RE: AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE IN WOMEN - THE FACTS

[Guest guest]

well if someone has the rh factor, that is the reaction of the body killing a foreign body in the body. The shot is supposed to help, the body from killing the next baby.That is why I brought it up.Joantruely85251 wrote: I had the rhogams shot, too. I do not think they are looking so much at blood type as they are loooking at the actual DNA of the child floating around the Mom and causing an immune reaction. > > > > > > > > AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE IN WOMEN - THE FACTS > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > > -- > > > ------------- > > > > > > > >

Autoimmune Disease > > > > > > > > The term "autoimmune disease" refers to a varied group of more > > > than 80 serious, chronic illnesses that involve almost every human > > > organ system. It includes diseases of the nervous, > > gastrointestinal, > > > and endocrine systems as well as skin and other connective > > tissues, > > > eyes blood, and blood vessel. In all of these diseases, the > > > underlying problem is similar--the body's immune system becomes > > > misdirected, attacking the very organs it was designed to protect. > > > > Table I > > > > Female:Male Ratios > > > > in Autoimmune Diseases > > > >

Hashimoto's disease/hypothyroiditis 50:1 > > > > Systemic lupus erythematosus 9:1 > > > > Sjogren's syndrome 9:1 > > > > Antiphospholipid syndrome 9:1 > > > > Primary biliary cirrhosis 9:1 > > > > Mixed connective tissue disease 8:1 > > > > Chronic active hepatitis 8:1 > > > > Graves' disease/hyperthyroiditis 7:1 > > > > Rheumatoid arthritis 4:1 > > > > Scleroderma 3:1 > > > >

Myasthenia gravis 2:1 > > > > Multiple sclerosis 2:1 > > > > Chronic idiopathic thrombo- > > > > cytopenic purpura 2:1 > > > > A WOMEN'S ISSUE > > > > > > > > For reasons we do not understand, about 75 percent of autoimmune > > > diseases occur in women, most frequently during the childbearing > > > years. Table I(left) lists the female-to-male ratios in autoimmune > > > diseases. Hormones are thought to play a role, because some > > > autoimmune illnesses occur more frequently after menopause, others > > > suddenly improve during pregnancy, with flare-ups occurring after > > > delivery, while still others will get worse during pregnancy. > > >

> > > > > Autoimmune diseases also seem to have a genetic component, but, > > > mysteriously, they can cluster in families as different illnesses. > > > For example, a mother may have lupus erythematosus; her daughter, > > > diabetes; her grandmother, rheumatoid arthritis. Research is > > > shedding light on genetic as well as hormonal and environmental > > risk > > > factors that contribute to the causes of these diseases. > > > > > > > > Individually, autoimmune diseases are not very common, with the > > > exception of thyroid disease, diabetes, and systemic lupus > > > erythematosus (SLE). However, taken as a whole, they represent the > > > fourth-largest cause of disability among women in the United > > States. > > > > > > > > A

NEED FOR KNOWLEDGE > > > > > > > > Autoimmune diseases remain among the most poorly understood and > > > poorly recognized of any category of illnesses. Individual > > diseases > > > range from the benign to the severe. Symptoms vary widely, notably > > > from one illness to another, but even within the same disease. And > > > because the diseases affect multiple body systems, their symptoms > > > are often misleading, which hinders accurate diagnosis. To help > > > women live longer, healthier lives, a better understanding of > > these > > > diseases is needed, as well as providing early diagnosis and > > > treatment. > > > > > > > > > > > > MAJOR AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES > > > > CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASES > > > >

------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > > -- > > > ------------- > > > > SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE) > > > > An inflammation of the connective tissues, SLE can afflict every > > > organ system. It is up to nine times more common in women than men > > > and strikes black women three times as often as white women. The > > > condition is aggravated by sunlight. > > > > > > > > Symptoms: Fever, weight loss, hair loss, moth and nose sores, > > > malaise, fatigue, seizures and symptoms of mental illness. Ninety > > > percent of patients experience joint inflammation similar to > > > rheumatoid arthritis. Fifty percent develop a classic "butterfly" > > > rash on the nose and cheeks. Raynaud's phenomenon (extreme > > >

sensitivity to cold in the hands and feet) appears in about 20 > > > percent of people with SLE. > > > > > > > > Treatment: Anti-inflammatory drugs can help control arthritis > > > symptoms; skin lesions may respond to topical treatment such as > > > corticosteroid creams. Oral steroids, such as prednisone, are used > > > for the systemic symptoms. Wearing protective clothing and > > sunscreen > > > when outdoors is recommended. > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > > -- > > > ------------- > > > > RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS > > > > Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disorder in which immune > > cells > > > attack and inflame the membrane around joints. It also can

