Can minor blows to the head, which fall short of concussion, lead to autoimmune disease later? It’s certainly a plausible theory says Allegheny General Hospi…
Daily Archives: August 24, 2017
Systemic lupus erythematosus: CNS vasculitis | Radiology Case | Radiopaedia.org
Rheumatological markers for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were positive and indicated active disease. Diagnosis of CNS vasculitis was made clinically and the risk of brain biopsy vs trial of steroids was weighed. The patient decided to tria…
Source: Systemic lupus erythematosus: CNS vasculitis | Radiology Case | Radiopaedia.org
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Complications – Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Health Information – NY Times Health
Free articles and multimedia from The NY Times, including information on symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, tests, and surgical procedures, as well as current news and interviews with leading experts.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Complications
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause systemic complications throughout the body.
COMPLICATIONS OF THE BLOOD
Almost 85% of patients with SLE experience problems associated with abnormalities in the blood.
Anemia. About half of patients with SLE are anemic. Causes include:
- Iron deficiencies resulting from excessive menstruation
- Iron deficiencies from gastro-intestinal bleeding caused by some of the treatments
- A specific anemia called hemolytic anemia, which destroys red blood cells
- Anemia of chronic disease
Hemolytic anemia can occur with very high levels of the anticardiolipin antibody. It can be chronic or develop suddenly and be severely (acute).
Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Between 34 – 42% of patients with SLE have antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). This is a specific set of conditions related to the presence of autoantibodies called lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin. These autoantibodies react against fatty molecules called phospholipids, and so are called antiphospholipids. Their actions have complex effects that include causing narrowing and abnormalities of blood vessels.
- Patients who have APS have a very incidence of blood clots, which most often occur in the deep veins in the legs. Blood clotting, in turn, puts patients at higher risk for stroke and pulmonary embolism (clots in the lungs).
- The effects on blood vessels have also been associated with confusion, headaches, and seizures. Leg ulcers can also develop.
- Patients with APS who become pregnant have a high incidence of pregnancy loss, especially in the late term.
Not all patients with APS carry both of the autoantibodies, and they can also wax and wane and so have varying effects. APS also occurs withoutlupus in about half of patients with the syndrome.
Thrombocytopenia. In thrombocytopenia, antibodies attack and destroy blood platelets. In such cases, blood clotting is impaired, which causes bruising and bleeding from the skin, nose, gums, or intestines. (This condition can also occur in APS, but it is not considered to be one of the standard features of the syndrome.)
Neutropenia. Neutropenia is a drop in the number of white blood cells. Patients with SLE often neutropenia, but the condition is usually harmless unless the reductions are so severe that they leave the patient vulnerable to infections.
Acute Lupus Hemophagocyte Syndrome. A rare blood complication of SLE that occurs primarily in Asians is called acute lupus hemophagocytic syndrome. It is generally of short duration and characterized by fever and a sudden drop in blood cells and platelets.
Lymphomas. Patients with SLE and other autoimmune disorders have a greater risk for developing lymph system cancers such as Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
HEART AND CIRCULATION COMPLICATIONS
Heart disease is a primary cause of death in lupus patients. The immune response in SLE can cause chronic inflammation and other damaging effects that can cause significant injury to the arteries and tissues associated with the circulation and the heart. In addition, SLE treatments (particularly corticosteroids) affect cholesterol, weight, and other factors that can also affect the heart.
Patients with SLE, have a higher risk for developing the following conditions, which put them at risk for heart attack or stroke:
- Atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in the arteries
- Increased stiffness in the arteries
- Unhealthy cholesterol and lipid (fatty molecules) levels
- High blood pressure, most likely because of kidney injury and corticosteroid treatments
- Heart failure
- Pericarditis, an inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart
- Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle itself (rare)
- Abnormalities in the valves of the heart (rare)
- Blood clots
The risk for cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke is much higher than average in younger women with SLE. The risks decline as such women age.
LUNG COMPLICATIONS
SLE affects the lungs in about 60% of patients:
- Inflammation of the membrane lining the lung (pleurisy) is the most common problem, which can cause shortness of breath and coughing.
- In some cases, fluid accumulates, a condition called pleural effusion.
- Inflammation of the lung tissue itself is called lupus pneumonitis. It can be caused by infections or by the SLE inflammatory process. Symptoms are the same in both cases: fever, chest pain, labored breathing, and coughing. Rarely, lupus pneumonitis becomes chronic and causes scarring in the lungs, which reduces their ability to deliver oxygen to the blood.
- A very serious and rare condition called pulmonary hypertensionoccurs when high pressure develops as a result of damage to the blood vessels of the lungs.
KIDNEY COMPLICATIONS (LUPUS NEPHRITIS)
The kidneys are a crucial battleground in SLE because it is here that the debris left over from the immune attacks is most likely to be deposited. Also, the immune response can also attack different parts of the kidney causing damage. About 50% of patients with SLE exhibit inflammation of the kidneys (called lupus nephritis).This condition occurs in different forms and can vary from mild to severe. Poor kidney function and kidney failure may result from this damage.
Serious complications occur eventually in about 30% of patients. If kidney injury develops, it almost always occurs within 10 years of the onset of SLE, rarely after that.
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM COMPLICATIONS
Nearly all patients with SLE report some symptoms relating to problems that occur in the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the spinal cord and the brain. CNS involvement is more likely to occur in the first year, usually during flare-ups in other organs.
Symptoms vary widely and overlap with psychiatric or neurologic disorders. They may also be caused by of some medications used for SLE. Central nervous system symptoms are usually mild, but there is little effective treatment available for them. CNS symptoms get worse as the disease progresses.
