Q: My mom suffers from severe RA. Am I at risk?
RA is one of many autoimmune disorders and family genetics can mean an increased risk of one of many diseases. But just because your mom has RA doesn't mean you will too. In my family, my grandmother and several of her sisters had autoimmune disorders like RA, Sjogren's syndrome and scleroderma. My mom had sjogren's and scleroderma too but her sister and brothers are all fine. My sister has Type I diabetes and I have RA, but none of my cousins have symptoms of anything.
Hi Suzanne,
I'm no expert, but my mum doesn't have RA and I got it two years ago at age 34. and not in any of my family members.!!
Ange
hi suzanne,
i don't have an MD after my name either, but my mom doesn't have it either. on my dad's side, (i found out, after i was recently diagnosed) his aunt had RA, her daughter had Lupus. I have a cousin with Lupus (and RA) (one sister's daughter) and i have 2 other cousins (another sister's 2 daughters) one with RA and one with fibromyalgia. 3 of us are in our 40's and one is in her 50's. so, in one generation, 4 people with an autoimmune disease, and 2 in the prior generation is quite surprising. in my case, i can say it's hereditary. ~desiree
They say that RA has no positive hereditary proof....
but my mom is a carrier and now has some arthritis (43years old)
my dad is also a carrier but has no symptoms he does have M.S. (42 years old)
I am 19 and I was diagnosed with JRA at age 2
my sister also has JRA she is 17 and she was diagnosed at 1
my brother has shown syptoms but does not have a positive titer so...
many people say there is no link,
I dont know if it's just my family but there are other auto immune diseases throught my immidiate family.... such as the M.S. and epilepsy my sister has kidney problems too!
so do you have a risk I would think that looking back at the rest of your family tree (like does it only run in women..or only on your fathers side, is a good place to start)
then talk to you doctor and see if there is a fairly easy test that you can take to see if your mom and dad are carriers (like the RA titer) or if there is an easy way to test you to see if you show any signs
I hope this helps, and I hope that all is well,
Cassie
before depending on my experiances make sure you talk to a doctor because i am in no way certified under all this !!
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
