I think that we learn to tolerate the daily grind of life with lupus if we know there is a light to be seen at the end of the tunnel. If only we can grasp the goodness that life has to offer in the moment........The moment is all we have.......That makes some of the pain seem palpable.
In this holiday season.......May we all live in the joy of the present and the ever prevailing moment known as "LIFE".........Be it as it is. We are blessed.
Addressing Lupus- By All Means.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Lupus according to Dr. Andrew Weil
Lupus according to Dr. Weil
What is lupus?With variants known as discoid lupus, subacute cutaneous lupus, and systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus is one of several disorders of the immune system considered "autoimmune" in nature. These diseases occur when the immune system malfunctions and turns its infection-defense capabilities against the body, producing antibodies against healthy cells and tissues. These antibodies promote chronic inflammation and can damage organs and tissues. In lupus, these antibodies are known as antinuclear antibodies (ANA) because they target parts of the cell's nucleus. Experts don’t yet fully understand all of the factors and triggers that cause inflammation and tissue damage in lupus, and research is ongoing..
What are the symptoms?Flare-ups of lupus can cause acute inflammation and damage to various body tissues and can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain. Some of the most common symptoms are painful or swollen joints, unexplained fever, kidney problems and extreme fatigue. A characteristic red skin rash - called a "malar" or "butterfly" rash because it roughly mimics the insect's shape - may appear across the nose and cheeks. Rashes may also occur on the face and ears, upper arms, shoulders, chest, and hands. Because many lupus patients are sensitive to sunlight, skin rashes often develop or worsen after sun exposure.
What are the causes?
The underlying trigger to develop these antibodies in lupus is unknown, although experts believe that a combination of genetic, environmental, and possibly hormonal factors are involved. The fact that lupus can run in families suggests that there is a genetic basis for its development, but so far no single "lupus gene" has been identified. Experts suspect that several different genes may be involved in determining an individual’s chance of developing the disease, as well as which tissues and organs are affected, and how severe the disease will be if it does occur. Other factors being investigated as contributing to the onset of lupus are overexposure to sunlight, stress, certain drugs, and viruses and other infectious agents.
What is the conventional treatment?The medical doctors who treat lupus are rheumatologists who specialize in arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. However, depending on the individual, case treatment may involve a wide range of health professionals including clinical immunologists (doctors specializing in immune system disorders), nurses, psychologists, social workers, nephrologists (kidney disease specialists), hematologists (specialists in blood disorders), dermatologists, and neurologists.
Drugs used to treat lupus include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, alone or combined with other drugs for pain, swelling, and fever. Drugs that work inside cells, including antimalarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) are used for fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and inflammation of the lungs. Continuous treatment with antimalarials may prevent lupus flare up from recurring.
However, the mainstays of treatment are corticosteroids such as prednisone (Deltasone), hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone (Medrol), and dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol). These drugs heavily suppress inflammation but can cause short-term side effects including swelling, increased appetite, and weight gain and long-term side effects including stretch marks on the skin, weakened or damaged bones, high blood pressure, damage to the arteries, diabetes, infections, and cataracts.
When the kidneys or central nervous systems are affected immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) may be used. These drugs restrain the overactive immune system by blocking production of immune cells. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, bladder problems, decreased fertility, and increased risk of cancer and infection. The risks increase with the length of treatment.
Sometimes, methotrexate (Folex, Mexate, Rheumatrex), a powerful disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug, is recommended.
What therapies does Dr. Weil recommend for lupus?
The male hormone DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), produced in the adrenals, seems to help and may reduce the need for prednisone. Although DHEA is available over-the-counter, don’t take it without medical supervision. It presents an increased risk of heart attack and breast and prostate cancer so it is vital that a physician monitor anyone taking it for lupus. Furthermore, over-the-counter brands of DHEA may not be as reliable as prescription forms.
