More than 1.5 million individuals in the United States have been diagnosed with Lupus, with a reported 16,000 cases being diagnosed each year. Women of childbearing age (15-44) are more likely to develop Lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause damage to any body part (internal organs, joints, skin, etc). It is considered a chronic illness due to the fact that symptoms can last anywhere from 6 weeks to several years. When an individual has Lupus, the immune system malfunctions. With autoimmune disease such as Lupus, the immune system can't differentiate between foreign germ invaders, and healthy tissue. The immune system creates autoantibodies that power through the body, destroying healthy tissue. This can cause inflammation, increase pain, and cause damage in any area of the body. When you hear about Lupus, you also hear about "Lupus flares." Lupus flares occur when your body is experiencing increased number of symptoms, and you feel more ill. When an individual is experiencing a period of time when symptoms have decreased, it is called "Lupus remission." Symptoms of Lupus
Lupus is often misdiagnosed, as the symptoms are similar to symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Thyroid problems, Lyme disease, Diabetes, and others. Testing and treatment Your doctor will make note of your symptoms and order a round of tests (blood tests, etc). He or she will also ask you about your family's medical history. It is important to note that many tests are conducted in order to make a correct diagnosis of Lupus. You may be referred to a Rheumatologist who can assist you further in getting a proper diagnosis. Once a diagnosis has been made, your Rheumy will begin a treatment regimen for you. It may take some time for your doctors to find a combination of medications that keeps your Lupus symptoms under control. There are many drugs that can assist in controlling the symptoms. Some of these include:
Those with Lupus may be susceptible to contracting other conditions. For this, your doctor may put you on diuretics, high blood pressure medications, anticonvulsants, antibiotics, and bone-strengtheners to protect against osteoporosis. In severe cases, medications similar to chemotherapy may be used to keep symptoms at bay.
0 Comments
Ulcerative Colitis is a common type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the rectum and colon. The disease produces ulcers and causes inflammation in the lining of the large intestine. While the disease may only affect the lower part of the colon, it can affect the entire colon. Basically, the more of the colon that is affected by Ulcerative Colitis, the worse the symptoms are for the sufferer.
This disease does not discriminate against age, however, most individuals are diagnosed with UC before age 30. It is unclear what causes Ulcerative Colitis, but specialists theorize that the immune system has something to do with it. They believe that the immune system overreacts to normal bacteria in the GI tract, which causes the symptoms. Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis -Bleeding from the rectum -Stomach cramping -Abdominal pain -Diarrhea (up to 20 times a day) -Fever -Loss of appetite -Joint pain These symptoms can come and go whenever they want. When symptoms are not present, the individual is said to be in remission. When symptoms re-occur, it is called a flare-up. How is one diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis? -Physical examination -Blood tests -Fecal tests -Colonoscopy (with a biopsy) Your doctor may order these tests to also rule out similar diseases, such as Crohn's Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis As with any disease, this disease affects everyone differently. Individuals who experience mild symptoms may be required to take over-the-counter medication. Most individual are prescribed medication to manage their symptoms. Medication like Prednisone may be prescribed to help alleviate flare-up pain. Individuals who are diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis are at a higher risk for colon cancer. Talk to your doctor about cancer screenings. The sooner it is detected, the easier it is to be treated. My Story It's unfortunate that I have first-hand experience in many of the autoimmune illnesses that I am writing about. On the flip side, it is helpful for others to know that they are not alone in their battle. In September of 2012, I had my first colonoscopy (I was a few months shy of turning 30). During the colonoscopy, the GI doctor took some biopsies and examined them. He came back and told me that I had Ulcerative Colitis. At the same time, I was "inconclusive" for Crohn's. He theorized that the Ulcerative Colitis was a "precursor" to Crohn's Disease. Last year, his theory was proved right. While this doesn't happen every day, I can understand what both Ulcerative Colitis sufferers and Crohn's sufferers are going through. Both diseases are uniquely painful. As far as social stigma, people are going to be ignorant. They may try to make light of it. What we deal with is very personal, and for us, it isn't something we can make light of. These are real illnesses that have real complications. We need to bring true awareness of this disease to the world. Perhaps educating the masses may be the first step in finding a cure for this disease. Today, I want to bring awareness