The short definition of "autoimmune" (per onelook.com) is "of or relating to the immune response of the body against substance normally present in the body". Other definitions speak of "the failure of an organism to recognize its own constituent parts (down to the sub-molecular levels) as "self", which results in an immune response against its own cells and tissues." That explanation helped me understand how this colitis happens, why there is inflammation.
I started looking into the "autoimmune" thing, because Marsha's post on 12-16-06 really hit home with some symptoms I have had for years:
The thyroid is sometimes referred to as the "gas pedal" for the body. Personally, sometimes I feel like someone "turned the motor off". I have days where I have to really force myself to think, then other days where I feel like a rocket scientist. Over the last 10 years, I have seen lots of MD's, done lots of tests, my various thyroid levels tend to be at "low normal".Artteacher, Marsha wrote:I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. It's a common reason to have low thyroid function due to autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland. It causes the thyroid to work in fits and spurts and can play havoc with your digestion, metabolism and moods. That alone could be causing many of a person's health problems. If you have other hormonal problems with Hashimoto's, like Addison's, or a pituitary problem (causing low or high cortisol, adrenaline, or some other hormones I previously hadn't heard of), the correction of the thyroid problems with supplemental thyroid can mask the adrenal and pituitary problems.
I have been prescribed various thyroid meds to see if it makes me feel better, like Cortef, and Armor's. Typically I will feel better for a day or so, then get a "toxic" sort of feeling and end up stopping the meds.
Again, Marsha's comment "causes the thyroid to work in fits and spurts" makes so much sense to me, and when I did further reading on autoimmunity http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autoimmune I could see the broader implication. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_au ... e_diseases talks about celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis (MC should also be on the list, but was overlooked).
So where am I going with all of this? Some people have successfully obtained remission from their colitis by avoiding foods that trigger their conditions. Others, like me, can eat like a saint, and get punished by a sinner. Luckily Entocort can control my symptoms, because there is no "cure" for MC. The Entocort TREATS THE SYMPTOMS, but is not a cure.
My research today led to the understanding that there is NOT A CURE for any of the autoimmune diseases (though there are some meds that "lessen" the immunity, which makes you more susceptible to infections). I experienced a sort of relief, like I don't have to keep looking for a "cure" that isn't there. A part of me can just relax, and focus on moderating SYMPTOMS.
I can think of at least 3 of you who have posted from time to time with endocrine system problems (thyroid, adrenal, etc.) Personally, I am very certain that autoimmune is the reason for most of my health issues. My genetic testing at Dr. Fines = celiac from both parents, and my grandmother had serious autoimmune diseases.
I am curious if any of you with endocrine issues have actually found something that helps you. Entocort helps my MC, but I have found nothing that helps with the "wipe out", and lack of energy that comes and goes. I realize that this post is not relevant to many of you that don't have endocrine issues - but again - it may jog someone to put 2 + 2 together if you have other non-colitis issues.
