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Open Question: Are the medical terms used in House M.D. real?

The terms that gregory house uses in the movie... are they real? like adavan and epinephrine for seizures, and vicodin for pain, all the other diagnostics and symptoms, are they really used like they were in actual situations? or do they rely on the fact that viewers have absolutely no clue about what they are talking and doing over there. they say things like sarcoidosis, lupus and other diseases... are they really associated to the symptoms that they find? and the treatments as well, with interferon and plasma(something)??? more

Open Question: my mother has LUPUS what is the best anti nausea treatment for her?

Her kidneys are in bad shape she has lost one kidney already more

Voting Question: Did Marijuana help your medical condition?

I have chronic medical issues, including degenerative changes in my spine which can sometimes cause extreme pain. The doctors think I have Lupus (my dad has it, as do a few of my aunts.) Besides the chronic pain, I suffer from bouts of severe nausea, this can cause me to lose ten pounds in just a week or two. I always put the weight back on, but I get so sick and weak during those periods of time. I would like to make it clear that I am not looking for an excuse to smoke marijuana. I actually never have. A few people I know with similiar medical conditions of mine have taken it upon themselves to self medicate and have had amazing results, including a decrease in pain, and nausea. The only way I would ever consider using Marijuana woudl be if it was either legalized, or prescribed medically. The main point of this question is to see if anyone has had any positive or negative experience with Marijuana as a medical treatment. (It interests me as a biology student as well.) I would assume that smoking marijuana would be ill advised in someone with inflammation issues of the lungs. more

Voting Question: Is it possible to get an appointment with pain management without needing a direct referral from...?

anyone other than a rheumatologist? I've got signs of an autoimmune disorder that has been causing me pain nearly everyday of the past year.. My doctor's office keeps passing me around and I'm just as frustrated as they are trying to see what is wrong with me. My insurance gave me numbers to three pain management (anestesia / nerve block / or medicine giving docs) to help with what my family practitioner (whom has actually just been my childrens' doctors mainly for the past year after he helped with the baby stuff) wanted to just call "fibromyalgia" because I've tried everything from lyrica, tramadal, cymbalta, etc... I even the past 3 weeks have been trying to handle my daily pain with no medication and have progressively gotten worse, I wake up with my legs cramped, back contortioned into the letter "c" and my feet throwing up gang signs... I have apparently not been able to handle this and over the phone they prescribed a sleeping pill and muscle relaxer as I was getting NO sleep due to this progressive pain. Then I get a call that the blood tests they took show signs of RA or Lupus. high sed rate, crp, etc. SO... I do not want to go back to my regular doctor who had done nothing but try to throw me under the fibromyalgia rug (which i DO believe exists ~ my sis and mother and 2 very dear friends have) because they don't know how to make me stop hurting. (I'm also very vit. D deficient I've been on a prescription dose 11 weeks in a row daily and re-draw showed that there was NO change in my vit. d levels at all, no increase, something is eating my vitamin D, lol) Whatever this blood test showed most recently got my rheumatology apt. moved three weeks closer than it was (hard appt to get into, I guess) and now I get to see them on the 7th and I technically have no one to give the results to... ? Now, the insurance company gave me numbers of diff types of pain mgmt companies and I'm wondering if I can just forward the Rhm. reports to them? or do I have to pay some other person in the middle? is a pain management doctor even a doctor that helps with diagnosis and ongoing treatment that would be other than a specialist? i'm so lost. more

Voting Question: can treatment for lupus cause you to lose your memory?

someone i knew said he had lupus and had to get a treatment that would cause him to lose 4-6 months of memory...is this possile and how.and will he remember stuff later on?? more

Resolved Question: Our Daughters Suicide -How Do You Move On?

Recently, our 43 year old daughter committed suicide (shot herself in the head w/357 magnum). This has left us completely and untterley devastated. How does one handle this? My husband has seemed to throw himself into his extracurricular activities, biking, swimming, walking, etc. I am having a more difficult time just getting up out of the bed some days and the crying just won't stop! We are here in Michigan to take custody of grandchildren (3) of them, 9, 10 and 11. She was widowed so there is no father in the picture. I know that we need to be strong for the grandchildren but it seems as if I just don't have the energy. My physician (in Texas) has been made aware of the situation and has suggested seeing a Mental Health/Grief-Counselor of sorts. I don't see how they can help especially if one has never walked in the others' shoes, how can they truly understand what I am going through. Parents are not supposed to bury children, it most definitely should be the other way around. Furthermore, my child took her precious life over a situation that was "temporary" and solvable at best. Our daughter was a wonderful, beautiful, bright, entertaining, kind-hearted (yes, I am biased!) 43 year old young woman. Had seemingly done everything right (in society's view). Went to college, had her Associate, Bachelors and was 6-classes from obtaining her Masters Degree. Married, (recently widowed) and had 3 adoring children. Approximately 15 years ago, she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. It was not discovered until later that she really didn't have RA but had Lupus Erythematosus and Fibromyalgia. 2-years ago she also underwent treatment for a malignant Tumor in her lower Intestines. She made it through with flying colors. In 2005 she had to stop working, which really brought her down and we (parents) began assisting her financially and otherwise. For the last few years, she had been being seen by a CNP (Certified Nurse Practitioner) to which, she was not very satisfied with. Additionally, she also had a Rheumatologist (she really liked) and in the last 3 months had been trying out a new physician. Our last conversation was that she was going to "drop" the CNP and remain with the new physician as well as continue on with her Rheumatologist. Well, this is were the nightmare begins. Because she was obtaining precscriptions (including her narcotic Tylenol #4) from all three physicians. She received a certified letter from the primary stating that she was being released and they suggested that she find a new physician within 30-days. Oh, they would continue to treat her but only for things deemed "medically necessary". In my opinion, the letter was extremely friendly considering the circumstances. Basically telling her in laymans terms that they no longer wanted to treat her due to 1. Patient/Provider Communication Breakdown 2. Narcotics Abuse 3. Obtaining Narcotics from multiple providers (3). Now this was completely one-sided. Her side of the story was not asked or included in anyway possible. Where was the CNP moral obligation to my daughter if she felt that something was wrong? To sum it up, after receiving this letter, she became so despondent that no amount of talking, hand-holding, etc., could calm her down. She had made it up in her mind that she was definitely going to jail. Michigan (among other states) has this new (I don't know how new) MAPS System (Michigan Automated Prescription System) that basically accounts for the number of narcotics being dispensed. Sort of a tracking system. Now, there is no law (that I know of) in "Doctor Shopping" and my husband and I found out that the system is not mandated because not all Healthcare Providers use it (Physicians, Pharmacists, etc.). And, for the ones that use it and if your name happens to come up, then the state (of Michigan) informs the prescribing primary physician. Now, please don't get me wrong, I do not condone or support her actions. What I do support is that she was doing the right thing in finding another physician that would basically listen to her. She had all of the tell-tale signs each time she went in to see her CNP of being in extreme pain. The only pain meds that she had ever been on was Tylenol #3 and in the past 2-years she was moved up to Tylenol #4. She had never requested anything over that (I am in receipt of her medical records). They had given her everything else under the sun, Neurontin, Soma, Flexerill, etc., for which, she maybe only took them 2-3 times because she didn't like how they made her feel. My husband and I take such defense because what is a patient to do? Because my husband and I have had fairly great health our entire lives, we have never walked in her shoes or the shoes of anyone else. However, despite being hurt and upset at what occurred, it's almost as if some have to pay the price of many. I am aware of prescription abuse, fraud, etc., but not everyone fall more

