From Pain to Healing: Mrs. Rajitha’s Journey with Systemic lupus erythematosus
1. Initial Symptoms and Diagnosis
In 2023, 28-year-old Mrs. Rajitha first noticed joint pain in her fingers. It spread to her shoulders, neck, and knees, with a heat sensation in her ears and nose. By July 2024, she sought help at Medicover Hospital in Hyderabad, where an ANA test confirmed her diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). However, medications didn’t alleviate her symptoms.
2. Seeking a Second Opinion
Rajitha sought another opinion at Lotus Hospital in August 2024, but the treatment plan remained unchanged. Soon after, her condition worsened, leading to severe skin rashes and breathing difficulties, which required ICU care at Viva Hospital, Telangana. While her rashes and breathing issues improved, her joint pain persisted.
3. Turning to Nature cure-
At a low point, a neighbor recommended SLNS Nature Cure Hospital, known for its naturopathic treatments. Intrigued by the holistic approach, Rajitha began a new journey focusing on restoring her body’s natural balance through dietary changes, stress management, and holistic care.
4. Shift in Medication Regimen
- Folic Acid: Tapered as a supplement.
- Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate: Continued (1-0-1) to inhibit protein synthesis.
- Methotrexate: Remained weekly (1-0-1), reducing pain and inflammation.
- Methylprednisolone: Tapered after promoting anti-inflammatory responses.
- Levocetirizine and Montelukast: Tapered to reduce histamine H1 receptor activity.
5. Blood Parameter Improvements
Platelet Count: Decreased from 480 to 273, indicates reduced inflammation and internal clotting.
WBC Levels: Dropped from 10.15 to 2.5,signifying better immune regulation and lower inflammation.
RBC Levels: Lowered from 5.35 to 4.42, reflecting enhanced hydration, oxygen transport and overall blood quality.
Hemoglobin: Decreased from 15.5 to 12.7, indicating improved oxygen carrying capacity to tissues, metabolic function and energy levels.
VLDL Levels: Reduced from 50.27 to 22.74, signifying a healthier lipid profile and decreased cardiovascular risks.
Cystatin C Levels: Showed reductions post-treatment, indicating improved kidney function.
ANA Levels: Decreased from 207.49 to 185.03, suggesting reduced autoimmune activity.
Copper Levels: Declined from 155.37 to 135.25, indicating better mineral balance for essential bodily functions and improved liver.
DHEA Levels: Increased significantly from 44.24 to 177.14, suggesting hormonal balance and improved vitality.
Testosterone Levels: Rose from 11.76 to 37.13, contributing to enhanced energy and overall wellness.
Lipoprotein A Levels: Dropped from 16.3 to 12, further indicating improved cardiovascular health.
Cortisol: Increased from 2.56 to 8.52, indicating a potential rise in stress response or adrenal activity.
Deoxycortisol: Rose from 21.15 to 24.85, suggesting enhanced adrenal hormone production and possible implications for stress management.
Corticosterone: Increased from 68.28 to 71, indicating a rise in anti-inflammatory effects and potential adaptation to stress
6. Nature cure Impact on SLE Management
Nature cure and yoga treatments helped balance Rajitha’s hormones, improve blood markers, and enhance her overall vitality. This holistic approach has given her hope for better managing SLE and its challenges.
| S.No | Present medication | Medication (After treatment) | Mechanism of the drug |
| 1 | Folic acid 5 mg (0-0-1) | Tapered | Supplement |
| 2 | Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate 200 mg (1-0-1) | 1-0-1 | Inhibits protein synthesis by blocking DNA and RNA polymerase in susceptible organisms |
| 3 | Methotrexate 7.5 mg 1-0-1 (weekly) | 1-0-1 (weekly) | Promotes adenosine release and inhibits inflammation pathways, reducing pain and disease progression |
| 4 | Methylprednisolone 8 mg (1-0-0) | Tapered | Binds to glucocorticoid receptors to promote anti-inflammatory signals and inhibit proinflammatory signals |
| 5 | Levocetirizine 5 mg, Montelukast 10 mg (0-0-1) | Tapered | Acts as an inverse agonist to reduce histamine H1 receptor activity and inflammation |
| S.No | Parameter | Before Treatment | After Treatment |
| 1 | Platelet Count | 480 | 273 |
| 2 | WBC | 10.15 | 2.5 |
| 3 | RBC | 5.35 | 4.42 |
| 4 | Hemoglobin | 15.5 | 12.7 |
| 5 | VLDL | 50.27 | 22.74 |
| 6 | Cystatin C | 1.24 | 1.17 |
| 7 | ANA | 207.49 | 185.03 |
| 8 | Copper | 155.37 | 135.25 |
| 9 | DHEA | 44.24 | 177.14 |
| 10 | DHEA S | 17.66 | 67.4 |
| 11 | Testosterone | 11.76 | 37.13 |
| 12 | Lipoprotein A | 16.3 | 12 |
| 13 | Cortisol | 2.56 | 8.52 |
| 14 | Deoxycortisol | 21.15 | 24.85 |
| 15 | Corticosterone | 68.28 | 71 |