Dose anyone think that Lupus and Behcet's are similar I was told that I had Behcet's but now have appointment at a Lupus unit

[Kedaco]

[billi]

Hi, and yes in a way. I and a couple of other BD sufferers I know were thought to have Lupus before our BD diagnosis but they also thought I might have MS, ME and a couple of ot her illnesses. It is difficult with any autoimmune disease as they do conflict and there are also no definite tests for diagnosis of some diseases. I do hope you get a diagnosis soon so that you can start on the best treatment for you.

Take care

Hugs

Billi

[infliximab74]

Hi

I believe it is very similar. I know my clinic here in cumbria does not have a behcets clinic so i get put in lupus or rheumatoid arthiritus clinic. Just depends which was is on that week. With them all being auto immune diseases i think they behave similar.

[andreafm]

In the diagnosis of behcets the Doctors have to cross out every other possible cause for your symptoms and Lupus is one of them. The treatment is pretty much the same in all autoimmune disorders in the sense of lowering the immune system to try and control the symptoms.

here's a link to the Behcet Society advice page explaining all the similar conditions and Lupus is just one of them:-

behcets.org.uk/information-...

I also attend a Lupus Clinic for my Behects as the Consultant there has experience in it.

hope this helps

[MrsBeau]

Hi there,

I just wanted to add to this that I find Lupus a useful explanatory label when you tell people you have Behcets. More people have heard of Lupus, so I just describe Behcets as "Lupus' lesser known cousin". I know clinically that's not exactly accurate but I'm aiming for people to react with a satisfied "Oh, I see" and to leave it alone, rather than google it only to be faced with details about ulceration downstairs. Nobody needs that in their day.

[Zebra]

Many lupus specialists are experienced in Behcet's and will be able to help.

[soniadal]

Yes I believe so I was diagnosed with Lupus for many years before being diagnosed with Behcets. Then I was told I have both. Some of the symptoms seem to be very very similar

[Kedaco]

Thank you everyone

[homeschoolmama]

It is true that there is a lot of overlap between the autoimmune diseases. Diagnosis can be a real problem and no one will ever be able to say for certain. Lupus doctors should be able to treat Behcets though so I wouldn't worry. You should tell your rheumatologist to read the latest research into Behcets in those of Irish heritage...you are actually more at risk of BD if you are part Irish (they think the gene was passed along the silk route and then by boat to Ireland). Make sure you see someone up to date. Doesn't really matter what their specialism ultimately is so long as they are on the ball!! Also for explaining to the general public, Ialso use the "It's similar to Lupus" analogy to help explain rather than bamboozle them with facts about my current ANCA status!!

[runninggirl08]

Behcets is like having a combo of lupus, ms, and chronic fatigue all in one. Have battled for 30 years. There can be cross overs w other auto immune. Sending prayers

[Kedaco]

Thanks everyone just hope tomorrow will be a positive step forward for me it is the first time I have been to London

[andreafm]

Good luck with it all Kedaco....hope it all goes well and you like London