Resolved Question: How can I feel better?

I have lupus, but my doctors won't give me treatment yet. (I have no idea why) Right now, I feel worse than I have ever felt in my whole life. My whole body hurts really bad, I have aches all over, and it sucks. Sometimes when I move my head, it will feel like my head is spinning, and my eyes are shaking, and my vision goes blurry. After that I feel nauseous, like I am about to throw up. This just started today. Usually I just have bad headaches, stomachaches, a sore throat, and occasionally nausea. Is there any way that I can make myself feel better? I'm sick of feeling like crap all of the time, and I'm afraid that I'll feel this bad for weeks, possibly months. Any ideas? more

Voting Question: Brain Problem, Worried HELP?

I am 24 years old and have started masters in civil engineering. I have no neurological problem and I have never had treatment related to neurology. I am a normal guy. My younger brother, when he was 10 years old, had been diagnosied with epilepsy for 3 years and after he stopped walking and after 1 year he expired ( 7 Feb 2009 ). The doctors in the end said he had CIDP and sepsis. I was reading alot about epilepsy and autoimmune diseases like Lupus, MS, etc. I am an engineer but due to my younger brother situation I was interested to know what was going on with him. Anyways. PROBLEM As I know about these neurological problems(brain disorders) I am worried for the last ONE week as I am getting some kind of feeling in the right side of my brain. I am not going to describe the feeling as I am not been able to describe it. Clue is this that it is like some kind of irritation or maybe some electric discharge and my head bends right side at back for one second as that feeling in the brain is for one second. Moreover, I even observed that this feeling when sometimes comes, my both arms shakes for only one second. I asked one of my friend and he said it is normal as he also gets that sudden tremble for one second...wht is it called? I am a normal guy. But I am worried. I have been worried too much for the passed 5 months as I missed my brother but I am ok now. I remember I used to get these types of feeling/irritation(i seriously dont know wht this is) even when I Was 7 years old. They come like after one month. I never gave them importance. Even while I was in my lecture class, everyone was busy in lecture I get this shake in my body as if its cold. I am worried. I am going to see a neurologist ASAP. Please Comment Engineer Waqas more

Resolved Question: My stepson has Lupus and couple of years back had a kidney transplant. Now he had a biopsy and shows that his?

body is rejecting the kidney. Why does it happens and what medical treatment can help him? What can be done. Wwould he be able to continue with a regular healthy life or what is in for him & us if his condition worsens? Thank you in advance for your response. more

Resolved Question: Lupus - ways to combat it?

My Mum has had Lupus for a while, basically her neck is always flared up, her asthma is made worse by it, it generally makes her feel weak, plus she has mild arthritis which doesn't help. She has also had hair loss, all of these things seem like Lupus induced problems. She lost weight, 3 stone, and there was very little difference (though shes always been a bit overweight) So what ways can these symptoms be fought off? Shes only in her thirty's but her illness makes her as weak as someone in her seventies or beyond. She has hair treatment to stop her hair loss, it's expensive but it does the job...at the moment at least. But we think the hair loss might not have been lupus as it happened after a shock to the head. If anyone knows genuinely how she can be helped it would put us at ease, she is far from crippled but her arthritis is gradually progressing and the Lupus is still as evident as ever, so eventually she may be.... more

Resolved Question: is this a good research project please be honest?

Cortlin Harrison Science 10-12 Mrs. Cooney/ Mrs. Barends ELA 21-23 May 19, 2009 Antiphospholipid Syndrome Antiphospholipid Syndrome is a disorder in which the body recognizes certain normal components of blood and/or cell membranes as foreign substances and produces antibodies against them. This disorder is non-infectious which means that this disorder can’t be passed from person to person by contact. Pregnant women are more prone to get this disorder than anyone else, and African Americans, and Hispanics but like other disorders anyone can get Antiphospholipid Syndrome The symptoms and characteristics of this disorder are not hard to spot. Some symptoms of the disorder are veins or arteries of the arms or legs may cause pain, numbness, tingling in the feet. Arteries of the heart may cause chest pain or heart attack, the individual with this disorder may have heart murmur. In pregnant women with Antiphospholipid Syndrome, miscarriage can occur prior to 20 week of gestation, while pre-eclampsia is reported to occur after that time. Blood vessels of the skin - may cause painful bruises (purpura) or a condition called livedo reticularis. Blood vessels of the brain - if a clot cuts off blood supply to a part of the brain, this causes a stroke. An individual with APS may also experience migraine headaches or seizures. There is no cure and there is no way to avoid getting this disorder. There are many treatments for this disorder. But the most successful treatment is anticoagulant therapy. This is usually successful in preventing further blood clots. This disorder can severely damage the body in many different ways because good cells attack other good cells and that causes chaos through the body. And when a weak or strong pathogen enters the body it can be deadly. Some other information about Antiphospholipid Syndrome is, 1-5% of the world population is known to have this disorder, and 40-50% of patients with lupus also have APS. One third of strokes occurring in younger people (under the age of 50) are due to Antiphospholipid Syndrome. One third of patients with Antiphospholipid Syndrome are said to have lupus, and or Raynaud disease. APS is more common in young to middle-aged adults; however, it also manifests in children and elderly people. Disease onset has been reported in children as young as 8 months. This disorder is very rare and not very deadly but this disorder can still affect your way of life, the way you think, and can make you dizzy and other things. My mom has this disorder and sometimes it’s hard to get around and such, but you can still fight back by eating a healthy diet and seeing a special doctor called a Rheumatologist, this doctor specializes in these types of rare disorders. more

Voting Question: why would my neurologist write academic/work inhibition on his report?

