Hi,
About six months after my baby was born some of my toes started going numb. I had a lot of tests, and to make a long story short, it looks like I might have an autoimmune disorder that affects connective tissue. There are about a dozen of these, with lupus being the most known. I'm still trying to figure out what is going on, since August seems to be a prime time for doctors to take vacations, and I can't get in anywhere before next week (and I started trying to get an appointment a month ago). This is after I got my abnormal test results IN THE MAIL. But I digress...my experiences with western medicine have been mostly positive so I don't want to complain too much.

Anyway, I'm interested in hearing from other glitterati with autoimmune disorders. What were your symptoms? How did you end up getting diagnosed? How much does it limit your life?

Thanks.

Bump!

Thanks so much, starfish.

wow.... that's a hell of a bomb to get in the mail. i know someone her must have some advice/experience...until then hugs and support to you hon...

I am sorry you are having to deal with health issues now- just try to focus on the joy of your baby- I know it is really difficult but until you know what is really going on-(Dr.'s busy schedules really suck!)

My sister has Lupus- she is doing amazingly well!
not at all the prediction that was made by "well
meaning" friends etc... even her first Dr. was very negative!

She was misdiagnosed a couple of times- but I believe it was finally cleared up with bloodtests and a sort of process of elemination.

hugs to you and yours!

Trisha

My cousin's wife has MS. I believe she was diagnosed in her 20s. She is in her 30s now, has a 3 year old, and is doing well on medication. I hope for the best for you, please keep us updated! I can't believe they would send you bad news in the mail. SO cold. Ugh. I hope you can find a good doctor who will treat you well. I'm crossing my fingers for you!

Susannah

I have a weak immune system, I've had it since junior high school. Around 9th grade I started getting big, painful, pus-filled boils in my groin and sometimes under my armpits. Ouch!

I had a lot of tests done and all they figured out was that I had low levels of IGG-3, some kind of blood protein necessary to the immune system, and it was just a pretty weak system in my body.

I do find when I'm under an incredible amount of stress, I do get reoccuring infections and more boils, which sucks. I also can get boils from wearing tights too long, the same pair of undies or pantyhose too long, or rewearing pants that haven't been carefully washed.

C'est la vie. I just have to live with it the best I can. It doesn't help that I constantly fall off of the smoking wagon--when I am terribly upset about something over a period of weeks, I pick up the cigarettes again. I know it's horrible for me but sometimes it's all I can do to keep from going totally nuts.

It's a little scary but you can definitely live with a weakened immune system. Lupus can be crippling, but there is an entire spectrum of severity in a disease. Having mild lupus or mild MS can be painful or slow you down, but there are definitely some things you can do to make your life better.

I do find when I eat healthy food, I exercise and I drink lots of fluids I feel better. I also feel better when I'm able to get sufficient sleep and too much stress isn't thrown on me.

A lot of other people, when diagnosed with a variety of diseases or conditions, have tried extreme health-food diets, vegetarianism, lots of yoga and going to the gym, strict vitamin regimens, etc. And a lot of them say it has made them feel a lot better.

Just think about the stuff that makes you feel better when you don't have pain--like getting enough sleep or a form of exercise you really enjoy. Then consider whatever changes to your lifestyle you think you could make and you think that might make you feel better. Wheatgrass juice may be the elixir of life to some, but it may seem like a culinary punishment to others.

Just follow your head and trust your instincts.

:)

Thanks for the support. My doctor's appt is next Thursday, so I'm going to request further blood work, which should be what she wants to do anyway.

I'm pretty sure I don't have MS. That was one of the first things they looked for. I haven't had an MRI, but my symptoms don't match MS, for which I am thankful.

Kmartdollie, your situation sounds hard. Skin manifestations of this kind of thing suck. I have a big rash on my face and I would so like it to go away. Thanks for the rest of your advice too, although wheatgrass juice make me very nauseated. Maybe later, if I get more desperate!

I do love my fabulous baby. However, she is not a sleeper. So, I'm chronically sleep-deprived and that can't help this situation. My husband has taken over putting her to bed, but he has to function too, so I still end up getting up a couple times a night.

I'm lucky, though, that my life is good overall. I like my job, my husband is great, and my daughter is lovely. As long as the disease is something manageable, I think we'll be all right.
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Edited to correct spelling.