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.
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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…
Blog, Featured
Lupus and the Lungs
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…
Blog, Featured
The Doctor Diaries: What Physicians Wish Patients Knew
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…
Blog, Coping With Lupus, Featured, Living with Lupus, Lupus in Men, Men with Lupus
The 4th of July and Being a Dad with Lupus!
Here are some thoughts from a dad as we begin the summer vacation season and the 4th of July holiday … but these are important for any day of the year … because you are a dad 365 days a year! Introduction Fatherhood and Lupus Society’s Expectations In Conclusion Introduction I am a dad with…
About Lupus, Blog, Featured, General Information
Lupus Awareness Month 2018
Kaleidoscope Fighting Lupus May is National Lupus Awareness Month – a time for Kaleidoscope Fighting Lupus and partnering organizations across the country to highlight the disease. May 10th is World Lupus Day bringing global awareness to this disease. Lupus is a global health problem affecting millions of people of all nationalities, races, ethnicities, genders and…
About Lupus, Blog, Featured, Mouth Sores, Symptoms
Mouth Sores and Lupus
Contents: Introduction How is it diagnosed? What may be causing my mouth sores if it is not lupus? How are mouth sores treated? What can be done to help alleviate or prevent them How can my dentist help? In conclusion Introduction Much of the information about systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) focuses on how the disease affects…
Featured
H.P. ACTHAR® GEL and Lupus
WHAT IS LUPUS? Lupus is widespread and chronic autoimmune disease that, for some reason, causes the immune system to attack the body’s own tissue and organs, including the joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, blood or skin. Lupus is one of America’s least recognized major diseases, despite the fact that hundreds of thousands of Americans suffer…
About Lupus, Blog, Featured, General Information, Lupus Nephritis
Lupus Nephritis
Contents: Introduction What are the kidneys and what do they do? What are the symptoms of lupus nephritis and how do I recognize it? How does lupus nephritis get diagnosed? Once diagnosed, how is lupus nephritis treated? Can Lifestyle Changes Help Those With Lupus Nephritis? How Research is Providing Hope In Summary, by Dr. Donald…
About Lupus, Blog, Featured, General Information, The Doctors
Doctors Who Treat Lupus
Contents: Introduction Types of Doctors That Treat Lupus: Dermatologist Cardiologist Clinical Immunologist Endocrinologist Family Doctor Gastroenterologist Hematologist Nephrologist Neurologist Perinatologist Psychologist Pulmonologist Rheumatologist Social Worker In Conclusion…
Blog, Coping With Lupus, Featured, General Information, Invisible Illness, Living with Lupus
Lupus and Grief
Lupus and the Roller Coaster Which is Grief Grief (as defined by dictionary.com): “Keen mental suffering or distress over affliction or loss.” Grief (as defined by someone diagnosed with lupus or another chronic illness): “Overwhelmingly keen mental anguish, suffering and distress over the absolute topsy turvy and unexpected negative turn of events in his or…
About Lupus, Blog, Featured, Living with Lupus
Lupus and Stem Cell Therapy
INTRODUCTION Recently, there has been an influx of research about stem cell therapies being used as a potential treatment for SLE and other lupus overlap diseases. At Kaleidoscope Fighting Lupus, we have received several inquiries regarding this new therapy, and deemed it responsible to clarify (due to its experimental and somewhat controversial nature) what stem…
About Lupus, Blog, Featured, Medications, Plaquenil, Treatments
Plaquenil: What You Need to Know
Contents: What is Plaquenil? Other than Plaquenil, what are the other antimalarial drugs? Why are antimalarial drugs used to treat lupus? How do antimalarial drugs work to control lupus symptoms? What should I keep in mind when taking antimalarial drugs? How to use Plaquenil What are the possible side effects of antimalarial drugs? Can I…
About Lupus, Blog, Diagnosis, Featured
Your ANA: Facts and Fiction
Two Scenarios SCENARIO ONE: Sarah’s heart is racing as she sits in her doctor’s office awaiting her test results. The visible facial rash and joint pain that appeared after her baby was born have been extremely challenging to live with. The answers to what seem like months of waiting, months of referrals, and months of…
About Lupus, Featured, General Information
Low-Dose Naltrexone and Lupus
The Use of Low-Dose Naltrexone for Lupus and Other Overlap Conditions WHAT IS LDN? Low-dose naltrexone or LDN is a medication that is getting more attention because of preliminary research showing promise for use with diseases like multiple sclerosis, some cancers, HIV/AIDS and other chronic pain conditions. Over the last several months, we, at Kaleidoscope…
Blog, Coping With Lupus, Featured, General Information
There’s An App for THAT! Living With Lupus in the Age of Technology
Note: For the latest in smart phone apps specific to lupus, check out our updated blog by clicking here Lupus and Mobile Tech – Smartphone Apps and Managing Your Health Contents: EPA’s SunWise UV Index App MANGO Health App Lupus Tracker Pro Image InBox The Lupus Companion Other Helpful Apps In the age…
About Lupus, Blog, Human Biology and Anatomy, Living with Lupus, Symptoms
Lupus and Hormones
Never underestimate the power of hormones. These potent chemical messengers help regulate almost every function of the human body … including the autoimmunity. Find out more about how they may influence lupus, and how they may lead to future treatments Introduction to Lupus and Hormones What role do hormones play in autoimmune disease and lupus?…
About Lupus, Blog, Featured, Medications
CellCept® and Lupus
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…
Blog, Coping With Lupus, Depression, Featured, Living with Lupus, Lupus in Children
Teens with Lupus: Questions and Answers To Help Teens Deal
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…
About Lupus, Autoimmune Diseases, Blog, Featured, General Information, Symptoms, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Lupus and Blood Disorders
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…
About Lupus, Blog, Coping With Lupus, Featured, Living with Lupus, Medications
AZATHIOPRINE and 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…
About Lupus, Blog, Coping With Lupus, Featured, Lupus in Men, Medications
DHEA and Lupus
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…