I'm interested if anyone else with epilepsy has had some of the same problems I describe or has had this term used in reference to themselves. I saw my neurologist for a follow-up visit a couple of weeks ago. When he asked how I was doing I said I was much more tired than usual and not feeling as sharp at mental tasks, keeping up in conversations, etc. I have been having trouble finding the right words and engaging in some word substitution. Not anything that would highly noticeable to others but discomforting to me as I used to be pretty quick on the uptake. He had me do a few simple word tests and said everything was fine, that it's probably a combination of things like medication, sleep problems, and normal age related changes. I am on medication for simple partial seizures as well as some non-specific autoimmune problem (suggested to be lupus) but I'm only 50. Personally I think seizure drugs can dull your mental faculties and I was hoping he might lower my dose a little to see. Later on when I the diagnosis report for the office visit ( you can do this online at this hospital) he had written Academic/Work Inhibition. I took that to mean slow response time or something of the sort since that's what it feels like to me, but when I looked it up it's a term used for a mental disorder, one that's often used for people, often kids, who have a disinclination to complete tasks, or who do poorly in school, and the recommended treatment is talk therapy. This does not sound like me at all. I'm worried I'm not working as well as I should be. So I was a little surprised and concerned because took nearly 2 years to get control of the seizure disorder because many of the doctors I saw when this began just wrote me off as having anxiety attacks and this is the doctor that finally did the right tests and solved the puzzle. He didn't mention any of this to me at the appointment so I'm hoping it's just a catch-all term for insurance or something. However if he thinks this is some sort of social anxiety disorder I feel like I'm back where I started. more

Voting Question: should i find out if i have lupus?

a few months ago my hair started to fall out so my doctor ran tests and came up the conclusion that i have lupus. but they want to run more tests to confirm a diagnose. i researched lupus no good can come of me knowing if i have or not so why should i find out if i do there is really no treatment for lupus so what is the point i m asking this question in mental health because i don't where it would apply to more

Voting Question: should find out if i have lupus?

Resolved Question: My friend says she has lupus and that she may need to do chemo for treatment..exaggeration?

I'm starting to realize she exaggerates on ALOT of things and so when she tells me she has undiagnosed lupus I'm alittle skeptical already, but chemo??? Really? more

Resolved Question: I know i already posted this question, i have retinitis and im freaking out?PLEASE HELPPP?

I understand what it is but it all started when i went to the eye doctor (5-7) for new glasses when he checked my eyes he said i have an inflammation of white blood cells in my eyes and sent me to a specialist in retinas my appointment (5-8) the specialist says hes surprised i don't have pain and that i need to go to another specialist for a second (or third, whatever you want to call it) opinion and to see if i have to have treatment he said the treatment is steroid eye drops and that he doesn't want to do that because of side effects like glaucoma then he said that to form what i have in my eyes i may have , rheumatoid arthritis , Lupus , or an autoimmune daisies :( i asked if i could go blind from it he said its possible without treatment he also said he doesn't know how long iv had it so could someone help like explain what could happen or will happen or something and im 14 if that helps now im desperate any info or stories PLEASE more

Resolved Question: i know i already posted this question but no one answered, i have retinitis and im freaking out?

understand what it is but it all started when i went to the eye doctor (5-7) for new glasses when he checked my eyes he said i have an inflammation of white blood cells in my eyes and sent me to a specialist in retinas my appointment (5-8) the specialist says hes surprised i don't have pain and that i need to go to another specialist for a second (or third, whatever you want to call it) opinion and to see if i have to have treatment he said the treatment is steroid eye drops and that he doesn't want to do that because of side effects like glaucoma then he said that to form what i have in my eyes i may have , rheumatoid arthritis , Lupus , or an autoimmune daisies :( i asked if i could go blind from it he said its possible without treatment he also said he doesn't know how long iv had it so could someone help like explain what could happen or will happen or something and im 14 if that helps now im desperate any info or stories PLEASE more

Voting Question: Who has tried sjorgotab?...(my lupus rash..)?

I was just wondering if anyone has had sucess with the sjorotab herbal treatment that is used for sjogrens syndrome? I want to specifically know if it will clear away my lupus rash on my face. Thanks anyone who can help more

Resolved Question: Jehovah's Witnesses what is your view on stem cell research? Would you use research gained from it or not?

Would it be similar to blood in the fact it could be an aborted fetus? I was wondering that as many in my family have Lupus and other health issues that could be helped by stem cell research. So I wondered if it could help you ( referring to Jehovah's Witnesses) are you able to use this treatment as cells are sometimes put directly into the human body. Is this a conscious matter? Thank you for answering. more

Resolved Question: Pleas help me?!?! Docs are too lazy to look into it.?

