Kaleidoscope Blog

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…

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…

SLE can cause inflammation in all areas of the body.  When it directly damages muscle tissue, we call it myositis, a serious condition that causes pain and weakness, sometimes rashes and affects a surprising number of those living with lupus.  Read on to find out more about myositis – its causes, diagnosis and treatment. Contents: What…

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…