New case of lupas (we think)...and need some help. Thanks.

RASCAL

New Member

Joined : Oct 2008

Posts : 1

Posted 10/3/2008 6:49 AM (GMT 0)

Hi everyone. My son is 32 years old and has been having a lot of severe joint pain; high white blood count; enlarged liver; liquid around his heart is inflamed or infected; lymph nodes in chest swollen; fingers and hands swelling (including small dots on his finger tips); painful rash on legs and forearms; increased heart rate; severe night sweats. He is also impotent...and this has all happened in the last 3 to 4 months. Anyway, he has just had a bone marrow test and they are thinking it might be Hodgkins..but the specialist today said he has a severe auto immune thing going on and he is referring him to a lupas specialist. We are all totally freaking out and don't know what to do. What ever he has it is dangerous and moving quickly. We are in the dark. Does any of these symptoms sound like a typical lupas case?? Thank you for any help you might be able to give.

hippimom2

Veteran Member

Joined : Jul 2005

Posts : 5403

Posted 10/3/2008 2:08 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Rascal and welcome. I am so sorry to hear about how sick your son had gotten. I'm sure it's very scary for you and for him. Lupus can develop slowly over time, and it can also come on very quickly. A lot of your son's symptoms are present in lupus, but lupus is called the great imitator because its symptoms mimic so many other illnesses. That's why it can sometimes take some time to get an accurate diagnosis. Do you have any idea what labs led the doctor to suspect auto immune disease? That mught help us answer some more of your questions. Whatever your son has it sounds like he needs some aggressive treatment and I hope the docs figure it out soon. If he does have lupus, it is a very treatable disease and although there is no cure, there is a chance for remission. There are some good resources in my signature if you click on the lupus resource link. Lupus.org is a great site with great information. I know this is scary and overwhelming. Please continue to ask any questions you have and I hope you'll keep us updated on what you find out. My thoughts are with you and your son.

AlwaysRosie

Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2005

Posts : 8616

Posted 10/4/2008 12:01 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Rascal, So sorry your son is so ill. I'm glad they are following up to dx or rule out lupus. There are some links at the end of my signature that may be helpful. One of them is "4 of 11 Criteria" . . . that one shows the criteria for diagnosing lupus. There isn't a specific test, it is a combination of criteria and so the diagnosis can be frustrating and difficult. But, given the extent of your son's illness, I think the doctors will be able to make a faster determination. There are several overlapping diseases/conditions that like to "hang out" with lupus and other autoimmune diseases. This can also be confusing. You are doing a really smart thing by getting educated on some of this stuff. It is a huge subject and it will take a long time and lots of reading to understand much of it . . . but it will really help you and your son make better use of the doctor's time. I hope you'll keep us posted on his progress. Blessings!

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