Lupus books for students
A HEALTH charity has donated 1,000 books on the disease Lupus to city medical students.
The Devon and Cornwall Branch of Lupus UK Aid has presented the books to the Peninsular Medical School.
The condition is very difficult to diagnose as it can affect many parts of the body and result in multiple symptoms.
David Hopkins, chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Lupus Group, said: "The new book will help over 1,000 future GPs and consultants to have an increased understanding of the problems Lupus patients live with in their daily lives and how they can better help these patients."
Dr Paul Eggleton, of the Medical School, whose research is focussed on the causes of Lupus, said: "Autoimmune diseases are an important part of the medical curriculum and the medical students are aware of the difficulties diseases such as Lupus pose in terms of accurate diagnosis.
"The fact that all students have a copy of this book will help with their medical education and raise the profile of the disease in the local community."
The new edition of a book 'Lupus – Diagnosis and Treatment' has been produced by Lupus UK.
The Devon and Cornwall branch of Lupus UK is a patient-led charity supporting patients afflicted with the autoimmune disease Lupus.
The Peninsula Medical School is a joint entity of the University of Exeter, the University of Plymouth and the NHS in the South West of England, and a partner of the Combined Universities in Cornwall.
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by Diane Stubley, Brixham
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 8:45PM
“Anything to increase awareness of the medical profession in understanding Lupus better, has got to be a good thing. The sooner a Lupus sufferer gets the right diagnosis and treatment the quicker it can be brought under control. It took more than 10 years for me to have the correct diagnosis and treatment. Its not just a person with Lupus that suffers, its their family as well. Better management and control to stabilise a flare means the quicker the illness can be brought under control. Then a sufferer will have better support and understanding from their families. Lupus is a very lonely and scary disease.
Especially when they have n`t support from their doctors and families because they have no idea what they are going through. Without this support the sufferer feels alone and helpless. Knowledge and correct treatment is a Lupus sufferers right. Better understanding for all involved makes such a difference.”
by Diane Stubley, Brixham
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 8:22PM
“This is great news. I had problems for several years. I didn`t get a diagnosis and the correct medication till the ageof 36. Anything that will help doctors increase their awareness to lead to a diagnosis and better control is great news for a lupus sufferer.”
by Nikki Chivers, Paignton
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 2:52PM
“Wonderful news! Anything that helps with early diagnosis has got to be good!
And anything that helps with spreading awareness of Lupus has got to be good too, so thank you Herald for covering the story.”
by Holly, Plymouth
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 2:44PM
“Brilliant news! Hope this will make it easier for new lupies, and will help the new GP's have a better understanding of the illness.”
by David Hopkins, Torquay
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 2:36PM
“Thanks for covering this story, Herald.
Any health professional can have a free copy of the book - contact Devon and Cornwall Lupus Group.
We hope the students find the book helpful in their ongoing studies and future careers.
Anyone wanting more information about Lupus and our Group (and perhaps how you can help?) is welcome to make contact.
The Group is here for anyone wanting a listening ear to talk about Lupus.”