Friday was my god daughters 2nd birthday party and I danced the night away.. Now as you women/men know that having Lupus, etc.. Or muiltiply Connection tissue disoreders like I do... My body was hurting to bad and that I had to totally rest the next day. Knees was hurting when I walked, My back was in pain, pain, pain and my feet was red and swollen..I took all my medication just to help me relax and claim down..
Now the part that bothered me the most was that when I went to sit down someone came over to me and asked why I WASN'T DANCING ANYMORE! I told them my back, feet and knees were hurting.. they called me old???? Huh!! I'm I old?? I take very care of myself and I look way way better then most of these girls/women.. I told her I have Lupus and she said that don't mean anything because she has a friend that has lupus and she party every friday and never take her medication. (Not a smart thing to do) I know I'm not going to stop taking my medicaition...
Yes I'm still learning to keep my mouth shut about my muiltiply illnesses because people wont understand that I'm sick on the insideand not the outsid!!!
Showing posts with label depressed lupus autoimmune life family confused. Show all posts
Showing posts with label depressed lupus autoimmune life family confused. Show all posts
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Day 14 Lupus Awareness Month
May 14:
Drug-induced lupus is a lupus-like disease caused by taking specific prescription drugs. The symptoms usually disappear within six months after these medications are stopped.
Drug-induced lupus is a lupus-like disease caused by taking specific prescription drugs. The symptoms usually disappear within six months after these medications are stopped.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Things to Avoid by The John Hopkins Lupus Center
If you have lupus or a condition that predisposes you to lupus, such as undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD), there are certain foods and medications that you should avoid. The substances listed below have shown to induce lupus signs and flares and should be avoided by people with lupus or autoimmune diseases suggesting “pre-lupus.”
(1) Sunlight
People with lupus should avoid the sun, since sunlight can cause rashes and flares. Some people are more sensitive to sunlight than others, but all people with lupus are advised to be cautious when they are outside. Of course, it would be impractical to completely avoid going outdoors, but try to be prepared. Carry a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 70 and be sure that your sunscreen contains Helioplex, an ingredient that blocks UV-A and UV-B rays, both of which are harmful to people with lupus. Apply sunscreen to all areas of the body, even those covered by your clothes, since most normal clothing items only protect your skin to the level of SPF 5. In addition, carry a hat with you when you know you will be outside. Certain sportswear manufacturers now make hats with SPF built into the material, which may be helpful for people with greater photosensitivity.
(2) Bactrim and Septra (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim)
Bactrim and Septra are antibiotics that contain sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. They are grouped as “sulfa” antibiotics because they contain a substance called sulfonamide. Bactrim and Septra are often prescribed for bacterial infections, especially urinary tract infections. They are also sometimes given prophylactically (i.e., to prevent infection), especially in people taking immunosuppressive medications. However, it is very important that you avoid Bactrim and Septra, because these antibiotics are known to cause an increase in sun sensitivity and lower blood counts in people with lupus, resulting in lupus flares. Several medications can be used instead of Bactim or Septra for the prevention and treatment of infection; perhaps the most frequently used substitute is Dapsone (diaminodiphenyl sulfone) to prevent Pneumocystis pneumonia.
(3) Garlic
Scientists believe that three substancs in garlic—allicin, ajoene, and thiosulfinates—rev-up your immune system by enhancing the activity of white blood cells, particularly macrophages and lymphocytes. Scientists also believe that the sulfur components of garlic help to prevent and suppress cancer in the body. For this reason, garlic is often used as a supplement to combat colds and infections. Unfortunately, the enhancement of immune response is counterproductive in people with autoimmune disease such as lupus, because their immune system is already overactive. As a result, people with lupus and lupus-like signs should avoid cooking with garlic and adding it to food. Of course, a tiny amount of the herb will not harm you, but try to consciously avoid purchasing and preparing foods with garlic.
(4) Alfalfa Sprouts
Alfalfa sprouts contain an amino acid called L-canavanine that can increase inflammation in people with lupus by stimulating the immune system. As a result, people with lupus and similar autoimmune conditions should avoid alfalfa sprouts completely.
