Lupus isn’t an acquired disorder

December 20, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Our daughter has lupus. She first showed symptoms about two years ago. Fortunately she was diagnosed early on. Her immune system caused renal problems but to our relief, she had been sent to tip-top doctors who began treatment after testing and a biopsy were done. Thank goodness she is much, much better these days. My question is how does one acquire such an illness as lupus? She is an unmarried, 44-year-old, career woman. She has never had a lifestyle that would tend toward diseases. I hope you can provide a sensible answer. Thank you.

DEAR READER: Lupus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, meaning that the body erroneously attacks its own tissues and organs. It is not “caught” as a result of a poor lifestyle choice.
[Read more...]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With:

Lupus helped by prednisone

November 30, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have recently been diagnosed with lupus. My specialist hasn’t really given me tips for living comfortably with it. He has prescribed prednisone for my flare ups but I cannot use it very long even though it is like a miracle drug as it makes me feel so good. I just need things to do so I won’t hurt so much.

DEAR READER: Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system incorrectly attacks its own healthy tissues and organs. The most unique sign is a rash that resembles butterfly wings unfolding across the cheeks and nose, but generally speaking, lupus can be rather difficult to diagnose because the signs and symptoms resemble so many other ailments. Stress is a known factor.
[Read more...]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With:

Medical woes plague young reader

September 8, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Since childhood, I have been suffering with tonsillitis, chronic colds and allergies — both seasonal and medication-induced. At the age of 24, I was diagnosed with discoid lupus; at the age of 30, with fibromyalgia, pleurisy, kidney stones/infection, vertigo, depression and anxiety.

My ANA test for three years has come back normal, but I continue to get lesions, my hair falls out, and I get sick easily. I have been to two rheumatologists. Both say I do not have SLE, but my family doctor feels I do. What do you think?
[Read more...]

Filed Under: Daily Column, Leading Letter Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chronic cough, lupus need specialist care

July 1, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I’ve been diagnosed with asthma, bronchiectasis, lupus and fibromyalgia. I’ve had a chronic cough, and no one can find out where it’s coming from. I have no energy. I just want to take a nap all the time and eat. I’ve gained weight and can say I’m getting closer to being depressed as opposed to being just unhappy. Any ideas for me to check out?

DEAR READER: Yes. Initially, you should request a referral to a rheumatologist. Lupus, a serious inflammatory autoimmune disorder, can affect the joints, kidneys, lungs and several other parts of the body. Many of the symptoms, such as fatigue, joint pain, anxiety, depression and variations in weight, cross over to those of fibromyalgia. Therefore, you should confirm that you do suffer from both conditions.

You should also be under the care of a pulmonologist for control of your chronic cough, asthma and bronchiectasis. The cough could be medication-induced or a result of your asthma. In order to determine what triggers your attacks, it may be necessary for you to undergo testing and to see several other specialists. This may appear daunting but once your textbook complaints of fibromyalgia are better controlled, you will then be able to lift your veil of depression and get on with your life. There is help. The fact that you have written to me is a genuine indication you are ready to get to the bottom of things.

Filed Under: Daily Column Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Daily Column

April 16, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I need help. I have seen several doctors but none can put my symptoms together and come up with a diagnosis. I am anemic, have fluctuating high blood pressure, throat and sinus inflammation, inflammation behind my eyes, Meniere’s disease symptoms, an elevated rheumatoid factor, and elevated Ig antibodies.

I am only 47 years old and have been healthy my whole life. I need a diagnosis or at least a hint of what could be wrong with me.

DEAR READER:
I urge you make an appointment with a rheumatologist (immune system specialist).

Inflammation of the throat, sinuses, area behind the eyes, and anemia suggest to me you have an autoimmune disorder. These symptoms are common in Wegener’s Granulomatosis, a rare disorder that involves vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels). Wegener’s could also explain your Meniere’s type symptoms because ear infections are common and can cause hearing loss, tinnitus, pain, and more. Blood pressure is also affected by vessel inflammation.

I suggest you mention the possibilities of Wegener’s and vasculitis to the specialist, as well as requesting an anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody test (positive in 80-95% of sufferers). Wegener’s may be fatal if left untreated so I urge you to seek medical help.

If I am off base, I apologize. However, based on your symptoms and tests, a rheumatologist is your best bet. You should also be tested further for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and similar disorders to explain your abnormal rheumatoid factor and Ig antibodies.

Filed Under: Daily Column Tagged With: , , , ,