What is lupus and why does it occur 10 times more in women than men?

An autoimmune disease, it can turn fatal if not treated early 

If you are a young woman and having a butterfly-shaped rash on cheeks, coupled with fever, joint pains and fatigue, better watch out! It probably is Lupus, an auto-immune disease, which could turn fatal if not treated early.

Lupus is a chronic disease. It causes inflammation (pain and swelling), affects the skin, joints, kidneys, lungs, nervous system and other organs of the body. It mostly affects women in their 20s and 30s and occurs 10 times more in women than men. The other symptoms include weight loss, blood clots, poor circulation to fingers and toes. Pregnant women could have miscarriages.

In Lupus, the immune system, which normally protects the body by making antibodies that attack foreign germs and cancers, starts producing auto-antibodies targeting the patient's own tissues. “We are seeing more patients with the disease now,” said Dr. Raj Kiran, Consultant Rheumatologist, CARE hospitals. However, due to lack of awareness, patients were turning up late when the disease has progressed and affected vital organs like kidneys. Describing it as a “peculiar disease”, he said it needed more attention because young women in childbearing age were affected.

Side effects

If untreated, the disease would progress and the patient would die. At the same time, medications for the treatment cause side effects. Unlike in many other cases, Lupus patients require constant monitoring as the disease could flare up suddenly. A judicious balance needed to be maintained to prevent its progress and reduce side effects of drugs. While no definitive data is available in India, the prevalence could be one in every thousand, he added. The mortality rate could be one in 100 patients if vital organs like kidneys or brain were affected. It mostly gets triggered by some infection, environmental changes and at times by drugs. However, drug-induced Lupus would be mild most of the times, he added.

With women from weaker sections increasingly getting affected, Dr. Raj Kiran said that he planned to establish a foundation with the help of NGOs to extend support to such patients as the treatment was quite expensive. The foundation would also take up research and build data on Lupus patients.

Christina Harvey

Christina Harvey

Please give this a watch. As most of you know I was diagnosed with Lupus in Jan 2017 after almost losing a few of my toes. I had absolutely no idea what Lupus was. These people inspire me and give me hope. I can relate to just about everything they are saying. I teared up watching just knowing Im not alone. I hate disappointing people and lately I have had to cancel many event due to the pain, lack of energy or drs appointments. Its hard making people understand a disease you dont even understand yourself. I am really thinking about organizing a walk and/or some fundraisers for Lupus awareness and research. Would any of my family and friends be interested??? Tommy Wright Stephanie Wright Jennifer Wright Jessica Wright Frankie David Harvey Alexandra Wright-Phipps Maxine Poteet Joseph Hunt Nikki Wilkins Angela Brown Sarah Stine Mickie Knuckles Selena Johnson Larry Ferguson

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=share&v=uip4ChFbeVo

TAME THE WOLF AND TAKE CONTROL

 “TAME THE WOLF AND TAKE CONTROL’
The word ‘lupus’ originated from the Latin word ‘wolf’. It’s attributed to a 19th century physician who used it to describe rashes or scarred irritations on the skin of his patients that looked like the bite of a wolf.

The wolf is considered as a ferocious animal which ravages just like lupus does. 

Lupus is life – threatening, unpredictable and can damage organs in the body.

Living with lupus is like living with a wolf in the inside. Do we allow the wolf (lupus) to ravage our bodies or find ways of taming it?

Taming the wolf involves taking measures to ensure we keep lupus under control.

Together we can make a difference by joining forces to educate lupus warriors and the public about Lupus.

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Lupus and Tendonitis

Lupus and Tendonitis

Inflammation is the most common reason for muscle pain and aches. Any time that major inflammation exists ("strep" throat, hepatitis, cancer, lupus, acute heart attack, etc.), signs and symptoms often include fevers, sweats, chills, fatigue, weight loss, and various muscle aches, pains and weakness. These non-specific, non-diagnostic symptoms are signs of your body's inability to cope with whatever process has overwhelmed it. Because lupus is an inflammatory disease it may cause any of these problems. These myalgias are a secondary part of the overall disease.

