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MEETING REPORTS
January 20 2001
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Ellen C. Schneider, MD, opthamalogist, addressed the group to discuss the many problems scleroderma patients have with dry eyes and treatment for this symptom.
She gave out sample of over-the-counter drops that can be used to counteract dryness.
Her talk was very interesting and much appreciated by the members attending.
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| Pat Warr, Dr. Schneider, Maxine Konrick |
July 21 2001 Meeting
Dr. Francisco Candal, pulmonologist, gave an interesting talk addressing the types of scleroderma and the types of scleroderma lung disease. He stated that 7 out of 10 persons with scleroderma develop pulmonary fibrosis and he stressed that everyone with scleroderma needs to be evaluated for chest disease.
The evaluation for chest disease should include a chest x-ray, a CT scan and a complete pulmonary function test (PFT). One specific part of the PFT, the DCLO which is the gross measurement of transfer of oxyegen from and into the lungs, is key to diagnosing scleroderma fibrotic lung disease. Echocardiograms and/or cardiac catheterization are the best tools to identify pulmonary hypertension. Early diagnosis means early treatment and best results.
If there are no lung problems, persons with an established diagnosis of scleroderma should be checked every 1 to 2 years. This checkup should include a chest x-ray and complete PFT.
Lung disease is the most serious comlication of scleroderma and recently has been shown to be the most common cause of death. He reiterataed that the earlier the chest disease is identified, the more successful the treatment should be. Patients treated with drugs such as cytoxan, flolan and immuran can get better. The treatment course may run 2 to 3 years.
The important thing to remember is early evaluation and identification of lung disease and early treatment.
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| Maxine Konrick, Dr. Candal, Shirley Walterhouse |
September 15 2001 Meeting
Twenty five people gathered to hear Dennis Peyroux, D. C. of Global Medical Center address the members on peak performance. Dr. Peyroux used slides to demonstrate some techniques that can benefit everyone. There was good audience participation.
He also waived the usual examination fee at his clinic for those persons present who wished to have a chiropractic evaluation done.
Some of the members present, interested in holistic health treatment, spoke to Dr. Peyroux about that aspect of Global's services.
And a first for the group -- we enjoyed delcious sandwiches from Subway provided by Dr. Peyroux and Global.
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| Maxine Konrick, Dr. Peyroux, Shirley Walterhouse |
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Fundraiser Report
Third Annual Imaginary Tea Party Five of the Support Group members participated in this annual fundraiser.
JOY CLIFF $ 75.00
BILL BURCH 300.00
SHIRLEY WALTERHOUSE 1125.00
PAT WARR 145.00
WENDY WILLIAMS 264.00
GRAND TOTAL $1909.00
Each donor received a note of thanks and acknowledgement.
Don Walterhouse donated the stamps for the 59 thank you cards mailed out.
Congratulations to each of you. Not only have you raised money for our cause but you have educated others and helped to raise awareness in our communities. Scleroderma in Morgan City March 2001
Karen Swensen of Channel 4 had a program about the high incidence of autoimmune disease in the Morgan City community and she was kind enough to show our support group phone number at the conclusion of the broadcast.
As a result we received about 40 phone calls and although many of them were from interested persons, we did make contact with 7 people in the area who have been diagnosed with scleroderma. They were added to our mailing list.
There was a town meeting on 12 March in Morgan City which Don and Shirley Walterhouse attended. It was interesting but not productive and efforts to start an ancillary group in the area were not successful.
We will keep in touch with Karen Swensen and update her on our group in the hope that she will find us newsworthy in the near future.
Our Group T-Shirt
Our group logo, designed by Shirley Walterhouse and executed by her son Ken Walterhouse, is used to great advantage on our t-shirts.
Shirts must be ordered in bulk so if you are interested please let Shirley know the size and quantity so we can begin to place a new order.
The Scleroderma Support Group continues to grow and evolve. We are constantly expanding our membership and unfortunately we have also had to say "Goodbye" to some of our good friends and members this year.
In loving remembrance of:
Cathy Cole 1958 - 2001
Opal Gay Fontenot - 2001
Eleanor Helminski 1945 - 2001
Johnny Terrell 1926 - 2001
Judith Truxilla 1958 - 2001
Kenneth Vincent 1944 - 2001
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