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.

Lupus and Your Feet

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…

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Vasculitis and Lupus

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…

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Lupus and Anemia

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…

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Lupus

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…

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Fibromyalgia and Lupus

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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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….

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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….

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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…

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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? (Important 2024 Update!!) What is…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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