Auto Immune Diseases

Question: Anybody know anything about auto immune diseases? Okay so i'm looking for an auto immune disease or maybe other problem. When you give birth and don't get your period afterwards. I'm being tested for some but just want to know which diseases have a symptom of the loss of a period. I'm not breastfeeding, nor did I ever. They are concerned because I already have type 1 diabetes.

Answer: Many women don't have periods until they finish breastfeeding. Periods usually start up again after 6 months regardless. If it has been over 6 months there could be other issues. I'll add a website that goes into more problems. http://adam.about.com/reports/000101_2.htm

Question: Is there a medical specialty that deals with auto immune diseases in canada? I have just been diagnosed with a forth autoimmune disease -- MS, spinal stenosis, chronic ITP, and now sjogren's syndrome. Enough is enough. I've got a specialist for each disease. Obviously my body is fighting itself on many fronts and I need a specialist in autoimmune diseases. Is there such a specialist?> I'm in Ontario Canada and I'm devastated.

Answer: A rheumatologist usually deals with autoimmune diseases, but some people also see a neurologist for MS.

Question: do you know of any specialists that deal with auto immune diseases and how i could get a hold of them? my mother was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and we've been spending the last ten years trying to find somone that specialises in immune diseases so we could figure out which one she has and how to treat it could anyone please help lead me in the right direction?

Answer: What kind of autoimmune disease does she have? Usually if someone has an autoimmune thyroid diseae for example they would be treated by an endocrinologist. If they have an autoimmune haemolytic anaemia they would be treated by a haematologist etc. So if you can tell us what her disease is we could point you in the right direction.

Question: What Auto immune diseases have gastro problems as the main symptom? Just wondering if anyone knows the answer to my question here. I have a lot of gastro problems and a positive ANA. Thanks for all your help in advance. I am HIV negative and I am talking about gastro problems that deal with inflammation of the stomach for sure and a little bit of cramps and a lot of acid reflux. Thanks!

Answer: Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis(more gastro-intestinal),by gastro do you mean just symptoms pertaining to the stomach or intestines as well?

Question: Is there anyone reading this that may have the auto immune diseases Ankylosing Spondylitis or Reiter's ? Reiter's syndrome is now often renamed as Reactive Arthritis. If you live in Northern California and would be interested in a support group for those suffering and their loved ones that need understanding or support.. Please respond.

Answer: Yes, I have Ankylosing Spondylitis and my son has Reiter's. My mom also had Inflammatory Bowel (Ulcerative Colitis). All three are a part of the same HLA-B27 genetic disease, the other being psoriasis. I do live in NC and would like to know what support group you are referring to. Thanks.

Question: Can an ANA test or any blood test used to diagnose auto-immune diseases show all the types of lupus? Can they test positive for discoid, SLE and other forms of lupus or do only certain ones show up on blood tests?

Answer: A double strand ANA test can help with a Lupus diagnosis but cannot be used solely to make it. Lupus is diagnosed by blood work and symptomatically through patient history and complaints. A positive ANA test doesn't necessarily mean you have Lupus, there are many reasons that a person has a positive ANA...it is just one of the diagnostic tools that a doctor uses to base his diagnosis. And "NO" an ANA test won't specify which type of Lupus because it doesn't even specify that you have Lupus...Just that you have a positive ANA.

Question: What do you call a doctor that specializes in auto-immune diseases?

Answer: It depends on the disease but usually it's a rheumatologist! I have sjogren's syndrome and I am seeing a rheumatologist, an ophtalmologist, and it was an ear, nose, throat specialist that diagnosed me!! Good luck!!

Question: (10 points if you help)(Auto immune diseases)Can you give me any advice? I have 3 or 4 Autoimmune disease. Fibromialgia, Hashimotoe(thyroid diseases), Candida, and now my doc thinks I have Lupus. The blood test came back positive, but they can sometimes be wrong( thats what my doc said) Any advice from other people???? How to cope? Things that helps the diseases? Anything? I eat very healthy. Little Gluten, no white flour or refined sugar. No artifal stuff.

Answer: Yes, I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Hashimoto as well. What I found to help more than all the medicine they will give you is to stop eating chemicals in your food. MSG (mono sodium glutamate) can mean trouble for you, I know it does for me. MSG has many name and a little research will give you answers. It stays in your system for a week. The turning point in my illness is when I stayed three weeks at the Optimum Health Institute in San Diego.

