genetics - family members with Lupus

My great grandma had lupus, her sister had MCTD, my grandmother has lupus, one of her sisters died from lupus induced kidney issues, 2 of her other sisters have serious health issues that are lupus like, my mother has fibromyalgia, her sister also has fibromyalgia,  I have lupus, fibromyalgia, and RA (actually more see my signature), my little sister is showing signs of a problem, my oldest daughter has raynauds (she is 14).

There was a study for which I submitted a genetic sample, my family didn't choose to participate but I am sure there are other studies.

My aunt had lupus and died from both complications of lupus and diabetes. There is a lot of RA on my mom's side of the family and my son has a positive ANA with lots of joint pain, but docs can't agree on what he has (very frustrating).

I definitely believe there is genetic link in AI, obviously the stories listed above prove it more so then ever. My father has Chrohns and has been disabled from RA for as long as I can remember. I have 3 sisters who have major thyroid issues, to the point were it puts them in the hospital, one of them has had thyroid cancer. I have an aunt on my Dad's side that has lupus.

When I began having major issues the doctors thought I had Chrohns, as I stated before I have always had stomach issues. Then I was diagnosed with Lupus, Fibro, and most recently Raynauds and Sjorens. Both my son and daughter show signs, I actually had my son tested for Lupus when he was around 10 or 11 because his symptoms were so severe, everything came back negative, but still to this day he has issues. My daughter has PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) she has a lot of issues that mimic Lupus as well, rashes, joint and muscle pain, welts on her skin, severe headaches, fatigue and things tend to get worse around her time of the month. I wouldn't be suprised at all if one or both of them are diagnosed in the future.

Every interesting topic. Thanks for sharing.

Melissa