What AreTendons?

Tendons are tough, flexible, fibrous bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. When tendons become inflamed, irritated or suffer microscopic tears, the condition is called tendonitis. Tendons can be small, like the delicate, tiny bands in the hands, or large, like the heavy, ropelike cords that anchor the calf or thigh muscles. In most cases, the cause of tendonitis is unknown; when a cause can be identified, the condition usually happens for one of two reasons: 

• Overuse – A particular body motion is repeated too often.
  
• Overload – The level of a certain activity, such as weightlifting, is increased too quickly.

Rarely, tendonitis is caused by an infection, such as gonorrhea. Tendonitis is most common in the shoulder, elbow, knee, wrist and heel, although it can happen anywhere that tendons are found in the body. For uncertain reasons, tendonitis is also common in people with diabetes. In recent years, a rare cause of tendonitis (or other tendon disease, including rupture) has been recognized: the use of certain antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin. Why this happens is unknown

A tendon is a strong rope-like structure made of tough fibers that attaches muscle to bone. A bursa is a small sac containing a slippery fluid that is usually found near a joinand allows muscles, bones, and tendons to move easily. Tendonitis (irritation of a tendon) and bursitis (irritation of a bursa) are usually due to damage or overuse of a joint. Pain is the major symptom of both conditions. Different areas of your body may be affected; common areas include the elbow (tennis elbow), the finger (trigger finger) and the shoulder. In addition, tendons and bursas are both lined with synovial membrane, which is a target for inflammation in lupus arthritis.

10 Early Signs of Lupus

What Is Lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling (inflammation) and a wide variety of symptoms. Lupus affects each individual uniquely. Some people have only a few mild symptoms and others have many, more severe symptoms.

Symptoms usually start in early adulthood, anywhere from the teen years to the 30s. As with some other autoimmune diseases, people with lupus generally experience flare-ups of symptoms followed by periods of remission. That’s why early signs are easy to dismiss.

Because early symptoms are similar to those of so many other conditions, having them doesn’t necessarily mean you have lupus.

Fatigue

whopping 90 percent of people with lupus experience some level of fatigue, according to the Johns Hopkins Lupus Center. An afternoon nap does the trick for some people, but sleeping too much during the day can lead to insomnia at night. It may be hard to do, but if you can remain active and stick to a daily routine, you may be able to keep your energy levels up. 

 you are living with debilitating fatigue, speak to your doctor. Some causes of fatigue can be successfully treated.

Unexplained Fever

One of the early signs of lupus is a low-grade fever for no apparent reason. Because it may hover somewhere between 98.5 and 101 degrees Fahrenheit, you won’t necessarily think to see a doctor. People with lupus may experience this type of fever in an on-again, off-again fashion. Low-grade fever could be a sign of inflammation, infection, or imminent flare-up. If you have recurrent, low-grade fevers, make an appointment to see your doctor.

Hair Loss

Thinning hair is often one of the first signs of lupus. Hair loss is the result of inflammation of the skin and scalp. Some people with lupus lose hair by the clump, but more often, hair thins out slowly. Some people also have thinning of the beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other body hair. Lupus can cause hair to feel brittle, break easily, and look a bit ragged, earning it the name “lupus hair.”

Lupus treatment usually results in renewed hair growth. However, if you develop lesions on your scalp, hair loss in those areas may be permanent.

Skin Rash or Lesions

One of the most visible signs of lupus is the butterfly-shaped rash that appears over the bridge of the nose and both cheeks. About 50 percent of people with lupus have this rash, according to the Johns Hopkins Lupus Center. The rash can occur suddenly or appear after exposure to sunlight. Sometimes the rash appears just before a flare-up.  Lupus can also cause non-itchy lesions in other areas of the body. Rarely, lupus can cause hives. Many lupus patients are sensitive to the sun, or even to artificial lighting. Some experience discoloration in the fingers and toes.

