Why I Joined a Clinical Trial In this edition of PatientsLikeMe’s series “Why I Joined a Clinical Trial,” we feature the story of Ginger Hermes Ortiz, who has been living with chronic myeloid leukemia and systemic lupus erythematosus. She shares why participating in one trial helped her learn how to manage the mental toll of… Continue reading How Participating in a Cancer Trial Gave Me a Life Skill That Helps Me Manage My Lupus
Tag: lupus
Being in a Clinical Trial Taught Me a Lot About My Disease
Why I Joined a Clinical Trial In this edition of PatientsLikeMe’s series “Why I Joined a Clinical Trial,” we feature the story of Ay Me Han, age 44, who was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus at age 15. She explains why she’s always eager to participate in new research. My Story: Ay Me Han Every… Continue reading Being in a Clinical Trial Taught Me a Lot About My Disease
Navigating Pregnancy Challenges with Lupus
Approximately 90% of systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are women, with the condition most frequently diagnosed during their childbearing years (ages 15 to 44)1. This timing presents unique challenges for those navigating pregnancy and motherhood. Pregnancy Risks With a Lupus Diagnosis Studies show that women with lupus face a higher risk of obstetric complications, including… Continue reading Navigating Pregnancy Challenges with Lupus
Lupus and Mental Health: Understanding Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Care
Mental health is a critical aspect of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems. Between 15% and 75% of individuals with SLE experience psychological symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, cognitive dysfunction, and psychosis1-4. These can either result directly from the disease or arise as secondary effects due to its… Continue reading Lupus and Mental Health: Understanding Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Care
Living with Lupus Nephritis: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Ongoing Care
Lupus nephritis (LN) is a serious and frequent complication of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disorder that leads to inflammation and damage in multiple organ systems, particularly the kidneys. It typically emerges within 3 – 5 years after SLE diagnosis and increases the risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It affects approximately 40%… Continue reading Living with Lupus Nephritis: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Ongoing Care
Empowering Yourself with Lupus: Key Steps to Advocate for Your Health and Well-Being
Systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE / Lupus) affects everyone differently, with symptoms that can fluctuate over time1. The most reported symptoms of lupus include fatigue, joint pain and swelling, and skin (butterfly) rashes2. However, some of the rarer symptoms, such as gastrointestinal issues (abdominal pain and nausea) and pulmonary complications (interstitial lung disease and lupus pneumonia),… Continue reading Empowering Yourself with Lupus: Key Steps to Advocate for Your Health and Well-Being
The Relationship between Fibromyalgia and Lupus
Lupus and fibromyalgia are both chronic conditions, which have many symptoms that can overlap. Detangling the relationship between fibromyalgia and lupus can be tricky, but it can help you more effectively manage your symptoms and feel better. Breaking Down the Facts Lupus is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own… Continue reading The Relationship between Fibromyalgia and Lupus
Lupus on the Go: Balancing Travel and Self-Care
Whether you’re planning a trip for work or for pleasure, there’s no denying that traveling can be stressful. If you are living with lupus, you might initially think that travel is a huge undertaking, or that it’s just not an option for you. That couldn’t be farther from the truth! You can manage lupus on… Continue reading Lupus on the Go: Balancing Travel and Self-Care
A Promising New Approach for Lupus: What is CAR T-Cell Therapy?
CAR T-Cell Therapy is a promising new treatment to reduce the impact of lupus and the inflammatory response. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or Lupus) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect many different parts of the body. Patients may encounter a range of symptoms depending on the specific systems of the body that are impacted.… Continue reading A Promising New Approach for Lupus: What is CAR T-Cell Therapy?
Managing Heart Health with Lupus
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes Managing Heart Health with Lupus Lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues, can affect various organs, including the heart. If you are living with Lupus, managing heart health is crucial. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to manage heart health while living with lupus.… Continue reading Managing Heart Health with Lupus