Any other autoimmune disorders, anyone?

[AchyOne]

I'm interested to know if any of you have any other autoimmune diseases in addition to the P/PA. In my case, I have multiple sclerosis, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, and Raynauld's in addition to P/PA. This tremendously complicates my treatment because of drug interactions. Also, I am not able to take the biologic treatments because of the MS. Anyone else have this problem?

I'm sort of a strange case. It seems my whole immune system is breaking down, or maybe working too much. I'm not sure. I do know that my arthritis is killing me and my methotrexate is doing nothing. Well, maybe it is working and without it I would be much worse. I'll keep taking it because I'm afraid to stop.

Thanks for listening,

Michelle

[Dulane]

Michelle,

Since your options are limited, have you considered going to a naturopath? It is just a suggestion, but it worked for me.

I didn't have multiple diagnosis tho, but PA and P.

Many auto-immune diseases can be treated with an elimination diet that cuts down on inflammation in the body. It requires sticking with it for a month or two to see if you notice changes, but it might be worth it.

It's always nice to live near a good whole foods store.
:)

[rozeofgold]

Besides P and PA, I have allergies and hypothyroidism. I think with each immunological condition you have, the chances increase that you will have another one and so on. Our immune systems are complicated for sure. Fortunately, I'm pretty open on medications I CAN take. I just choose to take only the absolutely necessary. Synthroid. That's it. I use some mild topicals and sea salts for the P and take ibuprofen when I get really achy. I've not been too bad lately but I've had my downs.

I tried Enbrel and hated the needles and the injection site reaction. I'd have a panic attack every time I injected. I took MTX and stopped because, although I seldom drink, I want the choice to able to if the urge strikes. I was on some pretty strong and expensive steroids for the P, and it didn't help. I just got tired of spending the money for next to nothing in relief. And while I'm not doing so bad, I'm enjoying the freedom. If I get worse, then I'll do what's necessary.

I hope you find something that works for you. There are some pretty promising studies out there.

[wildflowerAnn]

Hi Michelle,
Did you read the post about Dr. Lahita? IHurt can't take biologics now either. However, a new drug called Orencia is available. IHurt can probably explain more about this.
I have autoimmune disease. The latest thing to be attacked is my skin. My siblings also have autoimmune diseases. So I donated some blood for DNA research in 2000. I'm sorry you are suffering from multiple problems all at once.
All things work for the greater good. While we suffer, we also contribute to the benefit of future generations by enduring and trying these different medications, so that physicians and medical research scientists can get closer to a cure, or at least long term remission. Maybe you can take Orencia too, and get more pain relief than Mtx provides. Sure hope so.
Ann

[SandraJean]

Hi Michelle,

I have p and pa. Along with those I also have restless leg syndrome, raynauds, and also fibromaygia---all being autoimmune dieases.

Hope things work out well for you,

Sandy

[GitOverIt]

Hi Michelle....Dulane gave you some good advice about inflammation.....they are finding now that almost all diseases including auto-immune diseases are caused by inflammation somewhere in the body! here are a couple articles describing the whys and what to do's in controlling it....

http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/0200/0217.asp?index=4857

http://nutrition.about.com/od/dietsformedicaldisorders/a/antiinflamfood.htm

by the way I have under active thyroid (hypothyroidism), Pernicious anemia, and psoriasis!

I read recently that in many cases of MS that the person had preciously had Mononucleosis .....have you ever had it?...my niece has MS and also had Mono....I know that they don't know what causes MS only what it does....there are so many ailments that need to be found a cure for!

[jennmkirby]

Yep, I have an underactive thyroid too, as does my hubby. I'm not sure what Raynaud's is, but I remember reading about it before and thinking that it sounded like something I might also have. :confused: Interesting!

[jennmkirby]

BTW, Michelle, bless your heart! You're dealing with a lot. :( Here's hoping something good comes along that will help with everything.

[bratsareus]

I have fibro, my one sister had a underactive thyroid, and my sister thats still living has RA,fibromyalgia, and Sjögren’s Syndrome, and my daughter has fibromyalgia.

[Jopperm2]

Wow, I feel much better about my troubles now! My aunt has MS and it's no picnic. I have pretty severe allergies, asthma, P, PA, Restless Leg, and IBS(is that autoimmune? I think so).