Kaleidoscope Blog

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 doesn’t get the respect it deserves – after all, it influences almost every cell, organ and function of the body.  It is also intimately connected to your immune system and can be heavily influenced not only by your lupus, but also by the medications you take.  How?  Read on to find out!…

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…

You just scheduled your first appointment with a rheumatologist – now what?  Whether you think you have lupus or not, you are probably feeling scared, confused, and tired of filling out repetitive forms … and maybe a bit alone.   Your body, your entire world may seem out of control.  Yet, you can take back…

Osteoporosis is probably the most well-known medical condition related to bone-loss.  However for those living with lupus, avascular necrosis (AVN) is also a concern – affecting approximately 10% of those living with SLE.  What is AV?  What symptoms should you look for, and how can you prevent or treat damage to your bones?  Read on…

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…

The access, time, and attention you have with your rheumatologist are vital to your health and treatment planning.  However, with more rheumatologists retiring than going into the field, that access may become more challenging.  Read on to find out about the shortage of rheumatologists, and how this might affect you.   Introduction:  How big is…

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…

Lupus can affect the nervous system in a number of ways, from seizures and nerve pain to memory loss and brain fog. Learn more about the nervous system, what symptoms to watch out for and what you can do about them in this KFL article! Introduction: The Two-minute Overview The Nervous System: Another Overview Lupus…