Is there any connection between Lupus & A.L.S., even if only symptomatically?

[agh6h]

Does anyone happen to know if there is any connection between Lupus & A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig's Disease)?  My father passed away from A.L.S.  I'm diagnosed with Lupus.  ...Wondered if there is some kind of link genetically?  For that matter, have often wondered and can't seem to get a good answer, is there any reason to believe that Lupus is often mistaken for A.L.S., at least in the early stages?

Thanks.  AGH

[Benandkimp]

My mil died of als. My daughter has been diagnosed with lupus at 20. I am curious to see what you have discovered.

[Thefactor]

Hi AGH,

If you have had or do have breathing issues look into Myasthenia Gravis. AKA MG.

There are different types of Gravis so do some research on this. Sorry for all your suffering. I understand your pain. I've lost both parents over the years. My mother had MG and my younger sister has MS. Two cousins had MS and passed away years ago. Another had MG like my mom and passed many years ago.

Now, I'm going through my stuff, which is Likely Lupus.

Warm regards,
C

[TheLightSeeker]

Hi Athenzzz6.

Sorry about you dad, your mom and your own condition.

Please look at my recent replies to Ginger in this community.

Some of this may apply to you.

The proof is in the details, not the ..pudding!

Low thyroid could be one of your issues, but one word of caution!

If secondary to low adrenal function, adrenal function must be addressed first, before thyroid function can be fully restored.

These are outside the scope of conventional endocrinology.

Even with limited resources, you should be able to get to the bottom of all this, without spending a fortune. Let me know if you want more info to pursue this.

It might be better anyway, than relying on insurance-covered medicare and its often questionable testing & treatments, as this may keep you in perpetual limbo.

Best wishes.
Niko

[agh6h]

Hi Tonyad.  Thanks for the reply.  Well, here it is four years later...and I'd like to offer some more info and again, ask for your thoughts.

I neglected to mention my mother passed away from complications from Lupus.  Is it possible (and I'm thinking it is, yet unlikely) that a person could have both?  I was researching just now problems, such as full leg cramps from hip to toes (mostly -not- when lying down), and in one leg at a time.  I have also noticed at times, an embarrassing, slight loss of balance...to the point where I wonder if something thinks I'm drunk?  Like a missed footing.  Also researching breathing problems, such as sudden closure of windpipe/esophagus?  Very much like an anaphylactic reaction -- when suddenly, seemingly without cause, you can't breathe in...or out.  Period.  Frightening.  First time about 4 years ago.  Recently several times.  Also sometimes I do have problems swallowing.  Usually rice.  But other things as well.  I don't have great insurance and have had problems getting treatment even for the lupus.  Obviously this would not be a good thing, but unfortunately I don't believe that it is -- impossible.  Well, as I'm writing this, I'm rather chuckling as ... yeah, this doesn't sound great.  Not that any of it is funny of course, but...well...  

Anyway, your thoughts please.  

Thank you!

[tonyad]

  Hello, i am sorry for the loss of your father and for the fears and concerns that you are having.

   I do not think that Lupus is mistaken for ALS because of the different symptoms they present with.  By Mayo Clinic staff
CLICK TO ENLARGE  Lupus facial rash  
No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent. Most people with lupus have mild disease characterized by episodes — called flares — when signs and symptoms get worse for a while, then improve or even disappear completely for a time.


    With ALS, sx's  become progessively worse over time and do not have periods of remissions.   "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body.

    When there is  No muscle nourishment because of portions of the nerve cells that signal and control the muscles are located degenerates it leads to scarring or hardening ("sclerosis") in the region.
. When a muscle has no nourishment, it "atrophies" or wastes away.

    I hope this has helped and made sense to you. I wish you the best :)
~Tonya