New booklet sheds light on Lupus

 In 1992, Brenda Seguin discovered she had lupus, an autoimmune disease. If left untreated, lupus can attack your vital organs.

“The sooner the doctor can diagnose you, the less trauma caused to the body’s organs,” said Seguin, president of the Linda Ethier Chapter of Lupus Ontario, Sudbury Chapter.

It took about a year for Seguin to be diagnosed by a doctor. She underwent several procedures, including blood work, and having a hole drilled in her hip to check for leukemia. She finally went to see a specialist, who diagnosed her with lupus.

There is no known cure for lupus, but it can be controlled through a variety of medications. The disease affects one in 2,000 people globally.

Lupus Ontario created a booklet called Living Well With Lupus, which includes 25 fact sheets on the disease in both French and English. The booklet was created with funds provided through an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant.

The booklet contains various facts about the disease, such as symptoms, treatment, nutrition and early detection. Copies will be sent to doctors and health care professionals, as well.

“I want everyone (doctors) to think of lupus first,” said Seguin. “I don’t want it (lupus) to be mysterious anymore.”

Seguin received $1,200 from ACT UCT to purchase 300 booklets, which will be distributed to the local medical community. ACT UCT, which has supported Lupus Ontario for the last 25 years, is an international fraternal organization, assisting numerous community charities. Seguin said people who are sick should not pay for the booklet.

The booklet is available, free of charge, at the Lupus Ontario Sudbury office at 983-4343 or for $5 by phoning Lupus Ontario at 1-877-240-1099. The booklet will also be made available at the Greater Sudbury Public Libraries, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre and local health units.

For more information go to lupusontario.org.