The most serious CNS disorder is inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain (vasculitis), which occurs in 10% of patients with SLE. Fever, seizures, psychosis, and even coma can occur. Other CNS side effects include:
- Irritability
- Emotional disorders (anxiety, depression)
- Mild impairment of concentration and memory
- Migraine and tension headaches
- Problems with the reflex systems, sensation, vision, hearing, and motor control
INFECTIONS
Infections are a common complication and a major cause of death in all stages of SLE. The immune system is indeed overactive in SLE, but it is also abnormal and reduces the ability to fight infections. Patients are not only prone to the ordinary streptococcal and staphylococcal infections, but they are also susceptible to fungal and parasitic infections (called opportunistic infections), which are common in people with weakened immune systems. They also face an increased risk for urinary tract, herpes, salmonella, and yeast infections. Corticosteroid and immunosuppressants, treatments used for SLE, also increase the risk for infections, thereby compounding the problem.
GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLICATIONS
About 45% of patients with SLE suffer gastrointestinal problems, including nausea, weight loss, mild abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Severe inflammation of the intestinal tract occurs in less than 5% of patients and causes acute cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, and, rarely, intestinal perforation, which can be life-threatening. Fluid retention and swelling can cause intestinal obstruction, which is much less serious but causes the same type of severe pain. Inflammation of the pancreas can be caused by the disease and by corticosteroid therapy.
JOINT, MUSCLE, AND BONE COMPLICATIONS
Arthritis caused by SLE almost never leads to destruction or deformity of joints. The inflammatory process can, however, damage muscles and cause weakness. Patients with SLE also commonly experience reductions in bone mass density (osteoporosis) and have a higher risk for fractures, whether or not they are taking corticosteroids (which can increase the risk for osteoporosis). Women who have SLE should have regular bone mineral density scans to monitor bone health.
EYE COMPLICATIONS
Inflamed blood vessels in the eye can reduce blood supply to the retina, resulting in degeneration of nerve cells and a risk of hemorrhage in the retina. The most common symptoms are cotton-wool-like spots on the retina. In about 5% of patients sudden temporary blindness may occur.
SOCIOECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES
In one study, 40% of patients with SLE quit work within 4 years of diagnosis, and many had to modify their work conditions. Significant factors that predicted job loss included high physical demands from the work itself, a more severe condition at the time of diagnosis, and lower educational levels. People with lower income jobs were at particular risk for leaving them.
PREGNANCY AND SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS
Women with lupus who conceive face high-risk pregnancies that increase the risks for themselves and their babies. It is important for women to understand the potential complications and plan accordingly. The most important advice is to avoid becoming pregnant when lupus is active.
Research suggests that the following factors predict a successful pregnancy:
- Disease state at time of conception. Doctors strongly recommend that women wait to conceive until their disease state has been inactive for at least 6 months.
- Kidney (renal) function. Women should make sure that their kidney function is evaluated prior to conception. Poor kidney function can worsen high blood pressure and cause excess protein in the urine. These complications increase the risk for preeclampsia and miscarriage.
- Lupus-related antibodies. Antiphospholipid and anticardiolipin antibodies can increase the risks for preeclampsia, miscarriage, and stillbirths. Anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies can increase the risk for neonatal lupus erythematosus, a condition that can cause skin rash and liver and heart damage to the newborn baby. Levels of these antibodies should be tested at the start of pregnancy. Certain medications (aspirin, heparin) and tests (fetal heart monitoring) may be needed to ensure a safe pregnancy.
- Medication use during pregnancy. Women with active disease may need to take low-dose corticosteroids, but women with inactive disease should avoid these drugs. Steroids appear to pose a low risk for birth defects, but can increase a pregnant woman’s risks for gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, infection, and osteoporosis. For patients who need immunosuppressive therapy, azathioprine (Imuran) is an option. Methotrexate (Rheumatrex) and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) should not be taken during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Risks
Women with lupus are 20 times more likely to die during pregnancy than women without the disease. The risk for maternal death is due to the following serious conditions that can develop during pregnancy:
- Miscarriages. About 25% of lupus pregnancies result in miscarriage. The risk is highest for patients with antiphospholipid antibodies, active kidney disease, or high blood pressure.
- Blood clots. Women with lupus have a 6 times greater risk for developing deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) than women without the disease.
- Clotting complications. Low blood platelet count and anemia are also risks. Women with lupus are 3 times more likely to need a transfusion during pregnancy than women without lupus.
- Infections. Blood infections (sepsis), pneumonia, and urinary tract infections are more common in pregnant women with lupus.
- Preeclampsia. Women with lupus are three times more likely than healthy women to develop preeclampsia (pregnancy-related high blood pressure), which can be potentially life threatening.
- Birth Complications. Women with SLE have an increased risk of having a pre-term birth, stillbirth, or Caesarean section.
Despite these obstacles, many women with lupus have healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy babies. To increase the odds of a successful pregnancy, it is important for women to plan carefully before becoming pregnant. Be sure to find knowledgeable doctors with whom you can communicate and trust. Pregnant women with lupus should try to assemble an interdisciplinary health care team that includes a rheumatologist, high-risk obstetrician, and (for patients with kidney disease) a nephrologist.
Lupus Triggered By Head Injury – Doctor insights on HealthTap
Doctors help you with trusted information about Head Trauma in Head Injury: Dr. Khanna on lupus triggered by head injury: Head injuries can cause seizures if there is structural damage.
Source: Lupus Triggered By Head Injury – Doctor ins
2 doctors agreed:
1
Could it happen that a head injury ‘trigger’ epilepsy or other seizure-like problems?
