Angela Deem of 90-Day Fiancé
A gift for Christmas 2020, since I’m a 90-Day Fiancé fan. Angela wishes me a Merry Christmas and
History of Lupus
I am Dr. Donald Thomas, MD, a rheumatologist treating hundreds of lupus patients for over 30 years. Read my first blog post here to understand why I started this website and blog about “The Lupus Encyclopedia” and “The Lupus Secrets”.
Dr. Don Thomas also enjoys educating and empowering doctors, medical students, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and patients.
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Dr. Donald Thomas gets his extra COVID vaccines: It was easy!
UPDATED September 2021: I cannot wait to get my extra COVID vaccines … specifically my 3rd booster shot!
Allergies and Itching after COVID vaccine? Announcing Research Here
Results from 64,900 vaccines: How often are allergies and itching after COVID vaccine? We’ll take a look at
Lupus and Hepatitis B Vaccine: Endorsed in the CDC guidelines
Lupus and Hepatitis B Addendum: The recommendations for hepatitis B vaccines changed in 2022. The CDC recommended that
Can Discoid Lupus Turn into Systemic?- “Sure” Now more about the truth
The Latest Research Answers the Question: “Can discoid lupus turn into systemic lupus erythematosus?” Discoid lupus: note the
Lupus and Antimalarials
Lupus and antimalarials share a surprising and life-saving connection. While antimalarials were first used to fight malaria, doctors
COVID Vaccine and Lupus: Join in a Research Study Now
How the COVID Vaccine and Lupus Interact is Important to Figure Out: Consider Joining this NIH Research Study
Participate in this lupus survey if you live in the USA [Survey is closed]
The Lupus Foundation of America wants to learn more about the difficulties in being diagnosed with lupus Click
How to collect a urine sample properly for testing (UPDATED January 2025)
It is essential for lupus patients to regularly collect an accurate clean catch urine sample
Symptoms of Lupus in Men [March 2025 Update]
While lupus is more common in women, 10% of lupus patients are men. Understanding the symptoms of lupus
What Thyroid Medications Are Used for Lupus?
Understanding the Connection Between Lupus and Thyroid Disorders How Lupus Affects the Endocrine System Systemic lupus erythematosus is
Dry Eyes and Lupus: Eye Doctor Tips and Tricks [January 2026 Update]
Dry eyes are very common in lupus patients, especially those with Sjogren’s disease. Around 25% of systemic lupus
Spotlight on a Good Poem by Devoted Lupus Warrior
Lupus by Lupus Warrior and Lupus Fighter Shanelle Gabrielle “I still have a purpose … A reason to
3 Ways to Stop Lupus Kidney Disease Progression [Jan 2025]
It is indeed possible to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with lupus and
Living With Lupus Blog: The Lupus Encyclopedia – Q & A Video
Dr. Donald Thomas Answers Lupus Patients’ Questions on His Living With Lupus Blog: The Lupus Encyclopedia Watch this
Lupus and The Exocrine Gland System: Sjögren’s Disease [Mar ’25 Update]
Lupus patients can have dry mouth, eyes, and skin. Most of the time, this is due to having
Can You Have Lupus With a Negative ANA Test? “Yes you can!” (October 2024 Update)
Protect yourself from medical mistakes. A study by a large group of international lupus experts (Systemic Lupus International
Share Lupus Experiences Now: Help current research on lupus
IF YOU HAVE LUPUS OR ARE A CAREGIVER: Help current research on lupus by sharing your experiences with
Arthritis – “it’s a Pain in the App” [Coping with lupus]
Guest post: One method of coping with the struggles of lupus Living and coping with the challenges of
Botox Injections and Lupus
If you have lupus and are considering Botox injections for cosmetic or medical purposes, it’s important to understand
Lupus and The Eyes [DEC 2025 Update]
Lupus commonly causes dry eyes. Dry eyes may occur due to medications (like antihistamines), prolonged screen time (not
Saphnelo for Lupus: One of Two Approved Biologics [February 2025 Update]
Anifrolumab (Saphnelo) effectively treats individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus. It reduces the overactivity of an immune system molecule
New Pneumonia, Shingles, RSV, and Hepatitis Vaccine Recommendations [2024]
Centers for Disease Control 2024 Vaccine Recommendations In 2024 came out with its new vaccine recommendations. In this
Managing Bone Health With Bisphosphonate Drugs
Individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at increased risk of broken bones (fractures) due to osteoporosis. Increasing