Since I was a child I started to have widespread musculoskeletal pain. It started in my knees and in my wrists. Now I am 27 and the have consistent but intermittent pain all over my body. This includes sharp pains in my knee caps-especially when I drive, fiery feeling in my wrists-especially when I use my hands, and in the last year soreness in my spinal area from my neck all the way down to my butt. The soreness often goes up my arms and down my legs. The soreness is more intense in my butt/lower back though and the worst of my pain is in my knees/wrists. Like I said, the pains are not knew and they are progressing. I do have IBS, but no tender/trigger points and I am not depressed. I tried physical therapy but it only intensified the pain. I tried occupational therapy and no improvement. I also do not suffer migraines as most fibro patients do. My docs ruled out any type of arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel, and tendinitis. I've never had any MRI/CT scans done, and the docs think I'm making this up. Even though I keep trying to tell them the pain has been around for several years, they ignore it and say that it is all in my head and that I need counseling. This is so frustrating and agonizing, because they are supposed to be helping but are completely ignoring my condition. I never ask for pain medication because it never works anyway, so I'm not sure what reasons would influence me to make up the pain for over 10 years. One last thing, lately I notice that sometimes I will be in a store or standing somewhere and briefly blank out, not knowing where I am. But I will quickly regain my composure and everything will be fine. My sister-in-law is an RN and says I seriously need to see a neurologist and she doesn't understand why they aren't doing any tests. She's known me since I was 14 and knows I am not making the pain up, so it is frustrating her also. What could be wrong with me and what should I do? No only will help ??? I'm at a dead end. They keep sending my in circles doing the same treatments that never even helped before, but they continue to ignore it. I even took lyrica and prozac against my better judgment and it didn't help after month, but they are annoyed that I am looking for more answers beyond a pill or qick fix. Please help me or send me in a direction where I can find help. I have a 1 year-old to take care of and this pain is ruining my life. I asked the doc to renew my disabled placard and he refused, but it ended up resulting in me falling down a steep flight of stairs due to the intense pain. He could care less and told me to deal with it. Is this how docs usually tread chronic pain sufferers?I should also mention that I do have problems concentrating/comprehending/confusing things, but am also told often that I am quite articulate. Sometimes I have dyslexia type symptoms.Umm . . . I'm sorry lady. What are you talking about? I'm using my health to escape my situation as a single mother and from taking care of my son alone??? WTF are you talking about? I never said I'm alone and I never said I'm a single mother. See everyone, this is how unfair and inaccurate diagnosis' are made. She is the perfect example. She made a rash judgment about me being a damsel in distress single mom and I never said that even in the least bit. I appreciate your advice lady, but please don't judge me without having the facts. I'm not avoiding my son in any way, I absolutely love being about him and the rest of my family who are always there for me. They are just as frustrated as I am! more

Resolved Question: People diagnosed with Lupus... need help and info!?

I do not wish to write a paper about all the details and symptoms, so I'll just summarize, then ask my question. Over the last 5 years, I have had symptoms of EXTREME fatigue, joint pain, canker sores, mild hair loss, etc. I am also anemic (which no amount of iron or B vitamins changes in the slightest). In this time, I have also had a false positive Syphilis test, and chronic kidney stones (3 in 7 years). In August of 08, I developed a cough that STILL has not gone away. I have been to TONS of doctors and been diagnosed with pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, allergies, etc, and put on more antibiotics than I care to think of... all the antibiotic treatments actually made me feel worse. I also developed a sudden, strange rash on my leg after being out in the sun for a couple days... which also has not gone away. And more recently, I have a light butterfly rash on my face. Last month, I finally found a doctor that said "Wow... 8 of the 11 symptoms of Lupus... let's get you tested." I was x-rayed to check for Pleurisy (in the lung tissue), and put through about 10 blood tests (also checking for lyme disease, just in case). Even after the false positive Syphilis, and the anemia, I tested negative on the ANA test. Kind of. I tested higher than normal, but apparently too low to make a full diagnosis of Lupus. What does this mean exactly? Is there such a thing as borderline Lupus? And I know there are a few other diseases that mimic Lupus... but what are they? I know that Fibromyalgia is one of the "mimic" diseases, but would that also account for the blood disorders that I DO have and the rashes? I do have another appointment with my doctor in a couple weeks, and I also know that making a Lupus diagnosis can sometimes take a while... but has anyone had the negative ANA issue and still been diagnosed with SLE? And what was your experience... anything I should ask my doctor to look for on the next visit? Thanks!Oh, they did also check my thyroid... everything normal there. And should I mention, also, that my symptoms began during pregnancy and have gotten progressively worse? This has been going for about 5 years... and just now I've screamed loud enough that I am being taken seriously. more

Resolved Question: Where will Lupus treatments be in 10 years?

I know lupus treatments are getting better and better. How much have they advanced the past ten years, with 90% of lupus patients living normal lives as of now, and how good do you think the treatments will be in 10 years? Im asking this because my girlfriends mom has lupus, and if she also has it, it will take effect in about 9 or 10 years. I know most only have a 5% chance, but over half the women in her family have it, so rather safe than sorry. more

Voting Question: Lupis treatments in 10 years?

Resolved Question: Any information regarding lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) treatments?

I have been suffering from "tennis elbow" in my right elbow (I am right handed) for the past 14 months. I also have lupus and my rheumatologist has been treating me at my routine visits for the elbow as well. He gave me hand outs of exercises & stretches to do which I have done faithfully and prescribed Mobic for inflammation. He has also done cortisone injections on 3 different occasions. The first injection provided excellent relief for 6 months. The next injection lasted 4 1/2 months and this last one never did provide any relief at all. He didn't want to do anymore injections, referred me to physical therapy, and scheduled an appt. with an orthopaedic dr. I have been going to physical therapy 3 times a week for the past month. They are doing ultrasound for 10 mins, then stretches, tendon excercises, iontophoresis for 25 mins, then ice for 10 mins. After therapy the pain is about 50% better that day but by the next day it is back just as before. I have noticed progressive weakness in my right arm and hand over the past year from me not being able to use it like before. It is extremely painful, tender, and lifting only the slightest of weight sends the pain radiating down to my hand. I am a stay at home mom and do not participate in sports. Of course they say to stop doing the activity that is causing the injury. I don't do any repetitive type activites they I am aware of (other than normal housework, etc). My appt. with the ortho dr. is in 2 more weeks and I was just wondering what anyone with experience with this problem think my next step would be. The handouts that I have list: 1. Rest, 2. Ice, 3. Anti Inflammatories, 4. Physical Therapy, 5. Cortisone Injections, 6. As final resort: Surgery. I was hoping to avoid the surgery but I'm afraid we have already tried every other treatment without results. I didn't know how long the problem would need to persist before surgery would be considered. Also, for anyone that has had surgery : was it beneficial and provide relief and also how long of a recovery period is required, and how difficult was the recovery. Thank you in advance for any info. more

Resolved Question: FRENCH HELP! PLEASE!?