Take a good multivitamin/multimineral supplement with recommended dosages of antioxidants. To help address inflammation, increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating sardines or other oily fish (salmon, herring, mackerel) three times a week or supplementing with fish oil. Freshly ground flaxseeds (grind two tablespoons a day and sprinkle over cereals or salads) can also help decrease inflammation. Other dietary strategies include avoiding polyunsaturated vegetable oils (safflower, sunflower, corn, etc.), margarine, vegetable shortening, and all products made with partially hydrogenated oils. Eat a low-protein, plant-based diet that excludes all products made from cows' milk, be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables (with the exception of alfalfa sprouts, which contain the amino acid L-canavanine that can worsen autoimmunity.)
For arthritic symptoms, take a natural anti-inflammatory agent, such as Zyflamend (from New Chapter) containing ginger and turmeric. Get the right kind of regular exercise; swimming or water aerobics are best for those who have arthritis symptoms. Investigate traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, both of which often do well with autoimmune conditions. Definitely try one or more mind/body therapies, such as hypnosis or interactive guided imagery.
Autoimmune illnesses tend to wax and wane, and full remissions are possible. The mind/body connection is often obvious in the ups and downs of lupus, so take full advantage of it to promote healing. Avoid support groups that focus on symptoms, and any conventional doctor who encourages a hopeless or negative attitude toward managing the disease.
What are the symptoms?Flare-ups of lupus can cause acute inflammation and damage to various body tissues and can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain. Some of the most common symptoms are painful or swollen joints, unexplained fever, kidney problems and extreme fatigue. A characteristic red skin rash - called a "malar" or "butterfly" rash because it roughly mimics the insect's shape - may appear across the nose and cheeks. Rashes may also occur on the face and ears, upper arms, shoulders, chest, and hands. Because many lupus patients are sensitive to sunlight, skin rashes often develop or worsen after sun exposure.
What are the causes?
What is the conventional treatment?The medical doctors who treat lupus are rheumatologists who specialize in arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. However, depending on the individual, case treatment may involve a wide range of health professionals including clinical immunologists (doctors specializing in immune system disorders), nurses, psychologists, social workers, nephrologists (kidney disease specialists), hematologists (specialists in blood disorders), dermatologists, and neurologists.
Drugs used to treat lupus include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, alone or combined with other drugs for pain, swelling, and fever. Drugs that work inside cells, including antimalarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) are used for fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and inflammation of the lungs. Continuous treatment with antimalarials may prevent lupus flare up from recurring.
However, the mainstays of treatment are corticosteroids such as prednisone (Deltasone), hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone (Medrol), and dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol). These drugs heavily suppress inflammation but can cause short-term side effects including swelling, increased appetite, and weight gain and long-term side effects including stretch marks on the skin, weakened or damaged bones, high blood pressure, damage to the arteries, diabetes, infections, and cataracts.
When the kidneys or central nervous systems are affected immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) may be used. These drugs restrain the overactive immune system by blocking production of immune cells. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, bladder problems, decreased fertility, and increased risk of cancer and infection. The risks increase with the length of treatment.
Sometimes, methotrexate (Folex, Mexate, Rheumatrex), a powerful disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug, is recommended.
What therapies does Dr. Weil recommend for lupus?
The male hormone DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), produced in the adrenals, seems to help and may reduce the need for prednisone. Although DHEA is available over-the-counter, don’t take it without medical supervision. It presents an increased risk of heart attack and breast and prostate cancer so it is vital that a physician monitor anyone taking it for lupus. Furthermore, over-the-counter brands of DHEA may not be as reliable as prescription forms.
Take a good multivitamin/multimineral supplement with recommended dosages of antioxidants. To help address inflammation, increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating sardines or other oily fish (salmon, herring, mackerel) three times a week or supplementing with fish oil. Freshly ground flaxseeds (grind two tablespoons a day and sprinkle over cereals or salads) can also help decrease inflammation. Other dietary strategies include avoiding polyunsaturated vegetable oils (safflower, sunflower, corn, etc.), margarine, vegetable shortening, and all products made with partially hydrogenated oils. Eat a low-protein, plant-based diet that excludes all products made from cows' milk, be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables (with the exception of alfalfa sprouts, which contain the amino acid L-canavanine that can worsen autoimmunity.)