Pulmonary Issues

Inflammation of the pulmonary system is another possible marker of lupus. Not only can the lungs themselves become inflamed, but the swelling can also extend to lung blood vessels. Even the diaphragm may be affected. These can all lead to chest pain when you try to breathe in, a condition often referred to as pleuritic chest pain.  

Over time, breathing issues from lupus can literally shrink lung size. Also called vanishing (or shrinking) lung syndrome, this condition is characterized by ongoing chest pain and shortness of breath. The diaphragmatic muscles are so weak that they appear to move up in CAT scan imagery, according to the Lupus Foundation of America.

Kidney Inflammation

People with lupus can develop a kidney inflammation called nephritis. Inflammation makes it harder for the kidneys to filter toxins and waste from the blood. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, nephritis usually begins within five years of the start of lupus.

Symptoms include swelling in the lower legs and feet, and high blood pressure. You may notice blood in your urine, or have to go more frequently at night. Also, you may have a pain in your side and your urine may be a bit darker than usual. Early signs may go unnoticed. Once diagnosed, monitoring of kidney function is recommended. Untreated lupus nephritis can lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Painful, Swollen Joints

Inflammation can cause pain, stiffness, and visible swelling in your joints, particularly in the morning. It may be mild at first, gradually becoming more obvious. Like other symptoms of lupus, joint problems can come and go.

over-the-counter pain medications don’t help, see your healthcare professional. There may be better treatment options, but your doctor must determine if your joint problems are caused by lupus or another condition, such as arthritis.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Some people with lupus experience occasional heartburn, acid indigestion, or other gastrointestinal problems. Mild symptoms can be successfully treated with over-the-counter antacids. If you have frequent bouts of acid indigestion or heartburn, try cutting down on the size of your meals. Avoid beverages containing caffeine. Don’t lie down right after a meal. If symptoms continue, see your doctor so other conditions can be ruled out.

Thyroid Problems

t’s not uncommon for people with lupus to develop autoimmune thyroid disease. The thyroid helps control your body’s metabolism. A poorly functioning thyroid can affect vital organs like your brain, heart, kidneys, and liver. It can result in weight gain or weight loss. Other symptoms include dry skin and hair, as well as moodiness.

An underactive thyroid is known as hypothyroidism and an overactive one is called hyperthyroidism. Various treatments to get your metabolism back on track are available.

Dry Mouth, Dry Eyes

If you have lupus, you may have dry mouth. Your eyes may feel gritty and dry, too. That’s because some lupus patients develop Sjogren’s syndrome, another autoimmune disorder. Sjogren’s syndrome causes malfunctioning of the glands responsible for tears and saliva. In some cases, women with lupus may also experience dryne

Your doctor can prescribe medications that help increase tear and saliva production.

Other Symptoms

The list of potential symptoms of lupus is lengthy. Other symptoms include muscle pain, chest pain, osteoporosis, and depression. Rare symptoms include anemia, dizziness, and seizures.

Fortunately, not everyone gets every symptom. While new symptoms can appear on the scene, old ones often disappear. 

Suffering the Silence

Hey lupies,

Be sure to check out this awesome video of two young girls, best friends, who both suffer from chronic illnesses. Ally who battles Lyme disease and Erika who battles Lupus. 

See how they’ve started a movement and have inspired millions of others suffering in silence to speak up and speak out!

All you need is a spoonful of strength to beat lupus.

All you need is a spoonful of strength to beat lupus. you got this, keeFighting .

To Try Especially For Auto Immune Warriors

Spring is finally upon us, well not 100% up here in Connecticut but I’ll take the little spring we are getting. This year I am hoping for a year of great weather which means a normal life and happy days of being pain free. As you know my life is in the control of the weather, food, stress and exhaustion. So, if I don’t want any lupus flare ups beside those 4 key element and the many meds I take I have to watch what I do to my body as well as put on my body. I’m always looking for the next best thing when it comes to natural skin care.

