MANAGING the impact of lupus is a team effort for couple of 32 years Dr Jacqueline Goulbourne and her husband, Dr Kevin Goulbourne.

Jacqueline is a gerontologist, who studies ageing and promotes well-being among older adults.

She was diagnosed with lupus in 2008, 15 years into their marriage.

Over the years, her husband, who is a consultant psychiatrist, has become her caregiver, looking after her needs when she gets sick and assisting with daily tasks, when needed.

The support of her husband has been key in managing the illness and adapting to the changes it brings.

“[It] has not been an easy road,” Jacqueline told JIS News, noting that there have been many near-death experiences.

She is grateful for the care of her husband, adding that “having God in my life has been my everything”.

Lupus is a non-contagious disease of the blood where the body attacks itself.

It can affect any part of the body and common symptoms include heart, lung and kidney disease, skin rashes, joint pain, memory loss, and depression.

The disease manifests differently in patients and the condition can impact all areas of one’s life.

All of Jacqueline’s body systems have been affected by lupus over the years.

Lupus is known to be difficult to diagnose, with many symptoms that come and go and mimic other illnesses. This was Jacqueline’s experience.

“Every five years I would have some significant illness that had no origin, and they would come and then disappear,” she recalled.

After experiencing some symptoms in 2008 that did not go away as usual, she decided to visit a doctor at the encouragement of a friend.

After the doctor interviewed her, she suspected lupus and Jacqueline was tested. The results confirmed her illness.

Kevin shared that there was some relief at the diagnosis as they were now able to handle his wife’s illness better.

He told JIS News that they have learned to communicate better during this journey, and he has also learned how to be a more supportive partner.

“With the condition evolving as it did, it caused us to become closer in relating to what was happening,” he said.

From his perspective, the best support to give someone living with lupus is to assist when asked.

“Being supportive of the person in the areas that they need [assistance] is important. Do not consider them as disabled. Allow them to do whatever they can do for themselves, and [then] you provide support for them both physically and emotionally,” Kevin advised.

“One has to be watchful and discerning to provide support that is needed and not to overdo it. For example, if she cannot drive to go somewhere and you want to take her there, then you take her there. If she can drive, she will drive,” he pointed out.

Other than the occasional allergy, Jacqueline said that she is well and lives a full life to the best of her ability.

She lives in the present and does not allow the symptoms to dictate her life.

“I do not live as somebody who is living with lupus, meaning, I do not anticipate that something is going to happen to me,” she said.

“I live in the moment [and] still try to do all the other things that I do and not be consumed by that event [symptom],” she added.

Jacqueline enjoys being productive by spending time with her family, working and helping people to fulfil their potential.

“I am at my best when I have something productive to do so, I like to be engaged in profitable, productive occupation,” she said.

Kevin also loves spending time with his family and playing sports.

— JIS News

Drs Kevin and Jacqueline Goulbourne