Yes: Head injuries can cause seizures if there is structural damage. …Read more
1 doctor shared a insight
Injuries (Definition)
An injury, of any severity, is a condition in which a person has damage to any part of his body. Examples of major injuries include gunshot wounds, knife wounds, large burns, severed …Read more
2 doctors agreed:
2
What to do if emergency head injury!?
Emergency Room: If you consider the injury to be severe, lost consciousness or have a severe headache, go to the Emergency Room where they can evaluate you and depending on the magnitude of the injury and symptoms do a Head CT scan. …Read more
3
Husband suffered head injury, what to do?
Head injury: Treatment is based on the severity of the injury – with a skull fracture, significant loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting and other findings the patient would need an extensive inpatient workup. Head injury without loss of …Read more
4
How is head injury detected by temperature?
It’s not: That would not help at all in the diagnosis of head injury. …Read more
1 doctor agreed:
5
Could a head injury make someone feel sick?
Yes: Nausea and vomiting can be caused by head injury and is generally a sign of more serious head trauma requiring medical evaluation. …Read more
6
What prognosis can we expect for a head injury?
Prognosis Head INJUR: Prognosis of any headinjury dependant on the extent of the injury. In children with uncomplicated minor head injuries the risk of intracranial bleeding over the next year is rare2 cases in million the incidence of head injury is …Read more
7
How can I keep someone with a head injury calm?
Medications: Frequently when a patient with a traumatic brain injury recovers he/she goes through different stages. Where he starts depends on the severity of the injury. The patients may have agitationand confusion as they improve. This is …Read more
1 doctor agreed:
8
What are the signs of head injury with a child?
Many: Crankiness, sleepiness, agitation, change in appetite, confusion, lapses, seizures can occur. Any change from the norm should prompt medical attention. …Read more
9
Will a single head injury have lifelong effects?
Depends on severity.: A moderate or severe head injurycan have lifelong effects, with the greatest amount of recovery happening within the first year after the injury. A mild injury (about 75-80% of tbis) are expected to make a nearly full recovery within 3 …Read more
10
Please advise me what to do about a head injury?
Concussion: Minor head injury should not cause symptoms, if you experience any symptoms like, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, memory problem, nausea, balance issue, and sleep disturbances this may be because you have concussion …Read more
469 doctors shared insights
Head Trauma (Definition)
Any injury to the face, skull, or brain as a result of blunt force, or penetrating trauma. It can also occur due to rapid …Read more
379 doctors shared insights
Head Injury (Definition)
to your head …Read more
People also viewed
A Warning about White Matter Damage | Brain Injury Community
The largest collection of medical and legal information about traumatic brain injury on the web.
Source: A Warning about White Matter Damage | Brain Injury Community
Post navigation
A Warning about White Matter Damage
I recently gave a lecture at the North American Brain Injury Society (NABIS) speaking about what many perceive as a wide spread problem in our health care system involving TBI. The problem is that most radiologists in the United States have decided they do not want to be involved in TBI cases. Why do I say this and what does it mean? Let me explain:
1. The most common method of brain injury in the world arising from trauma is called Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI), this occurs when the brain is subjected to rapid acceleration or deceleration though a high speed motor vehicle accident, for example. We now know that DAI can and does occur in the full spectrum of TBI – from mild to severe. However, the fact that DAI occurs in mild to moderate TBI is a fairly recent finding and many radiologist were not trained to know this.
2. Radiologist, like other physicians, are suppose to attempt to identify the illness or cause of illness, through a process known as “differential diagnosis.” This is done by ruling out different possible causes of say an abnormality shown in the brain on MRI, until a proven cause can be found.
3. The problem arises when identifying an abnormality on brain MRI known as “white matter hyperintensities” (WMH). These small white areas on an MRI are what damage due to DAI looks like, but there are numerous other non-traumatic causes for WMH. These include: the aging process (starting at 45 to 50); smoking; high blood pressure; Lymes disease; Lupus; vasculitis; migraines, headaches, some mental disorders; and MS.
4. The problem is that currently a radiologist will identify WMH on an MRI following a patient’s trauma but will describe the findings as “non-specific.” That means that there are many causes for the abnormality – not that there is no abnormality. Sometimes following this statement the radiologist will give a short list of possible causes, most commonly “demyelinating disease” (MS), migraine, or ischemic disease (vascular degeneration). But what they will generally not say is that another possibility is trauma.
5. It is therefore imperative that someone who has suffered a TBI and has ongoing symptoms for more than six months to be certain that the brain MRI is not showing an undiagnosed TBI. How do you do this? Certainly if a person is under the age of 45, and has no history of the above conditions, than trauma should be suspected. A comprehensive blood test can be ordered which can help rule in or rule out certain autoimmune diseases, Lyme disease, Lupus, and other possible causes.
6. It is also important for your treating physician to talk to you about where these WMH’s are in your MRI. Location is vitally important in determining the cause of WMH. If they are described as being located in the “deep white matter” then they are less likely to be caused by trauma than by one of the above conditions. However, if they are located at the gray-white junction, than trauma should be suspected. Brain injury occurs in this region due to the differential indensity between the gray matter (which is like the thick skin of a grapefruit) and the white matter, which are the long fibers that connect different areas of the brain together (the inside of the grapefruit). Because of this differential, when the brain is twisted or shaken the white matter often shows damage close to this area. In fact, a recent study in China of over 700 healthy 60 to 64-year olds showed zero WMH within four millimeters of the gray white junction. We can therefore infer that following a trauma, abnormalities found in this region are due to trauma. Even if 10% of the WMH are in this area, it would be consistent with trauma. Be aware that your treating radiologist and/or lawyer will not be aware of this information.
