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What's up with this???

Below is a combination of definitions and a small synopsis of my story.   I truly am grateful to be alive! I believe it's thanks in part to Dr. Paul Bernstein - Renal, Dr. Robert Caifano - GP (The best) and everyone else, including the staff at RGH, my family and friends.

Select this link for Lupus and Lupus Nephritis general information, research, blood definitions

What is LUPUS?  What is Autoimmune?  Below are definitions I found on the internet that I thought were easy to understand.  I personally have Lupus Nephritis.

What is LUPUS -

Lupus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect virtually any system in the body. Think of it as a 'self-allergy' where the body attacks its own cells and tissues, causing inflammation, pain, and possible organ damage. - (Definition from:  Lupus Site - UK)

Understand Autoimmune Diseases -
The word "auto" is the Greek word for self. The immune system is a complicated network of cells and cell components (called molecules) that normally work to defend the body and eliminate infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other invading microbes. If a person has an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks self, targeting the cells, tissues, and organs of a person's own body. A collection of immune system cells and molecules at a target site is broadly referred to as inflammation.

There are many different autoimmune diseases, and they can each affect the body in different ways. For example, the autoimmune reaction is directed against the brain in multiple sclerosis and the gut in Crohn's disease. In other autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), affected tissues and organs may vary among individuals with the same disease. One person with lupus may have affected skin and joints whereas another may have affected skin, kidney, and lungs. Ultimately, damage to certain tissues by the immune system may be permanent, as with destruction of insulin-producing cells of the pancreas in Type 1 diabetes mellitus. - Definition from Understanding Autoimmune Diseases

Below is my story - or I should say what I remember of it.  A lot of it is still a blur.

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Today is Friday May 20, 2005 what a world wind year its been since being diagnosed but today I can say that everything is back to normal.   Now the only remnants of Lupus I have are achy joints and who doesn't have those.  I have a new doctor to my collection name R. John Looney whose specialty is Lupus.  I think I am just going to continue to learn more and more and more.   What a great opportunity it is to have doctors that take the time to not only look after your well being but also to teach you about what's going on.   Yes, this past year has been a world wind and one to truly be blessed with.

If you'd like to read about year 2004 click the link below

Click the mailbox to send me e-mail.....

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