Lupus Diary

Progress and Setbacks

Thu, 03 Mar 2016 07:00:43 +0000

While Lupus patients like me get a lot of practice with the "three-steps-forward-two-steps-back" deal, it’s not always easy. It’s especially tough to reconcile reality with the days of the past, remembering ....

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Aquatic Therapy

Wed, 24 Feb 2016 18:23:27 +0000

When I learned that my neurologist was referring me for aquatic therapy at our local hospital, I was very excited. I love pain therapies that don’t involve prescription medications! After today’s evaluation ....

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Garlic Reaction in Lupus

Thu, 18 Feb 2016 06:35:11 +0000

One thing about living with Lupus is that you just never know when the disease will strike. You could be having one of very few glorious days, then out of the blue, something you do or eat will make you ....

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Pain and Panic

Thu, 04 Feb 2016 05:09:54 +0000

Last week this time, I was basking in the glow of getting fitted for a new wig. What a difference a week makes, as the downturn in the weather has had a cascading effect on my body, mind, and spirit. Unfortunately....

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Lupus Hair

Thu, 28 Jan 2016 06:25:36 +0000

I hadn’t heard of the term “Lupus hair” until last year while researching my book, although it was one of my first symptoms of this disease many years ago. Unfortunately, to this day, it remains a problem that ….

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Strange Symptoms

Thu, 21 Jan 2016 06:14:14 +0000

In Lupus, if it’s not your body’s own immune system over-working itself, it’s your own mind over-thinking about the strange symptoms you’re having and if they'll lead to a major flare or even a hospital stay….

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Annual Plaquenil Eye Exam

Thu, 14 Jan 2016 05:54:07 +0000

Living with Lupus, I work with many doctors. From cardiologists and hematologists to orthopedists and rheumatologists, I see them on a regular basis, either quarterly or every other month ....

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Facing Uncertainty… Again

Thu, 07 Jan 2016 05:22:31 +0000

On the road of life with Lupus, there are SO many bumps and detours. From unfavorable lab results to emergency medical episodes, the challenge is to manage these "bumps in the road" with skillful driving, both defensively and....

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Welcome to Lupus in Winter

Thu, 31 Dec 2015 05:57:29 +0000

Winter has never been one of my favorite seasons, even prior to my Lupus diagnosis. Yes, there's definitely beauty in the season, especially with our breath-taking views of the snow-capped Sierra mountains. But all the cold ....

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Holiday “Break”

Thu, 24 Dec 2015 05:28:40 +0000

It's two days before Christmas, and as I struggle to gear up for the holiday "break," I'm reminded that there's really no break from Lupus. The holiday is full of memories and hope for the future. I cling to those ....

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A Silver Lining?

Thu, 17 Dec 2015 06:30:07 +0000

As I continue healing and making my way back to my "normal," I find myself getting excited again about the possibilities this emergency has brought to light. A couple of new medications, vivid dreams, and ....

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Fighting My Way Back

Fri, 11 Dec 2015 05:51:38 +0000

When you live with Lupus, medical emergencies can become a way of life. Surviving them takes the effort of hospitals, doctors, and the right medicines; but fighting your way back from them once you’re “out-of-the-woods” ....

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