Kaleidoscope Blog Articles

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

As an individual with lupus, you may find yourself managing additional autoimmune and connective tissue diseases. This article provides a brief overview of these conditions collectively known as lupus overlap diseases and overlap syndrome. Introduction Rheumatoid Arthritis Sjögren’s Syndrome Raynaud’s Phenomenon Scleroderma Mixed Connective Tissue Disease Overlap Syndrome In Conclusion Introduction Several autoimmune, rheumatic and…

Whether you have first-hand experience with lupus and lupus overlap diseases or you are driven to fight for the people who cope with lupus, you are in a unique position to be heard – your voice is powerful! Introduction Giving Voice to Fighting Lupus and Getting Involved In Conclusion Introduction Are you an advocate or…

Navigating the healthcare system when you have lupus can be frustrating to say the least. Learn how to advocate for yourself to ensure you receive the quality healthcare you need. Introduction Be an Active Participant in Your Own Healthcare In Conclusion Introduction You’ve been there before. You recently received medical care – and now you’ve…

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…

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….