Living with Lupus
Atrial Fibrillation, Hydroxychloroquine, and Lupus
Hydroxychloroquine, also known as Plaquenil or HCQ, reduces the risk of atrial fibrillation for people with lupus by 67% according to a recent study. HCQ is a commonly-prescribed oral drug for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Originally an anti-malarial drug, HCQ…
Cold Weather, Symptom Flares, and Lupus
Cold weather can bring lupus flares with it, but the reasons behind these flares are not fully understood. How can you prepare yourself for the cold months? Most people with lupus are, unfortunately, very familiar with symptom flares. The triggers…
Cutaneous Lupus (CLE), Quality of Life, & Fatigue
Cutaneous Lupus (CLE) is a form of lupus that affects the skin. But these symptoms are more than skin-deep. CLE has an impact on quality of life and energy levels, too. Dermatologists identify three main types of Cutaneous lupus erythematosus…
Managing Energy, The Spoon Theory, and Lupus
Lupus Warriors know the challenges of managing energy carefully. Explaining the delicate balance to others can be difficult, but not impossible. The Spoon Theory is a useful strategy A few years ago, Christine Miserandino wrote a post on the blog…
Flu Shots, Influenza, & Lupus
Life with lupus means living with a weakened immune system. This is an added challenge during flu season, but a flu shot may help. Influenza, or simply the flu, is a seasonal disease that involves congestion, breathing difficulties, fever, aching…
Foot Issues, Jaccoud’s, Raynaud’s, & Lupus
Many Lupus Warriors experience foot issues like swelling and pain. While they can make it difficult to work, move around, and sleep, they can often be dealt with easily. Foot problems are a common symptom of lupus. The foot issues can take…
Steroid Tapering, Health Benefits, & Lupus
Changes in steroid dosing can be difficult to keep up with, but important for total health. Successful steroid tapering of prednisone has increased for Lupus Warriors since 2000, according to a study. During a lupus flare, you want to feel…
Gastrointestinal Tract, Digestion, and Lupus
From nausea and flatulence to diarrhea and abdominal pains, gastrointestinal issues are often under-discussed, but they can be a tell-tale sign of health for people with lupus. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is in charge of processing food to extract nutrients…
Type I Interferon & the Lupus TULIP Study
Living with lupus can mean feeling like your own body is working against you. Recent research into new treatments is exploring the effectiveness of type I interferons, a specific type of cytokine, for lupus relief. On August 31, 2018, AstraZeneca…
Art Therapy, Stress Management, and Lupus
Feeling overwhelmed from lupus or the daily grind? Art therapy may offer stress relief and a non-verbal outlet. Stress is a well-known trigger when it comes to lupus and other autoimmune diseases. During periods of high stress, both emotional and physical,…