Question: If I had a connective tissue disease..would this show up on a blood test testing for all auto immune diseases? I can't be bothered going into all the symptoms because I've done it loads before..but the main ones are loose skin,arthirits looking bones..chest pain etc... ANYWAY...IF I did have a connective tissue disease..would this show on a test for all auto immune diseases...I've already had a rheumatoid test that came back ok.. Thanks

Answer: Well the great thing about the rheumatoid test is that it is a great screening test for rheumatoid but also provides some false positives as well. Normally the test used to screen for lupus is the FANAS test but once again that only screens for lupus. As for symptoms of lupus, they tend to be fever, weight loss, malaise, and arthritis. Also people who have lupus tend to show a "butterfly" shaped rash. just schedule an appointment with your doctor and write down your symptoms before you go in so that you remember all of them.

Question: Why are allergies not classified as Auto Immune diseases? I have allergies I want to know . Thanks

Answer: An auto-immune disease involves antibodies against "self tissues" - the immune system attacks the body. An allergy involves antibodies against foreign molecules (e.g. pollen, milk, wheat, etc.) - the immune system attacks foreign substances. Best wishes.

Question: Is it true that energy saving light bulbs are bad for people who have Lupus or other auto immune diseases? I read this, but my husband doesn't believe it because he really wants what is best for the environment. I put this under environment, because he is more likely to believe someone with environmental knowledge than health knowledge. Yes, Mother Nature comes first with him..

Answer: Many people with lupus are photosensitive. UVA and UVB light is emitted from energy saving light bulbs and flourescents. Some people put filters over their flourescents. UVA and UVB light can aggravate lupus in the skin and even cause the kidneys to flare in systemic lupus.

Question: Can a person pass on an auto immune disease without having it active in they're system? My mom and my sister both have auto immune diseases but I show no symptoms of it... But they thought maybe my newborn baby girl may have one... But somebody told me it cannot skip a generation and that to pass it on it would have to be active in my system is this true?

Answer: I'm not sure what auto immune disease you have but I also have an an auto immune disease (lupus), one of my aunt's has it too but no one else in our family has it. My aunt has three children that she did not "pass it on to" and I have always been told by my doctor that when I choose to have children the possibility of my child having it is slim and there is only a possibility because it is possibly genetic and if that is the case it wouldn't matter if I was having a flare or not at the time of birth. I think with most auto immune disorders just because the mother has it doesn't mean the child will...genetics are a weird thing, hopefully your baby girl doesn't have it. But remember if she does you and the rest of your family are in a wonderful position to help her deal with it! You all know first hand what it is like and you can talk with her about it and help her through all those feelings most people experience when they discover they have an illness like this. I hope this helps and good luck to you and your family!

Question: Foods for auto-immune diseases My mom has scleroderma (auto-immune disease) and she was told to drink buttermilk to fight yeast off from her body. Is this a good idea and what other foods/juices might be beneficial? I think it is inflammatory considering it is catagorized with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Also, mom does have fibromyalgia.