(5) Melatonin and Rozerem (ramelteon)
Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in your brain that regulates other hormones in the body that control how your body reacts to daily patterns of light and dark. Melatonin release is suppressed during the light hours of the day and stimulated by dark, helping you stick to patterns of nighttime sleep and daytime wakefulness. As a result, melatonin is often used as a sleep aid over other medications. Melatonin and melatonin-containing supplements should be avoided in people with lupus and other autoimmune disorders because they may stimulate the immune system. In addition, people with these conditions should also avoid the prescription sleep aid Rozerem (ramelteon), because it mimics melatonin in the body. It is important that you understand the necessity of avoiding both melatonin and Rozerem, since sleep aids are often used to help people with fibromylagia and other conditions to attain normal sleep patterns. In general, be sure that you speak with your physician before taking any new medications or supplements.
(6) Echinacea
Echinacea is often used as a dietary supplement to boost the immune system against colds and other illnesses. However, because Echinacea boosts your immune system, it may cause flares in people with autoimmune diseases such as lupus. In fact, Echinacea supplements sold in Europe bear warning labels that advise against use by people with autoimmune diseases. As a result, people with lupus and other autoimmune diseases should avoid these supplements. In general, it is important that you speak with your physician before taking any new medications or supplements.
(1) Sunlight
People with lupus should avoid the sun, since sunlight can cause rashes and flares. Some people are more sensitive to sunlight than others, but all people with lupus are advised to be cautious when they are outside. Of course, it would be impractical to completely avoid going outdoors, but try to be prepared. Carry a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 70 and be sure that your sunscreen contains Helioplex, an ingredient that blocks UV-A and UV-B rays, both of which are harmful to people with lupus. Apply sunscreen to all areas of the body, even those covered by your clothes, since most normal clothing items only protect your skin to the level of SPF 5. In addition, carry a hat with you when you know you will be outside. Certain sportswear manufacturers now make hats with SPF built into the material, which may be helpful for people with greater photosensitivity.
(2) Bactrim and Septra (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim)
Bactrim and Septra are antibiotics that contain sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. They are grouped as “sulfa” antibiotics because they contain a substance called sulfonamide. Bactrim and Septra are often prescribed for bacterial infections, especially urinary tract infections. They are also sometimes given prophylactically (i.e., to prevent infection), especially in people taking immunosuppressive medications. However, it is very important that you avoid Bactrim and Septra, because these antibiotics are known to cause an increase in sun sensitivity and lower blood counts in people with lupus, resulting in lupus flares. Several medications can be used instead of Bactim or Septra for the prevention and treatment of infection; perhaps the most frequently used substitute is Dapsone (diaminodiphenyl sulfone) to prevent Pneumocystis pneumonia.
(3) Garlic
Scientists believe that three substancs in garlic—allicin, ajoene, and thiosulfinates—rev-up your immune system by enhancing the activity of white blood cells, particularly macrophages and lymphocytes. Scientists also believe that the sulfur components of garlic help to prevent and suppress cancer in the body. For this reason, garlic is often used as a supplement to combat colds and infections. Unfortunately, the enhancement of immune response is counterproductive in people with autoimmune disease such as lupus, because their immune system is already overactive. As a result, people with lupus and lupus-like signs should avoid cooking with garlic and adding it to food. Of course, a tiny amount of the herb will not harm you, but try to consciously avoid purchasing and preparing foods with garlic.
(4) Alfalfa Sprouts
Alfalfa sprouts contain an amino acid called L-canavanine that can increase inflammation in people with lupus by stimulating the immune system. As a result, people with lupus and similar autoimmune conditions should avoid alfalfa sprouts completely.
(5) Melatonin and Rozerem (ramelteon)
Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in your brain that regulates other hormones in the body that control how your body reacts to daily patterns of light and dark. Melatonin release is suppressed during the light hours of the day and stimulated by dark, helping you stick to patterns of nighttime sleep and daytime wakefulness. As a result, melatonin is often used as a sleep aid over other medications. Melatonin and melatonin-containing supplements should be avoided in people with lupus and other autoimmune disorders because they may stimulate the immune system. In addition, people with these conditions should also avoid the prescription sleep aid Rozerem (ramelteon), because it mimics melatonin in the body. It is important that you understand the necessity of avoiding both melatonin and Rozerem, since sleep aids are often used to help people with fibromylagia and other conditions to attain normal sleep patterns. In general, be sure that you speak with your physician before taking any new medications or supplements.
