 |
• |  |
• |  |
• |  |
About The Group:
As a Lupus sufferer, you have probably heard from other's once too often: "But you look fine"! It has been a statement that I have heard and been frustrated at all too well. I’m Jody Breen, I have been the Lupus support group leader for the last
five years for the Oshawa/Durham district. After years of numerous
symptoms, I discovered I have systemic lupus which involves both the skin and the internal organs. Being a man it took awhile to
diagnose as Lupus is recognized mainly as a “woman's disease”. Since my diagnosis in 1997, I am still shocked at the lack of knowledge and advocacy regarding this serious life altering disease. This prompted me to start a support group for others who were suffering in silence like me and who need personal support and to know they are not alone.
The goal of this site and the group is to direct patients and they're families to the correct sources in order to improve the quality of life. Since starting the group I have been able to educate patients as well as direct suspected suffers in seeking the help they need. Important also is the knowledge transfer between patient to patient on coping strategies and the communication transfer between patient to doctor. The group provides a network of support as patients are given a forum to speak honestly on feelings and learn how to effectively communicate with their doctors. This can open the door from a very scared and intimidated patient to a more accepting and well informed patient. We as sufferers have nothing to be ashamed about and have to stop being silent.
Parameters Of The Group:
Meetings are held approximately once a month on Wednesdays at 7pm and everyone is encouraged to come, including family, friends and spouses. Most times a quest speaker is arranged to speak on various topics such as health and wellness, medications etc. For more info see upcoming meetings and events. There is plenty of time for open discussion as well to ask questions, provide input or express concerns. Upon attending the group, you will find that it is a casual relaxed atmosphere and confidentiality is honoured. Plenty of literature is provided for educational purposes in the form of up to date brochures and books on Lupus and related topics. To find out more about the group you can E-mail me for more info.