News From Our Parish Nurse

Friday, January 23, 2009
News From Our Parish Nurse
Health Corner
Cogan's Syndrome
This syndrome is thought to be an autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation of the cornea, hearing problems and dizziness that develop in children and young adults shortly after their recovery from what appeared to be an unremarkable respiratory infection. Patients may also experience red, painful eyes, sensitivity to light and blurred vision. Subsequent to the ocular symptoms, dizziness, ringing in the ears, hearing loss and balance and coordination may occur. The symptoms of Cogan’s syndrome may progress rapidly to bilateral deafness that may become permanent within two years. Complications of this disease may lead to cardiac and vascular problems that may be fatal in a small number of cases. Cogan’s frequently occurs after a flu like illness, though no definitive infectious agent has been identified. Several studies have shown an association with a previous clamydia infection. Many patients may have permanent visual or hearing damage; however, most patients are able to manage their symptoms and limit complications of the disease with appropriate treatment. However, in my case, it has affected every living organ and has been responsible for cardiac and respiratory arrest with ICU and Rehab visits totaling 16, thus far. I thank those of you who have contributed to the Caring for John fund through Baughman church.

Thanks to John Stouffer for submitting this informative article.

Peace, Love and Blessings,
Linda Olley, R.N.
Your Parish Nurse

Rex M. McCallum, MD

Rex M. McCallum, MD

Related Content
Services
Rheumatology and Immunology
Associate Medical Director, PDC

Department / Division:
Medicine / Rheumatology and Immunology

Address:
DUMC 2954
Durham, NC 27710

Appointment Telephone:
919-668-7630

Office Telephone:
919-684-8763

Fax Telephone:
919-684-6671

Training:

MD, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (Tennessee), 1980

Residency:

Internal Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, 1980-1983
Rheumatology, Duke University Medical Center, 1983-1986


Clinical Interests:
Vasculitis, Cogan's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue disease, inflammatory eye disease and systemic illnesses

Research Interests:
My main research interests remain Cogan's syndrome, inflammatory eye disease, and vasculitis. I maintain a clinical data base of the greater than 50 patients with Cogan's syndrome that have been evaluated by Dr. Barton F. Haynes and me since 1977. Cogan's syndrome is a syndrome of inflammatory eye disease associated with vestibuloauditory dysfunction that is Menierre's-like. The etiology of this unusual illness is felt to be inflammatory and autoimmune. In addition, I am one of two attendings in the Duke Uveitis Clinic with Dr. Glen Jaffe of ophthalmology. We maintain a clinical data base of all patients evaluated in the clinic. We perform clinical trials of medications and new approaches to treating inflammatory eye disese. We use an number of systemic medicines to treat inflammatory eye diseases and evaluate our results.

I am co-principal investigator for my colleague, Dr. E. William St. Clair, on his rheumatoid arthritis trials.


Key words: Cogan's syndrome, vasculitis, inflammatory eye disease, uveitis, rheumatoid arthritis

Representative Publications:
McCallum RM: Cogan's Syndrome. In Current Therapy in Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, 5th Edition, pp. 255- 260. Lichtenstein LM, Fauci AS (Editors), Mosby-Year Book, Philadelphia, PA, 1996. (1996)

McCallum RM, Haynes BF: Systemic Necrotizing Vasculitis. In Current Therapy in Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, 5th Edition, pp. 241-246. Lichtenstein LM, Fauci AS (Editors), Mosby-Year Book, Philadelphia, PA, 1996. (1996)