affect > > > the heart, lungs, and eyes. Of the estimated 2.1 million Americans > > > with rheumatoid arthritis, approximately 1.5 million (71 percent) > > > are women. > > > > > > > > Symptoms: Inflamed and/or deformed joints, loss of strength, > > > swelling, pain. > > > > > > > > Treatment: Rest and exercise; anti-inflammatory drugs when > > > necessary. > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > > -- > > > ------------- > > > > SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS (SCLERODERMA) > > > > Scleroderma is an activations of immune cells which produces > > scar > > > tissue in the skin, internal organs, and small blood vessels. It > > > affects women three

times more often than men overall, but > > increases > > > to a rate 15 times greater for women during childbearing years, > > and > > > appears to be more common among black women. > > > > > > > > Symptoms: In most patients, the first symptoms are Raynaud's > > > phenomenon and swelling and puffiness of the fingers or hands. > > Skin > > > thickening follows a few months later. Other symptoms include skin > > > ulcers on the fingers, joint stiffness in the hands, pain , sore > > > throat, and diarrhea. > > > > > > > > Treatment: The drug D-penicillamine has been shown to decrease > > > skin thickening. Symptoms involving other organs such as the > > > kidneys, esophagus, intestines, and blood vessels are treated > > > individually.

> > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > > -- > > > ------------- > > > > SJ�GREN'S SYNDROME > > > > Sj�gren's syndrome (also called Sj�gren's disease) is a chronic, > > > slowly progressing inability to secrete saliva and tears. It can > > > occur alone or with rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or systemic > > > lupus erythematosus. Nine out of 10 cases occur in women, most > > often > > > at or around mid-life. > > > > > > > > Symptoms: Dryness of the eyes and mouth, swollen neck glands, > > > difficulty swallowing or talking, unusual tastes or smells, > > thirst, > > > tongue ulcers, and severe dental caries. > > > > > > > >

Treatment: Interventions to keep the mouth and eyes moist > > include > > > drinking a lot of fluids and using eye drops, as well as good oral > > > hygiene and eye care. > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > > -- > > > ------------- > > > > > > > > NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASES > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > > -- > > > ------------- > > > > MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS) > > > > A disease of the central nervous system that usually first > > appears > > > between the ages of 20 and 40, and affects women twice as often as > > > men. MS is the leading cause of disability among

young adults. > > > > > > > > Symptoms: Numbness, weakness, tingling or paralysis in one or > > more > > > limbs, impaired vision and eye pain, tremor, lack of coordination > > or > > > unsteady gait and rapid involuntary eye movement. A history of at > > > least two episodes of a cluster of symptoms is necessary for a > > > diagnosis of MS. Because MS affects the central nervous system, > > > symptoms may be misdiagnosed as mental illness. > > > > > > > > Treatment: The drug baclofen is used to suppress muscle > > > spasticity, and corticosteroids help reduce inflammation. > > > Interferons also are being used to treat this disease. > > > > > > > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------

---- > > -- > > > ------------- > > > > MYASTHENIA GRAVIS > > > > This is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by gradual > > > muscle weakness, often appearing first in the face. > > > > > > > > Symptoms: Drooping eyelids, double vision, and difficulty > > > breathing, talking, chewing, and swallowing. > > > > > > > > Treatment: The drug edrophonium along with daily rest periods > > can > > > improve muscle strength. > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > > -- > > > ------------- > > > > GUILLAIN-BARR� SYNDROME > > > > Guillain-Barr� syndrome is an acute illness that causes severe > > > nerve damage.

Two-thirds of all cases occur after a viral > > infection. > > > > > > > > Symptoms: Tingling in the fingers and toes, general muscle > > > weakness, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, paralysis. > > > > > > > > Treatment: Supportive care until the condition is stabilized, > > then > > > rehabilitation therapy combined with whirlpool baths to relieve > > pain > > > and facilitate retraining of movements. A process called > > > plasmapheresis, which removes plasma and nerve-damaging antibodies > > > from the blood, is used during the first few weeks after a severe > > > attack and may improve the chance of a full recovery. > > > > > > > > > > > > -------------------------------------------------------------

