Not diagnosed as Lupas, but I'd appreciate your opinions please...

[martinofclanfield]

My wife has had auto-immune problems since she was in her early 20's. She's 37 now, and has had Pluracy, Ulcarative Colitis (although they call it indeterminate colitis as she has symptoms that are more similar to Chrones), Thyroid Problems ('til it was removed!), Antiphos' Lipid syndrome, Arthritis, Graves Disease (related to the thyroid I think). She also had very painful skin in sensitive areas (which cleared up when the UC treatment started). She's lactose, gluten and wheat intollerant. She was tested for Lupus about 10 years ago, but the result was negative. Lately (in the last 2 years) her joints have been very painful and seizing up. She doesn't have a lot of energy, but doesn't get a lot of time to rest - we have 4 kids, including 2 year old twins (so she gets a lot of wear and tear!). She's been on Pentasa for the UC for years, with Steriod foam enemas during flare ups. Recently, her GP recommended using the steroid foam while her joints were flaring up, which does help. Does this sound like lupus? Should we ask for more testing?

[MaryF]

Hi, does your wife have ongoing treatment for antiphospholipid syndrome, Hughes Syndrome, as this is very important, and with this disease, yes some have lupus, I do... but there is a very typical disease trio of Hughes, thyroid problems and sjogrens, Please PM me if you need further info, and the people on this site will answer any lupusy style questions.

Mary F x

[martinofclanfield]

Hi Mary,

Thanks for the answer. She has low dose asprin daily for the Antiphospholipid syndrome (although it was daily injections of clexine during the pregnancies) - she was diagnosed after multiple miscarriages. I don't know about Sjogrens, but she has had dry eyes, lips and skin at times. Reading on the NHS Sjogrens page, it seems a GF diet helps and as she has been on one for years, that may have kept symptoms at bay.