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Works Cited
The following authors’ speak to address and explain what lupus is. They discuss the hardships of living with an unpredictable disease that has the potential to range from mild to life threatening.
Hanger, C. N. (2003). The first year: Lupus. New York, NY: Marlowe and Company
Hanger, owner of her freelance business Windhaven Press, uses her personal narrative to discuss the adversities that those living with lupus have to face on a daily basis. She intends for the book to be a guide for those living with lupus and for those searching for answers. She states “this book is here for you in your journey through the first year of having lupus: you have a companion in your travels.” Hanger strives to educate her readers to find support groups, use web resources and to continue searching for answers, which is interesting. Although there is no cure for lupus, Hanger asserts that lupus is an illness that affects the immune system. While the immune system is meant to keep us healthy and attack disease, in lupus, the immune system becomes confused and the antibodies attack healthy tissue and organs. The author uses the Lupus Foundation of America and several academic journals to back up her research and enhance her credibility. This text will be crucial for my research because it will enhance my knowledge of lupus, help me delve deeper into the topic and then be able to articulate what I have learned.
Moore, S. (2000). Lupus: Alternative therapies that work. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press
Similar to Hanger, Moore, an English teacher and health writer, struggled for several years to be diagnosed with lupus. She recalls “feeling” ill but tests, examinations and blood work showed that she was healthy. Moore discusses the complex nature of power because she felt that if her illness did not have a name, therefore it had less power over her. For years, she lived undiagnosed because lupus comes and goes. Moore intends to empower and inform her readers to be able to manage and live with their illness. Unlike Hanger, Moore uses her personal narrative to tell her story, uses more scientific terminology and discusses the factors that cause lupus to occur. She epitomizes that genetic predisposition and environmental triggers may account for the reasons why lupus occurs in some patients, which I find very intriguing. She also provides research from the University of California to enhance her credibility. I think her text will be beneficial to my research because she provides a different viewpoint on the topic. She goes into the history of lupus, the causes as well as the effects of the illness. This information will definitely enhance my research.
The following authors’ discuss the symptoms associated with lupus. These symptoms can cause anything from chronic fatigue to organ failure.
Wallace, D. (2005). The lupus book: A guide for patients and their families. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
The author examines the history, symptoms and signs of lupus. In detail, he describes a physical examination to provide a step-by-step look into his every day interactions with his patients. Wallace, who is a physician that specializes in rheumatology, asserts he interviews his patients before he informs them of their diagnoses. Through his examinations, he found that 50 percent of his patients complain of pain or swelling, followed by 20 percent of those with skin rashes and 10 percent who complain of chronic fatigue. I find his psychosocial approach to healthcare intriguing because as a specialist he has the time to interview, consult and collaborate with his patients. I think that patients and caregivers are the intended audience for this text because the book is written on a scholarly level with a lot of scientific terminology. He also explains the generalized body complaints, which consists of fever, weight loss and fatigue. This author’s work is valuable to my research because the texts expounds on the importance of proper diagnoses, but also highlights the symptoms of an illness that is very difficult to diagnose.
McClintock, R. (2004). What can you say about systemic lupus erythematous? Nursing, 34(8), 321-330.
The author addresses the symptoms associated with systemic lupus erythematous. McClintock is a family practitioner who has had 11 years in the field. She provides an in-depth description of the varied symptoms a lupus patient may have, such as renal dysfunction, cardiac problems, pulmonary dysfunction, gastrointestinal dysfunction as well as skin changes. Unlike the text by Wallace, McClintock contends that patients who exhibit 4 out of 11 signs of lupus are then diagnosed with the illness. These symptoms can range from arthritis to blood abnormalities. The text also depicts that lupus affect women 2 to 3 times more than in men. African Americans, Asian Americans and Native Americans are at a higher risk of having the disease than European Americans. I think that the intended audience is for caregivers who have patients that are living with lupus. Furthermore, I also think that the author intends to educate her readers. McClintock’s text is similar to Wallace’s article because it examines the symptoms of an elusive illness. However, the books are dissimilar because Wallace uses his patient’s narrative to highlight the symptoms. This article is beneficial to my research because it provides an in-depth description of the symptoms associated with lupus, and the text also answers the essential question for my theme.
The following authors’ discuss living with lupus and the impact is has on an individual’s life. The author’s examined the struggle between uncertainty, a shifting sense of identity and the financial burden of lupus.