Can someone please translate the following to french?? please not one of those online translator! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~... Adult stem cells are currently used for the medical treatment of: • Anemias • Cancers (multiple types) • Child Leukemias • Cornea Regeneration • Crohn´s Disease • Diabetes, Type I • Heart Disease, Acute & Chronic • Krabbe Leukodystrophy • Liver Cirrhosis • Lupus • Lymphomas • Myelomas • Multiple Sclerosis • Paralysis • Osteopetrosis • Parkinson´s Disease • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Syndrome • Sickle Cell Anemia • Spinal Cord Injury • Stroke • Systemic Vasculitis • and more Based on the “The Ten Great Myths in the Debate Over Stem Cell Research” by Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. http://www.ncbcenter.org/10Myths.pdf ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~... THANKS A BUNCH! more

Resolved Question: What are treatment options for lupus?

also, what are long term effects of the disease? are there any ways to prevent the occurrence? more

Resolved Question: Am I wrong to feel this way about my step siblings and my deceased stepmom?

My dad married my step-mom (Sheila) when I was about 10 (I am 30 now), and to this day, I have always felt like my younger sister and I took 'the backseat' in comparison to the treatment that my stepbrother (Eric) and stepsister (Jenna) received. They were always allowed more privileges, allowed to get away with certain actions that my sister and I could not, etc. Any time I would bring this to my dad's attention, he would become very defensive of the 3 of them, and try to lay 'guilt trips' on my sister and me, or accuse us of jealousy. TO THIS DAY, he still is very defensive if I try to talk to him about how I felt slighted in the past, and still do in some ways. I guess, to an extent, my sis and I may have been a little jealous at the time, but now in retrospect, it seems more like it was frustration. About 6 years ago, Sheila died of complications of lupus. Now, I don't even dare say anything about how I feel or have felt, around my dad, even though, deep down, my feelings are still a little hurt that by what felt like favouritism toward them on his part. However, in the years since her death and as a result of a very large life insurance policy, Jenna was able to enroll in and gain both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Art from a private and very prestigious university, and Eric was able to establish a martini/cigar bar. They've both been able to travel, buy new houses and cars, etc., while I am struggling just to get through a community college (even w/ financial aid), and my sis had to drop out of college altogether -due to losing her job. Each of us have cars that are falling apart. My step-sibs are still involved w/ my dad and his family -which I am very proud of them for doing, but every time my sister and I attend a family event or gathering, we get to hear about "blessed" and "happy" and "successful" they are. I know that all of these good things came about b/c they had to lose their mom -and I am sorry when anybody loses someone they love, but it's still very hard to be happy for them when I am struggling so. My dad is also struggling and just trying to hold out for retirement. My sis and I are also hurt that when our step-mom died, NOT A DIME was left to us, though we loved her very much. I have never expected an education from a private university or the financial backing to open my own business, but a little something -anything,even just enough $ to buy new tires- would have been helpful, especially in this economy. Even though it isn't good for me to jump to conclusions, I know w/ all my heart that my dad will see to it that Jenna and Eric will be taken care of as well as (if not, very close to) Sis and I are when he passes. I just want to know if I am wrong for feeling this way, especially since Sheila is dead and cannot defend herself. I know that I should be talking to my dad about this but it is hard, b/c like I said, he is very defensive of the 3 of them, and has always tried to turn things around like my sis and I are bad for having an inkling of negative emotion, concerning them. I don't dislike Sheila for forgetting about my sister and me, nor do I dislike Jenna and Eric, and I don't dislike my dad for being so "whipped" when it came (and still comes) to them, I'm just frustrated and I would just like some input w/out bias (which is why I am not talking this out w/ family!) and so that I may gain some perspective on the situation. Any opinion or insight is welcome, but this has been troubling me for a long time, so serious answers only please. more

Resolved Question: lupus; its cause, symptoms and treatment options?

the disease of lupus; its cause, symptoms and treatment options? more

Voting Question: I need help editing my research paper. I'm really bad at papers.....please help!?

Well, its on lupus. I have the intro and two body paragraphs, and I still need to do the conclusion. So, I was wondering what I should change on my paper, and what I need to add..? I also have to do a powerpoint based on the paper, that should last a minimum of 5 minutes up to 15. The reason why I chose this topic was because my dad has lupus, and I wanted to know more about the topic. He was diagnosed with lupus when he was about fourteen years old. He still receives treatment for it by going in for blood tests and taking medication He has the most common form of lupus, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), in which causes the antibodies to react against his own normal tissue. He has arthritis and joint problems, but nothings wrong with his internal organs. To support my dad and other lupus survivors, my family and I all go to the lupus walk in honor of remembering the people who had lupus that died. The things the audience can expect to read in this paper are the different types of lupus, the symptoms, the treatment and cures. Lupus is the result of an unbalanced immune system that can be destructive to any organ in the body. It can be categorized into three groups: discoid lupus Erythematosus, systemic lupus Erythematosus, and drug-induced systemic lupus Erythematosus. DLE is always limited to the skin and is identified by a rash that may appear on the face, neck, and scalp. It can evolve into the systemic form, which can affect any organ or system of the body. Systemic lupus Erythematosus is more severe than discoid lupus and can affect almost any organ or organ system of the body. No two people with SLE will have identical symptoms. Drug-induced systemic Lupus Erythematosus occurs after the use of certain prescribed drugs. It is more common in men, because the drugs are given to them more often. Lupus is hard to diagnose because it has a wide range of symptoms involving various parts of the body; and symptoms differ from each person. Most people develop painful joints and a rash, but lupus may also cause fatigue, depressions, and kidney problems. The treatment of lupus varies from person to person because each person has different symptoms. Most people with SLE require a regular blood test to check for lupus flares. Medication is the primary medical treatment for lupus. Presently, there are no other methods available to treat lupus because there is nothing else that can have the necessary impact on the immune system. Currently, there is no cure for lupus, but with early diagnosis and proper medical treatment it can significantly help control the disease. thanks. it would be much appreciated!!!! more

Voting Question: I have to compare turners syndrome to lupus and i need help!?

Here is the question i have to answer: Compare your disease with systemic lupus erythematosus and evaluate which disease is worse and why (think about body systems affected, treatment, and prognosis) more

Resolved Question: How should I handle this?

