Dad's Possible Lupus

[Vette73ds]

Sorry if I have posted something similar to this before nd I hope i'm putting this in the right place, unfortunately so much has happened in the last goodness knows how long that I haven't posted for ages.

My dad was dx with Sjogren's about 6-8 months ago, since then he has also been dx with Barrett's Oesophegus (pre-cancerous condition in the Oesophegus),a very nasty ulcer (from GERD) and severe anaemia. As his oesophegus has pretty much closed down he has been unable to eat properly or get food and even drinks down (and lost a lot of weight). He has been in and out of hospital so often in the past few months that he could sit blindfold in his car and it would take him there automatically. He is going again next week to have his oesophegus stretched again and they have told him that if this fails, they may have to consider stenting it.

While he has been in and out he mentioned to the numerous doctors he has seen that I have Lupus, and they are now possibly questioning this for him. He goes to see his Rheumatologist in a few weeks and I think they will be doing some tests for Lupus.

My question really is to find out whether any men that have been dx with Lupus also have any similar conditions to the Barrett's and/or severe anaemia?

[Clare.T]

Dear Dee

I am very sorry to hear how poorly your Dad is and what a terrible time he's having, how distressing for you all.

I haven't moved your post because maybe you would prefer a man's perspective, but I don't know that Barrett's along with GERD and lupus, or Sjogren's, is any different in men than in women I would guess that the causes and effects are very similar and the
similar treatments too.
GERD is very common in connective tissue diseases and might partly be due to inflammation of the esophagus as well as the weakening of the spincters that then allow the reflux. As the body attempts to repair the ulceration, pre cancerous cells can develop. I believe this can sometimes happen in other parts of the body,where there has been tissue damage.
I should think that Sjogren's with its dryness, could play a major role in the development of esophagal problems and it can also affect the gastric juices.

About the Lupus/Sjogren's, an overlap is fairly common. I would like to know more about such things as the overall accuracy of Primary Sjogren's diagnoses, how exactly it was diagnosed in the various cases, how many were in fact missed lupus or were an overlap that wasn't recognised.
There are at least two sets of diagnostic criteria. Or how often primary Sjogren's was correct at the time, with lupus criteria and signs developing later. Maybe nobody knows

I feel I am starting to ramble if I wasn't already. Sjogren's is often treated just like lupus with Plaquenil and various topical aids, as you know.
I suppose if lupus is confirmed, the need for more powerful treatments might be indicated, immunosuppressants for example, to deal with those symptoms that are particular to lupus.

There are several sorts of anemia and it's important they are identified to get the right treatment. Older people often suffer from pernicious anemia with B12 deficiency as the body produces less gastric juice ( intrinsic factor?) or of course poor nutrition. Not being able to eat normally and possible malabsorption could compound the issues. I hope very much they will be able to help him and keep him as comfortable as possible too.

Strengthening hugs

Clare

[annada]

I hope all is going better with your father, bless him.
I wanted to tell you that years ago my father, who is now almost 83, was dxed with lukemia, non-hodgkins. He has literaly been thru heck but has managed to pull thru. He had numerous kemo and now has high calcium in his blood for which he has to keep monitored with blood work. He also believes that he has had severe anemia all these years and by the way in spite of the lukemia dx he thinks he was wrongly dxed. I've got to tell you that he was about mid or latter 60's when his doctor dxed him too. I do not know how the man made it all these years and through all the pain and suffering he endured, he said it was will power and positive attitude. I have seen him when he looked like he wouldn't live through the week too. When all the children were called in.
I don't know if he was ever tested for Lupus, he doesn't think so. He asked me several years ago how I thought I had gotten lupus (genetic or otherwise) and I told him that I thought that it was something to do with when I had Mono in my late 20's and it just was a precursor to other things to come. I just can not lay anything having to do with my lupus on family even thought I know that it's likely. My mom and dad are just too old and fraile to say that, besides they have lost their oldest and youngest sons years ago. One at birth and the other at 44yrs to brain tumor.
All I can say is that after all these years Dad wishes that he had gone on for more tests with different doctors. He didn't but he is still alive thank God.
Best wishes,
Annada