Got a question.

hey i was wondering if anyone knows what the different types of lupus are and if lupus anticoagulant is one?

[LUPUSadmin]

Hi IcklePrincess92,

Lupus can effect any part of your body, even the blood. We have some publications that might interest you on our website: lupusuk.org.uk/publications/. You might want to take a look at 'LUPUS and Blood Disorders', a factsheet on there. You can download it for free.

Are you having problems with your blood? Have you asked your GP/ consultant about your problems?

- George

[Hidden in reply to LUPUSadmin]

ive previously had blood clots in both lungs and have funny shaped blood cells, the gp said i have lupus but never said which one i had, so i was doing my own research

[LUPUSadmin in reply to Hidden]

I've just been informed by my colleague that 'lupus anticoagulant' is basically another way of referring to Hughes syndrome. You can find out more on the Hughes Syndrome Foundation website: hughes-syndrome.org .

Ask your GP/ consultant for him to clarify if this is what you have.

Let us know how you get on.

-George

[SjogiBear in reply to LUPUSadmin]

There is also a very good Hughes Syndrome Forum here on Health Unlocked linked to the Hughes Syndrome Foundation. healthunlocked.com/hughes-s...

'Lupus Anticoagulant' is a bit of a misnomer as having it doesn't actually mean you necessarily have lupus at all (although you can have SLE/lupus alongside having Hughes Syndrome for example) - this gives you a bit more information about it (taken from the Hughes Foundation website):

"Hughes/antiphospholipid syndrome is diagnosed from a combination of a positive blood test and symptoms. If you are displaying symptoms you need to book an appointment with your GP and ask to be tested for antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL).

There are three different tests used to diagnose Hughes/antiphospholipid syndrome but they are all looking for antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL):

• Anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL)

• Lupus anticoagulant (LA)

• Anti-beta2-glycoprotein-1 (anti-B2GP1)

Antibodies are proteins in the blood which help defend the body against foreign invaders.

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are harmful antibodies which attack proteins and fats called phospholipids in blood cells. Due to the phospholipids being attacked by the aPL, the blood becomes excessively sticky which results in a higher risk of clotting.

As George has suggested, I would go back to your GP - certainly the clotting events you have experienced together with your blood results suggest you should definitely be investigated further - are you currently on any medication for this?

[Hidden in reply to SjogiBear]

I'm on asprin and cause I'm pregnant I'm on Fragmin Injections too

[Hidden in reply to LUPUSadmin]

I will thank you

[SjogiBear in reply to Hidden]

Best of luck with your pregnancy IcklePrincess - I was on aspirin with my last successful pregnancy with my daughter. Have you had pregnancy issues before as this is a classic symptom of Hughes Syndrome as well?

[Hidden in reply to SjogiBear]

Yh I had quite a few health problems with my first child

[SjogiBear in reply to Hidden]

Sorry to hear that - I think you need to press your GP for a referral to see a rheumatologist (who deals with autoimmune illnesses such as Lupus and Hughes) or a haematologist (who deals with issues with the blood). There is a good page on the Hughes website about finding a specialist in your area: hughes-syndrome.org/self-he...

[Hidden in reply to SjogiBear]

Thanks I will get an appointment and I'll have a look on the website