Migraines, Menstrual Cycles, and Lupus Flares: A Painful TrifectaI dread that time of the month. Lupus has made it even worse – both the dread and the experience. Some menstrual cycles are more painful or inconvenient than others...reactions2comments
Lupus Specialist Appointments During PregnancyI only have a short time left before I deliver my second child. The doctor's visits have been easier, but I was finally able to meet my rheumatologist after not...reactions2comments
What Is Neuropathy and How Is It Treated?People living with lupus usually describe their neuropathy as numbness and tingling, starting in the extremities like the hands and feet. Symptoms can progress over time and travel up the...reactions12comments
New Test May Predict Heart Disease in People With LupusManaging their disease can be challenging and lifelong for people living with lupus. In addition to dealing with symptoms, they must also be mindful of the potential for complications, such...reactions1comment
Pregnancy and LupusI have reached 7 months in my pregnancy, and my flare is still consistent. I have taken a break from social media platforms and only post when needed. I am...reactions1comment
What Is Imposter Syndrome and How Can We Overcome It?Sometimes I feel like a fraud. Putting on these masks while battling lupus can be exhausting. In a world where you're expected to be perfect, it's easy to feel like...reactions4comments
Purpura: When Small Blood Vessels Leak Blood Under the SkinIf you have been on blood thinners or have lupus, you are prone to bruises and scratches. I have experienced that a lot lately. People asked me how I got...reactions12comments
How Adopting A Dog Helped Me Cope With LupusAt one of my lowest points with lupus, I impulsively adopted a shelter dog. I had been feeling isolated from friends and family due to fatigue that seemed endless. Adopting...reactions7comments
My 10-Year Lupus Diagnosis AnniversaryThis is my 10th anniversary of being diagnosed with lupus, and I am so happy I made it this far. Being diagnosed with lupus at age 17 was a lot...reactions1comment
CPAP Therapy: An Unpleasant Solution for My Fatigue ProblemsSometimes, taking responsibility for your health kind of sucks. Have you been there – where you just want to do the right thing for your health but the process feels...reactions6comments
Dealing with Covid and LupusAfter almost 3 years, Covid finally got me. Unfortunately, my husband fell ill first. The day after Thanksgiving, I saw that he was wearing a mask. I asked him what...reactions2comments
Not Enough Providers Know About Autoimmune ConditionsI have been in the medical field for over 15 years. I’ve seen it from the inside out. I have seen providers of all kinds, from my "fellow" nurses, to...reactions23comments
Life With An Invisible IllnessWhen I first became sick with lupus, nearly everything about my life changed. I had once juggled my college classes with work and a social life without too much difficulty...reactions1comment
High Protein Levels Found in Urine May Predict Lupus NephritisLupus nephritis is an inflammation of the kidneys. It occurs as a result of lupus, an autoimmune disease. When you have an autoimmune disease, your body's immune system attacks your...reactions3comments
5 Things I Took For Granted Before My Lupus DiagnosisGetting diagnosed with lupus changed my life forever. I now had a "new normal" that I would have to adapt to. Looking at things retrospectively, there were a lot of...reactions12comments
Winter Blues or Seasonal Affective DisorderOh, the weather outside is getting a bit frightful. Cold has moved in and with it less daylight for many. The winter months are here. Days of feeling super tired...reactions2comments
Recent Flare and Emergency Room VisitHaving a recent flare has shown me how unethical the medical system really is. I just had a recent flare while pregnant that lasted almost a month. This flare started...reactions2comments
Skin Care Tips for LupusCutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is lupus that affects the skin. CLE flares cause a rash to develop over parts of the skin. It may appear as a "butterfly rash" covering...reactions1comment
Tips for Staying Healthy During Winter MonthsI have noticed a pattern over the last several winters that I seem to pick up an onslaught of viruses. The exception for this was during the Covid-19 lockdown where...reactionscomments
Plaquenil Side Effects: Retinal Toxicity and Eye ExamsI’ve never had any issues with my eyes, so I never needed to see an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) until my lupus diagnosis when I was prescribed Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine). My rheumatologist...reactions9comments