What can be done? A film can be reread by another radiologist. A better scan of the brain can be obtained. By this I mean an MRI that has a 3.0 teslor magnet instead of a 1.5. an MRI that includes Susceptibility Weighted Imaging (SWI), as well Diffuse Tensor Imaging (DTI). SWI can identify tiny microhemorrhages in the brain which not coincidently, look like WMH. Survivors of severe brain trauma can have hundreds of these microhemorrhages show up on SWI, whereas zero or only a few show up on standard MRI. DTI looks at white matter injury and a description of DTI can be found elsewhere on the website.
The single most important thing in brain injury litigation is objectification of injury. Once there is a picture of damage to the brain, the tables are turned on the insurance company. They can no longer call the victim crazy, a liar, a drug addict so easily. A picture is indeed worth a thousand words.
Comments are closed.
Personal Stories & Blogs by People with TBI | BrainLine
Other brain injury survivors have a special wisdom a wisdom gaine,d from unique experiences, priceless to others in similar situations. Here you will find stories of hope and joy, fear and frustration — shared in the hope that others with brain injury will see reflections of their own lives and know they are not alone.
Source: Personal Stories & Blogs by People with TBI | BrainLine
August 4, 2017
David A. Grant blogs about life after brain injury
BrainLine is incredibly lucky to collaborate with a group of outstanding bloggers willing to share their ups and downs, insights, and honest moments of both despair and hope.
Lupus is Killing Me – 20+ Positive Thoughts Helps Me Survive | Motivation | SuccessStory
Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/ or organ inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six week and often for many years.
Source: Lupus is Killing Me – 20+ Positive Thoughts Helps Me Survive | Motivation | SuccessStory
Lupus is Killing Me, Positive Thoughts Helps Me Survive
Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/ or organ inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six week and often for many years. To be honest, I have never knew about this before until 10 years ago I heard one of my friends struggled to live due to Lupus.
1. Professional career
Learn from People who Already Made it
START TO SUCCESS
15 Years Later: How My Life Was Changed By Lupus
A personal account of one woman’s diagnosis with lupus 15 years ago and how she has made her life happy, meaningful and wonderful while managing lupus.
Source: 15 Years Later: How My Life Was Changed By Lupus
278
4
2
A Life Interrupted by Lupus
“You have lupus.”
My doctor’s words cut through the air in the stark white of her examination room, and right through my soul. Now it was real. All the questions, the mystery, all of it just slipped away. Instead a panic swelled inside my heart.
I looked down at my feet dangling from the table. My jeweled aqua blue flip flops and the bright pink of my pedicure contrasted so vividly with my summer tan. My doctor continued to speak, but to me her words were nothing more than a jumbled mess. The white paper crinkled under my thighs as I moved to peer out the window. There was a gentleman with a hot dog cart on the corner. A gardener tending to flowers maybe twenty yards away to the right. Dozens of cars turning in all different directions; so many people with things to see and do, going about the everyday of life.
What I would have given at that moment to know the oblivion and simplicity of the everyday.
This day, my diagnosis day, began like any other. It was 1998, and an unusually humid July morning had morphed into a mercilessly hot afternoon. Ironically what started so ordinarily would conclude extraordinarily. There would be a new “everyday” to get used to. There would be lots of pain and uncertainty. I was twenty five years old, with big dreams on my mind and big experiences on my horizon; like travel and education and love. Yes, big dreams and big experiences. But that was before lupus. This new reality would require adjustments and acceptance: an acceptance of my situation and of me, if I was going to live happily, peacefully and successfully.
To start from the beginning, I need to go back ten months from the day of my diagnosis. My symptoms revealed themselves gradually. At first it was a persistent fatigue; that annoying, so-easy-to-dismiss symptom we all experience from time to time. But it just wouldn’t go away. The annoying quickly became scary when I couldn’t lift my arms above my head, or lift my head from the pillow. I then developed an odd sensitivity to certain stimuli. Odors, bright lights and loud noises would make me sick. One day, while running errands, I spied a zigzag pattern on a woman’s dress. Just looking at her was enough to keep me in bed for days; I suffered from nausea and debilitating headaches. Eventually my symptoms graduated to joint pain and swelling. Months later, red blisters peppered my cheeks, and red, dry patches popped up on my arms, scalp, chest and back. My mouth would bleed, and I would feel exceptionally ill and tired after only ten minutes outside under the winter sun. I experienced hair loss; not random patches falling out but instead a general overall thinning first noticed when my barrettes slipped out so easily.
Finally in June of 1998, I experienced fluid retention that went way beyond the usual hormone fluctuations or indulgence in overly salty food. The edema and discomfort persisted, and my doctor began to suspect the possibility of autoimmune disease, lupus specifically. My blood pressure was rising and there was protein in my urine, all signs pointing to kidney problems. With an urgency I hadn’t seen in her before, she ordered a battery of tests, imploring me to get them done as soon as possible. All came back in time for that July appointment, and all revealed a myriad of issues, collectively confirming a lupus diagnosis. My blood showed anemia and a very low white blood cell count. The standard anti-nuclear antibody test and anti-DNA antibody test were positive, suggesting lupus. The realization finally came when biopsies of my skin and kidney revealed deposits of antibodies in my tissues.
