"Stories of Lupus"

December 14, 1999

"Stories of Lupus" filmmaker Marcia Urbin Raymond and Dr. Nancy Carteron, discuss the acclaimed documentary and talk about people living with lupus.

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HomeArts: Good afternoon and thanks for joining our one-hour chat with "Stories of Lupus" filmmaker Marcia Urbin Raymond and Dr. Nancy Carteron. Marcia is the co-director and co-producer of the acclaimed documentary, which aired on PBS this past fall. In January 1996, she was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Together, with Karen Mellberg, she created the first documentary on lupus targeted for national television. Dr. Carteron is Marcia's physician at the California Pacific Medical Center and was featured in the "Stories of Lupus" documentary. They are hear to talk about the documentary and about people living with lupus. Welcome, Marcia and Nancy!

Marcia: I just want to welcome everyone and thank you for joining us today. Feel comfortable to ask any questions about the documentary or my journey with lupus.

Dr. Carteron: I'm a practicing rheumatologist in private practice. I previously had 15 years experience in basic science research and my interest is currently diagnosing and treating patients with lupus. I'm more than happy to address basic questions of cause of lupus, potential triggers of lupus, and new treatment areas of research.

Tvjunkie: I understand that Charles Kuralt's "On the Road" style of reporting was used in the movie. I think that's a great tribute to him. Is this how Charles Osgood became involved in the project?

Marcia: Charles Kuralt died of complications of lupus and was one of the inspirations for the documentary. Through one of Dr. Carteron's patients we were able to connect with Mr. Osgood to invite him to do the narration. We felt by involving him the project came full circle.

Justintime: Dr. Carteron, my mother has lived with lupus for forty years and I have been told I have the genetic markers for it. Not only am I concerned with my health, but the health of my daughter. Is there any way to know whether this disease will affect either of us?

Dr. Carteron: Currently there is no way to predict. There is an increased risk, but often, even with the genetic marker, the disease will skip a generation. However, there may be things that could be done to prevent or lower the chance of triggering the disease. Often estrogens, even in oral contraceptives, may be a potential trigger, as well as a commonly prescribed antibiotic for urinary tract infections containing sulfur, one drug's name is Septra. My recommendation is, if you have another option, it would be wise to choose non-sulfur antibiotics as well as avoid taking estrogens.

Francis43: Do you feel the documentary created a great amount of public awareness? Do you hope to create more public awareness with other projects?

Marcia: "Stories of Lupus" jump-started a national public awareness around lupus. Our intention is to continue the momentum with this documentary and other lupus awareness projects.

Dr. Carteron: The documentary "Stories of Lupus" was an excellent presentation from the patients' and families' perspective of those with lupus. I agree with Marcia that it's just the beginning of what's needed to increase both the public's and healthcare professionals' awareness of an often undiagnosed and undertreated disorder.

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