? What are the Symptoms of EBV? How is EBV diagnosed and treated? What is the relationship between EBV and lupus? In Conclusion   Introduction Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a relatively common…

It is natural for each of us to look at the beginning of a new year almost as a new lease on life. It’s perfectly normal to want to put the previous year behind us and start fresh with a clean slate. However, instead of writing out a definitive list of resolutions that we vow…

A quickly growing amount of research has been devoted to seeing how lupus is affected by gut health, not only in how the disease can be helped by good bacteria, but how it might even be triggered by bad ones! Introduction The Amazing World of Your Internal Ecosystem! Could Gut Bacteria “Cause” Lupus? Keeping Your…

Individuals with lupus experience more than a fair share of ups and downs. Some days, it may feel possible to run relays while other days, loading the dishwasher may take every ounce of available energy – and then some. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to save some of the good days in order…

Introduction Drinking 101 – An Alcohol Primer Avoiding a Cocktail for Disaster – Drug Interactions with Alcohol When You Have Lupus Celebrate Good Times – One Ginger Ale at a Time In Conclusion Introduction Well, maybe I’ll just have one. Stop and think seriously about this before having the bartender pour you a lemon drop….

Kidney disease, specifically lupus nephritis, is one of the most common and serious conditions for those diagnosed with lupus.  Timely urinalysis testing is a relatively simple and effective way to help with an early diagnosis that may prevent damage later on.  Here is an overview of what you should know and expect from urinalysis testing….

Introduction Celebrating Across Faiths and Cultures Navigating the Dinner Dilemma – Be in the Driver’s Seat! Is Fasting Safe? In Conclusion Introduction The holidays bring with them so many expectations. The ritual of coming together after long separations across time or miles should be a joyous experience, invoking feelings of excitement and pleasure.  More often…

Child-onset lupus is quite rare, but can be more serious than adult-onset form of the disease.  This article describes the latest information for those who live with lupus at a very early age. Contents: Introduction Symptoms and Causes Diagnosing Lupus in Children What is the treatment for lupus in children? (Important 2024 Update!!) What is…

If you have lupus, managing pregnancy while managing chronic illness takes a team effort – you don’t have to go it alone. This article will address many of the questions you may have about lupus and pregnancy in order to have informed discussions with your healthcare practitioners about what to expect if you are planning…

We are fortunate to live in a day and age when many of us can speak openly about sexual health and well-being, and it’s no longer considered taboo to discuss menopause.  Once whispered under the breath – and never around men – “the change of life” was something you only discussed with your bestie or…

In light of the current opioid crisis, it is important to be aware of the benefits and risks associated with this class of prescription painkillers for those living with lupus. Introduction What are opioids? Dealing with an Opioid Addiction Alternatives to Opioids In Conclusion Introduction Right from the beginning, it is important to note that…

One of the more common overlapping conditions with some of us living with lupus, is Raynauld’s Phenomenon.  This blog describes the condition, what to look for, and how it can be managed. Contents: Introduction Raynaud’s Phenomenon and its Symptoms What causes Raynaud’s Phenomenon? How is Raynaud’s Phenomenon diagnosed? Treating Raynaud’s Phenomenon Preventing or Minimizing Symptoms…

Introduction What exactly is the flu? What are the updates with the flu shot this year? Who gets the flu, and who should get the flu shot? Why is it so important for those with lupus to get the flu shot? Are there any reasons that I should NOT get the flu vaccine? When and…

While living lupus-free is the ideal goal, what is the optimal, achievable goal for most individuals living with lupus in the here-and-now? Achieving Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) is key to feeling your best with a minimum of symptoms and medications in order to maintain a good quality of life. What does LLDAS look like,…

According to recent estimates, there are over 300,000 mobile health apps available to the consumer.  What should you consider before downloading an app, and which ones could help you the most with tracking and managing your healthcare? Let’s take a look! Introduction The Latest Mobile Health Apps for Individuals with Lupus The Pros and Cons…