Does my mom have lupus?

I'm starting to suspect my mom has SLE. She has had loads of health issues over the past 20 years.

Over the past several years she has had:

- nephritis since she was a child

- recent stent put in her kidney

- flare ups of pseudotumor cerebri (which caused her to go blind in one eye)

- connective tissue problem in her arms that caused her to need physical therapy

- now her blood vessels are getting stiff and they suspect vasculitis or atherosclerosis

- a red appearance to her face especially under her eyes and cheek area

- high cholesterol

- joint pain

What do you think? Is she a likely candidate for lupus?

Hi Lisal, Welcome to the forum! I'm so sorry your mom is having so many problems. Lupus is very difficult to diagnose (except with biopsy ... like kidney biopsy). Has she ever had a kidney biopsy?? The doctor to see would be a Rheumatologist who specializes in lupus. You can get a list of docs from your local Lupus Foundation Chapter (link in my signature). There are also links in my sig to the Lupus Foundation website and one with diagnosing criterea. The Lupus Resources link has lots of help for new members . . . I would start by reading those. Unfortunately diagnoses can be a rather drawn-out process . . . but a good rheumatologist will treat her symptoms while he is watching her progress, even if he can't make a definitive diagnosis. I hope you find lots of info here. Blessings!