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.
Biology of Autoimmunity, Blog, Comorbidities, Symptoms
Lupus and Fevers
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…
About Lupus, Featured, General Information, Living with Lupus, Overlap Diseases, Uncategorized
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Lupus
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…
Blog, Featured
Avoiding the Resolution Trap – An Anti-Resolution Guide to the New Year
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…
Blog, Featured
Lupus and the Microbiome: What Is Your Gut Telling You?
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…
Blog, Featured
Happiness: Increasing the Odds – and Neurotransmitters
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…
Blog, Featured
Cheers to You! Balancing Alcohol and Lupus
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….
Blog, Diagnosis, Featured, General Information, Living with Lupus
Understanding Your Urinalysis
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….
Blog, Featured
The Holidays, Food and Lupus: A Guide to Healthy Eating and Happy Hosting
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…
About Lupus, Blog, Featured, General Information, Lupus in Children
Lupus in Children
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? What is the prognosis or…
About Lupus, Blog, Featured, Living with Lupus, Pregnancy and Lupus
Lupus and Pregnancy
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…
Aging, Blog, Coping With Lupus, Featured, Human Biology, Living with Lupus, Reproductive Health, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Lupus and Menopause
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…
Blog, Coping With Lupus, Featured, Medications
Lupus and Opioids
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…
Blog, Featured
Lupus and Raynaud’s Syndrome
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…
Blog, Featured, Flu Shot, Medications
Lupus and the Flu Shot: What You Need to Know
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…
About Lupus, Blog, Featured, General Information
Lupus and Low Disease Activity
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,…
Blog, Featured, Living with Lupus
Lupus and Mobile Tech – Smartphone Apps and Managing Your Health
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…
Blog, Coping With Lupus, Featured, Medications
Lupus and Cannabis: A New Conversation
At Kaleidoscope Fighting Lupus, we rigorously stay up-to-date on the latest lupus treatments and therapy strategies. In this article, we explore the uses of cannabis and its derivatives. The following is a brief overview that may begin to answer some questions that you may have. Introduction How can cannabis and its derivatives effectively treat lupus…
Blog, Brain and Nervous System, Depression, Emotional Health, Featured, Invisible Illness, Living with Lupus, Mind/Body Connection, Social Issues, Stress, Symptoms, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Dealing With a Lupus Depression: How Do You Cope?
Researchers of a 2017 meta-study published in the journal BMC Psychiatry found that approximately 25% 0f individuals with lupus experience depression. You may be one of those individuals who suffer from this often debilitating condition, especially when trying to come to terms with having lupus. Why does this happen and what can you do to…
Blog, Featured
Lupus Fatigue: Causes, Treatment and Managing Expectations
The unrelenting exhaustion of lupus fatigue affects up to 80% of those living with SLE. Read on to learn what the medical community has to say about its causes, symptoms and some of the best ways to cope with this extremely common and sometimes debilitating condition. Introduction What are the causes and symptoms of lupus…
Blog, Featured
Lupus and the Importance of Sleep
Hitting the hay, getting forty winks, waiting for a visit from Mr. Sandman – however you may coyly try to catch up or sneak up on sleep, it may still evade you if you are an individual with lupus. Why is the ability to fall into a deep slumber so difficult when you feel so…
About Lupus, Coping With Lupus, Dietary Supplements, Featured, General Information, Living with Lupus, Nutrition, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Lupus and Nutrition
A good diet should be a priority for everyone. However, when there are complex lupus symptoms to manage, you have to go above and beyond the basic nutritional guidelines. This isn’t always and easy thing to do. Introduction Basic Dietary Guidelines to Follow When You Have Lupus The Impact of Good Nutrition on Lupus Dietary…