It sounds like the same gene. it often begins in a way that is difficult to diagnose. I noticed the rash on my face in 1990 or so then it seemed to go from place to place. My arthritis has just been diagnosed but they are calling it Mixed Connective Tissue disease. It is different that other types as it presents in many forms but RA is most Common as is Yashimoto (Thyroid ). One person has been diagnosed with MS in the family. I have traced it back to the family of David Wyant born in Weisenburg LiHigh area of Penn or wife Barbara Reinhardt.
This is the line of my great grandmother Fannie, father Samuel, father Benjamin born 1818, Father Fredrick born 1790, father David born 1753..
I do not know where Burket fits in but I have often thought that an earlier Burket was a cousin as the families converged in Hancock County. Do you know if you connect with David?
Also have you contacted your siblings and cousins?
The incidence is 50% in our family at age 60 which would indicate a dominant gene. It manifests as many different autoimmune diseases. I have had the disease for many years yet it went undiagnosed or called "undifferentiated" for many years. My age is 62 and at 60 I got Polymylgia Rheumatica symptons which was also the diagnosis of two of my cousins.
My grandfather had RA and my great aunt PMR. I have cousins with MS, Lupus, Yashiimoto and Acromylgia plus others.
This is a very differnt disease that others. It can cause organ damage. It may be caused by malformation of the thyroid of parathyroid, which was identified in one cousin..
I am trying to find a doctor that will take this on and conduct a widespread research project. My e mail is
sperong@aol.com. Two lines of David inherited this gene but it probably did not originate with him. Would love to know more about your line and how prevelent this is in your family. Again it often hits later in life, so check out the aunts, uncles and great aunts/uncles first. Also the gene seems to offer protection from cancer and many are long lived..on great uncle with the disease lived over 100..