Is it true that using a computer too much is bad for people with lupus (systemic and nephritis)?
A friend of mine who's also a retired doctor told me that, maybe I shouldn't be using my computer a lot because that may only worsen my severe condition. That I'm exposed to radiation and that's bad for my health. What do you think?
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Hi, please check with a Rheumatologist...they are the doctors who specialize in autoimmune diseases and disorders. No disrespect to your friend.
Sometimes, lupus patients have no other way of connecting to the outside world, hence the computer.
You may also have to seek some computer expert to see exactly how much radiation is released and to what extent will make you ill. I would be just as concerned about the UV light exposure in your house. Everything is relative. Moderation is the key, I agree with the other poster.
Always talk to your Rheum, and experts in the field.
People may have good intentions, but...go to the sources.
:) (
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How long can I live with Systemic Lupus if I have complications?
That's a very difficult one to answer as you don't say what your complications are or how serious they are.
If your lupus is being controlled with medication you can live a normal lifespan, for example many people have kidney problems, even resulting in transplants yet are still leading full lives.
You'd need to give more detail to get a more comprehensive answer. We have a nurse online if you have specific questions.
http://lupus.org.uk/onlinenurse.htm (
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My sister has Systemic Lupus and the doctors are trying to give her a new drug?
The drug is called NIFEDIPINE (nye-FED-i-peen)
common uses: this medicine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure.some brands are also used to control angina (chest pain) it may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by the doctor .
Now should she take this drug if she does not have high blood pressure i have never heard of this drug before so any info would be great thanks
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This medication is commonly used for Raynauld's Syndrome associated with SLE. It can also have other benefits as many people with SLE have high blood pressure and angina either because of kidney damage or because of heart involvement with the Lupus.
To answer your question as to whether or not she should take it she should definately discuss this with her doctor. If she has Raynauld's Syndrome (extreme numbness and tingling in the extremities, espeically the hands and feet when exposed to cold...they become very white...and painful) and this is a bothersome symptom then Nifedipine could be very beneficial. The question she needs to ask herself is...does the benefit of the drug outweigh the side effects and the mental depression that can often occur when having to take so many medications like many Lupus patients do. But in either case, she should talk with her doctor to tell him/her why she's not going to take it or have any questions cleared up.
Good for you for helping in her care! (
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Do you know someone with Systemic Lupus?
Lupus is an auto-immune disease that causes inflammation throughout the body. Your own immune system attacks your internal organs such as kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, and central nervous system. It also attacks your joints causing arthritis like pain. Other symptoms include butterfly shaped rash covering the cheeks and nose, hair loss, extreme fatigue, anemia or blood clotting issues, pleurisy, and ulceration in the nose and mouth.
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i used to. i heard her talk about it. but thats about it (
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What is the best way to deal with Chronic Pain from Systemic Lupus?
Moist heat, like hot baths and showers.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen.
Avoid stress.
Engage in moderate exercise every day. It keeps the joints lubricated and make endorphins, which are natural pain blockers.
Watch up beat movies and listen to music that makes you happy. Emotions have a huge impact on pain and on the immune system.
Do good deeds for the same reasons, and it's good to help people. Listen, really listen to someone. Write a letter. Make a phone call. Volunteer.
Communicate your pain to your rheumatologist. (
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What is the difference between lichen planus (LPP)& lupus erythematosus (LE)?
I would also like to know what is blaschkoid LE. are both LP & BLE autoimmune diseases ? What are the remedies ?
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More detailed info can be found at: http://www.maxillofacialcenter.com/BondBook/mucosa/lichenplanus.html
Lichen planus is a lichenoid autoimmune mucositis with a clinically different but microscopically similar dermal counterpart. On the skin the disease is usually of shorter duration, approximately 3 years, and does not have the ulcerating and blistering effects seen frequently in oral lesions. In the mouth lichen planus has several clinical variants with considerable cross-over between variants, and with occasional shifting from one variant to another. Some of these variants are thought to represent an elevated cancer risk but there is ongoing debate as to the validity of this hypothesis.
Some cases have obvious etiologic associations, usually a systemic medication or mucosal contact with dental materials or certain spices, but the etiology in most cases remains unknown. There is no strong association between oral and dermal lesions and most persons with oral involvement never have skin involvement. Oral lichen planus can be found in 1/1,000 adults (Table 1).
Discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus may present with oral keratotic and ulcerative lesions which are clinically identical to lichen planus and show a strong histopathologic similarity as well. Elongated, thin rete ridges are more likely to be associated with lupus, as is deep extension of the subepithelial lymphocytic band, especially with lymphoid aggregates present. Rete hyperplasia in lupus may, in fact, be so extensive that dyskeratosis occurs and the epithelium takes on the localized appearance of pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia. Thickened or degenerated endothelium with perivascular infiltrates is, of course, very helpful for the identification of lupus vasculitis, but these changes are often missing in oral examples. Cutaneous lupus lesions usually show a positive IgG and IgA reactivity along the basement membrane, and a patchy band of complement reactivity may be seen on immunofluorescence. Circulating anti-nuclear antibodies may also be present in cases of systemic disease, but an extensive discussion of the extraoral characteristics of lupus is beyond the scope of the present chapter.
Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus is the final lesion to differentiate from oral lichen planus. Extremely rare in the mouth, this typically genital mucositis may be clinically indistinguishable from oral lichen planus. The epithelium is uniformly atrophic, often extremely so, and only a thin layer of surface keratin is seen. There is typically extensive subepithelial fibrosis or hyalinization and a lesser inflammatory infiltrate is noticed; the infiltrate is often separated from the epithelium by a hyalinized band. Subepithelial hyalinization is also a feature of systemic sclerosis or scleroderma, amyloidosis and oral submucous fibrosis. Congo red birefringence and thioflavin T fluorescence can help to rule out amyloidosis, but differences in clinical features may be needed to rule out the other disorders.
There is no cure for this disease and therapy is only palliative. Fortunately, oral lichen planus lesions wax and wane, and are typically asymptomatic. For those patients suffering from tenderness and sensitivity to acidic foods, topical or systemic prednisolone is usually effective but should be used sparingly because of the potential systemic side effects. Persons affected with oral lesions seldom develop skin lesions, although the clinician should be on the lookout for evidence of lupus erythematosus during follow-up examinations, especially in patients with arthritic joint pains.
For patients with atrophic or ulcerative or bullous forms of the disease, an examination for early oral cancer should be performed every 4-6 months. This follow-up may entail repeat biopsies of areas of unhealing ulceration, induration or deep erythema. The estimated risk of malignant transformation, if real, is less than 2% over a 10 year period. Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus of the mouth carries no malignant potential, as it does in the genital region.
2nd part of your question:
Widespread Blaschkoid lichen planus by
Heather A Klein MD, Richard A Krathen MD, Sylvia Hsu MD
Dermatology Online Journal 12 (7): 17:
this info can be found here: http://dermatology.cdlib.org/127/case_presentations/blashkoid/klein.html
Lichen planus is a cutaneous and mucous-membrane disorder of unknown etiology characterized by pruritic, planar, polygonal, purple papules that upon close examination have a white lacy reticular surface. Several variants have been described, including linear lichen planus sometimes following Blaschko lines. Blaschko lines, distinct from Voight lines, Langer lines, and the lines of innervation of the spinal nerves, follow a V-shape on the back, an S-shape on the abdomen, an inverted U-shape on the upper chest, and a linear pattern down the front and back of the lower extremities [1]. Long et al. reported linear lichen planus following Blaschko lines, as in our patient [2]. This patient's lesions were not confined to one side of the body, but rather began on the right side of the chest and spread to the trunk, arms, left thigh, left foot, and third finger of both hands.
This patient was given a 3-week course of prednisone 40 mg daily with clinical and symptomatic improvement, at which time the patient was tapered off prednisone over the next few weeks.
Blaschko's lines, also called the Lines of Blaschko, are an extremely rare and unexplained phenomenon of human anatomy first presented in 1901 by German dermatologist Alfred Blaschko. Neither a specific disease nor a predictable symptom of a disease, Blaschko's lines are an invisible pattern built into human DNA[citation needed]. Many inherited and acquired diseases of the skin or mucosa manifest themselves according to these patterns, creating the visual appearance of stripes.
The cause of the stripes is thought to result from mosaicism; they do not correspond to nervous, muscular, or lymphatic systems. What makes them more remarkable is that they correspond quite closely from patient to patient, usually forming a "V" shape over the spine and "S" shapes over the chest, stomach, and sides. (
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I have Systemic lupus, should I be eating or not eating certain foods?
I drink alot of mountain due, Is this bad?
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Unfortunately, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) can affect literally any organ in the body, making it hard to give general remarks/advice without knowing how severe your SLE is, which organs are affected, and what treatment you are on.