(6) Echinacea
Echinacea is often used as a dietary supplement to boost the immune system against colds and other illnesses. However, because Echinacea boosts your immune system, it may cause flares in people with autoimmune diseases such as lupus. In fact, Echinacea supplements sold in Europe bear warning labels that advise against use by people with autoimmune diseases. As a result, people with lupus and other autoimmune diseases should avoid these supplements. In general, it is important that you speak with your physician before taking any new medications or supplements.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
FIVE MYTHS ABOUT ARTHRITIS
FIVE MYTHS ABOUT ARTHRITIS
Myth:
Arthritis is an older person’s disease.
Truth:
Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases do not discriminate based on age. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, affecting more than 1.3 million Americans. RA most often begins between the fourth and sixth decades of life. However, RA can develop at any age.
Additionally, about one child in every 1,000 develops some type of juvenile arthritis. These disorders can affect children at any age, although rarely in the first six months of life. It is estimated that around 300,000 children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Myth:
Arthritis is an inevitable part of life, so you just have to deal with it.
Truth:
Aches and pains are an inevitable part of life. But, sometimes, pain in the joints, muscles or bones is severe or persists for more than a few days. At that point, you should see your physician and seek referral to a rheumatologist.
Living your life with prolonged stiffness and pain isn’t something you should deal with on your own. Rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals are trained to help you not only find a way to live with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, but many treatments offered by rheumatologists can even stop certain diseases and conditions in their tracks.
Myth:
Arthritis has less of an impact than other diseases.
Truth:
In the United States alone there are 46 million adults and 300,000 children with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
Myth:
Any doctor can treat my arthritis.
Truth:
While primary care physicians are an important part of the multidisciplinary approach to treating any disease, you may need to see a rheumatologist, who is a physician who specialize in treating arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. If a person were to have a form of cancer, he or she would see an oncologist. If a child were to suffer from diabetes, he or she would be taken to an endocrinologist. Just as you would reach out to a specialist for these types of diseases, you should turn to rheumatologists as your lead physician to treat arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. Rheumatologists will work with you and your primary care physician to ensure that you are receiving the best possible treatment.
Myth:
My weight has no impact on my arthritis.
Truth:
Some studies show that even a small amount of weight loss can help ease arthritis pain – particularly in the knees and hips. Treating rheumatic diseases is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Each condition requires a specific multidisciplinary treatment that may include diet, exercise, medication, or even behavioral changes.
Myth:
Arthritis is an older person’s disease.
Truth:
Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases do not discriminate based on age. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, affecting more than 1.3 million Americans. RA most often begins between the fourth and sixth decades of life. However, RA can develop at any age.
Additionally, about one child in every 1,000 develops some type of juvenile arthritis. These disorders can affect children at any age, although rarely in the first six months of life. It is estimated that around 300,000 children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Myth:
Arthritis is an inevitable part of life, so you just have to deal with it.
Truth:
Aches and pains are an inevitable part of life. But, sometimes, pain in the joints, muscles or bones is severe or persists for more than a few days. At that point, you should see your physician and seek referral to a rheumatologist.
Living your life with prolonged stiffness and pain isn’t something you should deal with on your own. Rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals are trained to help you not only find a way to live with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, but many treatments offered by rheumatologists can even stop certain diseases and conditions in their tracks.
Myth:
Arthritis has less of an impact than other diseases.
Truth:
In the United States alone there are 46 million adults and 300,000 children with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
Myth:
Any doctor can treat my arthritis.
Truth:
While primary care physicians are an important part of the multidisciplinary approach to treating any disease, you may need to see a rheumatologist, who is a physician who specialize in treating arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. If a person were to have a form of cancer, he or she would see an oncologist. If a child were to suffer from diabetes, he or she would be taken to an endocrinologist. Just as you would reach out to a specialist for these types of diseases, you should turn to rheumatologists as your lead physician to treat arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. Rheumatologists will work with you and your primary care physician to ensure that you are receiving the best possible treatment.
Myth:
My weight has no impact on my arthritis.
Truth:
Some studies show that even a small amount of weight loss can help ease arthritis pain – particularly in the knees and hips. Treating rheumatic diseases is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Each condition requires a specific multidisciplinary treatment that may include diet, exercise, medication, or even behavioral changes.
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