Lupus
Having autoimmune disease has been difficult but in many ways has enhanced my life, explains Julie Jo Koehler
I was diagnosed with systemic lupus in March 2010 although I’d certainly had symptoms for many years before then. My diagnosis was finally made after I broke out in hives in reaction to the sun, had three miscarriages due to blood clotting issues resulting from lupus and pernicious anaemia (vitamin B12 deficiency).
Nerve damage in the form of mononeuritis multiplex has been a consequence of lupus. Walking became horribly painful, issues with my carpal tunnel meant that my hands were sore too and very soon I had to reduce my hours; I’m a 53 year old graphic designer from Phoenix in the US. Continue reading
The latest issue of Arthritis Digest magazine is available to download now!
Don’t miss the expert round-up of the latest research in the arthritis arena. Click here to subscribe
Single digital copy – £2.49 / $3.99
Hard copy subscription – £15 for 6 issues
Issue highlights: exclusive interview with Olympic gold medallist, Katherine Grainger, on the back problems that nearly ended her career; all you need to know about ankle surgery; scleroderma symptoms and true story; yoga under the spotlight; dairy and arthritis………… and more!
Internet discussion forums good for well-being, study shows
Online discussion forums have positive links to well-being and are associated with increased community engagement offline, says a new study in Computers in Human Behavior. The research suggests that online forums have benefits for individuals and wider society and are of greater importance than previously realised. Continue reading
Glucosamine – key area of research says new review of the evidence
Glucosamine-chondroitin continues to be an important area of research when it comes to osteoarthritis of the knee, hip and hand joints, says a recent review of the literature in Current Opinion in Rheumatology.
Key findings of the evidence published over an 18-month period highlight that there has been a sustained focus on glucosamine-chondroitin as a therapeutic agent in the medical management of osteoarthritis. Continue reading
Protein found that halts inflammation – good news for people with autoimmune disorders
A protein called NLRP12 is the new focus for targeted therapies to halt the severe inflammation associated with autoimmune disorders, scientists highlight in Immunity.
The team found that NLRP12 works in T cells (white blood cells that are very important in the immune system) to limit production of chemical messengers or cytokines (proteins that regulate the immune response) that fuel inflammation.
Deletion of the NLRP12 gene led to T cells making more cytokines. Continue reading
