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Dr. Don Thomas, MD

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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Effects of lupus on the body

Effects of lupus on the body

The effects of lupus on the body, a complex autoimmune disease, are diverse and affect people in unpredictable
Microscopic view of a positive fluorescent antinuclear antibody test used to diagnose a lupus patient

Positive ANA workup – Is it lupus or not? [October 2024 Update]

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are present in up to 20% of the healthy population, depending upon the particular lab
Lupus and the urinary system

Lupus and the Urinary System

Kidney inflammation (lupus nephritis) occurs in around 45% of people who have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therefore, lupus
close-up photo of persons eye

Lupus and The Eyes

Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and systems,
Antibody levels after COVID vaccine in patients taking immunosuppressant drugs

Antibody Levels After COVID Vaccine

Some Immunosuppressant Drugs Cause Lower Antibody Levels after COVID Vaccine than do Other Drugs Home » Lupus Secrets
Coronavirus vaccine for COVID-19 and lupus patients

COVID Vaccine for Immunocompromised Patients and What Drugs to Stop [December 2023 UPDATE]

The American College of Rheumatology Provides Guidance for stopping drugs to enhance the COVID vaccine for immunocompromised patients
estrogen levels by age in women and lupus from puberty to menopause

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
Lupus patient in ICU hospital with COVID-19

COVID-19 deaths in rheumatic diseases

Research Shows More COVID-19 Deaths in Rheumatic Diseases: 10.5% of lupus and rheumatic disease patients died Much higher
Lupus medication list with drug allergy list including sulfa and Bactrim antibiotics

Good Advice on Lupus and Bactrim [per sulfa antibiotic research]

Lupus and Bactrim: List sulfa antibiotics (like Bactrim) in your allergy list if you have lupus Lupus patients
Stomach pain in lupus

Lupus Stomach Medications: Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Gastrointestinal symptoms and problems are common in lupus patients and can significantly impact their quality of life. In
Low vitamin D levels can make lupus worse

The Best Lupus Books? Look in the useful list below

Kelli of “More Than Lupus” describes what she considers the best lupus books ​ What are your favorite
blood test for Epstein Barr virus and mononucleosis

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
Vitamin D supplement preventing disease: How to prevent lupus

How to Prevent Lupus & Other Autoimmune Diseases [July 2024 Update]

This blog post will give advice on how to prevent lupus and other autoimmune diseases. I will first
Woman holding thermometer to head during what is a lupus flare

What is a Lupus Flare: Prevent and Treat

Most people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) will experience a lupus flare. Many have multiple flares. In this
Dry mouth from lupus and Sjogren

Lupus Can Cause Tooth Decay: How to Prevent Dry Mouth and Cavities (October 2024 Update)

Can lupus cause tooth decay? Learn here to lower your risk of losing teeth from dry mouth! ​
Probiotic supplements and lupus

Lupus and Taking Probiotics/Prebiotics: The truth [Updated JUL ’23]

Lupus and taking probiotics: Should you take probiotics if you have lupus, and what are the best probiotics
Woman sitting on chair

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
Benlysta During Pregnancy - photo of pregnant woman

Benlysta During Pregnancy: Safe and Effective [UPDATE July 2024]

July 2024 Update on Benlysta in Pregnancy A review in the British Medical Journal discussed the recent studies
Text stating Mitochondria is the Powerhouse of the Cell a cause of fatigue in lupus

Fatigue in Lupus and Sjogren’s [December 2023 Update]

Abnormal mitochondria may play a role in fatigue in lupus: Exercise and NAC supplements appear to help February
itchy skin like happens with lupus rashes

Itchy Skin Can Be a Sign of Active Lupus

Updated JUN 2023 Itchy skin can occur with active lupus rashes (cutaneous lupus). However, other causes are much
Discoid lupus on the chest of a white woman Saphelo for lupus

Saphnelo for Lupus: One of Two Approved Biologics [January 2025)]

Saphnelo for Lupus: It improved lupus in all domains tested. Anifrolumab (Saphnelo) has the lupus community excited a
Image that says CAR-T Cells made simple

CAR-T Cell Therapy For Lupus Made Simple (October 2024 UPDATE)

The field of CAR-T therapies in treating autoimmune diseases like lupus is rapidly expanding. As of April 2024,
Two thumbs up

FDA approves Benlysta for lupus nephritis!

