What is your Genetic Risk for Lupus?

First, please understand this blog is written by a small business owner who has a somewhat personal relationship with Lupus.  Lupus is a chronic automimune disease that causes inflammation and can afect various parts of the body, especially the kidneys, skin, joints and blood.  The body's immune system normally makes proteins called antibodies to protect against viruses, bacteria and other foreign matter.  In lupus, the immune system loses its ability to tell the difference between foreign substances and its own cells and tissues and begins to attack the body's healthy tissues and organs.  Lupus is not infectious, rare or cancerous.   While researchers do not know what causes lupus, they believe there is a genetic predisposition to the disease and that environmental factors play a role in triggering the disease. (Stress, diet, lack of exercise, environmental poisons)

At the offices of The DNA Lady, most of the clients are coming in to determine a biological relationship.  Paternity, so that children can obtain benefits and get to know their whole family, Maternity, to confirm the right to terminate parential rights in the case of a mother who is willing to give her baby to a family unable to have their own children, Silbingship tests Half vs. Whole vs. No Relationship - because young adults have heard rumors for years and now they want to know the truth.  Families going through the Immigration process are often told that their documentation is not sufficient to satisfy USCIS requirements.  DNA Tests are offered as an  option to confirm the biological relationship.  And finally, if an alleged father is not available for testing, we often have grandparents come in and provide their DNA to determine if they are genetically related to a child.  These biological relationship DNA Tests are the most well known, of course.

But, with the improvement in technology and with the aging population, other DNA tests are available to help defray costs of healthcare, improve quality of life and prepare family members for the future.  The DNA Lady offers predictive DNA testing to provide insight into your genetic risk as compared to a similar group of individuals in the population.  The results will indicate your genetic predisposion toward Lupus as well as 25 other genetic diseases and provide reasons why you are considered a genetically low, medium or high risk candidate.  The testing is private, not covered by your insurance (and therefore confidential).  Results are not reported to anyone but the participant who may then chose to share the information with a medical doctor if there are any concerns. 

In fact, having a bit of knowledge about your predisposition to certain diseaeses may influence you, or a loved one, into a more positive and active role in preventing the on set of the disease by improvoing your quality of life.  It is also IMPORTANT to understand that a predisposition toward a genetic disease does not necessarily mean you will ever show signs or symptons of the disease. 

If you are diagnosed with any of the genetic diseases that can be predicted in your DNA markers, be sure to research all and any medications offered.  While it is possible to alleviate pain now and further damage to tissue, muscle or bones - side effects of some of these commercially sold drugs are serious and sometimes more deadly than the disease itself.  Always, always understand the side effects of any drug offered to you and if your doctor or specialist does not take the time to explain then find a doctor who will treat  your questions with the same concerns you hold.  

Simple test for signs and symptons of Lupus:

1.)  Achy, painful and/or swollen joints for more than three months;

2.)  Fingers/toes become pale, numb or uncomfortable in the cold;

3.)  Sores in your mouth for more than a week;

4.)  Low Blood Count, Anemia, low white cell count or low platelet count;

5.)  redness in your face or color change in the shape of a butterfly across the bridge of your nose and cheeks;

6.)  unexplained fever over 100 degrees for more than a few days

7.)  Sensitivity to the sun where your skin breaks out after bing in the sun (not a sunburn)

8.)  Chest pain with breathing for more than a few days (pleurisy?)

9.)  Protein in  your urine

10.)  Persistent, extreme fatigue and weakness for days or even weeks at a time even after 6 - 8 hours of restful nighttime sleep.

If you answer yes to 3 or more of these questions, your best bet is to contact your primary care physician.  Your primary care physician can run a series of blood tests to determine antibodies present for Lupus, as well as many other genetic conditions.  The DNA Lady's Predictive Genetics tests provide insight for those of us who want to take active steps today to insure quality of life as we age and to use today's most up to date technology.  Perhaps you have had a loved pass away from a genetic condition and you want to know your own predisposition or perhaps you are an adoptee, and do not have access to your medical records.  Today's DNA Tests are not just the "Whose Your Daddy" type.  DNA Tests, performed by accredited laboratories are valuable tools to managing your life today.