For arthritic symptoms, take a natural anti-inflammatory agent, such as Zyflamend (from New Chapter) containing ginger and turmeric. Get the right kind of regular exercise; swimming or water aerobics are best for those who have arthritis symptoms. Investigate traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, both of which often do well with autoimmune conditions. Definitely try one or more mind/body therapies, such as hypnosis or interactive guided imagery.
Autoimmune illnesses tend to wax and wane, and full remissions are possible. The mind/body connection is often obvious in the ups and downs of lupus, so take full advantage of it to promote healing. Avoid support groups that focus on symptoms, and any conventional doctor who encourages a hopeless or negative attitude toward managing the disease.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Lupus Holiday Stress Busters
For lupus survivors it is always a challenge to engage fully in the holiday festivities surrounding this time of year. Most parties are in the evening which makes it difficult for those who are ready to curl up with a heating pad by 8:00 p.m. and many who have cataracts from steroids. I have a hard time seeing to drive at night. I will not go further than a few miles and stay on roads which I am familiar if driving at night. The light coming at me from other cars makes it difficult to see due to cataracts and early signs of macular degeneration. So then I try to explain to my loved ones early on that brunch and lunch celebrations are much better for me. I actually love brunch. You can sleep in and take your time defrosting your limbs-joints then drive over to a friends for a lazy brunch and home in time for an afternoon nap. Now that is a holiday!
For those who have challenges with finances and the added stress of expectations; I recommend you step out of the stress zone. It took me years and years to jump off the stress train. It hurt at first but then change is never comfortable. People could not quite relate to an email Holiday card or a pre-typed letter. Now everyone send e-cards. Then there is the lack of funds for presents. I began making my gifts years ago and it became so much fun that I plan months in advance by preparing foods, preserving herbal oils and vinegars, making tinctures and smudge sticks, Douglas has made tree decorations and magnets and we usually make our own music CD. These are simple pleasures and easy to make all season long. I store all my gifts and treasures in a closet and collect recycled/re-purposed items for wrapping. I also re-purpose cards FYI. Then when the season appears I do not feel the stress and never have to shop except for stocking stuffers which can be bought at our co-op or health food store. Trader Joes is another great place for little stuffers and food items to fit any budget. FYI this is our time of year to buy new chap stick, deodorant, tooth brushes, socks, underwear, lotions and potions. As a child I used to get frustrated with opening a stocking full of hygiene items and underpants but I now look forward to it. It feels like a fresh start. It truly is a simple life. I find that all I need are the basics and lots of LOVE! is that not what Christmas is all about?
For those who have challenges with finances and the added stress of expectations; I recommend you step out of the stress zone. It took me years and years to jump off the stress train. It hurt at first but then change is never comfortable. People could not quite relate to an email Holiday card or a pre-typed letter. Now everyone send e-cards. Then there is the lack of funds for presents. I began making my gifts years ago and it became so much fun that I plan months in advance by preparing foods, preserving herbal oils and vinegars, making tinctures and smudge sticks, Douglas has made tree decorations and magnets and we usually make our own music CD. These are simple pleasures and easy to make all season long. I store all my gifts and treasures in a closet and collect recycled/re-purposed items for wrapping. I also re-purpose cards FYI. Then when the season appears I do not feel the stress and never have to shop except for stocking stuffers which can be bought at our co-op or health food store. Trader Joes is another great place for little stuffers and food items to fit any budget. FYI this is our time of year to buy new chap stick, deodorant, tooth brushes, socks, underwear, lotions and potions. As a child I used to get frustrated with opening a stocking full of hygiene items and underpants but I now look forward to it. It feels like a fresh start. It truly is a simple life. I find that all I need are the basics and lots of LOVE! is that not what Christmas is all about?
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