1st drug ever FDA-approved to treat lupus nephritis ​Historic mile-stone! ​ December 16, 2020: The FDA approved on
Malaria organism infecting a red blood cell

How does Hydroxychloroquine work for Lupus (SLE)? [JUN 2024 Update]

December 2022 update: Hydroxychloroquine is a disease-modifying agent for lupus (along with Benlysta). Antimalarial drugs can treat autoimmune
News Flash COVID-19 vaccine for lupus patients

Covid-19 Vaccine for Lupus Patients: Please get your vaccine

Should We be Recommending the COVID-19 Vaccine for Lupus Patients?: Yes! What I tell my systemic lupus patients
exercise and lupus photo of a woman on a stationary bicycle

Weight Loss & Exercise in Lupus: the science & patient view

The video provided below offers valuable insights into practical information regarding weight management and exercise for individuals with
A man with trigger finger due to tenosynovitis

Now Research Shows: Lupus tendinitis, common cause of lupus pain

Jaccoud’s arthropathy due to lupus tendinitis (lupus tendonitis) and lupus tenosynovitis What is lupus tendinitis (also spelled lupus
bacteria in urine bacteriuria can cause lupus flares

Bacteria in Urine Increases Lupus Flares

If we prevent bacteria in urine (bacteriuria), could we decrease lupus flares? Bacteria in urine was found in
Lupus and gastro issues

Lupus and Gastro Issues

Lupus and its treatments can affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from the mouth to the intestines. Understanding the
Beat cancer woman with pink gloves and pink ribbon for breast cancer

Lupus and Cancer Risk: Learn to Prevent Cancer! [August 2024]

People who have lupus have an increased risk for getting some cancers. Knowing what they are and how
Covid Study Flyer

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
CBD for lupus medical marijuana leaf symbol

CBD for Lupus: Look here for the best advice [2023 Update]

Medical Marijuana (Cannabis, Cannabinoids, THC, CBD for Lupus)? Should patients use CBD or other cannabis products for lupus?
blood vessels vascular with red blood cells floating inside an artery

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
Normal SD-OCT in a lupus patient

Rheumatologists: What if hydroxychloroquine eye tests show retinopathy [FEB 2023 Update]

Do not automatically stop hydroxychloroquine if your eye doctor tells you your patient has HCQ-retinopathy! Heed my practical
Sleep hygiene recommendations for lupus patients

Lupus and Sleep: Strategies to Sleep Better!

Lupus and Sleep Problems are Common: Strategies to improve your sleep (October 2024 Update) Tips on better sleep
Malar butterfly rash symptom of lupus

Types of Rash in Lupus: A Comprehensive Guide

Lupus, an autoimmune disease, can cause a variety of skin manifestations, including different types of rashes. Understanding these
Dr. Don Thomas explains ANA negative lupus

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
Newspaper on fire about lupus patients and COVID-19 vaccines

Provocative Advice: Lupus Patients need COVID Vaccines [2021]

Evaluation and recommendations by noted lupus experts: Lupus patients need COVID vaccines Hot off the press from Lupus
Low vitamin D levels can make lupus worse

Lupus and Vitamin D Advice: Can be lowest in women of color

Lupus and vitamin D in Women of Color. Why and what to do- “Ask Dr. T!” question of
Man with lupus with hands on his chest during a heart attack

Bottom Line on Diabetes vs Lupus and Stroke & Heart Attacks

Lupus and Stroke and Heart Attacks: A bigger problem than we thought! We have known for a long
Asian woman doctor reading a chest x-ray showing pneumonia

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
Discoid lupus erythematosus on the cheek of a white woman with systemic lupus

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
VA disability for lupus

VA Disability for Lupus: Navigating Your Claim

Some veterans have an increased risk of developing lupus. When grappling with the complexities of lupus, a pressing
Anti-cardiolipin antibodies and lupus

Anticardiolipin Antibodies and Lupus

The immune system of many lupus patients produce anticardiolipin antibodies. These antibodies, known for their connection to various
Anti-inflammatory diet for lupus patients

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 and purple spot

Lupus and Purple Spots on Skin

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that can affect multiple systems in the body, including the skin. Purple spots
Arm wrestling to see which is better for lupus nephritis: Lupkynis or Benlysta

Lupkynis vs Benlysta for Lupus Nephritis: Dr. Thomas Has His Verdict!

Which is better for lupus nephritis? ​Here is my answer! Which is better for lupus nephritis? Benlysta or
Woman taking pills out of a pill box organizer

Hydroxychloroquine Decreases the Risk of Death

Research article shows that taking hydroxychloroquine decreases the risk of death by 83%: Impact of Antimalarial Adherence on
White woman doctor giving female lupus patient a flu shot

10 Reasons Not to Get a Flu Shot: Learn the Truth Now!

10 Reasons Not to Get a Flu Shot: The Flu Shot is a Life-Saver for Lupus Patients, Other
Donald Thomas, MD reading a book while writing The Lupus Encyclopedia and The Lupus Secrets

The Lupus Secrets [Practical Tips for Living with Lupus]

Do you have lupus, then you absolutely want to learn about follow The Lupus Secrets so that you