How likely am I to get lupus?

[WorriedAboutLupus]

I have a hernia by my small intestine and also my mother has lupus. How likely am I to develop lupus and what should I do? I'm 16 years old.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi WorriedAboutLupus ,

Because so many genes are involved in the development of the disease (only half of which are inherited by a child from one parent with lupus), and because environmental triggers have to occur during the life of the individual to make the disease develop, it is not common for the children of people with lupus to also have lupus. Most studies show that about 1 in 20 people with lupus will have a close relative (mother, aunt, brother, sister; less often father or uncle) with lupus.

If you find that you develop a few symptoms of lupus such as extreme fatigue, joint pain, hair loss or sun sensitivity then you may wish to discuss the possibility of lupus with your doctor and ask to be tested - just to rule it out, if not for any other reason.

[WorriedAboutLupus in reply to Paul_Howard]

Thank you. I have been trying to research the relationship between hernias and lupus but to no avail. Does my hernia say anything about my chances of developing lupus in future?

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to WorriedAboutLupus]

Hi WorriedAboutLupus , what type of hernia do you have? I'm afraid I can't say whether your hernia could be related to autoimmune disease and increase your chances of developing lupus or not. Have you discussed whether there is any link with your doctor?

You can find more information about hernias here - nhs.uk/Conditions/hernia/Pa...

[WorriedAboutLupus in reply to Paul_Howard]

It's at my small intestine. No, I haven't discussed this yet. Should I be worried though?

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to WorriedAboutLupus]

Hi WorriedAboutLupus . As I said, a hernia could potentially be linked to your lupus, but these are also not uncommon in people without lupus. If you do not have any of the more common symptoms of lupus then this may not be linked, but if you do develop more unexplained symptoms, you may want to ask for further investigations.

[lotsoissues]

hi. it may be too that you develop a different autoimmune disease than your mom. many kids of autoimmune parents go on to be just fine and others will end up having a different autoimmune disease sometimes. my aunt has psoriasis and her daughter developed hashimotos. my mom had psoriasis and I developed psoriatic spondylitis (so far, that's my diagnosis). I wouldn't worry about your health too much but just know the symptoms of autoimmune diseases and listen to your body. we all know when we feel bad and it's best to get seen by a doctor when you do. since your mom has lupus your doctor should routinely check your bloodwork here and there which he/she should be doing anyway. enjoy your life, don't worry about your health unless you feel bad, see your doctor routinely, and be extra helpful to your mom. She needs you. She loves you. Be patient with her. I have a daughter too and there's days I know she's disappointed because of the things I cannot do, so keep in mind that your mom is sick but she loves you very much I am sure.