Here I am, nearly fifteen years later. Since that fateful day, I have had my moments of stable health and normal immune functioning, but I have had many periods of brutal flares. When it happens, lupus decides to make me extremely tired. It settles into my joints, making simple movements and activities nearly impossible. I sometimes suffer from pleuritis and pericarditis, making it difficult to breathe or feel energetic; but overall, it is my kidney function that suffers consistently. The unpredictable nature of lupus has forcibly shaped my choices, too. I have had to rethink things like graduate school, career paths and pregnancy, choices that have proven painful at times. Thankfully, I have found joy and opportunity in other aspects of my life.
Conventional drug therapies have not been helpful in my case. Side effects have been difficult to deal with, and some drugs have been cost prohibitive. Early on in this journey I tried steroids, prednisone specifically. I experienced weight gain and other changes in my appearance, and I really wasn’t feeling better. Anti-malarial therapies were suggested, but side effects were a concern. My most recent attempts with conventional drugs included immunosuppressive therapy. I tried CellCept for several months. The aggressive regimen did nothing to improve my symptoms. It made me very sick and its cost was considerable. It simply wasn’t reasonable to continue.
Despite the failure of conventional medications in my case, there are things that have worked for me, and have worked very well. I have an awesome, driven and dedicated primary doctor who stays on top of the latest research, and coordinates all my care with colleagues she knows and trusts. In addition to being female, she is also young, and I believe that common ground we share means everything in the success of our communication. Having her in my corner is healing, more than words can truly express. I also have the love of a wonderful spouse and mom. My friends understand as best they can, and it means a lot. And I have two beautiful, love bug pups who comfort me with every wet, loving kiss.
I do the usual things that we lupus folks should do to feel better and stronger. I make sure I get the rest I need. I stay out of the sun. I avoid alcohol, and I try to stick to simple, easily digestible foods that don’t tax my system. I try to limit my sugar intake, prescribe to a mostly vegetarian diet, and place an emphasis on healthy fats.
Acupuncture has worked wonders in managing what I call my “secondary” ailments. When I receive consistent treatment I sleep more deeply and my digestion is better; my pain is lessened and overall I feel that my emotions are stronger and my life feels less heavy. I am also working hard at mastering the art of letting go. Letting go of things like toxic relationships, being rigid, and trying to be perfect. Because if lupus teaches you only one thing, it teaches you that life doesn’t always go as planned.
I also created my own career. After way too many flares and dark days, I had to have a complete say over my hours and workload. In February 2012 I launched my happy and healthy living blog, and in August 2012 I independently published my first book. I have many more planned, and the future looks bright. It is empowering to know that I am my own boss. The freedom allows me to embrace my good days and better manage my bad ones.
What is the best medicine of all? Gratitude for everything that is good in my life. Knowing I matter, and accepting the reality of lupus as part of my journey. I realize now that perceived limitations are only that, perceived. Ultimately, lupus opened doors I never thought possible, and gave me chances I never saw coming. It has been quite an evolution. Once a scared twenty-something, I am now a soon-to-be forty-something with a growing wisdom and appreciation for the things that count.
And I’m still here.
Strong and confident.
Full of life.
About the Author
Allyson Clayton launched her happy and healthy living blog Love Your Dash in February 2012, and in August 2012 independently published her first book: The Word Is Love – Lessons In Self-Acceptance, Relationships & Other Things That Really Matter. She lives, laughs and loves in Northern California with her amazing husband and canine children Jack and Grace. To learn more about Allyson and her work, visit www.loveyourdash.com.
This post contains opinions of the author. AutoimmuneMom.com is not a medical practice and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is your responsibility to seek diagnosis, treatment, and advice from qualified providers based on your condition and particular circumstances. Camino Real Ventures, Inc., the company that makes AutoimmuneMom.com available to you, does not endorse nor recommend any products, practices, treatment methods, tests, physicians, service providers, procedures, clinical trials, opinions or information available on this website. Your use of the website is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Comments
Molly’s Fund Stories of Hope – Molly’s Fund
Our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs in the fight against lupus. Chris was our featured Story of Hope at our 2013 gala fundraiser, Serving Up Style.
Source: Molly’s Fund Stories of Hope – Molly’s Fund
SEARCH
You Are Not Alone
Our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs in the fight against lupus. Kelli was our featured Story of Hope at our 2014 annual gala fundraiser, Serving Up Style. Watch Kelli’s touching and inspirational story below and please share yours. If you have shared your story, visit our Facebook page every Tuesday to see if your story was shared with our online community! The comments and support for each story are so inspiring.
Would you like to be one of our Stories of Hope?
TELL US YOUR STORY
Amy
Hello my name is Amy. I was diagnosed with lupus in 2003 while I was pregnant with my daughter. I was in so much pain and had lost 80% of my hair and only weighed 110 pounds. It wasn’t until my dad moved me home that I got the help I needed to get back on my feet. I was put into the hospital and was told that I had maybe two weeks to live. Pneumonia had taken over. They got me back on my feet. I have had my lungs, heart, and kidneys attacked. I fight every day to watch my daughter grow.
Heather
I was diagnosed with lupus in 2006, one month after turning 18. I was a senior in high school. I also have fibromyalgia, Raynaud’s, P.O.T.S., and IC. Lupus has been a very cruel disease and hasn’t taken a day off since I was first diagnosed. Despite the challenges lupus has presented, I am proud to say I have earned two college degrees, got married, and gave birth to the most beautiful baby girl, who is now two. I will never give up fighting because I always want to be here for my daughter.
Dakota
My name is Dakota. I am 22 and I was diagnosed with SLE when I was 16. When I was 20 I stopped responding well to Plaquenil and I have been trying different treatments ever since. I am in my first year of law school and it has been a nightmare but I refuse to let lupus control my life. I go to class every day in pain, tired, and I have to think twice as hard as my peers to be successful. I even lost most of my hair this year. But this is my dream and I’m not going to let lupus hold me back.
