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Expertise

I can answer questions such as "what is lupus?" (How common is it? Is it contagious? What are the symptoms? etc.). Also, I can answer questions such as "what are the available treatments for lupus?" (both standard and alternative). Really, I'll take almost any question on lupus, though. If I can't answer it, I'll be very surprised, but I'll also go find someone who can.

Experience in the area

I've been living with lupus (SLE) since 1992. I've had three severe bouts with it, including symptoms such as kidney failure and stroke (if you can call having a stroke a "symptom"). I have completely regained my health, though I have to be mindful to take care of myself, lest I get sick again. I use both mainstream and alternative medicine, and have tried just about everything under the sun to alleviate symptoms. A lot of it worked.

Organizations

Lupus Foundation of America Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor Toastmasters Folk Alliance

Publications

How Can You Not Laugh at a Time Like This? (Tell Me Press, pub.) Theory for the Young Musician (Alfred Knopf, pub.) Guitar Teacher Quarterly Lupus Sundial Newsletter

Education/Credentials

BA in music (UNC-Greensboro)

Awards and Honors

Novelty Song of the Year, Just Plain Folk Awards Winner, South Florida Folk Festival Song Competition

Past/Present Clients

Medicaid Conference Alaska Palliative Care Conference Right at Home Health Care SePHIMA Anritsu Club Med Falcon Ridge Folk Festival

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

Read More Comments

    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    P = Politeness
UserDateKCPComments
Ana05/07/12101010thank You...
Shannan02/18/12101010very helpful and explained things in an .....
Trish Gagliardi02/09/12101010Thanks ....very helpful. My rheumy said the .....
jean01/06/12101010 
Pam10/11/11101010Thanks

Recent Answers from Carla Ulbrich

2012-05-04 Lupus:

Hi Ana-    Thanks for writing.    As you may know, lupus is hard to diagnose.  It takes a combination of blood tests and symptoms for a doctor to decide whether you have lupus.  Also, it is not uncommon

2012-04-22 SLE diagnosis, but negative ANA:

Hello!    Thanks for writing.    Yes, you could have lupus even though you have a negative ANA.  That's the tricky part about diagnosing lupus- there's no one definitive "lupus test" like there is with

2012-03-27 sjogren's:

Hi Jacky    I am a lupus patient, not a doctor, but I have been living with several autoimmune diseases and have met and talked with bunches of other patients over the last 20 years.    It is very possible

2012-03-21 test results:

Hello!  Thanks for writing.    Lupus is diagnosed by a combination of blood tests and symptoms.  There is not currently one blood test that can tell anyone whether they definitely do or do not have lupus

2012-03-14 Tests query:

Hello there-  Thanks for writing.    I've been living with lupus for 20 years.  It's best to get the tests fairly regularly, as the results do change. If you suspect lupus, it's wise to monitor yourself

 

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