Fatal disease tests Enola man's faith

Religion
Enola
Fatal disease tests Enola man’s faith
By Tabitha Goodling, Sentinel Correspondent, December 12, 2008
Last updated: Thursday, December 11, 2008 5:18 PM EST
John Stouffer jokes that he is “still kickin’. ”The 30-year-old Enola man, known to friends and family as “Bundy,” was diagnosed five years ago with Cogan’s Syndrome, a terminal disease that affects the vascular system, eyes, ears and radiates throughout other systems of the body over time.While the disease has left the former rescue worker unable to work and stifled his dreams of pursuing a career in criminal justice, he keeps an open mind and a fear of God that helps him endure each day.“I just keep going,” Stouffer said recently during a phone interview.Part of what keeps him going is the support of Baughman Memorial United Methodist Church in New Cumberland, the church Stouffer grew up in. The church has seen Stouffer’s need — and his perseverance — and intends to help him in any way possible. The church started the “Caring for John” fund a few years ago.At least $10,000 has been raised for Stouffer’s medical expenses not covered by Social Security. Prescription drugs not covered by insurance and ambulance fees are covered by the fund.Checks are written to the Baughman Memorial United Methodist Church with “Caring for John” in the memo line. The church accumulates receipts for Stouffer’s expenses, and the treasurer holds vouchers for the administering of the fund.Current Pastor Brand Eaton has been ministering to Stouffer for the past two and a half years. He noted that while Stouffer undergoes the normal emotions of anyone with a chronic illness, such as anger, sadness, frustration and confusion, Stouffer always works it out and calls upon friends in the church and community to uplift him.“After he talks through some of his emotions, he can laugh again. John has a great sense of humor,” Eaton said. “He does his best to keep that going, but it gets difficult. His strength in this is knowing who to talk to, where to get help in his down times.”Stouffer resides with his sister, Kendra Jones, and her husband, Robert.Tough times have included the recent removal of his teeth and the loss of 80 percent of his hearing. He also endured lesions on his spleen, liver disease and has had eye surgery. Stouffer has spent many days and nights in local intensive care units, and experienced strokes and heart attacks. He has the functioning body of a man twice his age.“Everything in my body has been affected somehow at once,” Stouffer shared.While he admitted the prognosis is fatal, he is learning to live one day at a time to the best of his ability.Stouffer recognizes he is no stranger to critical circumstances and recalled his days as a rescue worker in which he was the first person called to a crime scene to see a friend and policeman dead.“I was always a God-fearing individual from experiencing the things in my work,” he noted.He holds a degree in criminal justice from Harrisburg Area Community College and Central Penn Business School, as well as SWAT team certifications.Before he was diagnosed with Cogan’s Syndrome, Stouffer drove in motorcades for visiting politicians and worked for House Majority Policy Committee Chairman Roy Cornell and the House Republican Caucus.The 1996 Cedar Cliff High School graduate was determined to live a life helping other people, and now other people are helping him.He admitted he is “grateful for anyone who gives,” and mentioned the church has blessed him by opening the fund and adding him to its prayer list.Eaton encourages people in the community to support Stouffer in any way they can — whether by means of donating funds or prayer and encouragement.“Send John a card. Let him know you care and that you are praying for him or that he is in your thoughts.” To make a contribution or for more information, contact the church office at 774-2005. or email govpodus @aol.com

"The Perfect Gift"

Health Corner“The Perfect Gift”By Kendra Jones
As the holidays arrive, many of us find that we have a mixture of feelings erupting. Some of us are excited and giddy. Some are caught up in the pursuit of perfection – the perfect cards to send out, the perfect meal, the perfect cookie recipe, the perfect gift, etc. etc. etc. Yet, there are others that just feel alone and do not look forward to all the hoopla. They wish it would never come at all. What all of us have in common is something that was given to us a very long time ago.
It doesn’t come in a neatly wrapped box. It comes to the single, pregnant teen mom, who has become accustomed to judgmental stares and comments. A simple, genuine smile flashed to her in a crowd warms the soul. It gives the mom-to-be strength. Her faith grows. She realizes that the life inside of her is good. Most importantly, she knows that she is not alone in her decision after all.
It comes to young parents when they are told that their small child will not see adulthood. Each day as they struggle to care for, provide for, and deal with knowledge of their child’s disease, something constantly whispers to them, “It’s going to be okay. Don’t give up.” It was always there for them, but it is present for everyone to see, when years later they are told that there is no trace of the disease. Their child is fine!
It comes when tired, weary and anxious souls sit alone and wait. It seems a miserable position to be in. The reasons are numerous – waiting for word, waiting to see someone or something, waiting for a chance, waiting to be remembered – regardless, they wait. There are no friends in this place. From somewhere in the loneliness and doubt a thought of something bright causes a smile to creep across the face. Suddenly, transportation to a warmer, gentler time is completed. Although, no one else is with them to see it, Someone is there rejoicing with them.
The perfect gift that can be given or received is not to be found in a brightly colored package. It may not even end up in a modern day manger. It is what our Heavenly Father gave to us a very long time ago. We don’t have to wait for one special day. We can use it everyday, all day long. Smile at a stranger. Share your faith. And don’t forget the better moments, no matter how small they may seem. Hope, Faith, Joy – God gave them to us through Christ – use them wisely!
A special Thank You to Kendra, My Sister for her inspiration and reminding us of “the reason for All seasons”. Also, A Special Thank You to Linda Olley, R.N.
Peace, Love and Blessings,Linda Olley, R.N. My Parish Nurse

Cogan's Day

A Resolution designating October 30, 2008, as "Cogan's Syndrome Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.
188-0 Passed by the PA legislative body, and Governor.