Rhianna
I was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 15. I am now 29 years old , married, and have two beautiful healthy girls. There are days where I don’t know how I’m going to get through the pain while taking care of my girls, but somehow I find the strength to do it. Some days are so bad all I want to do is cry and ask God why me?! Why do I have to live with constant and unbearable pain? We very tough and strong people. That is why we were the ones chosen to live with lupus. We are fighters!
Betty
I was diagnosed with RA followed by Fibromyalgia with a main diagnosis of lupus. With numerous hospital stays over past 7 years. Including congestive heart failure which has lead to 2 heart surgeries as well as collapsed lung. We all know the other symptoms such as fatigued, constant pain, lack of movement, diff levels of anxiety and depression. What i would like to leave with you is not the extent of my pain but the determination and desire to live! To take back my life. Be Unstoppable!
Billie Jo
I was diagnosed with SLE in 2010 only after many tests and Dr.’s of all specialties. My Lupus has never shown up in my blood work it was only after a special skin biopsy that I was diagnosed. I also have anticoagulant lupus, hashimotos, fibromyalgia, and bursitis in my hips and shoulders. I am 40 years old with an amazing, wonderful and caring husband of 14 years. I am also a mom to a beautiful 13-year-old. I have live every day in pain, but with my family and God I will never give up. Thank you Molly’s Fund Fighting Lupus.
You Are Not Alone
Our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs in the fight against lupus. Kelli was our featured Story of Hope at our 2014 annual gala fundraiser, Serving Up Style. Watch Kelli’s touching and inspirational story below and please share yours. If you have shared your story, visit our Facebook page every Tuesday to see if your story was shared with our online community! The comments and support for each story are so inspiring.
Would you like to be one of our Stories of Hope?
TELL US YOUR STORY
Amy
Hello my name is Amy. I was diagnosed with lupus in 2003 while I was pregnant with my daughter. I was in so much pain and had lost 80% of my hair and only weighed 110 pounds. It wasn’t until my dad moved me home that I got the help I needed to get back on my feet. I was put into the hospital and was told that I had maybe two weeks to live. Pneumonia had taken over. They got me back on my feet. I have had my lungs, heart, and kidneys attacked. I fight every day to watch my daughter grow.
Heather
I was diagnosed with lupus in 2006, one month after turning 18. I was a senior in high school. I also have fibromyalgia, Raynaud’s, P.O.T.S., and IC. Lupus has been a very cruel disease and hasn’t taken a day off since I was first diagnosed. Despite the challenges lupus has presented, I am proud to say I have earned two college degrees, got married, and gave birth to the most beautiful baby girl, who is now two. I will never give up fighting because I always want to be here for my daughter.
Dakota
My name is Dakota. I am 22 and I was diagnosed with SLE when I was 16. When I was 20 I stopped responding well to Plaquenil and I have been trying different treatments ever since. I am in my first year of law school and it has been a nightmare but I refuse to let lupus control my life. I go to class every day in pain, tired, and I have to think twice as hard as my peers to be successful. I even lost most of my hair this year. But this is my dream and I’m not going to let lupus hold me back.
Betty
I was diagnosed with RA followed by Fibromyalgia with a main diagnosis of lupus. With numerous hospital stays over past 7 years. Including congestive heart failure which has lead to 2 heart surgeries as well as collapsed lung. We all know the other symptoms such as fatigued, constant pain, lack of movement, diff levels of anxiety and depression. What i would like to leave with you is not the extent of my pain but the determination and desire to live! To take back my life. Be Unstoppable!
Rhianna
I was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 15. I am now 29 years old , married, and have two beautiful healthy girls. There are days where I don’t know how I’m going to get through the pain while taking care of my girls, but somehow I find the strength to do it. Some days are so bad all I want to do is cry and ask God why me?! Why do I have to live with constant and unbearable pain? We very tough and strong people. That is why we were the ones chosen to live with lupus. We are fighters!
Billie Jo
I was diagnosed with SLE in 2010 only after many tests and Dr.’s of all specialties. My Lupus has never shown up in my blood work it was only after a special skin biopsy that I was diagnosed. I also have anticoagulant lupus, hashimotos, fibromyalgia, and bursitis in my hips and shoulders. I am 40 years old with an amazing, wonderful and caring husband of 14 years. I am also a mom to a beautiful 13-year-old. I have live every day in pain, but with my family and God I will never give up. Thank you Molly’s Fund Fighting Lupus.
Breanna
I am 23yrs old and was diagnosed with Lupus SLE when I was 18. It has been a very tough battle for me. From having kidney problems to needing a breathing tube to help me breath. 4months ago I had a below the knee amputation from having circulation cut off to my foot from blood clots. It has been a hard battle, I also just found out I’m going to be a mommy! I’m 6weeks pregnant & I’m excited & scared because it’s going to be a high risk pregnancy so I need all prayers for a healthy pregnancy. LupusWarrior!
e one of our Stories of Hope?
TELL US YOUR STORY
Amy
Hello my name is Amy. I was diagnosed with lupus in 2003 while I was pregnant with my daughter. I was in so much pain and had lost 80% of my hair and only weighed 110 pounds. It wasn’t until my dad moved me home that I got the help I needed to get back on my feet. I was put into the hospital and was told that I had maybe two weeks to live. Pneumonia had taken over. They got me back on my feet. I have had my lungs, heart, and kidneys attacked. I fight every day to watch my daughter grow.