---- > > -- > > > ------------- > > > > > > > > ENDOCRINE DISEASES > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > > -- > > > ------------- > > > > HASHIMOTO'S THYROIDITIS > > > > Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune disease in which > > > the immune system destroys the thyroid, the gland that helps set > > the > > > rate of metabolism. It attacks women 50 times more often than men. > > > > > > > > Symptoms: Low levels of thyroid hormone cause mental and > > physical > > > slowing, greater sensitivity to cold, weight gain, coarsening of > > the > > > skin, and goiter (a swelling of the neck due to an enlarged > >

thyroid > > > gland). > > > > > > > > Treatment: Thyroid hormone replacement therapy. > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > > -- > > > ------------- > > > > GRAVES' DISEASE > > > > Graves' disease is one of the most common autoimmune diseases, > > > affecting 13 million people and targeting women seven times as > > often > > > as men.. Patients with Graves' disease produce an excessive amount > > > of thyroid hormone. > > > > > > > > Symptoms: Weight loss due to increased energy expenditure; > > > increased appetite, heart rate, and blood pressure; tremors, > > > nervousness and sweating; frequent bowel movements. > > > > >

> > > Treatment: Antithyroid drug therapy or removal of the thyroid > > > gland surgically or by radioiodine. > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > > -- > > > ------------- > > > > INSULIN-DEPENDENT (TYPE 1) DIABETES > > > > Type 1 diabetes is caused by too little insulin production in > > the > > > pancreas, and usually occurs in children and young adults, but it > > > can occur at any age. > > > > > > > > Symptoms: Increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, > > > fatigue, nausea, vomiting, frequent infections. > > > > > > > > Treatment: Monitoring of diet and insulin. > > > > > > > > > > > >

------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > > -- > > > ------------- > > > > > > > > GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > > -- > > > ------------- > > > > INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE > > > > Inflammatory bowel disease describes two autoimmune disorder of > > > the small intestine--Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. > > > > > > > > Symptoms of Crohn's disease: Persistent diarrhea, abdominal > > pain, > > > fever, and general fatigue. > > > > > > > > Symptoms of ulcerative colitis: Bloody diarrhea, pain, urgent > > > bowel movements, joint pains, and skin lesions. > >

> > > > > > In both diseases, there is a risk of significant weight loss and > > > malnutrition. > > > > > > > > Treatment: Antidiarrheal pills or bulk formers for mild cases. > > For > > > more serious cases, anti-inflammatory drugs are effective. > > > Corticosteroids are reserved for acute flare-ups of these > > diseases. > > > In some cases, surgery may be required to remove obstructions or > > > repair perforation of the colon. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > > -- > > > ------------- > > > > OTHER AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES VASCULITIS SYNDROMES > > > > This is a broad and heterogeneous group of diseases > >

characterized > > > by inflammation and damage to the blood vessels, thought to be > > > brought on by an autoimmune response. Any type, size, and location > > > of blood vessel may be involved. Vasculitis may occur alone or in > > > combination with other diseases, and may be confined to one organ > > or > > > involve several organ systems. > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > > -- > > > ------------- > > > > HEMATOLOGIC AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES > > > > Blood also can be affected by autoimmune disorder. In autoimmune > > > hemolytic anemia, red blood cells are prematurely destroyed by > > > antibodies. Other autoimmune diseases of the blood include > > > autoimmune thrombocytopenic

purpura and autoimmune neutropenia. > > > > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------- ---- > > -- > > > ------------- > > > > AUTOIMMUNE SKIN DISEASES > > > > The skin frequently gives the first sign that an autoimmune > > > diseases is present. In many of the diseases mentioned, the skin > > is > > > only peripherally involved, but in others, the skin is the primary > > > site of the disease. One of the foremost is psoriasis, a common > > skin > > > disease that results from a malfunction in the life cycle of skin > > > cells. The process of skin cell production that normally takes > > about > > > a month is speeded up to several days, resulting in a build-up of > > > thick

scales. > > > > > > > > > > > > SUMMARY > > > > > > > > Autoimmune diseases run the gamut from mild to disabling and > > > potentially life threatening. Nearly all affect women at far > > greater > > > rates than men. The question before the scientific community > > > is "why?" We have come a long way in the diagnosis and treatment > > of > > > autoimmune disease. But more work is needed, especially in the > > areas > > > of discovering the causes and developing more effective treatments > > > and prevention strategies. > > > > > > > > The U.S. Public Health Service's (PHS) Office on Women's Health > > in > > > the Department of Health and Human Services, was established to > > > redress the

inequities in research, health services, and education > > > that have placed the health of American women at risk. Its mission > > > is to direct, stimulate, and coordinate women's health research, > > > health care services, and public and health care professional > > > education and training across the Public Health Service agencies > > and > > > to collaborate with other government organizations, foundations, > > > private industry, consumer and health care professional groups to > > > advance women's health. The focal point for women's health > > > activities in the Department of Health and Human Services, the PHS > > > Office on Women's Health is working to improve the health of > > > American women in this decade and beyond into the 21st century. > > > > > >

