Please help am i being paranoid?

a_b

New Member

Joined : Aug 2011

Posts : 2

Posted 8/5/2011 9:24 PM (GMT 0)

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone could help me. My sister this week was diagnosed with lupus nephritis and im wondering if i should also be tested. Over the last 2 years i have had a series of skin rashes on my neck and face that have as yet not been diagnosed and i also suffer from arthritic hands and fatigue (all of which has come about in the last 2-3 years). We both suffer from kidney problems as children and have family members on both sides that died from kidney failure during the 60's and 70's. There are a few other reasons why it has been suggested maybe i should look in to it. Am i being over paranoid or is it something i should look in to?

Post Edited (a_b) : 8/5/2011 3:44:10 PM (GMT-6)

Bsime

Veteran Member

Joined : Apr 2006

Posts : 1351

Posted 8/5/2011 10:01 PM (GMT 0)

Lupus is not a hereditary disease although autoimmnune diseases do tend to run in families and it is possible you could also have lupus. Look at the following site and see if your symptoms match the criteria for lupus. If so, then by all means see a rheumatologist who is familiar with lupus and ask for the tests. Lupus is not always easy to diagnose and some can have it but lab tests show up negative. Diagnosis is not by labs alone but clinical symptoms and labs.

http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_learnunderstanding.aspx?articleid=2235&zoneid=523

http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_learnunderstanding.aspx?articleid=2231&zoneid=523

It is also possible that you are suffering from some other condition or disease and not lupus. Your family history of kidney problems alone would be cause for further investigation.

Bill

a_b

New Member

Joined : Aug 2011

Posts : 2

Posted 8/5/2011 10:24 PM (GMT 0)

Thanks Bill. My sisters consultant was giving me an odd look when he asked if i had any health problems so really i should take that as a sign lol

NanaBee

Veteran Member

Joined : Jun 2005

Posts : 541

Posted 8/8/2011 1:58 AM (GMT 0)

I agree with Bill. I have mixed connective tissue disease and my younger sister has been having symptoms of something for several years now. She would always tell her doctor about me but nothing ever showed up. A few months ago she suddenly got worse and they finally diagnosed her with Hashimoto's Disease which is a different autoimmune disorder.

You should always check with your doctor when you don't feel well and keep on bugging them until they find out what is wrong. It sometimes takes a while.

Good luck and I hope your sister is doing okay.

Mary Ann

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