Recently, I chatted with Beauty Expert Ilse from Live Learn Luxe  and she shared with me some new natural products to try. As Ilse explained to me it’s not about the words “organic & natural” it’s all about the ingredients found in the products. These words are not friendly to anyone with an auto immune disease; PARABENS, SULFATES, TRICLOSAN, and PHTHALATES. Here are four of Ilse all-star favorite new must have chemical free products I should invest in that would not trigger my lupu

Ilse is not a medical doctor, she’s a friend who gives me guidance when it comes to my skin care needs. As I spring clean my dressing room I’ll be spring cleaning my shelf of old skincare products and bad skincare products. Once I pick up these items, I will have a review for you once I’m done…hang in there my lupus warriors!

Lupus WARRIOR

"El día cero". (with English subtitles)

Lupus Care Bear

Wouldn’t 

it 

be cool 

to have 

one of these?

Teaser! Toni Braxton's Lifetime Movie 'Unbreak My

Lifetime has released its very first trailer for Toni Braxton’s “Unbreak My Heart” movie. Toni’s story, including her battle with lupus, is the focus of the new Lifetime movie premiering January 2016.

Exercises to Help Manage Back Pain

 Source: Exercises to Help Manage Back Pain

When we suffer from back pain all we want to do is sit still in a position that doesn’t cause pain. But in fact, this is liable to worsen it. Strengthening the muscles in other areas helps support the body and takes weight off the spine, leading to better posture and less pain. SomTetimes when we begin exercising and we have back pain, we can feel a pinching or another slight pain. But as your muscles grow in strength back pain and pain while exercising should decrease. If you feel a significant pain lasting for longer than 15 minutes during the routine call your physician.
Be sure to stretch and warm up a little first. Avoid toe touches however. This exercise stresses the ligaments and disks in the spine and could make your pain worse. If you have lower back pain, partial crunches are good. They will strengthen the muscles in the back and stomach. Here you lie on the floor crossing your arms in front of you. You tighten your abdominal muscles and lift yourself up. Take a breath every time you rise and breathe out as you descend. Don’t use your elbows or arms to lift up. Make sure your feet are flat and that your tailbone never leaves the mat. Do eight to 12 of these and slowly increase as you get used to doing them.
Sit-ups are actually not so good. They put pressure on the spine and only really exercise the hips. Hamstring stretches are good for the back. Lie down and take a towel about the size of a hand towel with you. Put it on the middle of the bottom of your foot. Extend your leg out slowly and hold on to each end of the towel, guiding the leg up. Hold for 30 seconds then bring it down again. Do each leg two to four times. Practice these and you’re bound to notice the difference.
Talk to your doctor before taking on a new regimen of exercises for your condition, and see which ones are right for you. For serious conditions a physical therapist may be necessary. For others, a personal trainer who knows how to accommodate back conditions also proves helpful. Exercises that are not recommended for your condition could actually make it worse, so make sure to discuss the issue at length with a professional.

Protect Yourself this Cold & Flu Season

Temperatures are dropping and the holiday season is upon us! 

Although we’re immersed in quite a magical time of year, it’s also the beginning of cold and flu season. Not so magical after all!

When you have lupus, you have to take extra precautions to protect yourself from viruses. Not only will you feel horrible from the illness itself, but the virus could potentially provoke a flare! A double whammy during such a busy time of year! Not to mention, the use of strong immune suppressants may put some of you at a higher risk for contracting a virus. This is because the goal of lupus treatment is to suppress an overactive immune system so that it does not produce auto (self) antibodies that cause lupus symptoms. When your immune system is suppressed, you have the potential for increased chances of catching viruses and infections.

With that being said, what are the best ways to avoid catching a cold or the flu? A good starting point is to discuss the annual flu vaccine with your doctor.