Beckerman, N. L. (2011). Living with lupus: A qualitative report. Social work in health care, 50(4), 330-343
This article reports on the findings of four focus-groups of individuals living with systemic lupus erythematous. The author interviewed those living with lupus from a varied socioeconomic background to enhance her inquiry. From her research, the author found that many of the participants reported feeling depressed because they are not who they used to be, feelings of depression and anxiety with coping with the uncertainty of lupus, the physical and emotional fatigue of living with a chronic illness as well as coping with the financial burden of the disease. Beckerman, a professor in Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work, argues that the focus groups were imperative in identifying the psychosocial challenges of living with an illness. Her research showed that the type of lupus, the side effects and the medical treatment were all correlated to depressed feelings and negative emotions, which I find provocative. I also find the article interesting because the author uses the participants’ narrative to enhance her article. The intended audience of this article is for professors and education scholars because of the advanced terminology and the deep research involved with the article. Beckerman’s article will help inform my project because the text will help me understand the challenges that those living with lupus have to face in their lives. Moreover, the article helps me delve deeper into the topic.
Mendelson C. (2006). Managing a medically and socially complex life: Women living with lupus. Qualitative health research, 16(7) 982-997.
Similar to Beckerman’s article, Mendelson undertook a qualitative study to identify how participant’s daily lives are impacted and affected by lupus. However, Mendelson, an associate professor at the University Of New Mexico College Of Nursing, focused on women from different races, ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. On the other hand, Beckerman’s research encompassed participants with age, race and gender differences as well as socioeconomic status. In Mendelson’s research, seven women with lupus participated in three interviews and were all separated by a month. Like Beckerman’s article, Mendolson found that intertwined in the lives of the participants were the feelings of uncertainty, a shift in identity and the financial burden of illness. The author contends that uncertainty, pain and fatigue made managing a household, caring for a family and raising children a complicated endeavor, therefore reinforcing the feelings of uncertainty, a loss in identity and magnifying the financial burdens. From her research, Mendelson concluded that most of the participants faced a struggle between coping with their illness, the demands of their jobs and their family responsibilities, which I find very intriguing. I also find this article interesting because similar to Beckerman’s article, Mendelson uses the participants narrative to enhance the article. The intended article is for professors and education scholars because of the terminology, advanced nature of the article and deep research. This article is important for my research because the text will allow me to better understand lupus. Likewise, the article will also allow me to articulate what I have learned.
The following authors’ discuss effective coping strategies for those living with an unpredictable illness. Like a roller coaster, the disease has its ups (flare-ups) and downs (remission).
Phillips, R. H. (2012). Coping with lupus. (4th ed.). New York, NY: Penguin Group
The author evaluates the lifestyle changes that those with lupus have to make. He contends that there is life after being diagnosed with lupus and that learning to adjust will allow constructive change and self-improvement. Phillips, who is a practicing psychologist and the founder of the Center for Coping, justifies his claim that the pain and fatigue associated with lupus affects a person’s ability to work, go to school play, or enjoy personal relationships. He concludes that coping with lupus means being a self-advocate and collaborating with the doctor. In the article, Phillips emphasizes the importance of setting priorities and goals, living one day at a time and moving forward to cope with the effects of lupus. Phillips also addresses the importance of diet and nutrition and exercise. I find it intriguing that Phillips reviewed the initial reactions to being diagnosed with a chronic illness. But he indicated that setting goals, not avoiding the illness, sharing with close relatives will allow the patient to cope a lot quicker. This book is intended for caregivers, patients, professors and even lay persons because the book is comprehensive, yet chock-full of useful information. This text is useful for my research because coping is one of my themes. Moreover, this text allows me to gain another perspective about coping and those living with a chronic illness.
Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. (2012). Coping with lupus. Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. Retrieved from http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_learncoping.aspx
The Lupus Foundation of America identifies the different possibilities of coping with systemic lupus. Unlike Phillips, the LFA asserts that awareness is the first step to coping with a chronic illness. The Lupus Foundation of America was established in 1977 to educated and support those affected by lupus. I find it intriguing that all of the articles or texts that I have used above all referenced the LFA to corroborate their research. Similar to Phillip’s text, the LFA emphasize the importance of making lifestyle adjustments, which comprises of taking personal time, sharing with family members and friends and readjusting the work schedule. Depending on the severity of the illness, those diagnosed with lupus may have to go from full-time to part-time. I also think that the both Phillips and the LFA want to make sure that those diagnose with lupus know that there is life after a chronic illness. This website will inform my research because the LFA helps me better understand what lupus is. At the heart of my research, I want to understand and then be able to engage in conversation with my family members.