For example, if you have lupus nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys due to lupus), you need to avoid excessive salt intake -- you may even need to watch your potassium (found in fruits, berries, tomatoes, etc) and phosphate (found in dairy products, etc) if you have severe lupus nephritis.
Similarly, if you are treated with steroids like prednisone, which tends to cause fluid overload and leg edema (swelling), you also want to avoid excessive salt intake.
Another important issue is calcium / Vitamin D intake. Because many people with lupus have photosensitivity (they burn easily in the sun), it's important to make sure the body still gets enough vitamin D through food/supplementation. Also, many people with lupus are on steroids, which can put them at risk for osteoporosis, so it's important to watch one's calcium intake.
Like I said, the above are just a few examples of how it's hard to make generalized recommendations without know more. However, it's never a bad idea to eat a healthy, balanced diet.
For more information, take a look at the Diet section of "Living with Lupus" at the Lupus Foundation of America website:
http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_aboutliving.aspx?a=91&z=16&page=2
Or "Nutrition and Lupus" by WedMD:
http://lupus.webmd.com/guide/nutrition-lupus
Finally, there is no "magic" diet which will "cure" your lupus, so don't fall victim to all the scam websites out there. (The internet can be one's best friend but also worst enemy when it comes to health information....)
Good luck! (
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What are the four stages of treatment for lupus?
I remember reading somewhere that there were four stages of treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus I think it was like
I-corticosteroids
II-?
III-?
IV-Immunosuppressors, chemotherapy, etc
I was wondering if there was anything like this on the internet or whether I am confusing it with the kidney affected stages? (I doubt it but you never know...)
Thanks in advance for any info, and please be sure to set up a link to where you got your info
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What is the treatment for systemic lupus?
There is no permanent cure for SLE. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and protect organs by decreasing inflammation and/or the level of autoimmune activity in the body. Many patients with mild symptoms may need no treatment or only intermittent courses of antiinflammatory medications. Those with more serious illness involving damage to internal organ(s) may require high doses of corticosteroids in combination with other medications that suppress the body's immune system.
Patients with SLE need more rest during periods of active disease. Researchers have reported that poor sleep quality was a significant factor in developing fatigue in patients with SLE. These reports emphasize the importance for patients and physicians to address sleep quality and the effect of underlying depression, lack of exercise, and self-care coping strategies on overall health. During these periods, carefully prescribed exercise is still important to maintain muscle tone and range of motion in the joints.
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are helpful in reducing inflammation and pain in muscles, joints, and other tissues. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn), and sulindac (Clinoril). Since the individual response to NSAIDs varies among patients, it is common for a doctor to try different NSAIDs to find the most effective one with the fewest side effects. The most common side effects are stomach upset, abdominal pain, ulcers, and even ulcer bleeding. NSAIDs are usually taken with food to reduce side effects. Sometimes, medications that prevent ulcers while taking NSAIDs, such as misoprostol (Cytotec), are given simultaneously.
Corticosteroids are more potent than NSAIDs in reducing inflammation and restoring function when the disease is active. Corticosteroids are particularly helpful when internal organs are involved. Corticosteroids can be given by mouth, injected directly into the joints and other tissues, or administered intravenously. Unfortunately, corticosteroids have serious side effects when given in high doses over prolonged periods, and the doctor will try to monitor the activity of the disease in order to use the lowest doses that are safe. Side effects of corticosteroids include weight gain, thinning of the bones and skin, infection, diabetes, facial puffiness, cataracts, and death (necrosis) of large joints.
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is an antimalarial medication found to be particularly effective for SLE patients with fatigue, skin, and joint disease. Side effects include diarrhea, upset stomach, and eye pigment changes. Eye pigment changes are rare, but require monitoring by an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) during treatment with Plaquenil. Researchers have found that Plaquenil significantly decreased the frequency of abnormal blood clots in patients with systemic SLE. Moreover, the effect seemed independent of immune suppression, implying that Plaquenil can directly act to prevent the blood clots. This fascinating work highlights an important reason for patients and doctors to consider Plaquenil, especially for those SLE patients who are at some risk for blood clots in veins and arteries, such as those with phospholipid antibodies (cardiolipin antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, and false positive VDRL). This means not only that Plaquenil reduces the chance for reflares of SLE, but it can also be beneficial in 'thinning' the blood to prevent abnormal excessive blood clotting.
For resistant skin disease, other antimalarial drugs, such as chloroquine (Aralen) or quinacrine, are considered, and can be used in combination with hydroxychloroquine. Alternative medications for skin disease include dapsone and retinoic acid (Retin-A). Retin-A is often effective for an uncommon wart-like form of lupus skin disease. For more severe skin disease, immunosuppressive medications are considered as below.