I've been holding a grudge against an old friend and have been ignoring him for the past two weeks. We've had our share of conflict before, but it started with me finding out I was diagnosed with Lupus. It was one of the weeks I got back from the hospital and I was told and to stay away from anyone sick. My "friend" had some viral infection and I told him to stay away. He replied, "you won't get sick." But guess what? I did get sick. And when I told him it was his fault I got sick in the first place, he said, "bite me." (in spanish) So I was a bit mad about that, but kind of blew it off. But what really made me mad was when my other friend told me that he had been complaining about me in class. He was saying it was fault that I had to go to the hospital and when my friend said, "I'm pretty sure it's not her fault." He replied, "It is her fault." That was the week I had to go back to get my pulse (treatment) and my friends were planning to go to the movies but they rescheduled so I could come also. (He wanted to see it that week) So now I just completely ignore him. (He's already seen the movie, by the way) My friend wants me to forgive him because it's awkward when I don't go near them when he's there. Should I? If he apologizes for being an asshole? more

Resolved Question: Lyme disease- muscle weakness!!! who else?

hi, i'm 13 years old and the past 8 months i have been very sick. It started out in the beginning of the summer with all the symptoms of mono(never tested positive}.... few weeks pass and i started to feel a little better but i noticed that if i walked long distances my arm would start feeling really weak and painful. Slowly my my arm started hurting more often then my leg started. I have been tested for everything under the sun MRI's lumbar puncture blood tests{lupus, thyroid, auto immune diseases, lyme ect.} nerve studies neurologists infectious disease vascular surgeons neurosurgeons my nerves and muscles simply didn't work and every time I asked why they didn't think it was lyme they simple said ITS NOT LYME 3 hospital stays in the mean time i couldn't walk or use my arm at all. It was extremely painful a week ago I went to a doctor specialized in lyme who tested me for ALL the lyme tests because my others doctors only tested me for 2 kinds........and started an antibiotic treatment i can wiggle my thumb soooo....has anyone had these types of symptoms from lyme disease???????? more

Voting Question: If I have discoid lupus, and smoke marijuana, will it get aggravated? ?

I have discoid lupus, and had a flare up when I was 3. I've been okay for 15 years. I've never reached systemic lupus, but lately I have been smoking weed. I'm afraid if I keep smoking, my lupus will flare up and I'll have to face treatment again. What I'm basically asking is, is weed bad for your immune system? more

Resolved Question: What are the differences between Lupus, MS, and Fibromyalgia?

I've been seeing the doctor lately to try to get a diagnosis finally for problems I've been having for over five years...everything from muscle tensing and spasming to shooting pain and sensitive skin. I had a blood test today that will determine if it might be Lupus, and I have an MRI coming up soon that will determine if it might be MS. The doctor says that fibromyalgia is a 'rule-it-out' diagnosis, that if nothing else fits, it's fibro. What are the differences between these three disorders in symptoms, effects on daily life (I already know that whatever I have it effects me a LOT, making it difficult for me to do anything on some days but take some Vicodin and lay in bed), and treatment plans...also, what are the long-term prognosises for these disorders? Do any of them have a cure, or a management plan that relieves all symptoms? I am happy that I am finally getting all the testing done to get a diagnosis finally so we can begin treating the problems, but I am concerned...I have heard a lot about fibro (my sister-in-law has fibro, and my father had fibro), and a little about MS...neither seems good at all, and I don't think either have a cure or total management of symptoms? I don't know anything about Lupus, however. more

Resolved Question: my mom and her lupus... i need an answer :(?

my mom is 33 years old she has lupus. she is loosing hair her joints are SUPER swollen. Is there any treatment for her hair? i dont want her to go bald. :( please help more

Resolved Question: Please help. Sona Medspa owes me a full refund on services but they are avoiding me!?

I recently purchased several laser hair removal packages & paid up front for them(total $6800 split between 2 credit cards). When I came in for my first treatment, they said they could not treat me because I have a history of skin lupus & they would need a note from my doctor. They apologized that they forgot to discuss this during the consultation. My doctor sent a note disapproving of the procedure at this time, so Sona Medspa told me that I am eligible for a refund. Before Xmas, I filled out their refund form, but they said their Clinical Manager has to process the refund (she won't be back til after the holidays which is around Jan 5th.) I have called twice since Jan 5th & both times I am unable to get a hold of the consultant that helped me, they will not let me speak to their clinical manager, & that girl has not replied to my voicemails. Please help me with ideas on how to get them off their butts & process the refund. Or how can I scare them into not avoiding me! I really would like my refund so that I can use the money on something else!!! more

Resolved Question: Would like advice about writing a will when there is a second wife?

I would like to hear from people in blended family situations about what worked for wills & what was a total disaster. My husband needs to work on his will this winter. My husband was married to his first wife for 29 years & had 5 kids with her, all adults now. His first wife divorced him. My husband has terrific relationships with 3 of his kids, and dicey with 2 of them. I got together with him 7 years ago and we have been married almost 5 years now. I am very close with the 3 kids he gets along with. I am a much younger wife - he is 69 and I am 44. His kids range from age 43 to about 31. My husband is retired and has no money, but he does own an 80 acre parcel of hunting land, and an old divey house with about 20 acres, on a duck hunting lake (not a fishing lake, so it isn't worth as much). He has no life insurance policy and can't get one. We live in my house, which still has a $40,000 mortgage. He has a little less income than I do, from social security. I am disabled & have income from social security and a private disability policy. I have bipolar disorder & have exhausted my treatment options, so it is unlikely I will ever be well enough to return to work. I have no significant savings. His kids he gets along with are healthy & have good jobs & have much nicer things (houses, cars, furniture etc) than my husband & I do. One of the kids he doesn't get along with has lupus & has a lot of problems with that, and is able to work only on & off. The other kid he doesn't get along with is an alcoholic & spends huge amounts of money at the bar & on pull tabs. Neither kid has paid much attention to him for over 10 years, calling only when they wanted something & there are other issues. As I said, I am disabled, and my private disability insurance runs out when I am 65 & has no cost of living adjustment, so its value is decreasing every year. If he leaves me nothing (we can't save much for my retirement age due to our medical expenses) I will be below the poverty line when I am 65. I don't want some explosive situation if he dies before me. He doesn't want to leave much at all to the 2 kids who ignore him. I don't know if this is a good idea. We don't know what would be best regarding the properties - only 2 of his kids would want to keep them, the rest would want to sell them off. What I want to do is have him leave me the 80 acres & I will keep it so his brothers and sons can come hunt it (I hunt with them) and then leave it to all his kids when I die, but they are about the same age as me & I don't know if I can pay the property taxes unless he leaves me a part share in the house on the lake. If he leaves the 80 to his kids, it will be gone for sure & he wishes it would stay in the family (I think mostly this is a hope that won't be fulfilled). The house on the lake has no sentimental value, so he doesn't care if that is sold off. In fact, we may sell it off ourselves when the housing market rebounds. So we have the issue of, what should he do about the 2 kids who ignore him & have mistreated him in the past? How to balance his kids against his second wife? I am hoping other people have advice about what NOT to do & family harmony and all that. Thank you! more

