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Lupus. Is it under diagnosed in Men?

Posted by shack76 @shack76, May 7, 2022

I've had unresolved health issues for almost a decade and a half. Anywhere from digestive health issues, chronic fatigue, pain, ect. They get a bit better and then worse.

About a year and a half ago I had surgery for a rare swallowing disorder (achalasia) and didn't recover well; just different. The vaccines have sent what ever is going into hyper drive.

I currently can only sleep three hours at time, the swallowing problems have changed a bit (A burning sensation in my throat every time I swallow is much more present) The pain and aching (in various forms) is always there.
A new primary doctor took all this into account as my family history. There are three diagnosed Lupus patients in my family. My mother being the closest link to me. The anti-body testing she did showed the presence of two abnormal anti body levels found in lupus patients. They were high enough at this point she suspects I have systemic lupus (and have for some time.) I'm being sent to a specialist, where she went to medical school, at the University of Washington, to confirm this. She says I could have flown under people's radar for years with this because too many in our medical profession don't think about the possibility of Lupus in men?
I have to admit to being a bit stunned by this development.

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 7, 2022

@shack76, I was not aware of the existing belief that lupus only occurs in women. I think you may have found a gem in your new primary doctor and hopefully you will learn more when you see the specialist. Here's some information you may find helpful.

"Lupus can develop in anyone, male or female, of any age, including children, teenagers, and adults. A lot of misinformation exists about lupus, and men with the disease may discover that people are often surprised to learn that they have it because of the incorrect belief that lupus only occurs in women." --- Does lupus occur in men? | Lupus Foundation of America: https://www.lupus.org/resources/does-lupus-occur-in-men

How soon is your appointment with the specialist?

REPLY
1 reply
shack76 | @shack76 | May 7, 2022
In reply to @johnbishop "@shack76, I was not aware of the existing belief that lupus only occurs in women. I..." + (show)
@johnbishop

@shack76, I was not aware of the existing belief that lupus only occurs in women. I think you may have found a gem in your new primary doctor and hopefully you will learn more when you see the specialist. Here's some information you may find helpful.

"Lupus can develop in anyone, male or female, of any age, including children, teenagers, and adults. A lot of misinformation exists about lupus, and men with the disease may discover that people are often surprised to learn that they have it because of the incorrect belief that lupus only occurs in women." --- Does lupus occur in men? | Lupus Foundation of America: https://www.lupus.org/resources/does-lupus-occur-in-men

How soon is your appointment with the specialist?

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I'm not aware of a conscious belief lupus only occurs in woman either, yet woman account for 90 percent of the diagnosis. Such a large difference is hard to explain when there is not a biological reason men can't get the disease. It's bit odd.
Years ago heart disease was considered a male disease and woman went under diagnosed.

The referral has just be made and I'm to call their office in Seattle on Monday.

REPLY
1 reply
kimegraves | @kimegraves | May 8, 2022
In reply to @shack76 "I'm not aware of a conscious belief lupus only occurs in woman either, yet woman account..." + (show)
@shack76

I'm not aware of a conscious belief lupus only occurs in woman either, yet woman account for 90 percent of the diagnosis. Such a large difference is hard to explain when there is not a biological reason men can't get the disease. It's bit odd.
Years ago heart disease was considered a male disease and woman went under diagnosed.

The referral has just be made and I'm to call their office in Seattle on Monday.

Jump to this post

Lupus is often overlooked and many providers differ in opinion when it comes to diagnosis. I am a provider myself and I have every symptom of Lupus but it has taken years for a provider to actually diagnosis. Even today my providers don’t all agree with my diagnosis of Lupus.
I find that one very important part of treatment is to have a healthy diet, stay away from foods that cause inflammation and also exercise daily. Alcohol also causes symptoms to flair. Read scholarly articles and know you will have bad days and good days. Stay connected!

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