Lupie Mailbox

Finding an obstetrician who specializes in high-risk pregnancies can greatly enhance your chances for a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Physicians who are members of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology are a good place to start looking. Their website at has a function that lets you look for member Doctors in your area. From there, you can contact them to find out if they specialize in high-risk or even lupus pregnancies specifically.

Remember that an OB who is willing to work with your Rheumatologist and other specialists is much more helpful than someone who already "knows everything" and is more interested in being "in charge". Make sure your choice is a team player. After all, it's YOUR team!

Q: "I work with a woman who was diagnosed with lupus about 6 months ago. I have noticed in that last couple of months her anger level has increased and at times I even wonder if she realizes she is yelling at everyone. Is this a reaction or symptom to lupus? We are all baffled and are not sure what to do."

A: There are any number of reasons why someone recently diagnosed with lupus would be lashing out at others. Off hand, I can think of three:

1) Lupus can affect the central nervous system itself, causing mood or personality changes.

2) Her anger may be a side effect of her medication. Prednisone, often used in treating lupus, has the unfortunate side effects of irritability, depression or even psychotic behavior.

3) She may simply be reacting to the combination of chronic pain, fatigue, sleep deprivation and the reality of having a disease with no cure that affects her life significantly.

You can try being supportive and sympathetic with her. Let her know that you care and that you're concerned about her well-being. She may well be unaware of her reactions. If she seems oblivious to your concern, or beings exhibiting signs of depression or violence, you may want to voice your worries to her family or her physician. Remember to stay nonjudgmental. Think of your own reactions if you were faced with what she's going through!

Q: "I was just wondering: How do you know when to call it quits? I am working full time, and am exhausted. They are struggling to get me off of Prednisone, but I have severe withdrawal symptoms. When I was on 10 mg I felt like wonder woman (you know