Answer: Is this an inflammatory type of autoimmune disease? UPDATE: I also suffer from an inflammatory auto-immune disorder. This list is one that was made up by someone that I know who is studying nutrition who suffers from the same disease I do. Hope it helps! Here is a list of some anti-inflammatory foods & supplements; anti-auto-immune; & anti-vasculitis supplements, updated Jan 2008. These foods also promote weight loss! This is not a miracle cure – but many of us have implemented an anti-inflammatory regimen and had very good results. If you are on a renal diet, or any other special diet, only choose from the foods that are allowable on your diet. Stay on your prescribed treatment until your doctor tells you otherwise. These foods and supplements are to compliment your treatment – not replace it. They may help you feel better and go into remission sooner – they did for me! Once you are off your meds, using these foods & supplements may help you stay in remission and reduce the chance of flares. These foods and supplements are also good for your heart, mental well-being, and reduce the risks of cancer and other diseases. Really implementing the anti-inflamms a lot, when reducing pred dosage helps me with the tapering effects. Disclaimer: I am not a doctor - just a weggie (who may go back and get her degree in naturopathic nutrition), who continually researches and has had great success & miraculous results by implementing an anti-inflammatory / anti-auto-immune / anti-vasculitis regimen. Resources of this information are listed at the bottom. Wash all raw fruits & veggies well before eating or cooking. Organic is best. Some foods and supplements are mentioned more than once – because they are both anti-inflammatory and anti-AI or anti-vasculitis. Some pro-inflammatory foods to be aware of are listed near the end. * indicates "Best Choices" according to the doctors & scientists supplying the info. Many of the herbs are available in pills or capsules. + indicates that it’s available in pills or capsules, in addition to being available as a food. Protein: * Wild Alaskan Salmon (Sockeye is the safest and best source) Salmon Sablefish *Herring North Atlantic Mackerel *Sardines Anchovies Trout Light Tuna *High Omega-3 Eggs (350mg O-3) Omega-3 Eggs Almonds Almond Butter * Walnuts * Hazelnuts Grains, herbs, vegetables & fruits: * Green Tea (over 50 anti-inflammatory components - and may protect against auto-immune diseases) - available in decaf. (look for organic & naturally decaffeinated) (drink 2 hours away from taking or eating Omega-3’s, as green tea stops fat absorption – so if you consume any bad fats, drink green tea with them) * Fresh Ground flaxseed (I grind mine with a cheapo coffee grinder) + Flaxseed Oil * Sesame Seeds * Buckwheat * Oats Whole Grains * + Garlic * Spinach * Kale * Broccoli Sprouts (if purchased, wash well and cook - or grow your own to avoid possible contamination of bacteria) (or skip this food, there are so many others to choose from) * Broccoli * Cauliflower * Cabbage * Brussels Sprouts * Bok Choy Rosehips (available as tea) Parsley Mint Rosemary Thyme Basil Oregano Cinnamon (also reduces blood sugar) Other culinary herbs and spices * Apples * Grapefruit (avoid if you are on cytoxan - may interfere with other meds as well) * Blueberries Strawberries Other berries Pineapple Onions * Avocados * Olives * Extra Virgin Olive Oil + Coconut Oil (anti-inflammatory and is now being recognized by the medical community as a powerful tool against immune diseases) * Acai * Chili Peppers + Ginger Rosemary Basil + Turmeric / curcumin (may reduce the effectiveness of cytoxan in the treatment of cancer) Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, no more than 2 ounces a day. More than that, is not good. Manuka Honey (anti-inflamm, plus kills infections, including MRSA. A UMF of 16-20 is recommended) Supplements: * Serrapeptase * Omega 3 Fish Oil Capsules (not cod liver oil - it must say Omega-3 fish oil) * Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) * Astaxanthin * Co-Q 10 * Chromium * Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) * DMAE Magnesium Bromelain - between meals – may help reduce mucus Quercetin Vit C Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM Sterols & Sterolins (they are both anti-inflammatory and they regulate the immune system....reducing auto-immune response) Evening Primrose Oil (potent anti-inflammatory, in addition to being essential for relapsing and recurring autoimmune diseases, as it ensures proper function of T-cells!) (It contains Omega-6 oil, so you need to consume plenty Omega-3 oils for a healthy balance of the 2) In addition, these supplements have been reported to be beneficial in the fight against autoimmune diseases: Glutathione Omega-3 Fish Oil Spirulina Colostrum Coconut Oil High potency B-complex An Anti-oxidant complex Vit E Vit C Co-Q 10 Magnesium Sterols & Sterolins Evening Primrose Oil A Pro-biotic Digestive Enzymes Systemic Enzymes, which include serrapeptase A multi-vitamin containing selenium Green Tea (drink 2 hours away from taking or eating Omega-3’s) There are studies that these are all effective in the treatment of vasculitis & autoimmune diseases. (I also take gingko to help with memory. I take cranberry caps to prevent UTI's caused by the MTX; and folic acid which the MTX reduces; and calcium which the pred reduces.) Take calcium 4 hours away from pred as they counteract each other if taken together. The supplements add up at the cash register - but you run out and have to replace at different times, so it's not so bad all spread out - but still, sometimes it is expensive. When my lung re-inflated without surgery, my husband told me he will never complain about the cost again! Puritan's Pride (online) has high quality supplements at a decent price. They also take up quite a bit of cabinet or counter space - but to me, they are beautiful! On a weight loss note: Anti-inflammatory foods promote weight loss and pro-inflammatory foods promote weight gain. Omega-3 fats break down the bad fat in our bodies and carry it out of our bodies, promoting weight loss. Coconut Oil increases metabolism and burns fat and calories and increases energy. Flaxseeds contain Omega-3 and they swell up after you eat them and make you feel full so you don't need to eat as much. Green Tea stops the absorption of fat and burns fat – so don’t drink it when you take or eat Omega-3’s – take them a couple hours away! Eating whole grains do not make you gain weight like the refined white carbs do. Dr. Pericone who is a frequent guest on the Oprah Show has developed an anti-inflammatory diet to fight disease and premature aging. He discovered that his patients were losing weight on the diet - so now he is marketing it as a weight loss and disease fighting diet. I have some great recipes and ideas on how to implement some of the foods - let me know if you would like them. Some pro-inflammatory foods to be aware of: Processed white flour breads & cereals & pasta (and all foods containing white flour) Enriched Wheat Flour (it’s actually white flour) Cornstarch All sweeteners, both real and imitation White rice Fast food Trans Fats Hydrogenated Oils Shortening Margarine Chips Pretzels Corn chips Rice & Corn cakes Cyndi in Ca ~ Resources: Dr. Mehmet Oz, renowned heart surgeon and author, frequent guest on the Oprah Show, as well as being Ms Winfrey's own doctor. Dr Nicholas Perricone, frequent guest doctor of the Oprah Winfrey Show. He has developed an anti-inflammatory-weight-loss diet. New York Times Best Selling Author of The Perricone Promise, The Perricone Prescription, and The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet. Lorna Vanderhaeghe, BSc. Healthy Immunity – I highly recommend this book, vasculitis and WG are discussed with recommendations for treatment. This book has saved my life! And lots & lots of web sites and rheumatology articles. Several weggies who have implemented an anti-inflammatory regimen with good results. Some have improved labs, while some have improved symptoms & energy – and others experiece emproved labs and symptoms! Cyndi Olsen - implemented the regimen and cleared the inflammation in her airways; re-inflated and saved her collapsed lung (twice!); and went into "remission" ~ And lost 50 pounds! General Rules for Taking Herbs, Vitamins and Drugs: You can take an herbal formula to compliment the drugs you have to take. This can reduce or eliminate side effects. This works well in chemotherapy to protect the body. You can opt for Chinese Herbal therapies instead of the western herbs. But if you do, it really requires a professional… see a Chinese Medicine practitioner. (also remember to take pred and calcium 4 hours apart) Negative drug-herb interactions (side effects as the result of taking drugs and herbs at the same time) have been over-hyped because of fear, lack of knowledge and sheer speculation. Although there are some negative interactions, research has also discovered positive interactions between drugs and herbal formulas. Click here to check possible drug/supplement interactions: http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/Interaction/ChooseDrugs/1,4109,,00.html References: Z'ev Rosenberg, LAc who is Chair of the Herbal Department at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Many of these ideas come from his lectures there.) Kelvin Chan, Lily Cheung. Interactions Between Chinese Herbal Medicinal Products and Orthodox Drugs. Dunitz Martin Ltd. 2000. (Most of the positive drug-herb studies mentioned above were summarized in this source. At least one of them came from the Beijing Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine.) Miller LG. Herbal medicinals: selected clinica

