Kaleidoscope Blog

It is normal to feel overwhelmed at times. You may feel stressed, anxious, depressed or even angry. Emotions are a part of life, yet at times they are overwhelming.  When you have lupus, a flare, especially when you’ve been feeling pretty decent, can throw you for a loop.  A new diagnosis of lupus comes with…

Sometimes the hardest part of telling others that you have lupus is managing how they deal with your news. Read more about the complex emotions that can arise from a lupus diagnosis. Introduction Fear of the Unknown Vulnerability Trust Jealousy Guilt and Shame In Conclusion   Introduction Having a chronic disease like lupus can be difficult, to say the…

Advocating for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) when you are dealing with its symptoms can seem daunting. There are ways you can advocate, however, that still can garner the attention this chronic illness needs while taking care of yourself in the process. Introduction Preparing Yourself for Advocacy The Many Shapes of Advocacy In Conclusion Introduction When…

You want to be successful when starting any exercise regime, and you probably want it to be convenient, comfortable, affordable and motivating especially when you are already challenged with lupus. Avoiding additional stress will help you to stay engaged and in a regular routine. You may be asking yourself, however, where’s the best place to…

I used to think that yoga was a one-size-fits-all program, but that it would never quite fit me. Suffering from back and knee pain, a traditional yoga practice seemed out of reach to me and would only exacerbate the discomfort I already experienced – when it was supposed to do the exact opposite. Now, I…

Beginning any exercise routine may seem like an insurmountable feat if you have lupus. Having the energy to throw together dinner or do some laundry can be daunting and can exacerbate fatigue, joint stiffness and pain – so exercise may be the furthest thing from your mind these days. Easing into a fitness routine such…

Thinking of starting an exercise routine can seem more daunting than the workout itself. Are you contemplating YouTube videos or joining the local gym?  Trying to decide between Zumba or Pilates? Stretch pants or yoga pants?  Toss in the fact that you have lupus and do you wonder if you’ll even have the energy to…

Lupus caregivers can also feel the strain of living with a chronic illness, often neglecting their own well-being while being attentive to others. So how can caregivers make sure to get the care they need?  Read on to find out. Introduction to Lupus and Caring for the Caregiver How can those with lupus support caregivers?…

Introduction Defining Intimacy The Physical Barriers to Intimacy The Emotional Barriers to Intimacy Ways to Improve Intimacy In Conclusion Introduction Living with lupus can affect you physically and emotionally.  It can also affect the way you view your self-image, and how you feel (good or bad) about sex and intimacy.  Fatigue, joint pain, depression and certain lupus medications may all interfere with…

Introduction The Chemistry of Gratitude Gratitude and Overall Well-Being 5 Ways to Experience and Express More Gratitude In Conclusion   “An attitude of gratitude brings great things. – Yogi Bhajan” Introduction How many of us take gratitude for granted? I’ll be the first to admit that I do. I often forget that being grateful extends…

Contents: What is lupus? What are the four types of lupus? What are the different types of cutaneous lupus? Who gets cutaneous lupus and how does it relate to systemic lupus? Is cutaneous lupus contagious? How is it diagnosed and treated? Tips and Advice In Conclusion What is lupus? Lupus is a widespread and chronic…

If you have lupus, it is likely that you have been advised to take vitamin D as a supplement to your other therapies. Since those with lupus often must avoid direct sunlight, the primary way that vitamin D is produced naturally, it is a common deficiency that can lead to poor bone health – among…

Contents Introduction; The 20-second Overview What exactly are omega-3s? What are the health benefits of omega-3s? Sources of Omega-3 Krill Oil in the Treatment of Lupus In conclusion . Introduction: The 20-second Overview Lately, there have been a growing number of research studies, which highlight the possible role of certain fatty acids in slowing that…

Approximately half of individuals with lupus experience hypertension, making cardiovascular disease the number one cause of death. Explore the risks of cardiovascular disease and what can be done to treat these conditions and protect the heart. . Contents The Heart and its Role as Part of the Cardiovascular System Conditions of the Heart and Cardiovascular…

Though autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is relatively rare, lupus can target the pancreas with an inflammatory response, and of course diabetes is a concern for many – whether it is directly attributed to SLE or not.  Here are some things to consider regarding your lupus and this surprisingly complex organ! Contents What is the Pancreas? Pancreatitis:…

It is estimated that those with SLE have 8 times the risk for stroke compared to the general public.  The following describes what these risks entail and how you can reduce them as much as possible! Introduction What is stroke? What are the risk factors for stroke in individuals with SLE? How does stroke affect…

With lupus, pain can hit any part of the body and at any time, and chronic pain can make day-to-day life difficult.  So, what can you do?  Read on to learn more about the many kinds of pain associated with lupus, how they are diagnosed and what can be done to treat them. . Why…

Those with lupus / SLE  have a 25-50% chance of developing abnormal liver values in their lifetime.  Read on to find out more about the liver, how it can be affected by lupus and what you can do to take care of this vital organ!   Introduction Function of the Liver Conditions of the Liver,…

According to Johns Hopkins, approximately half of those with SLE will experience some form of lung involvement.  Here is a quick overview of some of the most significant conditions and treatments to consider. Introduction Conditions of the Lungs Pleuritis Acute Lupus Pneumonitis (ALP) Chronic Diffuse Interstitial Lung Disease Subacute Interstitial Lung Disease Pulmonary Emboli Antiphospholipid…

Joan Jarrett, M.D., polled dozens of doctors to find out what they would tell you, if only they could.  Here are the top twelve.   01. WE ARE WORKING ON YOUR CASE, EVEN IF IT LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE DISAPPEARED. Physicians often forget how scary being in the hospital can be. Rest assured that when…