Medications that suppress immunity (immunosuppressive medications) are also called cytotoxic drugs. Immunosuppressive medications are used for treating patients with more severe manifestations of SLE with damage to internal organ(s). Examples of immunosuppressive medications include methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall), azathioprine (Imuran), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), chlorambucil (Leukeran), and cyclosporine (Sandimmune). All immunosuppressive medications can seriously depress blood cell counts and increase risks of infection and bleeding. Other side effects are peculiar for each drug. For examples, Rheumatrex can cause liver toxicity, while Sandimmune can impair kidney function.
In recent years, mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept) has been used as an effective medication for lupus, particularly when it associated with kidney disease. Cellcept has been helpful in reversing active lupus kidney disease (lupus renal disease) and in maintaining remission after it is established. It's lower side effect profile has advantage over traditional immune suppression medications.
In SLE patients with serious brain or kidney disease, plasmapheresis is sometimes used to remove antibodies and other immune substances from the blood to suppress immunity. Some SLE patients can develop seriously low platelet levels, thereby increasing the risk of excessive and spontaneous bleeding. Since the spleen is believed to be the major site of platelet destruction, surgical removal of the spleen is sometimes performed to improve platelet levels. Other treatments have included plasmapheresis and the use of male hormones. Plasmapheresis has also been used to remove proteins (cryoglobulins) that can lead to vasculitis. Endstage kidney damage from SLE requires dialysis and/or a kidney transplant.
Most recent research is indicating benefits of rituximab (Rituxan) in treating lupus. Rituximab is an intravenously infused antibody that suppresses a particular white blood cell, the B cell, by decreasing their number in the circulation. B cells have been found to play a central role in lupus activity, and when they are suppressed, the disease tends toward remission.
At the 2007 national Rheumatology meeting, there was a paper presented suggesting that low dose dietary supplementation with omega-3 fish oils could help patients with lupus by decreasing disease activity and possibly decreasing heart disease risk. (
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Can eczema lead to systemic lupus?
I know it seems a little impractical, but my "medical adviser" aka doctor told me people with eczema are more prone to lupus. My brother on the other hand, told me that it was absolutely rubbish (to his credit he's currently in medical school)
So who's right?
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No. Your brother is right, your doctor is up a tree.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body, most often the joints and kidneys. Some people with cutaneous lupus or lupus of the skin do go on to develop systemic lupus.
Eczema, on the other hand, occurs when people are genetically more sensitive to certain things in the environment, at least from what I read. It is more like an allergy. I did a llittle searching and did not find the word autoimmune in connection with eczema.
However, psoriasis IS autoimmune. And if you have one autoimmune condition you are likely to have more than one. I have systemic lupus AND Raynaud's syndrome. If psoriasis is misdiagnosed as eczema it could lead your doc to think that one leads to the other. (
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Systemic lupus HELP ME OUT..?
my father is suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus from last 3-4 years.
he is 48 yrs old.. he is not having diabetes..
BP recently came in to existence.....
but it is in control right now.
other tablets which he takes are of vitamins
Right now we consulted Specialist for this disease called Rheumatologis
He gave OMNACOTIL dosage which contains predinosane.
He is taking PREDINOSANE.....in form of OMNACORTIL 10mg.
He took a dosage as
3 tablets - 1 week
2 tablets - 2nd week
1 tablet - 3rd week
DOSAGE is over...according to doctor..[Rheumatogist]
Now he is feeling better.
DOCTOR told that because of DOSAGE he will feel good for 2-3 months...then again same situation will come back...
Should i make him repeat the DOSAGE?
P.S : give me a mail address
so that i can discuss the full case..
i also have scanned version of all REPORTS of my dad..
i can send it to you for further clarification.
Also you can understand my question in a better way....
my email id is
[email protected]
i am online on GTALK ...messenger..
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So i don't know if i understand your question. Your asking if he can just keep taking the steroids to prevent the situation from coming back? no. Steroid packs are great they help lots of things, what they do in your dads case is suppress his immune system so the lupus can't attack his body and they help with inflamation as well. But you cannot be on steroids all the time it is not good for your body. And unfortunatley Lupus patients have to be on steroids for most of the rest of their lives or the lupus will deystroy what ever part of the body it wants to attack. Don't start taking another dose pack til the symptoms start reappearing in a few months. (
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