Question: I heard foods with folic acid,and vitamin D are good for auto immune diseases....? Which foods have those nutrients?

Answer: Foods that are naturally high in folic acid include: •Beans and lentils •Peas (black-eyed peas, chickpeas, green peas) •Juices (orange, tomato, grapefruit, pineapple) •Fruits (oranges, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, avocado, papaya, raspberries) •Soymilk •Vegetables (green leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, turnip greens, mustard greens, collard greens, and Chinese cabbage; broccoli; Brussels sprouts; asparagus; artichokes; okra; corn; cauliflower; potato; beets; green onions; sweet red peppers) •Nuts •Sunflower seeds •Peanuts and peanut butter •Liver •Giblets Other foods commonly have had folic acid added to them, such as: •Breakfast cereals (Some have 100% of the Daily Value of folic acid in each serving) •Breads •Flours •Pastas •Cornmeals •White rice Vitamin D is another story. Most foods have little or no vitamin D, and few foods besides milk are fortified with it. Humans manufacture vitamin D from sunlight, but sunlight exposure may not be desirable or possible for everyone for various reasons. Furthermore, excess vitamin D is toxic. Foods typically fortified with vitamin D include: Milk leads the list, with 100 IU (international units) per cup. Some cereals and breads are fortified with small amounts of vitamin D, up to 15 IU. Margarine is fortified with 20 IU per teaspoon. Other foods that naturally contain vitamin D: Cod liver oil (but in excess it leads to toxic levels of Vitamin A). Some fatty fish are sources, but unless you eat them often you will not get enough. Eggs provide a little vitamin D (27 IU). You can also take supplements to add these nutrients to your diet, but be aware that excess amounts of either can be harmful.

Question: Do rheumatologists treat Diabetes Mellitus Type 1? Rheumatologists treat auto-immune diseases; is T1D one? I know endocrinologists are the main specialists. I see an endocrinologist. I ams imply curious what kind of auto-immune diseases rheumatologists treat and diagnose.....

Answer: Rheumatologists are specialized in diseases affecting muscles, tendines, joints and auto-immune diseases related to these parts. Endocrinologists are specialized in diseases affecting glands with inner secretion (thyroid, pancreas,etc) and auto-immune diseases related to these glands. Sometimes, auto-immune disease may affect both "areas" of specialization of rheumatologists and endocrinologists, that's why doctors work close for better treatment and management of the diseases.

Question: Does anyone know the reason we are suffering with auto-immune diseases? I am 52 years old and over my entire lifetime have I ever heard of lupus, Brachettes Disease, Sojouner's Disease, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcadosis, etc. until just recently. Meaning as recent as 1980. What's going on?

Answer: Because there are more toxic ingredients in our environments and they wreak havoc with our immune system causing it to become confused and not react properly.