to a disorder that a second generation family member of mine is currently suffering from: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). This chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder affects the small joints in your feet and hands. What makes this disorder different from other arthritic disorders is that it affects the lining of the joints. This causes swelling and bone erosion. In many cases, it leads to the joints becoming deformed. Rheumatoid Arthritis is classified as an autoimmune disorder because the disorder makes the immune system attack your body's tissues. It's basically a battle of the titans in your body. Every tissue, every molecule, every fiber in your body is the enemy. Your body is fighting against itself. It is not unheard of for Rheumatoid Arthritis to affect various organs of the body, including the lungs, skin, blood vessels, and eyes. Individuals are typically diagnosed after age 40, and the disorder affects women more than men. Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis -Swollen joints -Firm bumps under the skin (typically found on your arms) -Weight loss -Morning stiffness that lasts for several hours -Fatigue -Fever The disease will start off by attacking your smaller joints (your fingers and toes). As it progresses, it can impact your hips, knees, shoulders, and wrists. Symptoms may come and go, and vary in strength. Increased activity of RA is called flares. When the swelling is faded, that is called relative remission. Having RA increases your risk of developing: -Carpal tunnel syndrome -Lung disease -Osteoporosis -Heart issues How is RA diagnosed? During the beginning stages of RA, it is very hard to diagnose. Your doctor will examine you, testing your strength, while looking for swelling, warmth, and redness. If your doctor suspects RA, you will be sent for a blood test. Individuals who have RA may have high levels of ESR (sed rate) in their blood. Your doctor will also look for anti-CCP antibodies in your blood. Xrays are also done to track progression of RA over time. How is RA treated? While there is no cure for RA, inflammation and pain can be treated with medication. Physical therapy and Occupational therapy can help with protecting your joints. If RA is severe, and all conservative treatments have failed to alleviate symptoms, surgery may be recommended. If you suspect that you may have symptoms of RA, contact your primary care physician. March marks Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month, and it is a month close to my heart. I am among the 50 million individuals in this country who are afflicted with autoimmune disease illnesses. Today, I want to talk about an illness I was diagnosed with last year: Crohn's Disease. The journey to finally being treated for this disease has been a long one, one which started in 2012. I had my first colonoscopy and during the procedure, my GI doctor took a few biopsies. He concluded that I tested inconclusive for Crohn's Disease, but positive for Ulcerative Colitis (I will be discussing this one later in the week). He theorized that the UC was a precursor to Crohn's Disease. Three years later, his theory proved right. While I have a mild case for it, many of my fellow Crohn's sufferers have it way worse than I do, and I want to bring attention to what this disease is all about. What is Crohn's Disease? Crohn's is an autoimmune disease that causes irritation and swelling in any area of the gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, it can impact the stomach (it is rare, but it can happen. In my case, Crohn's was found in my stomach, as well as the colon). What causes Crohn's? Many scientists are pleading the case that Crohn's is an autoimmune disease. Some studies have shown that bacteria may trigger the immune system to wage a full scale attack against the GI tract, causing the inflammation and subsequent symptoms. Also, Crohn's may be caused by a first generation relative who has Irritable Bowel Disease. Environment is also said to be an influence to Crohn's Disease. Individuals who are experiencing stress may trigger a Crohn's flare. Symptoms of Crohn's Disease: -Diarrhea -Weight Loss -Stomach pain and cramping -Fatigue -Nausea -Decreased appetite -Anemia -Fever -Joint pain -Changes in the skin (red, tender bumps under the skin). How is one diagnosed? Getting properly diagnosed can take time, but it usually consists of the following factors: -Full medical history, and family history. -Complete physical exam -CT Scan -Intestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy -Upper GI testing Because the above symptoms can mirror other irritable bowel diseases, you will be going through extensive testing. Your GI doctor will want to rule out similar diseases, such as Ulcerative Colitis, Celiac Disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. I've been diagnosed, now what? Your doctor will begin treating you. You will be prescribed medications to alleviate the symptoms. While there is NO CURE for Crohn's, symptoms can be managed by medication and lifestyle changes. In severe cases, your doctor may put you on "bowel rest." This means that you will be on a clear liquid diet, and rest. Some individuals may need to be hospitalized in order to ensure proper fluids are entering the system. Surgery may come into play when the situation becomes dangerous. It is