Remember! Lupus affects each one differently.

Just because you read something on these pages,

does not mean you will have this happen to you.

The button that I wear    usually causes a person to speak up and tell me about their lupus or someone they know who has lupus.  Too many times, it reminds them of a young Black woman who died from systemic lupus erythematosus

1. a hard name to pronounce
2. a hard disease to diagnose and treat
3. a hard disease to understand and live with

My interest in lupus began in the early '70s when I was Special Assistant for Federal Programs to the Mayoress of San Juan, PR and Vicar of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Guaynabo.  Four of my parishioners (2 Black, 1 White, 1 Thai) and several employees in the City Hall had lupus.

As I ministered to them, I saw the need for a special ministry.  A  "Worker" to help them understand their lupus and a "Priest" to help them learn how to live with it.

I realized that after 20 years of very poor traditional Vicar/Rector ministry in Montclair, N. J.--Greenburg, N. Y.-- Philadelphia, Pa.--Diocesan Center at San Justo, PR, and St. Stephens, I had found my "work/ministry".

I was near the end of my 10 year tour, so I returned to Washington, D. C., got a bank loan, and  bought a motor home.

With the Mandate of  Matthew 25:36 "I was sick and you visited me...",  I traveled up to Massachusetts and down to barrios in Mexico to learn about lupus and its impact from lupusfolk, parents, friends, associates, and health care providers.

My ministry has always been self-help and prayer. I have kept the Holy Spirit    busy guiding me and providing for me.  Although my web site says  . org, there is no organization.  I have no sponsor and no 501c tax exemption.

Progress Report update Sunday, February 21, 1999 07:53 PM

1. Stayed indoors today, Sunday, it is windy and cold in the 50's.  When I get to D. C., I am staying inside on bad days.

2. Monday, at 9 am, the bank will officially take the motorhome, place it on their parking lot and try to sell it.

1. Liz Ann has some boxes in her office.   Monday, I may not get all of the boxes that are to be shipped over to her office.

2. the application to St. Mary's Court is being reviewed

3. The Geriatrics people at George Washington Hospital are waiting for me to show up to begin the process.  Again, I am grateful to Bishop Grein who has paid my health insurance premiums.

   lump or tight clutching feeling in my throat, disturbing discomfort (almost pain) in the upper chest. Still  guessing until I see a doctor in Washington

   My plan of action to get up to D. C.

   Take first train out maybe Tuesday.  Kenneth Walker and Wife will get me to the train possibly Sunday.

   To help with my current bills and moving expenses, Bishop Grein of the New York Diocese sent me $1,000, Marcie in Takoma Park, Md. sent $278,  and Cassie in Medford Lakes, N. J. sent $100.  In Clewiston, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Walker $100, Mr. and Mrs. Wyse $30, and Mrs. Nellie Smith $50.

   I have a good wardrobe for inside and outside cold weather so there is nothing I need in that area.  Marcie and Cassie have the furniture I need.  Just need a large used lazy boy chair

   Future

   Close down web site Sunday morning.  Open it in Washington when I get the telephones and select the new server.

   I hope that my web site has been a source of hope and symbol of faith to you.  Let us give thanks for our ability to care for one another, and for God's power to care for us all.

   Again, I thank you for the money, material gifts and your prayers.

Future

Close down web site Sunday morning.  Open it in Washington when I get the telephones and select the new server.

I hope that my web site has been a source of hope and symbol of faith to you.  Let us give thanks for our ability to care for one another, and for God's power to care for us all.

Again, I thank you for the money, material gifts and your prayers.

I thank you for looking at my web page which was updated Sunday, February 21, 1999, please refer someone to it. 

Rev'd John Dingle, 207 N. W C Owen Ave, Clewiston, Fl 33440 (941-902-0830).   lupus@gate.net

A Parishioner e-mailed this to me...

If I should fall...don't you lose the dreams that kept me standing

I will suspend working on my site for a while because I am having the following health problems during this month of February '99

I have always been a "walker" but during the month of February '99 as I walk, even very slowly, I get

1. a lump or tight clutching feeling in my throat,
2. disturbing discomfort (almost pain) in the upper chest,
3. I find that I must come inside and sit down for a while, and then  the pain/discomfort gradually simmers down but remains close to the surface, as if there is some slight residual or something has been compromised,
4. As soon as I go back outside to get home for 3 or 4 blocks, the problems reoccur immediately,
5.  

6. My guess

It would appear at 78 years of age, never smoked or drank that there is a  lack of blood flow in the coronary arteries which makes the throat and chest pain/discomfort, squeezing, heavy,  pressure sensation.

I suspect the doctors will find a little diabetes which I feel is making me feel so tired and probably some plumbing problems.

all of the above is a getting my full attention -- it is a wake up call about????

My plan of action

I am giving my motor home with $6,500 still owing back to the bank and let the chips fall,

Pack my computers and stuff and UPS it to Washington, D. C. and

Get into Washington and immediately see a good doctor. The Bishop  of the New York Diocese, Bishop Grein sent me $1,000, Marcie in Takoma Park, Md. sent almost $300 and Cassie in Medford Lakes, N. J. has money for me as soon as she finds my address.  I am thankful to them for helping with my current bills and moving expenses.

Bishop Grein also pays my health insurance premiums and I am grateful, especially since I have never met him.

At 6 years of age I was rejected by my mother and father in Runnymede/Lawnside, N. J. and put into Camden, N. J., so there are no family folk to help me.

Except for emergencies, the small local hospital is not adequate.  I prefer the larger hospitals in Fort r West Palm Beach, but we have no bus system.  I have two friends here in Clewiston, Florida, Liz Ann and Nellie. They have been good to me; however, they cannot take the responsibility and care of an ailing old man.

I don't know who I can depend on in Washington, where years ago I knew many people.  After the doctors diagnose my current signs and symptoms and prescribe some regimen, I will ask the Bishop in Washington about a room for me and my computers in one of the church-sponsored independent living places

Future

I have kept the Holy Spirit busy guiding and providing for me these 78 years.  I have come too far to turn back now.

I hope that my web site has been helpful to someone.   Lord willing I will be back to it soon. I will give you a progress report as often as possible.

I am not sure that any one will read this, but if you do, remember me in your prayers.  Father Dingle

I am not sure that any one will read this, but if you do, remember me in your prayers.  Father Dingle

I am not a Doctor nor any other Health Care Provider or Professional

If you have a medical problem, go to your Doctor or other qualified Health Professional

People with lupus should always consult with their physician before making any changes in their medical treatment, diet, exercise or other routine based on information received via the internet or other sources lacking known credentials

Please don't take  this information as Gospel

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The writers, editors, and management of this site assume no responsibility for how information presented is used by the public.