my docs were pretty certain that the TA was "dormant" in my system until stress kicked it into action. but even then, it took the open heart surgery before anyone could see what was causing me to be sick. Auto Immune diseases are insidious and tricky to diagnose. I certainly pray they find out soon so she can start to feel better. I know that once they said, "oh, this is what you have"...i immediately felt relieved because I had something to focus on...no one was guessing anymore.