Resources

There are an endless number of resources and links out there. We would be crazy to say we could list them all or “the best of the best”. Since there are always new discoveries, information, and resources, meaning that there is always some form of new information, it is always best to check with your doctor about any information you find along the way. Although, we can do our best to provide you with reliable and trustworthy resources that try to do their best to keep up with new discoveries, information, and other resources. However, you still need to be cautious and careful in visiting any website. Finally, with any information you receive, always consult your doctor for the best treatment and care for your disease(s).

Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania

UPMC Lupus Information– UPMC Lupus Information

This link gives great information and a breakdown of what Lupus is, the different kinds of Lupus, the causes of Lupus, risk factors, complications, signs, symptoms, Lupus rash, how to get diagnosed, treatment options, and lifestyle changes.

Available Lupus Services at UPMC – Lupus Services at UPMC

This link gives a great break down of testing for Lupus, comprehensive care, treatments, research, trials, and tips.

Rheumatology Locations for Expert Care (in Various Counties and Parts of PA) – Our Locations | UPMC Rheumatology

This link gives a breakdown of treatment centers in Pittsburgh and Western PA (Southwest and Northwest & Western NY); Harrisburg and Central PA (West); Willamsport and North Central PA.

University of Pittsburgh – Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology – The UPMC Lupus Center of Excellence – UPMC Lupus Center of Excellence

“The UPMC Lupus Center of Excellence offers comprehensive medical care for lupus patients in the region, serving not only the Western Pennsylvania region, but also Ohio and West Virginia. The UPMC Lupus Center serves …for complicated difficult-to-treat lupus patients. The physicians at the UPMC Lupus Center of Excellence perform a careful review of the patient’s history and medical records, physical examination and lab tests to ensure a correct diagnosis and offer excellent diagnostic and medical care for lupus patients.” (RHEUM LupusCenter | Department of Medicine, n.d.).

Tri Rivers Musculoskeletal Centers – In partnership with UPMC and Butler Health System – Tri Rivers Musculoskeletal Centers Rheumatology

This link talks about how the Tri Rivers Musculoskeletal Center Rheumatology division talks about “managing chronic autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and gout can be complex and challenging. Our rheumatologists are passionate about helping you feel better” (Tri Rivers Musculoskeletal Centers Locations –, n.d.). While the conditions they treat are Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus and other Connective Tissue Diseases, Gout, Osteoporosis, Vasculitis, Psoriatic arthritis, and Ankylosing spondylitis.

Allegheny Health Network (AHN) – Lupus – Lupus: Information & Care | Allegheny Health Network

This link provides resources for various topics starting with the basics of an overview of what Lupus is and what makes AHN special. It goes on to explain their Lupus Center of Excellence and what makes up this specific center. Lastly, this link goes on about their approach when it comes to their Autoimmunity Institute as a whole.

Allegheny Health Network (AHN) – Lupus Center of Excellence –  Lupus Center of Excellence at Peters Township

This link provides resources for various topics starting with the basics of an overview of what rheumatic and autoimmune diseases are. The link goes on to state the various reasons the Peters Township office can help you and the services they provide. Lastly, they state what specific Rheumatic conditions they treat at this center.

Other Medical Centers

John Hopkins – http://www.hopkinslupus.org

Cleveland Clinic – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4875-lupus

Mayo Clinic – Lupus – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic

These links include John Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, and The Mayo Clinic. Each link gives good basic information about Lupus (what it is, the kinds of Lupus, who it can affect, etc.). Some of the links even can lead you to a scheduling link. While these hospitals are some of the best in the country, keep in mind they will be harder to get in with.

Good Resources

Us in Lupus – http://www.usinlupus.com

Us in Lupus is a great and extensive tool for any Lupus patient. Their website provides in-depth tools for understanding your symptoms and your Lupus, talking to a doctor and family, taking better care of yourself, and getting a tracking kit to better manage your Lupus. Their website also gives good resources on finances when it comes to Lupus. Finally, this resource isn’t just for Lupus patients, there is a whole section for the caregivers of Lupus patients.

Lupus Research Alliance – http://www.lupusresearch.org

The Lupus Research Alliance focuses on people with Lupus while focusing on “…the discovery and development of the next generation Lupus diagnostics and curative treatments through innovative research and collaborations” (Lupus Research Alliance – Lupus Treatment Options, 2025). Their values are very science focused, impact driven, collaborated efforts, equality-focused, patient centered, innovated thinking, and being accountable. While pushing the boundaries of science, their goal in moving forward is to bring the Lupus community into a more personalized and effective therapies and diagnostics while they ultimately continue to fight and eventually free the world of Lupus.