Hanger, C. N. (2003). The first year: Lupus. New York, NY: Marlowe and Company
Hanger, owner of her freelance business Windhaven Press, uses her personal narrative to discuss the adversities that those living with lupus have to face on a daily basis. She intends for the book to be a guide for those living with lupus and for those searching for answers. She states “this book is here for you in your journey through the first year of having lupus: you have a companion in your travels.” Hanger strives to educate her readers to find support groups, use web resources and to continue searching for answers, which is interesting. Although there is no cure for lupus, Hanger asserts that lupus is an illness that affects the immune system. While the immune system is meant to keep us healthy and attack disease, in lupus, the immune system becomes confused and the antibodies attack healthy tissue and organs. The author uses the Lupus Foundation of America and several academic journals to back up her research and enhance her credibility. This text will be crucial for my research because it will enhance my knowledge of lupus, help me delve deeper into the topic and then be able to articulate what I have learned.
Moore, S. (2000). Lupus: Alternative therapies that work. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press
Similar to Hanger, Moore, an English teacher and health writer, struggled for several years to be diagnosed with lupus. She recalls “feeling” ill but tests, examinations and blood work showed that she was healthy. Moore discusses the complex nature of power because she felt that if her illness did not have a name, therefore it had less power over her. For years, she lived undiagnosed because lupus comes and goes. Moore intends to empower and inform her readers to be able to manage and live with their illness. Unlike Hanger, Moore uses her personal narrative to tell her story, uses more scientific terminology and discusses the factors that cause lupus to occur. She epitomizes that genetic predisposition and environmental triggers may account for the reasons why lupus occurs in some patients, which I find very intriguing. She also provides research from the University of California to enhance her credibility. I think her text will be beneficial to my research because she provides a different viewpoint on the topic. She goes into the history of lupus, the causes as well as the effects of the illness. This information will definitely enhance my research.
The following authors’ discuss the symptoms associated with lupus. These symptoms can cause anything from chronic fatigue to organ failure.
Wallace, D. (2005). The lupus book: A guide for patients and their families. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
The author examines the history, symptoms and signs of lupus. In detail, he describes a physical examination to provide a step-by-step look into his every day interactions with his patients. Wallace, who is a physician that specializes in rheumatology, asserts he interviews his patients before he informs them of their diagnoses. Through his examinations, he found that 50 percent of his patients complain of pain or swelling, followed by 20 percent of those with skin rashes and 10 percent who complain of chronic fatigue. I find his psychosocial approach to healthcare intriguing because as a specialist he has the time to interview, consult and collaborate with his patients. I think that patients and caregivers are the intended audience for this text because the book is written on a scholarly level with a lot of scientific terminology. He also explains the generalized body complaints, which consists of fever, weight loss and fatigue. This author’s work is valuable to my research because the texts expounds on the importance of proper diagnoses, but also highlights the symptoms of an illness that is very difficult to diagnose.
McClintock, R. (2004). What can you say about systemic lupus erythematous? Nursing, 34(8), 321-330.
The author addresses the symptoms associated with systemic lupus erythematous. McClintock is a family practitioner who has had 11 years in the field. She provides an in-depth description of the varied symptoms a lupus patient may have, such as renal dysfunction, cardiac problems, pulmonary dysfunction, gastrointestinal dysfunction as well as skin changes. Unlike the text by Wallace, McClintock contends that patients who exhibit 4 out of 11 signs of lupus are then diagnosed with the illness. These symptoms can range from arthritis to blood abnormalities. The text also depicts that lupus affect women 2 to 3 times more than in men. African Americans, Asian Americans and Native Americans are at a higher risk of having the disease than European Americans. I think that the intended audience is for caregivers who have patients that are living with lupus. Furthermore, I also think that the author intends to educate her readers. McClintock’s text is similar to Wallace’s article because it examines the symptoms of an elusive illness. However, the books are dissimilar because Wallace uses his patient’s narrative to highlight the symptoms. This article is beneficial to my research because it provides an in-depth description of the symptoms associated with lupus, and the text also answers the essential question for my theme.
The following authors’ discuss living with lupus and the impact is has on an individual’s life. The author’s examined the struggle between uncertainty, a shifting sense of identity and the financial burden of lupus.