While nothing is 100% fool proof, some simple steps you may want to keep in mind to help lessen the possibility of getting a cold, the flu or other viruses include:

• Avoid anyone- including family members- with symptoms of fever (over 100° F), nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Specifically you should avoid close, personal contact such as hugging, kissing, and shaking hands.
• Wash your hands (tops, palms and fingers) frequently with hot, soapy water for at least 15 seconds.
• Remember that surfaces- especially in bathrooms, on shared office equipment, on store countertops, gas pump handles, any surface of the car, and in restaurants- can expose you to germs. Keep alcohol-based gel or wipes handy, both out in public and at home.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way
• Shield coughs or sneezes with the crook of your arm. Do not use your hands or handkerchiefs as they carry moisture and spread viruses.
• Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
• Please remember that you should never discontinue medications used to treat your lupus without first consulting your doctor!

4 Steps to Manage Your Lupus for Life

1. Learn About Lupus - Learn as much as you can about lupus and the effects it can have on your body. Don't be overwhelmed or angry as you learn. Since lupus is a disease of varying issues it's important to know that every lupus journey is different.

2. Know Your Lupus ABCs - A - Know ALL of your tests and levels. Work with your doctor to find out what tests they are taking and why. Keep on track of your levels as they show inflammation and other things that happen in your body. B- BLOOD PRESSURE If your blood pressure gets too high, it makes your heart work too hard. It can cause a heart attack, stroke, and damage your kidneys and eyes. C - CARING for your self. Find out how you can properly care for yourself while battling lupus on a daily basis.

3. Learn How to Live with Lupus -It is common to feel overwhelmed, sad, or angry when you are living with lupus. Learn to cope with lupus through limiting your stress, eating healthy, being active and sticking to the plan of treatment every day.

4. Get Routine Care to Stay Healthy - See your health care team to find and treat any problems early. You will see many doctors, so make sure you are communicating well with every doctor and keeping them in your lupus loop together. Don't feel intimidated to be your best healthcare advocate.

#LupusInColor

Lupus Transformation

This lupus transformation through cocoons of pain is hard. You can’t deny it and you can’t ignore it. You can only understand that this difficult but beautiful metamorphosis will create a strong butterfly of change, power, bravery and strength in you.

Originally posted on Lupus In Color:

#LupusInColor

Wellness

Just because lupus makes you sick doesn't mean you aren't well. Wellness is a state of mind that can help you beat lupus. Get to a wellness of mind and spirit,  it is essential to get the upper hand over lupus. #LupusInColor

At the gym, let go of the handrails on the treadmill!

Because when we grab onto the handrails, we have a tendency to lean back. And people who do that burn significantly fewer calories. That’s because, when we walk up a real hill, we lean forward – which works our calf muscles, glutes and hamstrings. It also increases our calorie burn. If you grab on for dear life and lean back, you don’t get any of that. So, if you can’t let go, you either need to slow down or decrease the incline.

My Lupus Story with Lupus Connection

My full story will be up on LUPUS CONNECTION (which I keep saying Lupus Connect in the video). If you're interested in them, please visit http://lupusconnection.net/

Sometimes combining certain foods can improve their health benefits.

Like: Avocado and Tomato. Tomatoes are loaded with the antioxidant lycopene. But when you combine tomatoes with avocado, the unsaturated fat in the avocado helps the body absorb SEVEN TIMES the normal amount of lycopene! And lycopene inhibits the production of cancer cells.

Another good combo: Grilled steak and Brussels sprouts. There are compounds in Brussels sprouts which help the body flush out carcinogens. Including the carcinogens which form on charred meat during grilling.

Finally: Here’s a BAD food combo… Alcohol and energy drinks. Caffeine is a stimulant, while alcohol is a depressant. And when you overload your body with both at the same time, it puts tremendous stress on your heart… So don’t even think about ordering a Red Bull and Vodka.