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.
Blog, Featured, Lupus Nephritis, Medications, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Lupus Nephritis
Lupus nephritis (LN) is a leading cause of death in SLE and can affect from 40% to 50% of those with lupus. Yet, newly approved drug therapies promise to change the future LN. Read on to learn more about this dangerous condition and how it can be treated. Introduction: What is lupus nephritis? Who is…
About Lupus, Autoimmune Diseases, Blog, Coping With Lupus, Featured, General Information, Living with Lupus, Symptoms
STOP! LOOK! AND LISTEN! How to Get Your Doctor to Take You Seriously… In a Seriously Short Office Visit
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…
About Lupus, Blog, Coping With Lupus, Featured, Living with Lupus, Mind/Body Connection
Your “New” Normal: Finding Joy After A Lupus Diagnosis
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 …
About Lupus, Blog, Coping With Lupus, Featured, General Information, Living with Lupus, What Causes Lupus?
Lupus and Epigenetics
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…
About Lupus, Blog, Coping With Lupus, Featured, General Information, Living with Lupus, Medications
Rituxan and Lupus
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…
About Lupus, Blog, Coping With Lupus, Featured, Living with Lupus, Symptoms
Dealing with Dialysis While Living with Lupus
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…
About Lupus, Alternative Lupus Treatments, Blog, Coping With Lupus, Featured, General Information, Living with Lupus, Medications, Treatments
Alternative Lupus Treatments and Therapies
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…
About Lupus, Autoimmune Diseases, Blog, Featured, General Information, Living with Lupus, The Doctors
Your First Visit to the Rheumatologist
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…
About Lupus, Autoimmune Diseases, Blog, Coping With Lupus, Featured, General Information, Living with Lupus
Avascular Necrosis and Lupus
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…
Antiphospholipid Syndrome, Autoimmune Diseases, Blog, Featured, General Information, Invisible Illness, Overlap Diseases
Lupus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome
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…
Blog, Coping With Lupus, Featured, Living with Lupus, Medications, Photosensitivity, Sjogren's, Symptoms
Lupus and the Eyes
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?…
About Lupus, Blog
Acute vs. Chronic: Living 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…
General Information
Running Out of Rheum! U.S. Shortage of Rheumatologists
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…
Recursos en español
¿Qué es el lupus?
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…
About Lupus, Featured, Lupus in Children
Neonatal Lupus
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…
About Lupus, Blog, Featured, Living with Lupus, Symptoms, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Lupus and the Nervous System
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…
Blog, Myositis, Overlap Diseases
Myositis and Lupus
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…
Blog, Depression, General Information, Living with Lupus, Mind/Body Connection, Nutrition, Stress
The Mind-Body Connection
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…
Blog, Clinical Trials, General Information, Medications, Treatments
Lupus Treatment Options: Lupus Medications
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…
Blog, Coping With Lupus, Depression, General Information, Gratitude, Invisible Illness, Living with Lupus, Mind/Body Connection, Parenting with Chronic Illness
Coping with Lupus: How Does Lupus Affect Your State of Mind and Body?
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,…
Blog, Coping With Lupus, General Information, Living with Lupus, Parenting with Chronic Illness, Symptoms
Living With Lupus: In What Ways Can Lupus Affect the Body?
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…