Good Advice on Lupus and Sulfa Antibiotics Like Bactrim [April 2025 Update]
Lupus and Bactrim: List sulfa antibiotics (like Bactrim) in your drug intolerance list if you have lupus Lupus
Early Signs of Lupus: What to Look For (May 2025 Update)
We must diagnose systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) soon after symptoms begin. The quicker we treat SLE, the less
Benlysta for pediatric lupus nephritis: FDA-approved
Benlysta for children with lupus kidney inflammation (lupus nephritis): FDA-approved on July 26, 2022 This is a
Lupus and Stress Management: How to lessen stress [January 2025 Update]
Lupus and Stress Management: The Science of Stress and the Immune System January 2025 Update: Mounting evidence that
Diabetes Drug Pioglitazone Helpful for Lupus [Suggests NIH study]
Lupus Research Article Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonist pioglitazone improves vascular and metabolic dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus This
Lupus Nephritis Diagnosis: Now in a nutshell in this video [FEB 2025 UPDATE]
Lupus Nephritis Diagnosis in easy-to-understand language ___________________________ NOTE: Johns Hopkins University Press, publisher of The Lupus Encyclopedia, is a
Lupus and Hepatitis C: Lupus Patients Should be Tested for Hepatitis C
The interactions of hepatitis C and systemic lupus is strange, and hepatitis C can mimic lupus … read
Hydroxychloroquine Decreases the Risk of Death
Research article shows that taking hydroxychloroquine decreases the risk of death by 83%: Impact of Antimalarial Adherence on
Methotrexate for lupus: help it work better and prevent side effects [January 2025]
Methotrexate is one of the safest and most effective drugs for lupus. Since the 1980s, it has been
Lupus Stomach Medications: Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and problems are common in lupus patients and can significantly impact their quality of life.
Lupus and Hives
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause hives (also called urticaria). Hives are itchy, swollen bumps that appear on
Lupus Lab Tests Explained: What Blood Tests Mean for Diagnosing and Monitoring Lupus
Understanding your lupus lab tests when you have lupus can be overwhelming. Labs such as ANA, anti-dsDNA, and
GERD and Peptic Ulcer Disease in Lupus
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Peptic Ulcer Disease are common digestive problems that many people with systemic lupus erythematosus
The Lupus Encyclopedia, edition 2: Now Available!
The Lupus Encyclopedia, edition 2: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Health Care Providers is now available at
Saphnelo vs Benlysta? What is the Best Medicine for Lupus? [February 2025]
Saphnelo and Benlysta are two FDA-approved biologics for treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). They work in two very
Lupus and Vegetarian Diet: What is the best medical evidence?
Ask Dr. T Question about lupus diet and vegetarians Lupus and Vegetarian Diet? Eating a Vegetarian Diet can
Lupus Eyes
Have you ever wondered how lupus might secretly impact your eyesight? Most people know lupus can attack the
Lupus and Infections
Lupus infections remain one of the most serious complications for people living with the condition. Chapter 22 of
Lupus in Women: From Puberty to Menopause
Lupus in women occurs much more often than in men. There are many reasons this occurs. Also, lupus
Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease: It Is Real! (Feb 2025 Update)
Undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) is one of the most common diagnoses made by rheumatologists. Many systemic lupus
Vitamins For Lupus: Avoid some is the best advice
Not All Supplements and Vitamins for Lupus Patients are Safe Vitamins for lupus patients: “Ask Dr. T!” question
Lupus and Nose Ulcers
Lupus and Nose Ulcers Lupus and nose ulcers are more common than many people realize. These painful sores
Is it Safe to Receive Botox or Filler Injections For Lupus Patients?
A lupus patient at Kelli Roseta’s “More Than Lupus” asks the question ” … is it safe to
Epstein-Barr Virus Vaccine to Prevent Lupus and Other Diseases?
An Epstein Barr virus (EBV) vaccine to prevent lupus? EBV infection may be a common trigger, causing the
Lupus and Vaccines: Shingles, Shingrix, and Zostavax
Knowing how lupus and vaccines interact is important since infections are one of the top two causes of
How to Have a Successful Pregnancy with Lupus [June 2026 Update)
A successful pregnancy is possible in most women who have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with proper preparation and