Patient Navigator Corner

We are introducing a new feature to the magazine: the Patient Navigator Corner. In this section, we will highlight resources and information that are helpful to lupus warriors and their families and friends.

Are you newly diagnosed with lupus and want to know more about the disease and how it is diagnosed, treated, and managed? Are you a family member or friend and want to learn more about lupus? Maybe you have been diagnosed for a long time, and you want a refresher course? The Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Ohio Chapter provides comprehensive information about lupus, in print, online, and virtually. Three of these very useful resources are the Lupus Patient Information Packet, the Toolkit for Patients and Caregivers, and the New Patient Education Class.

Lupus Patient Information Packet

The Lupus Patient Information Packet is a folder of printed material that we send out to your mailing address. It contains general information about lupus and about the Greater Ohio Chapter. It can also contain some information customized to your needs. Here is a list of possible information that you can find in the Lupus Patient Information Packet:

• Understanding Lupus • Treating Lupus • Coping with Lupus • Living with Lupus • Could You Have Lupus? (English and Spanish) • Services Provided to Lupus Patients • Living with Lupus Magazine • Physician Directory

• Specific Topics • African Americans and Lupus • Asians and Lupus • Hispanics and Lupus (English and Spanish) • Lupus and the Cardiopulmonary System • Lupus and the Gastrointestinal System • Lupus and the Musculoskeletal System • Lupus and the Renal System • Lupus and the Nervous System • Lupus and the Skin • Lupus and Clinical Depression • Lupus and Men • Lupus and Pregnancy • Lupus and Children • Lupus and Teenagers

The Toolkits for Patients and Caregivers

The Toolkit for Patients provides lupus information, resources, and support. Some of the information and resources found on the Toolkit for Patients webpage are:

• Covid 19 and Lupus • Aurinia ALL IN™ for Lupus Nephritis - Patient Support Program • GSK Us in Lupus Program • Be Fierce. Take Control - lupus awareness campaign for young, undiagnosed, African American and Latino women • Take Charge - a weekly education email series for people with lupus, including those recently diagnosed • Lists of Statewide and County Resources • Physician Directory - A list of some physicians in the State of Ohio who treat lupus patients • Medication Toolkit • Clinical Trials Information • Ohio Financial Assistance - programs and resources for the State of Ohio • National Financial Assistance • Support Groups

https://lupusgreaterohio.org/ find-resources/toolkit-for-patients/

The Toolkit for Caregivers is designed to provide those taking care of lupus patients with guidance, support, and advice. Whether you have been a caregiver for just a few days, or for several years, this resource is your guide to supporting a loved one dealing with lupus. The topics include self-care, setting limits, how you can help, managing finances and legal matters for your loved one, and helpful forms and templates for tracking vital information.

https://lupusgreaterohio.org/ find-resources/toolkit-for-caregivers/

New Patient Education Class

Each month, we conduct a virtual 1.5 hour class for newly diagnosed patients. It is a “Lupus 101” class that covers basic information about managing the disease and living well. It is a great place to start when first learning about lupus. The class is not limited to newly diagnosed patients, though that is its main focus. The class is also a great way to learn about the most recent information about lupus. Families and friends are encouraged to attend too!

https://lfaohio.salsalabs.org/newpatienteducation/index.html

The Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Ohio Chapter is here to help you navigate learning about the disease. Together we can be successful at making the lupus journey manageable. For more information or to speak with a Patient Navigator, please contact us at 1 (888) NO-LUPUS, (440) 7170183 or email us at info@lupusgreaterohio.org.