estimated that 20% of Crohn's sufferers may require surgery at some point in their lives. Keep in mind that surgery will not cure you. It will treat the complications that have occurred, and help alleviate the symptoms. My experience with Crohn's: As mentioned before, I was diagnosed in 2015. While mine is a mild case, I definitely get the Crohn's flares. The flares are exceptionally painful, and with my other chronic pain issues, it feels as if I'm being gutted like a catfish. I find that during these times, I just lay low, restrict my diet to something bland, drink a lot of tea and water, and wait it out. It can take a while. I think my worst flare up lasted 3 or 4 days. I think of my fellow Crohn's sufferers, and what they go through on a daily basis. Some of them have severe forms of the disease and it breaks my heart. No one deserves this pain. With all my heart, I hope to be alive when a cure is found. www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/crohns-disease/Pages/facts.aspx#what Crohn's disease is a life-long inflammatory disease that affects the intestines, although it can affect any part of the digestive tract. The inflammation associated with Crohn's can extend into the lining where the disease has been detected. The swelling and inflammation can cause the individual abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. There is no cure for this disease, but it can be treated with medication. Unfortunately, even with medication, individuals can still experience random flare ups. These flare ups can happen at any time. The flare ups are painful, unpleasant, and makes you feel like you are dying. While there are over-the-counter medications to help ease the symptoms of diarrhea, pain, and fever, there are other things that sufferers can do to make things more comfortable as the flare up passes. Heating pad As a fellow Crohn's patient (I have the disease in my intestines and stomach lining), I've found that a heating pad does help with easing the pain. I usually keep the heating pad on for no more than 15 mins at a time. Keep hydrated When you experience diarrhea during a flare up, you lose fluids. It is important to drink water to keep yourself hydrated. Bland diet During a flare, it is important to keep your diet as bland as possible. I usually put myself on the BRAT diet. This means no coffee, no spicy food, no acidic food, nothing. My meal of choice ends up being broth and brown rice. Tea I practically live on tea when I'm dealing with a flare up. Of course, you have to be careful with what tea you drink during a flare up. Stay away from spicy teas. I recommend Sleepytime tea. Relaxation It is absolutely important to keep your stress low during flare ups. If you have to unplug from the online world to avoid stress, so be it. Meditation is my go-to for relaxation. It has helped me in all areas of my life, including during flare ups. Crohn's disease sucks, but it can suck less by making some of the above changes. Of course, it is best to check in with your doctor if your symptoms get worse (my GI doctor is on speed dial LOL!). www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/treat-crohns-16/manage/slideshow-flares www.livestrong.com/article/112172-signs-crohns-flare-up/ Raynaud's is a very rare disorder that affects one's arteries, or blood vessels. These blood vessels carry blood from one end of the body to the other, and all places in between. In individuals who suffer from Raynaud's disease, or Raynaud's phenomenon, the blood vessels experience a vasospasm (in laymen's terms, it means that the blood vessels are narrowed). When blood vessels narrow, there is a reduction of blood flow to a person's toes and fingers (the phenomenon is primarily seen in the fingers). In about 40% of individuals with Raynaud's affected areas can include the toes, nose, nipples, lips, and ears. Raynaud's is categorized into two main types: primary and secondary. The Primary type is known as Raynaud's disease. The cause of this disease is unknown, but it is not as severe as secondary Raynaud's. Secondary Raynaud's is known as Raynaud's phenomenon. It is caused by other factors or underlying diseases. Whether you fall under primary or secondary Raynaud's, both types experience the same unpleasant symptoms. When a person with Raynaud's experiences cold temperatures or stress, hardly any blood flow goes to the affected areas. Because of the lack of blood flow, the skin might turn white, and then turn blue temporarily. When blood flow resumes, a person may experience numbness, tingling, and burning sensations. Individuals have been known to get a Raynaud's attack just by opening and closing the freezer door. Treatment for this phenomenon depends on how severe the disease is. If an individual has primary Raynaud's, mild lifestyle changes should keep the symptoms at bay. If you have secondary Raynaud's, the symptoms may become difficult to manage. Physicians may choose to focus their treatment on the underlying illness that is causing Raynaud's. My Two Cents: My Rheumatologist diagnosed me with Raynaud's Phenomenon in 2016. Life gets somewhat challenging during the winter months, but if I wear heavy gloves, I can keep the attacks at bay. I do get attacks when I do the dishes, which I find to be odd, LOL! I will notice that the upper part of one finger would be bright white, and the lower half would