lupus

my husband was just told they think he has lupus.   He had numbness in his fingertips and the doctor says the small arteries are gone and he thinks he has lupus.   Many years ago he would get an unexplained rash but they have not come for 2-3 years.  What does this mean and what happens if this is lupus please help i am scared.

[karajo]

What kind of doctor told your husband this?

In all honesty, it takes more than numb fingertips to dx someone w/ lupus.  There is a lot of blood work involved along with a list of symptoms that are related to lupus.

[bonal]

a vascular surgeon.   He had a rash years ago and no one could figure it out  but that has seemed to disappear.  He said his main arteries sound good but there is probably damage to the small ones in the organs and they have to be checked to evaluate it.  Many years ago they tested him for lupus and he had 2 out of 5 I am very worried and confused. he goes to a rheumatologist (i am sure i did not spell it correctly) today.  

[karajo]

Keep us posted...we all really care!

Be sure and get copies of all lab and any test that is performed.

[bonal]

so far he has raynauds phenomenon , which they say is probably secondary to lupus or something else. they took 17 tubes of blood and said then they want to do a dopular test. I will keep you posted. thanks for caring!!!1