The Rare Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases Patient Survey

[Paul_Howard]

If you have a rare autoimmune rheumatic disease such as lupus, scleroderma or vasculitis, please spare us some time to complete this online survey; lupusuk.org.uk/rairda-survey/

The findings will be featured in a report that will highlight areas in need of improvement in the way care and support is provided. The report will used to bring these issues to the Department of Health, Parliament and other key organisations, with a view to working together to improve care.

[Lupiknits]

Thanks Paul. This will make interesting reading.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Lupiknits]

Thank you Lupiknits

[lupie-Cathy]

Done

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to lupie-Cathy]

Thanks lupie-Cathy

[Nicole2000]

All done ✅

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Nicole2000]

Thanks Nicole2000

[SusanStobie]

Done.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to SusanStobie]

Thank you SusanStobie

[Hidden]

I've filled it in too despite having primary Sjögren's - because according to my rheumatologist this is a rare rheumatic disease (in primary form) - and as such it's very isolating - especially as the BSSA isn't even on the list! I think this is probably because we are lumped in with secondary Sjögren's and Sicca Syndrome - which seems all wrong to me.

Sorry if I shouldn't have completed it but I want to highlight this point just in case the BSSA is trying to join this alliance but being told that Sjögren's isn't rare enough.

It is if you have it in primary form like mine and there's only one dedicated specialist in the U.K.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Hidden]

Hi Hidden ,

Thank you for completing the survey. We certainly would like people with Sjogrens syndrome to take part.

We would like the BSSA to join RAIRDA - I'm not sure whether they have received an invitation yet or not (it is very early days for the alliance still).

[Hidden in reply to Paul_Howard]

Thanks so much Paul. I did email the BSSA administrator about this a year ago when I first became aware of RAIRDA - and was informed that they were hoping to join. But BSSA is a pretty small charity as you know - so perhaps the process of applying to join was considered more time consuming than the board of trustees felt was worthwhile?

Or perhaps Sjögren's isn't sufficiently rare once the secondary form of the disease is added in to the overall picture?

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Hidden]

I've just confirmed with our CEO and apparently the BSSA are (at least partially) involved with RAIRDA. Apparently Dr Elizabeth Price will be attending future alliance meetings to contribute on behalf of people with Sjogrens.

[Hidden in reply to Paul_Howard]

Oh that is great news thanks Paul!

[Sinnangowri]

I am not sure whether my sister qualifies. We are from Singapore. She is 46 years old and has been diagnosed with SLE, sjogren’s syndrome, bullous pemphigoid and now in ICU with listeria meningitis. I am looking for anything to help her

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Sinnangowri]

Hi Sinnangowri ,

This survey is only for people who are living in the UK, so if your sister is still in Singapore, she would not qualify for this.

If you need any information about lupus, you can access our full range of publications online at lupusuk.org.uk/publications/

[Charliebear68]

Hi Paul,

Not sure if I qualify either 🙄 I've been diagnosed with UCTD (I have Lupus, Sjogrens and RA symptoms) I have tested positive twice 12 weeks apart for anticardioplin antibodies too. Just hope I can contribute too.

Charliebear

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Charliebear68]

Hi Charliebear68 ,

I believe that you should be fine to complete the survey. When it asks what condition you have, just list UCTD in 'other'. Thank you.

[Charliebear68 in reply to Paul_Howard]

Thanks Paul - done 😊