be purplish/red. The areas would become very painful and tingly. I used to experience countless attacks throughout my previous relationship. I've probably had one or two attacks since this season started, which is a record low in my book. As mentioned above, stress is one of the major triggers of an attack. There are several things that I do to keep my stress at bay. Mindfulness meditation is one of them. If you have Raynaud's, you have to keep your stress low. Go for a walk (bundle up of course), listen to music, play with your kids or furbabies, drink tea, meditate, paint, etc. Do whatever you can to keep those attacks from coming. Today, I want to bring awareness to a disorder that a second generation family member of mine is currently suffering from: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). This chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder affects the small joints in your feet and hands. What makes this disorder different from other arthritic disorders is that it affects the lining of the joints. This causes swelling and bone erosion. In many cases, it leads to the joints becoming deformed. Rheumatoid Arthritis is classified as an autoimmune disorder because the disorder makes the immune system attack your body's tissues. It's basically a battle of the titans in your body. Every tissue, every molecule, every fiber in your body is the enemy. Your body is fighting against itself. It is not unheard of for Rheumatoid Arthritis to affect various organs of the body, including the lungs, skin, blood vessels, and eyes. Individuals are typically diagnosed after age 40, and the disorder affects women more than men. Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis -Swollen joints -Firm bumps under the skin (typically found on your arms) -Weight loss -Morning stiffness that lasts for several hours -Fatigue -Fever The disease will start off by attacking your smaller joints (your fingers and toes). As it progresses, it can impact your hips, knees, shoulders, and wrists. Symptoms may come and go, and vary in strength. Increased activity of RA is called flares. When the swelling is faded, that is called relative remission. Having RA increases your risk of developing: -Carpal tunnel syndrome -Lung disease -Osteoporosis -Heart issues How is RA diagnosed? During the beginning stages of RA, it is very hard to diagnose. Your doctor will examine you, testing your strength, while looking for swelling, warmth, and redness. If your doctor suspects RA, you will be sent for a blood test. Individuals who have RA may have high levels of ESR (sed rate) in their blood. Your doctor will also look for anti-CCP antibodies in your blood. Xrays are also done to track progression of RA over time. How is RA treated? While there is no cure for RA, inflammation and pain can be treated with medication. Physical therapy and Occupational therapy can help with protecting your joints. If RA is severe, and all conservative treatments have failed to alleviate symptoms, surgery may be recommended. If you suspect that you may have symptoms of RA, contact your primary care physician. Psoriasis affects 6.7 million Americans. When one thinks about Psoriasis, they don't automatically think that it is considered an autoimmune disorder. However, with the way Psoriasis impacts your system, it shows the characteristics of an autoimmune disorder. Here's how: When you have Psoriasis, your T-cells (specialized white blood cells) incorrectly identify the cells on your skin as invaders, and lodge an attack on them. This causes extensive damage to the skin cells, which causes a number of responses in your immune system. As a result, people with Psoriasis end up with visible damage on the skin, in the form of swelling, scaling, and reddening. In an attempt to heal the damage, the skin begins to rapidly reduce new skin cells. These skin cells try to push their way to the surface of the skin. Because the older skin cells aren't shed fast enough, they pile onto a person's skin surface. That's where you may see red, thick silvery scales on the surface of the skin. Who is at risk for Psoriasis? Anyone who has a first-degree family member with Psoriasis is at risk. Individuals who are fighting off infections like strep throat may also be at risk for Psoriasis. Other risk factors include Stress, Medications, and Skin Injuries (sunburn). Men and women are at equal risk for Psoriasis. Adults are more likely to get it than children. How is Psoriasis treatment? After your doctor has examined you and put you through tests to confirm the diagnosis, he or she will begin treatment. Treatment usually consists of immunosuppressant's, and medication, such as Humira and Enbrel. Treatment changes from person to person, so what might work for you, may not work for someone else. It is important to stay in contact with your doctor while you are being treated. The CDC conducts biomedical and clinical research on Psoriasis in order to better understand the disease, better diagnose it, and better treat it. Closing Remarks: I don't have Psoriasis, but I know people who do have it. It is an illness that can damage one's self-esteem, due to the physical remarks of the disease on the skin. If you are struggling emotionally, contact your doctor right away. For more information on Psoriasis, visit the National Psoriasis Foundation here. |
Archives
|
©2017-2024