lupus possiblity

hi, I'm writing on behalf of my mother-in-law.  she is a 60yr old white female.  about 35lbs overweight with fair skin and blue eyes.  she has been claiming for over 2 years now, that she has lupus, but without a diagnosis from a doctor.  she thinks she has it because her mother had it, and she has sensitivity to uv light.  she says it makes her itch all over, and the day after she is exposed, she feels more fatigued than normal.  she also has arthritic pain in her knees.  according to the info we've read on lupus it doesn't sound like she has it.  If this does not sound like lupus to you, what else can cause this reaction to uv?  she does not take any medication.  however she did have a hysterectomy 10 years ago and has been without hormone replacement because she has no insurance.  thanks much.

[karajo]

Honestly, it sounds like she might have lupus.  Although the test to rule out or confirm is very expensive and are usually done multiple times.  She might could find a dr who would try plaquinel to see if it helps her w/o the test to confirm.  

There are 11 criteria for a lupus dx.  You must have at least 4 of the 11 to recieve a dx.

They are:
1. malar rash over cheeks (butterfly rash)
2. discoid rash, red raised patches
3. photosensitivity - reaction to sunlight, resulting in skin rash
4. oral and nose ulcers
5. arthritis
6. serositis - inflamation (inflammation) of the lining of the lung or heart
7. reanl disorder - excessive protein in urine and/or cellular casts
8. neurologic disorder - seizures, or psychosis
9. anemia or low white blood count or lymphopenia or low platelet count
10. positive ANA
11. positive anti-DNA or anti-Sm, or antiphospholipid antibody or false pos. syphilis test

Other symptoms are:
fever
abdominal pain
chest pain
shortness of breath
blood in urine
hair falling out
fatigue
muscle pain and weakness
dizziness
poor memory
headaches
poor circulation in fingers and toes
tingling in extremities
diarrhea
bloating
nausea
weight loss
abdominal pain
blurred vision
depression
palpitations
raynauds (where fingers turn white when cold)
intollerance to cold
sore throat
...to name a few

[yvettepyke]

thanks Kara Jo!  how kind of you to take time to write.  You are right, it does sound like it.  This week is a good example of a flair up... she has a fever blister and is in a lot of pain.  I'm wondering if anyone in the Lupus community has any suggestions because she can't take the Plauqinil.  she's had an allergic reaction.  I think someone already let her try it.  I'm wondering if any supplements or other things have worked for any of you?  A friend tried to turn me on to the Reliv total nutrition products, and said they've had great success with reducing inflamation (inflammation) and other wonderful things, but I've not tried it yet.  I signed up with them to get a discount, but I've yet to get it for my mother in law.  Thanks for any suggestions!!