: I would like some advice on lupus--is it true that the tests will not automatically show you have this unless it is during an "active" phase?? I keep thinking the rashes and other problems are just problems from the fibro but the doctors are asking me to have additional testing for the lupus.

bloodwork good idea
results must be interpreted carefully, especially in people with fms.
most problems in our lives are just fms related

There are three types of lupus; discoid, systemic, and drug-induced.

Discoid lupus is always limited to the skin. It does not generally involve other organs. In approximately 10% of people with lupus, discoid can evolve into the systemic form. This cannot be predicted or prevented. It may be that people who progress to the systemic form probably had systemic lupus at the outset but who showed the discoid rash as their primary symptom. The discoid rash may appear on the face, neck and scalp and is diagnosed by examining a biopsy of the rash. It is not always found in an ANA blood test.

Systemic lupus is generally more severe than discoid, capable of affecting any organ or system of the body. For some people, only the skin and joints could be involved. In others, the lungs, kidneys and blood or other organs and/or tissues may be affected. No two cases are alike. Systemic lupus often includes periods of remission followed by flare-ups.

Drug-induced lupus occurs after the use of certain prescribed drugs. The symptoms are similar to systemic lupus. The drugs most commonly connected with drug-induced lupus are hydralazine and procainamide. However, only about 4% of the people who take these drugs have a possibility of developing overt drug-induced lupus. The symptoms usually fade when the medications are discontinued.




The cause(s) of lupus is unknown. That is the primary reason for the Loops For Lupus Campaign; to heighten awareness and collect much needed funds for research. Scientists believe there is a genetic predisposition to the disease. But it is also known that environmental factors also play a role in triggering lupus. Some of the environmental factors that may trigger the disease are: infections, antibiotics (especially those in the sulfa and penicillin groups), ultraviolet light, extreme stress, certain drugs, and hormones.

Strangely, lupus has been shown to occur within families, but there is no known gene or genes which are thought to cause the illness. Recently, a gene on chromosome 1 has been discovered and associated with lupus in certain families. Only 10% of lupus patients will have a close relative (parent or sibling) who already had or may develop lupus. Only about 5% of the children born to individuals with lupus will develop the illness.

While often called a "woman's disease", many men are affected. Lupus can occur at any age, and in either sex. It occurs 10-15 times more frequently among women than men. Women of African, American Indian, and Asian origin are thought to develop the disease more frequently than other ethnic group.




Despite the fact that lupus can affect any part of the body, most people experience symptoms in only a few organs. 95% have reported achy joints, 90% report fever in excess of 100 degrees F, 90% report arthritis, 81% report prolonged or extreme fatigue, 74% report skin rashes, 71% report anemia, 50% report Kidney involvement. 30% report sun or light sensitivity, 27% report hair loss and 12% report mouth or nose ulcers.




Lupus is very difficult to diagnose because many symptoms mimic other illnesses, are sometimes vague, and may come and go. However, diagnosis can usually be made by a careful review of a person's entire medical history coupled with an analysis of the results obtained in routine laboratory tests and some specialized tests related to immune status. At this time there is no single laboratory test that can determine whether a person has lupus or not.

The immunofluorescent antinuclear antibody (ANA or FANA) test is the best diagnostic test for systemic lupus currently available. This test is positive in virtually all people with systemic lupus. However a positive ANA, by itself, is not diagnostic of lupus since the test may also be positive in individuals with other connective tissue diseases and conditions as well as persons being treated with certain drugs, including procainamide, hydralazine, isoniazid and chlorpromazine.




For the vast majority of people with lupus, effective treatment can minimize symptoms, reduce inflammation and maintain normal bodily functions.

Preventive measures can reduce the risk of flares. For people who are photosensitive avoidance of (excessive) sun exposure and/or the regular applications of sun screens will usually prevent rashes. Regular exercise helps prevent muscle weakness and fatigue. Immunization protects against specific infections. support groups, counseling, talking to family, friends and physicians can help alleviate the effects of stress. Negative habits are hazardous to people with lupus. These include smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, too much or too little of prescribed medication, or postponing regular medical checkups. Many drug therapies provide relief but not without the possibility of side effects.




Although much is still not known about the nutritional factors in many kids of disease, no one questions the necessity of maintaining a high degree of nutrition. Scientists have shown that both antibodies and other cells of the immune system may be adversely affected by nutritional deficiencies or imbalances.




The current general view is that there is no absolute reason why a woman with lupus should not get pregnant, unless she has moderate to severe organ involvement (i.e., central nervous system, kidney, or heart and lungs) which could place her (the mother) at risk. A pregnant woman with the disease should be carefully monitored by both her obstetrician and her "lupus doctor".