Question:
Is there anyone who has an autoimmune disease and can tell me what to expect?

I have been recently diagnoised with an autoimmune disease my only problems are liver enzymes are high and severe back aches.Gall bladder has been looked at and it is fine.I am a little scared.any info will be greatly appreciated..    — Bobbie D. (posted on October 21, 2003)

October 21, 2003
I have psoriatic arthritis, which is considered an auto immune disease. I am doing great. I was taking methotrexate, celebrex and still in a lot of pain. I am off all medications and have no pain. I still do the flu shot to help ward off illness. I am 11 months out and been at goal for 3 months. Good luck.
   — Sharon F.

October 21, 2003
Aloha! I was diagnosed with non-specific autoimmune disorder about nine years ago. I also had a host of other comorbidities prior to surgery (seven to be exact!). At any rate, I had surgery 14 months ago and have lost 167 pounds to date. To this day, I haven't had any problems with my autoimmune system. Your surgeon and PCP need to keep close tabs on your labs just to be sure that you aren't becoming symptomatic. (I have labs done once a month. They do a whole series of tests.. CBC, B12, Hepatic Panel, Liver Enzymes, Protein, Iron Panel, Thyroid Panel.) Good luck! Kathie in Hawaii (Open RNY 08/07/02...Down 167 pounds!)
   — KathieInHawaii

October 22, 2003
I have central nervous system Systemic Lupus. I had a hard time in the 2 yrs since my surgery. Spending much of the time on steroids to control symptoms. BUT, never once did I regret having the surgery and I know it is slowly making a difference now. My labs are much improved and I'm no longer throwing protein in my urine. My pain is better and I don't feel so fatigued any more. And I still managed to lose 151 lbs even with carb cravings from the steroids. One thing I did wrong and I recommend everyone to do - DO NOT STOP YOUR AUTOIMMUNE MEDS!! My pcp had me stop taking my plaquenil and it leaves your system in about 3 months and boy did I get sick after that. My new rheumatologist after surgery had a major cow about me doing that. So I'll never go off it again!! But check with a rheumatologist to find out what you may need to do for your personal condition. It also depends on what disease you have. Each one is very different and has different types of treatment. Follow what your md says and you should be okay. Of course any stress to the body can aggravate autoimmune diseases so you try to control what you can. Be sure to ask your md lots of questions until you are satisfied you know what is going on. Bookstores have lots of self help books for all kinds of conditions written by md's and these are really helpful. Good Luck!! karen
   — Karen M.