Heather
I was diagnosed with lupus in 2006, one month after turning 18. I was a senior in high school. I also have fibromyalgia, Raynaud’s, P.O.T.S., and IC. Lupus has been a very cruel disease and hasn’t taken a day off since I was first diagnosed. Despite the challenges lupus has presented, I am proud to say I have earned two college degrees, got married, and gave birth to the most beautiful baby girl, who is now two. I will never give up fighting because I always want to be here for my daughter.
Dakota
My name is Dakota. I am 22 and I was diagnosed with SLE when I was 16. When I was 20 I stopped responding well to Plaquenil and I have been trying different treatments ever since. I am in my first year of law school and it has been a nightmare but I refuse to let lupus control my life. I go to class every day in pain, tired, and I have to think twice as hard as my peers to be successful. I even lost most of my hair this year. But this is my dream and I’m not going to let lupus hold me back.
Betty
I was diagnosed with RA followed by Fibromyalgia with a main diagnosis of lupus. With numerous hospital stays over past 7 years. Including congestive heart failure which has lead to 2 heart surgeries as well as collapsed lung. We all know the other symptoms such as fatigued, constant pain, lack of movement, diff levels of anxiety and depression. What i would like to leave with you is not the extent of my pain but the determination and desire to live! To take back my life. Be Unstoppable!
Rhianna
I was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 15. I am now 29 years old , married, and have two beautiful healthy girls. There are days where I don’t know how I’m going to get through the pain while taking care of my girls, but somehow I find the strength to do it. Some days are so bad all I want to do is cry and ask God why me?! Why do I have to live with constant and unbearable pain? We very tough and strong people. That is why we were the ones chosen to live with lupus. We are fighters!
Billie Jo
I was diagnosed with SLE in 2010 only after many tests and Dr.’s of all specialties. My Lupus has never shown up in my blood work it was only after a special skin biopsy that I was diagnosed. I also have anticoagulant lupus, hashimotos, fibromyalgia, and bursitis in my hips and shoulders. I am 40 years old with an amazing, wonderful and caring husband of 14 years. I am also a mom to a beautiful 13-year-old. I have live every day in pain, but with my family and God I will never give up. Thank you Molly’s Fund Fighting Lupus.
Breanna
I am 23yrs old and was diagnosed with Lupus SLE when I was 18. It has been a very tough battle for me. From having kidney problems to needing a breathing tube to help me breath. 4months ago I had a below the knee amputation from having circulation cut off to my foot from blood clots. It has been a hard battle, I also just found out I’m going to be a mommy! I’m 6weeks pregnant & I’m excited & scared because it’s going to be a high risk pregnancy so I need all prayers for a healthy pregnancy. LupusWarrior!
Amber
My name is Amber, I am 33 years old. I was diagnosed with Lupus in February of 2016. Protein and blood in my urine led to my diagnosis. I received the diagnosis of Lupus after a kidney biopsy. I am also a single mother of 4 young children. With this said my support and help are limited. I spent 14 days in the hospital away from my kids due to this illness. I am a believer in God and I truly believe that he saved me from this disease. There is more to my story, to be continued in a book
You Are Not Alone
Our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs in the fight against lupus. Kelli was our featured Story of Hope at our 2014 annual gala fundraiser, Serving Up Style. Watch Kelli’s touching and inspirational story below and please share yours. If you have shared your story, visit our Facebook page every Tuesday to see if your story was shared with our online community! The comments and support for each story are so inspiring.
Would you like to be one of our Stories of Hope?
TELL US YOUR STORY
Amy
Hello my name is Amy. I was diagnosed with lupus in 2003 while I was pregnant with my daughter. I was in so much pain and had lost 80% of my hair and only weighed 110 pounds. It wasn’t until my dad moved me home that I got the help I needed to get back on my feet. I was put into the hospital and was told that I had maybe two weeks to live. Pneumonia had taken over. They got me back on my feet. I have had my lungs, heart, and kidneys attacked. I fight every day to watch my daughter grow.
Heather
I was diagnosed with lupus in 2006, one month after turning 18. I was a senior in high school. I also have fibromyalgia, Raynaud’s, P.O.T.S., and IC. Lupus has been a very cruel disease and hasn’t taken a day off since I was first diagnosed. Despite the challenges lupus has presented, I am proud to say I have earned two college degrees, got married, and gave birth to the most beautiful baby girl, who is now two. I will never give up fighting because I always want to be here for my daughter.
Dakota
My name is Dakota. I am 22 and I was diagnosed with SLE when I was 16. When I was 20 I stopped responding well to Plaquenil and I have been trying different treatments ever since. I am in my first year of law school and it has been a nightmare but I refuse to let lupus control my life. I go to class every day in pain, tired, and I have to think twice as hard as my peers to be successful. I even lost most of my hair this year. But this is my dream and I’m not going to let lupus hold me back.
Betty
I was diagnosed with RA followed by Fibromyalgia with a main diagnosis of lupus. With numerous hospital stays over past 7 years. Including congestive heart failure which has lead to 2 heart surgeries as well as collapsed lung. We all know the other symptoms such as fatigued, constant pain, lack of movement, diff levels of anxiety and depression. What i would like to leave with you is not the extent of my pain but the determination and desire to live! To take back my life. Be Unstoppable!
Rhianna
I was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 15. I am now 29 years old , married, and have two beautiful healthy girls. There are days where I don’t know how I’m going to get through the pain while taking care of my girls, but somehow I find the strength to do it. Some days are so bad all I want to do is cry and ask God why me?! Why do I have to live with constant and unbearable pain? We very tough and strong people. That is why we were the ones chosen to live with lupus. We are fighters!
