Genetic and auto-immune diseases as FM causes

Dr. Hyde raised the issue of genetics and why it is important. For example, HLA B27 is simple blood test, which when positive, indicates an increased risk for development of certain illnesses.

HLA B27 is associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis and with Psoriasis, with or without arthritis.

Dr. Hyde even went on to further say “that if family members have psoriasis, and you don’t, you stand a very good chance of developing Fibromyalgia.” He feels genetics definitely play a part. The reason it is so important to have a good family history of the patient is because illness that develops 10-20-30 years later could possibly be traced back.

This is an example of why it is so difficult for doctors to figure out. Some other genetic illnesses are: Hyper-extensibility syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and Marfan and Marfan-like syndromes.

Auto-immune disease

Some auto-immune causes of disease are Lupus Erythematosus, Sicca syndrome (the milder form of dryness of eyes and mouth) and Sjögren’s syndrome that has chronic drying of the eyes, mouth and vagina. In the most severe cases, Sjőgren’s can be a serious rheumatoid-like illness and it can cause death. Raynaud’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and Rubella immunization have already been mentioned. Dr. Hyde did not speak to every auto-immune illness, but touched on the most common causes of what he believes to trigger FM.

In his earlier discussion about immunizations, Dr. Hyde described how the rubella immunization, more specifically, the booster shot could trigger an internal autoimmune reaction in females and lead to serious rheumatoid arthritis. Often, the initial insult to the body can occur a decade or two earlier, but doctors only sometimes make the connection.