Kaleidoscope Blog

Contents: How to Get Your Doctor to Take You Seriously… In a Seriously Short Office Visit Write Out Your Questions In Advance Speak Up! Check Your Fear At the Door Conclusion   How to Get Your Doctor to Take You Seriously… In a Seriously Short Office Visit Physicians now, more than ever, are in a…

Contents: Introduction Steps to Creating Your New Normal           Start your day the right way… with an attitude of gratitude           Praise yourself for who you are not what you do           Let go of the past           Welcome new experiences    …

Lupus is complex!  Epigenetics is  a new frontier in lupus research and therapy that combines what we know about genetics with all of the environmental and lifestyle factors that can affect our health.  It may be the key to not only unlocking some of the mysteries of the disease, but also its cure! Introduction An…

Is It Lupus Chemo? INTRODUCTION Before diving into this blog topic, I thought I knew the exact waters I was entering.  I mean, pretty clear in my mind, Rituxan is “lupus chemo” right?  Many of you (like me), may be shocked to find out that although Rituxan is used to treat cancer, it is not classified…

INTRODUCTION There are two main types of lupus. Discoid Lupus, which affects the skin and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, that basically affects everything else. SLE can present itself differently and vary in severity between lupus patients. When lupus causes inflammation in the kidney or kidneys, it is called lupus nephritis. Sadly, this is one of the…

Contents: Complementary Medicine Complementary and Alternative Supplements and Treatments for Lupus Alternative Lupus Therapies/Treatments Complementary/Alternative Lupus Treatment: Precautions   Complementary Medicine In our blog, Lupus Treatment Options: Lupus Medications, we covered many of the most common pharmaceutical treatments for lupus.  We also recently posted a blog on the first FDA approved lupus drug in 50…

Contents: What to Expect When You Are Expecting…A Lupus Diagnosis What is a Rheumatologist? What to Bring What to Ask? The Physical Exam Tips on Having a Successful Visit Wrapping it Up   What to Expect When You Are Expecting… A Lupus Diagnosis By this time you are probably feeling like a bug smacking a…

Believe it or not, all 206 bones in the body are composed of living tissue that need blood to function and survive.  In fact, red blood cells, platelets and most white blood cells are born in the marrow of bones. If a problem with blood supply within the bones presents itself, the bones can literally…

A lupus diagnosis can be confusing and scary enough, let alone being diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome as well. Learn about this condition that affects up to 50% of individuals with SLE. . Introduction Signs and Symptoms of Antiphospholipid Syndrome Antiphospholipid Syndrome Causes Antibody Profile of Antiphospholipid Syndrome Diagnosing and Treating Antiphospolipid Syndrome Complications of Antiphospholipid…

Up to one-third of individuals with lupus will develop some form of eye complications. Learning about the signs, symptoms and treatment options can help maintain the health of your delicate eyes. Introduction A Brief Anatomy of the Eye What eye diseases may affect an individual with lupus? What causes eye disease in individuals with lupus?…

Contents: What are the Differences Between Acute and Chronic Illnesses?      Acute      Chronic      Psychological Differences      Financial Differences What Can You Do?     1) Create a budget     2) Review your insurance     3) Estate planning and advance directive Conclusion   Do you ever feel that those around you…

  The other day I was in my rheumatologist’s office and I was inquiring about making an appointment.  The receptionist asked me, “When would you like to see your doctor?”  I answered, “The sooner the better.”  She replied, “The earliest your doctor can see you is in 4 months.”     Wait, what? After the initial…

Índice: ¿Qué es el lupus? ¿Cuáles son los cuatro tipos de lupus? Signos y síntomas del lupus Conclusión   ¿Qué es el lupus? Antes de hablar de los signos y síntomas del lupus, definámosla. El lupus es una enfermedad autoimmune crónica y generalizada que, por razones desconocidas, hace que el sistema inmunológico ataque a los…

Contents: What is Neonatal Lupus? Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Outlook   What is Neonatal Lupus? Women who suffer with active lupus have a higher risk of having complications with pregnancy. These complications include preeclampsia, miscarriage and preterm delivery. One of the other rare complications that can occur is neonatal lupus. Neonatal lupus is an autoimmune disorder that is…

Contents: Cognitive Dysfunction Migraines CNS Vasculitis Fibromyalgia Organic Brain Syndrome Central Nervous System Lupus Tests and Diagnostics Outlook   When you say your lupus is “getting on your nerves” you may be completely accurate.  Sadly, Lupus can attack the nervous system as easily as it can attack your joints, skin or any other part of…

Contents: What is myositis? What are the signs and symptoms? How is it diagnosed? How is it treated? What causes myositis? Who gets myositis? What is the prognosis for someone with myositis? What research is being done? What is Myositis? To understand myositis, we need to understand the definition of a myopathy. A myopathy is defined as…

Contents: What is the Mind-Body Connection? How can emotions affect physical well-being? How do you achieve balance and build a stronger mind-body connection?   What is the Mind-Body Connection? The term “mind-body connection” refers to the way your body responds to the way you think, feel, and act.  Stress, anxiety, emotional distress can cause negative…

Contents: Lupus Medications Some Common Lupus Medications Trials and Other Things to Consider   Lupus Medications Lupus manifests differently in each patient (Please see: How Lupus Can Affect The Body,) requiring varying treatment options for each individual depending on the signs and symptoms that are presenting. It is also important to understand that the treatment…

Contents: Coping with Lupus Some Main Challenges you May Face Things You Can Do To Help Yourself With hope, there are always possibilities   Coping with Lupus Whether you have been recently diagnosed with lupus or have been living with it for many years, learning to live with, what can be a very debilitating disease,…

Contents: Living With Lupus: How Can Lupus Affect the Body? Lupus Effect on the Body: A Head to Toe Listing In Conclusion   Living With Lupus: How Can Lupus Affect the Body?  In Lupus and other autoimmune diseases, the immune system begins to recognize and attack itself, going after and injuring healthy tissue. This can…