Just finished with a teleconference with Dr. Philip L. Cohen, M.D., Rheumatology Section Chief, Temple University School of Medicine sponsored by the Lupus Foundation of America.
He went over definitions, common treatments and possible treatments coming down the pipeline in research. He had a nice PowerPoint that covered all the major points.
The thing that impressed me was that he stated up front that this disease has a tendency to be fairly individual. While it can be identified as an auto-immune disease, the symptoms any individual lupus sufferer might have may differ wildly.
Dr. Cohen emphasized how important the relationship you have with your doctor is. He also talked about how critical it was to be treated with the correct medicine at the right time, and to not be 'over-treated'. As 'over-treatment' can bring its own set of issues.
Over all he emphasized that despite the flares, a lupus sufferer can lead a normal life.
For me, as a recently diagnosed lupus patient, I find it comforting that there are doctors who are willing to have open dialogs. I have so much to learn. I know that the resources are out there and I am grateful.
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