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May 12, 2008

Family and friends,

I wanted you to be aware that I have been diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disease.  I recently had a flare up of iritis (also an autoimmune disorder), which I have had several times over the past 12+ years.  Iritis is often a secondary manifestation of other, more serious autoimmune diseases (such as lupus).  This prompted the ophthalmologist to order the blood tests which eventually resulted in the lupus diagnosis.

The type of lupus I have (there are four types) is systemic lupus erythematosus.  You can learn more about it at the Mayo Clinic site:

            http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lupus/DS00115

The irony to all of this is that I currently feel fine.  Actually, I feel as healthy for my age as I have in my entire life.  I exercise each morning, I walk at least a mile or two each day and am generally in good physical shape.  So I’m basically asymptomatic, with the exception of the recent iritis attack.

The cause of lupus is not known and there is presently no known cure.  The prognosis for having lupus isn’t great, but nor is it necessarily an automatic death sentence.  As the Mayo Clinic site states: “The outlook for people with lupus was once grim, but diagnosis and treatment of lupus has improved considerably. With treatment, most people with lupus can lead active lives.”  With God’s help, that is what I plan to do.

We are doing our part in seeking out medical advice and I will be under the care of a rheumatologist.  I’m just beginning my search to find one who either specializes in lupus or has it as a major part of his/her practice. 

God’s blessings in our lives over the years have been truly wonderful and immense.  I have a wonderful wife, three wonderful children and all that I could have ever hoped for in my life and more.  My cup runneth over.  And we have the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and by His stripes we are healed.  All of this and Jesus Christ too!  We count our blessings every day.  And we do count it all joy when we enter into trials since we know that God is working out His perfect work.  God’s not done with me yet. J

Prayers are always much appreciated. J

Brian