How Many of Us Have Other Autoimmune Issues?

lisa in lj · Post by **lisa in lj** » Thu Jun 07, 2012 1:50 pm

I know I'm late to the poll, but I have/had 3. LC, plus two that I don't think are on the list - Rheumatic Fever and Recurrent Acute Pericarditis.

natythingycolbery · Post by **natythingycolbery** » Fri Jun 08, 2012 5:49 pm

I actually have no idea, I think two now, seen as I am intolerent to gluten? Would that be thinking right?

Although whatever is wrong with my wrists has been described as 'muscle fatigue' does that count?

Deanna in CO · Post by **Deanna in CO** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 7:24 am

Hi,

I guess I'm with the majority here and have 3:

LC
asthma
endometriosis

I don't see seasonal allergies on the list but would think that would qualify also, wouldn't it?

Deanna

Post by **tex** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 8:55 am

Since seasonal allergies are typically caused by pollen, (an exogenous antigen), they don't meet the definition of an autoimmune disease.

Unfortunately, as you will see if you read my book, it's possible that none (or almost none) of the other so-called "autoimmune" diseases actually meet that definition, either, because it appears to me that they are also caused by chronic exposure to an exogenous antigen.

Tex

lisa in lj · Post by **lisa in lj** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 10:08 am

So, Tex, are you saying that you don't believe the two I mentioned are autoimmune diseases? Both have a trigger, but don't many autoimmune diseases? Rheumatic Fever is caused by an autoimmune response to strep. They call it an antibody cross-reactivity. Pericarditis, in my case, was triggered by Open Heart Surgery, and is not generally considered an autoimmune disease. However, when it recurs long after the trigger (in my case I've had sporadic recurrences for 14 years), it shows indicators of an autoimmune response (pro-inflammatory cytokines and ANA) and responds to immunosuppressive meds. The debate is still out, but most experts consider it autoimmune.

Post by **tex** » Sat Jun 09, 2012 12:37 pm

Hi Lisa,

I apologize for writing such a potentially confusing post, because asthma and endometriosis certainly meet the definition of classic autoimmune issues as well as any soi-called autoimmune issue (according to the medical definition).

The problem is that the entire concept of autoimmune diseases is incorrectly (or incompletely) defined, and/or misapplied, because according to my analysis, in virtually every case, the removal of certain exogenous agents (antigens) can be shown to bring remission. A true autoimmune reaction (by definition) should not require the continued presence of an exogenous antigen in order to maintain a reaction.

Obviously, this observation (theory?) requires a lot more supporting data than I can offer here, in order to substantiate it, but I cover all that background information (verified by research articles published in prestigious, peer-reviewed medical journals) in my book.

Yes, the "experts" rely on conventional knowledge to support their position on this issue, but trust me, immune issues and especially "autoimmune" issues are poorly understood by mainstream medicine (their poor treatment record verifies this) and they are disregarding research data that dispute their claims.

Tex

CathyMe. · Post by **CathyMe.** » Mon Jun 11, 2012 12:21 pm

I am late to this poll as well. I have just 1 diagnosis of LC.

healthydesire · Post by **healthydesire** » Wed Mar 12, 2014 8:18 am

I have mild psoriasis and I'm allergic to dust or my cat, I'm not sure, maybe I'm allergic to dusty cats

I find it interesting how autoimmune issues usually like company.

suzanne · Post by **suzanne** » Fri Apr 04, 2014 11:52 am

I guess I am lucky that, so far as I know, I only have hashimoto's thyroiditis. Suzanne

denicave · Post by **denicave** » Sat Jul 04, 2015 12:17 pm

Lymphedema is also considered autoimmune

Post by **tex** » Sat Jul 04, 2015 12:41 pm

Yes, you are correct. This poll was originally started 9 years ago, and since then, quite a few additional diseases have been determined to be autoimmune.

Thank you for the information.

Tex

jlbattin · Post by **jlbattin** » Sat Jul 04, 2015 1:00 pm

I may have overlooked it because I was reading hurriedly today, but I didn't see lichen sclerosus on the list.

So, I believe I have 3 now:

Endometriosis
Lichen sclerosus (which my dermatologist told me was an auto immune)
Collagenous Colitis

Jari

Post by **tex** » Sat Jul 04, 2015 2:44 pm

Yes, that's definitely an AI issue.

Tex

Kelly from Canada · Post by **Kelly from Canada** » Wed Sep 02, 2015 6:22 am

I have recurring issues with the Epstein-Barr virus... I do not know if it is auto immune related, but it sure does cause problems.

Post by **tex** » Wed Sep 02, 2015 9:22 am

EB virus is closely associated with AI diseases. The EB virus is very widespread, and it's a major problem for some of us, but not for everyone. There have been a lot of posts about it in the past, and they can be found by searching the archives.

Systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs) are a group of connective tissue diseases with diverse, yet overlapping, symptoms and autoantibody development. The etiology behind SADs is not fully elucidated, but a number of genetic and environmental factors are known to influence the incidence of SADs. Recent findings link dysregulation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) with SAD development.

Epstein-Barr Virus in Systemic Autoimmune Diseases

Tex

MICROSCOPIC COLITIS SUPPORT

How Many of Us Have Other Autoimmune Issues?

How many autoimmune issues do you have now, or have had in the past at some point? Think carefully, and don't forget to count MC as one.

other autoimmune