Resolved Question: My cousin is incarcerated at the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Sunflower County. He’s in for a non-violent?

My cousin is incarcerated at the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Sunflower County. He’s in for a non-violent crime (false pretense). He’s being denied of medical treatment. He has a skin disease call Lupus. As of now, his condition has gotten worst. He’s running a fever over 100, sores in his mouth, and head is bleeding with sores. He has written three letters requesting to see a dermotostgist and has been denied. Do we have a case? more

Resolved Question: why can some women control lupus and others cant?

my mom suffered from lupus for 15 years and recently passed away last january. doctors say that lupus can be controlled through chemotherapy, she did every kind of treatment available for the disease and still could not fight it. but in other women with lupus can fight lupus with treatment why do you think some can fight it and others cant? more

Resolved Question: How likely is someone to die from lupus?

My dad has had lupus for 2-3 years now. So far, it has affected his muscles, joints, and caused him to be tired, sensitive to sunlight, and has affected his kidneys. Because it has affected one organ, would it most likely affect others? Does anyone know of statistics for the death rate of this disease? Also any general or treatment info would be great. Or if you have Lupus.. It would be great to read your story. Thanks, Ashley more

Resolved Question: Could I be misdiagnosed with sjogren's syndrome?

I am 20 years old. Hair loss, joint pain, easy bruising, weight loss, positive ANA, had been anemic(resolved), had thyroid problems(resolved), swollen lymph nodes, very very tired, and I overall feel bad. Two more nodes have swollen on the side of my neck; they don't hurt just feel swollen. I have also had pain in the back of my sides a little below my ribs, but I did not discuss it with the new doctor. My primary physician took tests and after a while she diagnosed me with Lupus. She said I needed a Rheumatologist for treatment. I decided to move shortly after and never went to the referral appointment. So, I found a Primary physcian to refer me to a rheumatologist in my new state. The new doctor does not have my medical records or results from previous tests. He ran some tests and consulted the rheumatologist, then told me I have sjogrens syndrome. He said that I do not fit the classical definition of Sjogren's, but i have it. I have no dryness, which I understand to be a hallmark of the disease. I would like someone's opinion who has experience with this disease. I'm not sure what I have, and yet this new doctor has prescribed prednisone and plaquenil for treatment. Should I get a second opinion? Which doctor seems to be on the right track, my previous dr. or the new one? These diseases seem to be very tricky so, not all doctors are experienced with the diagnosis. Please, I am looking for honest opinions and a little bit of help. I will appreciate your helpful advice and comments. I would to like to know exactly what I have and how to best care for it. Your input will hopefully help me find the right answers. Thank you and have a wonderful day. more

Resolved Question: Ok, Men, why do you cheat?

My aunt is going through so much right now. She has Lupus, and is recieving treatments. These treatments drain her, (chemo). My uncle is a trucker, and always out, so she stays home and cares for her children. She recently discovered that he has not paid her mortgage for 3 months, there are now going to foreclose on her and to top it all off; she just discovered that he is having an affair! It frustrates me that men cheat, why even be in a relationship if you can not be commited? They own there own trucking business so she is still the one running it from home, so this girl calls her and tells off. She tells my aunt that she is in the way of her and my uncle. Apparantly she has been with him for 2 years!! Ugh, I am so disgusted. It breaks my heart to see my aunt have to go through this. So someone please tell me why do men cheat? Oh and women what about all the women out there who have relationships with married men, why do this? Should'nt we all stick together as women? Oh, yeah, on top of all this she is pregnant. She is actually telling my aunt to pay for her abortion or she will come and tell her children the kind of man there father is. How sick is this girl? more

Resolved Question: Face rash on cheeks everyday! Allergy or lupus?

hey there. I've always been blessed to have really good clear skin but for the past few months i've noticed a rapid change and now I seem to have this permanent pink rash high on cheeks (down from eyes and sometimes over bridge of the nose) it looks irritatated and dry but i've done nothing, used nothing new, use gentle washes, mostly just water now. My diet's rich in fruit & fish . I don't know if i have an allergy or not but my chest has also been hurting me on and off, a swollen feeling. I had a bad infection 2months ago and was givien penicilin, so i may be allergic to it, but before the treatment i had to go to casualty as my chest was so sore but docs found nothing apart from my toe infection, so that's why i'm thinking lupus as my aunt has it.. but i've been off them 2months now. Apart from that, i feel in general good health, just tired and achey sometimes any help appreciated! as this rash is driving me insane! :( more

Resolved Question: What happens if a person with lupus gets pnuemonia?

If a person who has lupus becomes ill with pnuemonia, what can happen and what sort of treatments would they receive, and for how long? more

Resolved Question: How can I start running again?

When I was younger, I was very fit. I ran every day and I was in great shape. Then I started hurting all over, and packed on the pounds. I've recently been diagnosed with Lupus (SLE) and for the first time in about 7 years, thanks to a healthy dose of chemo, I was able to run without too much pain. I got medical clearance from my rheumatologist, and he's thrilled that the treatments are working. Are there any tips/suggestions that I should consider? Remember, I haven't been able to run for at least 7 years without being in excruciating pain, so all of this is relatively new to me. Anything will be helpful. Thanks in advance! more

Resolved Question: Holistic therapy or others alternatives for lupus!?