Billie Jo
I was diagnosed with SLE in 2010 only after many tests and Dr.’s of all specialties. My Lupus has never shown up in my blood work it was only after a special skin biopsy that I was diagnosed. I also have anticoagulant lupus, hashimotos, fibromyalgia, and bursitis in my hips and shoulders. I am 40 years old with an amazing, wonderful and caring husband of 14 years. I am also a mom to a beautiful 13-year-old. I have live every day in pain, but with my family and God I will never give up. Thank you Molly’s Fund Fighting Lupus.
Breanna
I am 23yrs old and was diagnosed with Lupus SLE when I was 18. It has been a very tough battle for me. From having kidney problems to needing a breathing tube to help me breath. 4months ago I had a below the knee amputation from having circulation cut off to my foot from blood clots. It has been a hard battle, I also just found out I’m going to be a mommy! I’m 6weeks pregnant & I’m excited & scared because it’s going to be a high risk pregnancy so I need all prayers for a healthy pregnancy. LupusWarrior!
Amber
My name is Amber, I am 33 years old. I was diagnosed with Lupus in February of 2016. Protein and blood in my urine led to my diagnosis. I received the diagnosis of Lupus after a kidney biopsy. I am also a single mother of 4 young children. With this said my support and help are limited. I spent 14 days in the hospital away from my kids due to this illness. I am a believer in God and I truly believe that he saved me from this disease. There is more to my story, to be continued in a book
Sophie
Hi there I’m Sophie 23 years old. I was diagnosed in 2016 with SLE lupus, after being in hospital for 5 weeks. I have suffered with mental health problems since I was 13 (borderline personality disorder) and have suffered with health problems most of my life. Have had symptoms of lupus for many years now but wasn’t being listened to and felt as if the doctors thought I was making it all up. Molly’s Fund Fighting Lupus has truly helped me come to terms with it and is such a god send for the community.
Shell
I was diagnosed in 2006 after being misdiagnosed four times. Finally the day came that I was told I had lupus. I had no idea what is was but knew immediately that it was serious. But with the help of a team of good doctors I manage to have some good days. I also have high BP, RA along with a few others. I’ve vowed to help as much as I can spreading awareness about this monster in hopes of helping someone. Molly’s Fund plays huge part of helping me gain knowledge & helping me cope! THANKS
Bethany
I was diagnosed with lupus nephritis shortly after having my son in January of this year. At age 23, lupus seemed to be a death sentence when life for me was just beginning. However, with the strength and support of my family, my amazing doctors, and Molly’s Fund I am blessed to be able to be with my son and embrace my new self. Molly’s Fund reached out to me when I felt most alone and increased my awareness to what was going on in my own body. So thankful to have met & meet fellow butterflies!
Alyssa
I was diagnosed in Oct 2014 with a positive ANA test. I have all the symptoms of lupus, swelling joints, aches, pains, butterfly rash, and I always have a high ESR. Some tests come back negative and some positive. My doctor tries to put me on steroids but I hate to take them because I gain weight and the pain becomes so bad that I hate to do anything, but I try and stay positive and push through it. I’m 26 now and seems to just to be getting worse. I found a new doctor, hopefully she’s better.
Reggie
My son Reggie who is 20 yrs old was diagnosed with lupus in 2014. Has been hospitalized numerous times. He has taking many medications that don’t seem to be working. He is hospitalized as we speak again. It is taking a huge toll on his life. He has an 18 month son and has no communication. He is always sick. I didn’t know about Molly’s Fund until I started to look up more information about lupus. I’m hoping someone can help my son who is very ill because of this.
Arielle
Hello, my name is Arielle. I was diagnosed with SLE when I was 19, right after having my daughter. It has been an uphill battle. I’m scared and sometimes feel hopeless but I know I have to be strong for myself and my daughter. I am starting infusions this week and pray it works for me, as other medications have not agreed with me. It gives me hope reading other stories from fellow lupies. I was always one to be in denial about my health, but I’m ready to take charge. God bless.
Natasha
I was diagnosed back in 2010 at the age of 18 and despite all the treatment my kidneys have now gone into Stage 5 CKD. It’s a complete shock and I’m still getting use to the idea that my kidneys no longer work and that I have to start haemodialysis. I know that with the support of my friends and family, I can beat this and I WILL get my body healthy. Lupus will not win! I just want the healthy life that I dream off. I will be okay, I’ve got this.
Aldrich
I am a 23 year old man from the Philippines, diagnosed with SLE at the age of 22. At first it was hard, I came to a point where I had to see a psychiatrist. Then someone sent me a message linking to this site, it gave me that spark of hope that I can still go back to living a normal life. It’s scary and complicated at first but with the right support groups around you, trust me it will get better. Don’t let lupus be your identity.
Kara
I was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 7. I am now 19 and I attend Winston-Salem State University. When I was first diagnosed my doctor had told my mother that the spots on my skin were just mosquito bites, but we knew there was no way a 7 year old was that fatigued. Since being diagnosed I have gone through Cytoxan for my kidneys. I have had two blood clots on each leg. I went from taking over 20 pills to 2 (just prednisone) and I am feeling better than ever before these days!
Lupus Patient stories – Mayo Clinic
Lupus — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms and treatment of lupus, including systemic lupus erythematosus.
LIVING WITH LUPUS AND A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY 
Your post was music to my ears and therapy for my brain! I was hospitalized twice since January 19th 2013 with fluid around my heart and lungs. My pulmonologist mentioned Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, but have not been given a diagnosis. I see an Immunologist on May 7. This has been a long anlife,inter