Kaleidoscope Blog

INTRODUCTION Hormones are unique messengers that maintain and regulate numerous bodily functions. For the last several decades, more research has suggested the sex hormone estrogen, in particular, is believed to play a role in not only being a possible lupus trigger, but also with increasing lupus symptoms.  Interestingly enough, both men and women produce estrogen,…

WHAT IS IT? CellCept® or mycophenolate mofetil, is a medication that was first prescribed to treat people who have had an organ transplant.  Over the last 15 years, it has been increasingly used more to treat immune disorders, like systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and other lupus overlap diseases.    This blog…

Contents: What are the facts? How to Deal with Depression & Anxiety How to Deal with Worry About the Future How to Deal with Social Activities How to Deal with Explaining Lupus to Your Friends How to Deal with Your Parents or Guardian How to Deal with Dating Important Resources   When a teenager or…

It is estimated that 85% of lupus patients will experience some form of unhealthy blood condition. In this article, we will take a closer at the blood disorder risks, symptoms and treatments for individuals living with lupus.   Introduction What is blood? What causes a blood disorder? Diagnosing Blood Disorders Common Blood Disorders in Lupus…

What it is: Azathioprine or the brand name Imuran, is a drug that was originally developed to prevent organ rejection in people who had received a donor transplant.  Currently, in addition to its anti-rejection properties, it is also being used more and more to treat autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus, dermatomyositis, vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis and…

WHAT IS IT? Dehydroepiandrosterone, commonly called DHEA, is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.  DHEA leads to the production of androgen and estrogen, which are sex hormones that play an important role in the reproductive systems of both men and women.   Interestingly, studies have shown that people who have SLE, have lower levels of…

SHAME. The word shame can be described as a painful, social emotion that can be seen as a result of an awareness of inadequacy or guilt.  Experiencing shame is, honestly, one of the most miserable and self-loathing emotions this world has to offer.   Interestingly, the roots of the word “shame” are believed to be derivative…

THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM:  A powerful infantry of glands that affect virtually every cell and organ in the body – that with one blow may have one down for the count, waving a white flag of surrender. Okay, that not might be the exact medical definition one would find on webMD, but for someone who suffers…

Contents: What is prednisone and why is it prescribed? What is the benefit? Weight gain and other side effects of this medication… what are the risks? 10 Things you should know/do before taking prednisone How should it be used? In conclusion: The benefits and the risks weighed   What is prednisone and why is it prescribed? What…

INTRODUCTION If you were to question people on the street about the discovery of lupus, if they knew what it was in the first place, they would probably assume that it was a modern day disease.  That assumption makes sense as to why so many people still don’t know what it is and what it…

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…

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?…

The acute and chronic conditions associated with lupus are two sides of the same autoimmune coin.  Each can be devastating, but it is often the chronic nature of lupus that is the most hidden, the most difficult to understand. Read on to find out how both aspects of SLE can affect the lives of those…