Lupus and other problems connected with it.

[ripon1756]

Although not officially diagnosed with Lupus, I have had 2 hip replacements due to avascular necrosis, which was the result of being given steroids for thyroid problems several years ago. As a result I am now allergic to medication containing steroids. However, I now get frequent flair ups. At the moment I have it in my right foot which is swollen, pink with purple patches but I've also had pain around the hip area, etc.

[LupusAdmin3 LUPUS UK]

Hi ripon1756,

Welcome to the LUPUS UK community here on HealthUnlocked, i hope that you're settling well.

I can offer you one of our free information packs which has a few leaflets and booklet about lupus and the symptoms if you think it would help? Just send me a private message, or an email, with your name and address and i will pop one in the post for you. [e-mail]

If there is anything else you need please do let me know.

Best wishes,

Hayley

LUPUS UK

[tennissenior in reply to LupusAdmin3]

Dear Hayley,

I have SLE, plus, MDS and a serious case now of ITP. My platelets wre always low, but now, they are worse than ever. My hematologist tried Dexamethosone, and it worked for a few weeks, but the disappointment was back again - they fell back to the 30's. Yesterday they were 44 - down from 55 two weeks ago. When they fall, my fatigue increases three fold! I am 71 years of age and I still TRY to play tennis 4 times a week. However, my tennis game has deteriorated just as I have! Should I speak to my doctor about stem cells? I know mine are not good, but there mut be donors. My Dad died from Lupus complications at age 67. Should I just "give up" at this point -- or is there hope for me? I am Caucasian, female, and Jewish. Ihave two children and many grandchildren. Will they also come down with "genetic Lupus?" Thanks so much for any information you can supply. Life has become a struggle!

[LupusAdmin3 LUPUS UK in reply to tennissenior]

Hi tennissenior,

Thank you for your message. Please do not ''give up'', there is plenty of help out there for you. I would highly recommend for you to get in touch with the Lupus Foundation of America as we have a different healthcare system here in the UK and my advice may not necessarily be the best for you. Here is the link to their website; lupus.org/

As for your concerns of lupus and the genetic factors, lupus isn't hereditary but does have a genetic component. I found the following statement from 'The Lupus Book' by Daniel J. Wallace;

''If you have lupus, members of your immediate family, or first-degree relatives (brothers, sisters, parents, and children), are at slightly increased risk for developing it too. Several surveys have estimated this risk at 10% for your daughter and 2% for your son. Increasingly, the prevalence of SLE among all family members of lupus patients is 10 to 15%, whereas the chance of any of this group having autoimmune diseases (including lupus) is 20 to 30%.''

He also goes on to say; ''I don't recommend testing unless symptoms or signs point to some existing clinical problem. Only a small percentage of these individuals will ever develop the disease.''

Please do feel free to download our information pack from our website, just click on where it says 'download a digital copy here'; lupusuk.org.uk/contact-us

I hope this is helpful to you, please do let me know how it goes if you decide to contact the Lupus Foundation of America.

Best wishes,

Hayley

LUPUS UK