I am very interested to hear the first-degree relative connections and the connection with inflammatory (and autoimmune) conditions. I watched the Dr Falkinworth (sp?) video posted here recently & he speaks about the model of BE as an inflammatory condition. I have Crohn's which is auto immune & well known to be associated w BE. I also have seronegative arthritis -- always dx as osteoarthritis but pain resolved almost completely when I started humira (immune modulator)for the Crohn's 8 yrs ago.
Long intro to say, Sue, I hadn't heard of referring to an arthritis form of BE & mostly in the lower lobes, which mine is. Are there more references & sites to learn about this? Thanks for so much sharing of info & experience here.