Scaring myself silly

[landj]

Anyone know much about Lupus?
My mum died from it 9 years ago. It was undiagnosed, she was only treated for the arthritis. I have suffered from awful pains in my wrists now since before xmas, and Im so scared that I darent tell anyone. Im only 30. PLease please just tell me that it Lupus isnt hereditary. Is there other symptoms? My mum never had the rash. If I have some kind of arthritis will I get Lupus? Oh god, been searching the web but just cant find the answers I want.

Yes, lupus can be very well managed with medication. But you do need to get it diagnosed early and take the medication. I have a good friend (young like you) who has lupus and takes the medicines (a lot of them) and leads a perfectly normally, full and happy life.

Thanks, I know I should go to the docs and get myself checked out. Is there a blood test of DNA test they can do? And what about my DC? Does that mean that they are at risk too?

Hi landj! Try not to worry too much! (I know that's easier said than done...) I was diagnosed with Lupus and Sjogren's Syndrome last summer after years of testing, so while I'm definitely no expert, I've done a bit of reading on the subject! The link that belgianbun posted is to a great website that has lots of good information and a discussion forum filled with lots of lupus patients who have personal experience and can answer many of your questions. Please check it out!

I can tell you my personal experience has been that I am the first person in my family to be diagnosed with lupus, though many family members have rheumatoid arthritis. One doctor suggested that connective tissue disorders tend to run in families, but do not necessarily mean that you will get one, nor that if you do will it be the same one that is common in your family. As to lupus there are 9 major symptoms and at least 4 need to be present before a diagnosis will be given. The first step is to talk to your GP and start with an ANA blood test (or extractable DNA). Generally, the ANA is the first test they run, and if it comes back elevated further testing will be performed. The website link above will take you through all that. Also, on a personal note - I've only had two flares ever, both during times of stress..so breathe deeply, relax, and remember that even if it is lupus, it affects everyone differently and yours may be a mild case which just affects your joints. And the prognosis is so much better than it ever has been - lots more treatments are available now, it's not a death sentence! The important thing is to stay on top of it...So go get checked out! And good luck!