Beckerman, N. L. (2011). Living with lupus: A qualitative report. Social work in health care, 50(4), 330-343
This article reports on the findings of four focus-groups of individuals living with systemic lupus erythematous. The author interviewed those living with lupus from a varied socioeconomic background to enhance her inquiry. From her research, the author found that many of the participants reported feeling depressed because they are not who they used to be, feelings of depression and anxiety with coping with the uncertainty of lupus, the physical and emotional fatigue of living with a chronic illness as well as coping with the financial burden of the disease. Beckerman, a professor in Yeshiva University’s Wurzweiler School of Social Work, argues that the focus groups were imperative in identifying the psychosocial challenges of living with an illness. Her research showed that the type of lupus, the side effects and the medical treatment were all correlated to depressed feelings and negative emotions, which I find provocative. I also find the article interesting because the author uses the participants’ narrative to enhance her article. The intended audience of this article is for professors and education scholars because of the advanced terminology and the deep research involved with the article. Beckerman’s article will help inform my project because the text will help me understand the challenges that those living with lupus have to face in their lives. Moreover, the article helps me delve deeper into the topic.
Mendelson C. (2006). Managing a medically and socially complex life: Women living with lupus. Qualitative health research, 16(7) 982-997.
Similar to Beckerman’s article, Mendelson undertook a qualitative study to identify how participant’s daily lives are impacted and affected by lupus. However, Mendelson, an associate professor at the University Of New Mexico College Of Nursing, focused on women from different races, ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. On the other hand, Beckerman’s research encompassed participants with age, race and gender differences as well as socioeconomic status. In Mendelson’s research, seven women with lupus participated in three interviews and were all separated by a month. Like Beckerman’s article, Mendolson found that intertwined in the lives of the participants were the feelings of uncertainty, a shift in identity and the financial burden of illness. The author contends that uncertainty, pain and fatigue made managing a household, caring for a family and raising children a complicated endeavor, therefore reinforcing the feelings of uncertainty, a loss in identity and magnifying the financial burdens. From her research, Mendelson concluded that most of the participants faced a struggle between coping with their illness, the demands of their jobs and their family responsibilities, which I find very intriguing. I also find this article interesting because similar to Beckerman’s article, Mendelson uses the participants narrative to enhance the article. The intended article is for professors and education scholars because of the terminology, advanced nature of the article and deep research. This article is important for my research because the text will allow me to better understand lupus. Likewise, the article will also allow me to articulate what I have learned.
The following authors’ discuss effective coping strategies for those living with an unpredictable illness. Like a roller coaster, the disease has its ups (flare-ups) and downs (remission).
Phillips, R. H. (2012). Coping with lupus. (4th ed.). New York, NY: Penguin Group
The author evaluates the lifestyle changes that those with lupus have to make. He contends that there is life after being diagnosed with lupus and that learning to adjust will allow constructive change and self-improvement. Phillips, who is a practicing psychologist and the founder of the Center for Coping, justifies his claim that the pain and fatigue associated with lupus affects a person’s ability to work, go to school play, or enjoy personal relationships. He concludes that coping with lupus means being a self-advocate and collaborating with the doctor. In the article, Phillips emphasizes the importance of setting priorities and goals, living one day at a time and moving forward to cope with the effects of lupus. Phillips also addresses the importance of diet and nutrition and exercise. I find it intriguing that Phillips reviewed the initial reactions to being diagnosed with a chronic illness. But he indicated that setting goals, not avoiding the illness, sharing with close relatives will allow the patient to cope a lot quicker. This book is intended for caregivers, patients, professors and even lay persons because the book is comprehensive, yet chock-full of useful information. This text is useful for my research because coping is one of my themes. Moreover, this text allows me to gain another perspective about coping and those living with a chronic illness.
Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. (2012). Coping with lupus. Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. Retrieved from http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_learncoping.aspx
The Lupus Foundation of America identifies the different possibilities of coping with systemic lupus. Unlike Phillips, the LFA asserts that awareness is the first step to coping with a chronic illness. The Lupus Foundation of America was established in 1977 to educated and support those affected by lupus. I find it intriguing that all of the articles or texts that I have used above all referenced the LFA to corroborate their research. Similar to Phillip’s text, the LFA emphasize the importance of making lifestyle adjustments, which comprises of taking personal time, sharing with family members and friends and readjusting the work schedule. Depending on the severity of the illness, those diagnosed with lupus may have to go from full-time to part-time. I also think that the both Phillips and the LFA want to make sure that those diagnose with lupus know that there is life after a chronic illness. This website will inform my research because the LFA helps me better understand what lupus is. At the heart of my research, I want to understand and then be able to engage in conversation with my family members.
Concept Map
Above is my representation of what I believe lupus means to me. I built a boxing ring because lupus is a continuous struggle for those that live in a body that is unpredictable.