I want to know if anyone has try any holistic therapy or any other alternatives treatment for lupus. Im not necessarily looking for a cure just something that would help with the symptoms. Does anyone have a successful story? Please share it with me! My sister is in her last stages and im desperately looking for an answer. more

Resolved Question: What are your major goals in life?

Mine are: -- Attend a university. -- Own my own house. -- Turn a hobby into a job. -- Get at least 10 hours of community service every month. -- Make a difference in an issue I really care about (ethical treatment of animals). -- Make a difference in a younger kids life (tutoring). -- Donate to a charity every month, even if it's only a dollar (my charity of choice is lupus.org). -- Study other religion's holy texts to be more culturally diverse. -- Become fluent in reading, writing, and speaking at least two other languages (Spanish, French, German, and Japanese). -- Become fluent in sign language. -- Have a career, not just a job. -- Read every book on my list of 100 Classic Novels To Read Before I Die. -- Be able to honestly say every one of my friends is a true and loyal friend. -- Be able to honestly say I have experienced true love, whether it is from a spouse, friend, or child. -- Effectively go green in my daily life (recycle, save gas and energy). That's just my list as of now, I'm sure it will grow with time. What are your goals? And please, instead of saying "be rich" say how you're going to be rich. Or something like that. Thanks. =) more

Voting Question: very serious family/moral issue i need help. please read!?

good day. i mean that as a greeting, not that it's a good day. for it's a horrible day for myself. why you ask? my mother is dying of cancer. shes my last living relative and i'm really afraid of what i'm going to do after shes gone. i'm only 17 and don't have a job. she doesn't have much money either, so i nothing ot live off of. at the rate i'm going, i'll be dropping out of school one year shy of a diploma. no prom for me. no graduation ceremony. no getting to finally be an upperclassman. i've never known my father, as i was a product of rape. i hadn't actually known this until around the time my mother was diagnosed. she broke down and confessed this to me, probably thinking that i had a right to know before she died. it only made things worst though. can YOU imagine being told your mother is going to by dying and leaving you all alone to fend for yourself with no money and then finding out you were never wanted, all on the same day? as you can see, i've had quite my share of hardships for such a young age. the reason i mostly feel bad (and the reason i'm psoting this all) is because of a event that took place just tonight. she was discharged from the hospital, since she didn't have any way to pay the bills for treatment, and didn't want to leave me with a dept when she died (her own words). when we were finally back at home, possibly the worst thing that could have came on tv, came on. it was an episode of House in which the patient was being treated for the wrong disease. and then House utters the line "it's not lupus". this was startling to hear, as it's exatly what happened to my mother, and what the doctor said. she was diagnosed for lupus rght off the bat, and the treatment for it only made the cancer worse. and the words that amde her cry when the doctor told ehr this were "it's not lupus". so there in the living room, my mother broke down crying. she didn't tell me why, but i knew. it was obvious. i tried to comfort her, but she told me to just go away, and that things would have been easier if i were just never born. and i think i'm starting to agree. if i wasn't born, she would have had a normal college life, found a nice husband, and be able to pay for cancer treatment or insurance rather than having to support a teenager as a single mom. i lost my temper at that moment though, and slapped her. she slapped back and all of a sudden, i was fighting a dying woman. i got in one little fight and my mom got scared and said your moving with your auntie and uncle in belair. i whistled for a cab and when it came near the license plate said fresh and had a dice in the mirror. if anything i could say that this cab was rare but i thought man forget it yo home to belair. i pulled up to a house about seven or eight and i yelled to the cabbie yo holmes smells ya later. looked at my kingdom i was finally there to sit on my throan as the prince of belair. more

Resolved Question: Multiple Myeloma Question?

My wife was diagnosed with MM this past Thursday. For about two months she has been really lethargic and complaining of joint aches, overall just tired and generally ignoring the sypmtoms. Two weeks ago she went into the ER, going through a battery of tests. Her kidneys were just about at failure, going through more and more tests. Signs were pointing to Lupus until they did whats called a kidney biopsy which uncovered a 90% certainty of MM. After the bone marrow biopsy confirmed she has MM. She is Caucasian 36 year old, never smoked or drank in her life. No family history of anything in fact her great grandmother is 89. We have a young son 3 years old named Matthew who is such a happy and vibrant boy that is really attached and loves his Mom. It is very difficult watch the ones you love go through pain. Its also hard to think of Matt going through his life unable to recollect his Mom. Selfishly I think of myself at this time as well, what will happen to me? Am I strong enough to persevere? And then there is my wife, so pretty and caring, so thoughtful and considerate. Its all so overwhelming and surreal. I know its early but weve begin discussing death etc, to a very small degree as its so early on with this. I have such a strong belief in God and shamefully I find myself questioning how could this happen to her? To Me??... They told her she would need dialysis, then gave her a first treatment with a steroid to care for her kidneys. The next day they told her the kidneys responded very nicely to this and said to "hold off for now" with the dialysis to see if it continues to improve. They discharged iyesterday and brought her to Dana Farber where she was given Velcade as the first course of action. Im not sure what else to add here other than I hope there is some hope for her and the family. They mentioned there are some things working in her favor; namely her age and otherwise perfect health. Also xrays showed it was only in her skull so far and hadnt progressed too far. Any insight about road ahead or suggestions to deal with the emotional would be appreciated more

Voting Question: YAZ YAZ YAZ!!!!!. HATE IT WON'T EVER GO BACK!?

Well Let me start off by saying I was on Yazmine for 2 years and a half and then decided to stop because i got really ill and I was under a treatment. After 8 months finding out that I didn't have lupus and being on 6 different pills for no reason including steriods! I hadn't had my period for like 6 months so i went to the clinic to ask to get back on BC and they told me i should try YAZ! THE BIGGEST MISTAKE IN MY LIFE! I'm going on 2 months about to finish and than the lord i'm getting off THIS not only did i gain like 10 pounds less than 2 months but i know what it takes to keep fit and controling what you eat YAZ DIDN'T HELP AT ALL ! cramping and the bloating and also period not starting after you start a new pack !!! But everyone is different all i know is that i will never TRY A DIFFERENT BC METHOD AGAIN! more