I have lupus. Is lupus heriditery, and should i have my children checked?

I've been diagnosed with SLE lupus since february of 2003. Prior my diagnosis. I was told all my symptoms were in my head and was told i was a nut case. I also have endometriosis. I have a daughter who is starting now the same path with her health as I have with mine. I concerned she my have lupus. I would like to know what her chances are, if any, if she test positive.

My sister is a carrier but does not exhibit any of the symptoms. She found out when she went through in-vitro pregnancy. She had to have the boys tested after they were born.

Is lupus hereditary?

It is suspected that people inherit something from their parents that predisposes them to develop lupus. They are not necessarily pre-destined to develop lupus, but they may be more susceptible. Relatives of lupus patients have an approximate 5-12% greater tendency to get the disease if family members have it.

i don't know wether it is heriditery or not, but it does not hurt to get your daughter checked by a physician on this matter. Because like my great-great-great grandmother ustoo say: "It's better to be safe than sorry."

Your daughter has a slightly higher chance of developing an autoimmune disease like lupus.

There is no definitive test for lupus. And it is not a trait someone carries like sickle cell. A diagnosis of lupus is based on
1. Medical history and symptoms
2. A variety of lab tests (the ANA is only one of them)
3. When other diseases have been ruled out

If your daughter is having symptoms she should get medical attention. Talk to your rheumatologist about your concerns for her.

Unfortunatley there is a great deal of ignorance about lupus, even in the medical community. I am sorry you were treated like you were crazy. It happens all too often with lupus patients.

Here are some interesting things to know.

1.5 million Americans has lupus
1 in 170 Americans has lupus
Every 30 minutes someone is diagnosed with lupus
If you add together all the people with multiple sclerosis AND sickle cell AND cystic fibrosis and MULTIPLY THAT BY THREE you get the number of people with lupus!

Lupus patients must be well informed about the disease if we are to live successfully with it. The link below is a good place to start.

I saw your question and suspected that you may have endometriosis as lupus is an autoimmune disease. Endo does break down our immune system horribly and we may then develop other diseases. Endo is hereditary and the chances of your daughter having endo is great. Do not panic, there is positive help for endo and this may be beneficial to you and for your daughter as well. Please visit our web site to learn of my daughter and a wonderful "positive" treatment that is now helping so many young girls and women across the world. Write with any questions, my thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Sheila McHughes
Executive Coordinator
The Endo-KARE Centre