The Lupus Initiative – http://selfcare.thelupusinitiative.org

This link focuses on what self-care and self-management means when living a life with Lupus. This link focuses on three major areas of self-management: physical, mental, and emotional. Lastly, applying self-management to daily aspects of your life like managing your physical symptoms, medication decision making, communication with your healthcare team, and your lifestyle management.

ALL IN – Connecting the Lupus Nephritis Community – ALL IN® for Lupus Nephritis | LN Support Community

The mission of ALL IN is to ultimately bring Lupus Nephritis out of the shadows. Focusing on the Lupus community and the ongoing support they extend through various forms of information and connections.

Autoimmune Association – http://autoimmune.org

Their four main pillars of the Autoimmune Association are an empowering and collaborative process centered around advocacy, awareness, education, and research. This facilitative process has allowed them to be one of the nation’s leading advocates for more than 30 years in the autoimmune community.

The Spoon Theory – BYDLS-TheSpoonTheory.pdf

This theory was created by Christine Miserandino to help others, including her friends and family, understand the daily impact of her Lupus. Trying to list symptoms or provide education can sometimes be overwhelming to people and they don’t always still understand. However, Christine came up with giving people a visual and comparing what our lives looks like compared to theirs, and somehow it makes a lot more sense to others and they seem to understand more.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin (NIAMS) Diseases

“The mission of NIAMS is to support research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases” (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 2025). There are several links here to various different Lupus resources. Depending on the information you need, you can click on a specific link.

NIAMS – Systemic Lupus Erythematosus – Overview, Symptoms & Causes  Lupus Symptoms, Causes, & Risk Factors | NIAMS

This link is a basic overview of what Lupus is, who gets it, the symptoms associated with it, and the causes.

NIAMS – Systemic Lupus Erythematosus – Diagnosis, Treatment, & Steps to Take – Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus): Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take

This link takes things a step further and mentions the steps it takes to get diagnosed and then goes on to talk about treatment and possible medication options. Living with Lupus is life long battle and it talks about how making life style changes and learning to manage daily aspects can be helpful too. Next, it mentions the different specialists a Lupus patient could need. The last topic within this link is the topic of pregnancy in women with Lupus.

NIAMS – Research and Resources – Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus): Research & Resources

This link is based on two things the research NIAMS is currently conducting or funds and supports other research being done in several different topics of research. Lastly, they list a bunch of various other resources that might be helpful in your journey with Lupus.

Arthritis Foundation – Arthritis Foundation | Arthritis Support, Resources, Research & Advocacy

The Arthritis Foundation focuses on connections & empowerment, advocacy & access, and science & research to the Arthritis community as whole. There is a section for 14 different kinds of Arthritis. While each section can mention causes, signs/symptoms, health effects, treatment options or possibilities, possible medications, diagnosis, physical therapy recommendations, and self-care recommendations. A great tool for whether you’re a long-time sufferer or newly diagnosed.

International Foundation for AiArthritis – http://www.aiarthritis.org

The AiArthritis is patient-led meaning patients identify issues and give solutions while collaborating with other organizations, health professionals, and groups. Their main goal includes helping patients in detection, referrals, diagnosis, and intervention. Another goal includes improving a patient’s quality of life and eliminating as much misconception as possible by showing the importance of communication, education, advocacy, and research.

U.S. Pain Foundation – U.S. Pain Foundation – serving patients with chronic pain

“U.S. Pain is committed to improving the lives of people with pain by challenging social stigma and breaking down barriers to care. The mission of U.S. Pain Foundation is to empower, educate, connect, and advocate for people living with chronic conditions that cause pain. As a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving those who live with pain conditions and their care providers, U.S. Pain Foundation helps individuals find resources and inspiration.” (US Pain Foundation, 2021).

Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) – Help Us Solve The Cruel Mystery | Lupus Foundation of America

The Lupus Foundation of America’s mission is “…to end the brutal impact of lupus…work to greatly accelerate lupus research and push scientific boundaries to improve life now for people living with lupus. At the LFA our mission is to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus through programs of research, education, support and advocacy. We are focused on achieving the following disease-specific outcomes: reduce time to a diagnosis, ensure people with Lupus have an arsenal of safe and effective treatments, and expand direct services and increase access to treatment and care.” (About Us | Lupus Foundation of America, n.d.).