lupus awarness day 13

 Hi Everyone!

Here it is day 13 for lupus awareness. This meme came from Lupus in Color a very nice website if you are interested. 

There are many different kinds of blood disorders due to lupus.

Anemia is a common complication of lupus, often manifesting as anemia of chronic disease (ACD). This occurs because chronic inflammation associated with lupus interferes with the body's ability to use iron stores, leading to low red blood cell counts. Other types of anemia, like iron deficiency anemia, can also occur in people with lupus

 

 Leukopenia, or a low white blood cell count, is a common finding in untreated patients with lupus. It can be a clue to diagnosis, as white blood cells are crucial for fighting infections. While some patients may have mild leukopenia, if the count drops below 2,000, they are at higher risk of infection.

 

Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count in the blood. Platelets are tiny blood cells that help form clots to stop bleeding. A low platelet count can increase the risk of excessive bleeding and bruising.

 

Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel, obstructing blood flow. This can happen in either arteries or veins, and the severity depends on the location and size of the clot. 

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a disorder characterized by autoimmune antibodies that interfere with blood clotting, increasing the risk of blood clots in arteries and veins. While APS doesn't usually shorten life expectancy, it can cause serious and even fatal complications if a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in an organ. 

and last for today is;

Lupus anticoagulant is an antibody found in some individuals, that can increase the risk 

of blood clots. While the name suggests it prevents clotting, it actually has the opposite effect, contributing to antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). APS is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks clotting factors, leading to excessive blood clotting. 

 

Lupus can affect blood vessels (vasculitis) and cause various blood disorders. Vasculitis, inflammation of the blood vessels, is a common complication of active lupus.

This is someone with vasculitis from google.

And I have hypercoagulability. It is the medical term for thickened blood. Blood relies on a balance to maintain a normal consistency. If an imbalance in the proteins and cells develops, your blood can become too thick. When I get my blood drawn it tends to coagulate before the tube is filled. I drink tons of water before and the one place that works is taking it from my hand. OUCH!

 I know this was a lot to take in today about the blood. You may even hear doctors say lupus is a blood disease. IT IS NOT. It is another part of the body that is attracted.

 

Nicole