Can lupus be passed from mother to daughter?

My mother was currently diagnosed with lupus, I have many of the same symptoms, is it possible that I might have it too?

Answer
The hereditary link hasn’t been proven yet with SLE. As Linda above states, it seems that there may be a slightly higher tendency for a first degree realtive to have some type of auto immune/connective tissue disease but even that tendancy is very slight. It seems more likely that SLE is both hereditary and environmental (although no specific enviornmental triggers have been isolated yet either). Lupus is a very elusive diseas, very misunderstood and yet is more prevailant than MS or MD combined.

As far as you having the symptoms there are three distinct possibilities. The first is that you do in fact have Lupus. An ANA test can help confirm this. The second is that you are suffering from another disease that can mimic Lupus, like arthritis. The third is that you are having what is generally considered to be ‘sympathy’ pains. That you take on the pains that your mother is describing. My wife has had lupus since 15. I often ‘feel’ her pain. Even though I don’t have Lupus, when her joints are hurting, so are mine. I can’t explain it other than the fact that we are very close and there is some type of transferance going on. It’s funny because when my knees are hurting, I’ll ask her if her Lupus is acting up. Nine times out of ten she’ll say yes. When I ask her what’s bothering her, it’s almost always the same joint that’s bothering me. It’s uncanny. Anyway, I hope this helps.

What is the life expectancy of a person with CRF, lupus, and pulmonary fibrosis?

My sister-in-law has all three diseases. She has had lupus since 1999, renal failure and pulmonary fibrosis since 2006. She now weighs a small 59 pounds at 36 years old. Everywhere I research and every doctor I ask can not give me an honest answer. All I am told is her “quality of life” speech. I need some answers. How much longer can she expect to live? Please no insulting remarks from anyone.

Answer
The weight coupled with the diseases doesn’t sound good at all. If her weight continues to drop her life expectancy is shortened dramatically. Prayers with your family.