> > The programs and activities in autoimmune diseases of the PHS > > > Office on Women's Health, joined with initiatives and programs > > > across the agencies and office of the Department of Health and > > Human > > > Services, are providing a solid foundation from which to increase > > > knowledge about autoimmune disorders in women. > > > > > > > > For more information on autoimmune diseases, contact: > > > > American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association > > > > 15475 Gratiot Avenue > > > > Detroit, MI 48205 > > > > Phone: > > > > > > > > > >

sincerely,

Joan nyc/phx.az.

Please go to the following websites: http://www.regday.org AZ. searchers:Http://groups.yahoo.com/group/arizonasearch_support

www.arizonasearch.org

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[Guest guest]

WOW! YOU are so right, interesting point! Isn't the immune system

strange. I had an amniotic embolism during labor. That is when the

amniotic fluid excapes into the mother's blood stream and goes to

her brain, heart, lungs etc. Now it looks like it went to the

thyroid,too. That fluid was just full of baby DNA, as well as a lot

of other things like baby waste products. If normal delivery leaves

stuff for the immune system to attack, I imagine I got an extra big

dose! I wish there were more studies on the subject.

> > > > >

> > > > > AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE IN WOMEN - THE FACTS

> > > > >

> > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------

---

> ----

> > > --

> > > > -------------

> > > > >

> > > > > Autoimmune Disease

> > > > >

> > > > > The term " autoimmune disease " refers to a varied group of

> more

> > > > than 80 serious, chronic illnesses that involve almost

every

> human

> > > > organ system. It includes diseases of the nervous,

> > > gastrointestinal,

> > > > and endocrine systems as well as skin and other connective

> > > tissues,

> > > > eyes blood, and blood vessel. In all of these diseases, the

> > > > underlying problem is similar--the body's immune system

> becomes

> > > > misdirected, attacking the very organs it was designed to

> protect.

> > > > > Table I

> > > > > Female:Male Ratios

> > > > > in Autoimmune Diseases

> > > > > Hashimoto's disease/hypothyroiditis 50:1

> > > > > Systemic lupus erythematosus 9:1

> > > > > Sjogren's syndrome 9:1

> > > > > Antiphospholipid syndrome 9:1

> > > > > Primary biliary cirrhosis 9:1

> > > > > Mixed connective tissue disease 8:1

> > > > > Chronic active hepatitis 8:1

> > > > > Graves' disease/hyperthyroiditis 7:1

> > > > > Rheumatoid arthritis 4:1

> > > > > Scleroderma 3:1

> > > > > Myasthenia gravis 2:1

> > > > > Multiple sclerosis 2:1

> > > > > Chronic idiopathic thrombo-

> > > > > cytopenic purpura 2:1

> > > > > A WOMEN'S ISSUE

> > > > >

> > > > > For reasons we do not understand, about 75 percent of

> autoimmune

> > > > diseases occur in women, most frequently during the

> childbearing

> > > > years. Table I(left) lists the female-to-male ratios in

> autoimmune

> > > > diseases. Hormones are thought to play a role, because some

> > > > autoimmune illnesses occur more frequently after menopause,

> others

> > > > suddenly improve during pregnancy, with flare-ups occurring

> after

> > > > delivery, while still others will get worse during

pregnancy.

> > > > >

> > > > > Autoimmune diseases also seem to have a genetic

component,

> but,

> > > > mysteriously, they can cluster in families as different

> illnesses.

> > > > For example, a mother may have lupus erythematosus; her

> daughter,

> > > > diabetes; her grandmother, rheumatoid arthritis. Research

is

> > > > shedding light on genetic as well as hormonal and

> environmental

> > > risk

> > > > factors that contribute to the causes of these diseases.

> > > > >

> > > > > Individually, autoimmune diseases are not very common,

with

> the

> > > > exception of thyroid disease, diabetes, and systemic lupus

> > > > erythematosus (SLE). However, taken as a whole, they

represent

> the

> > > > fourth-largest cause of disability among women in the

United

> > > States.

> > > > >

> > > > > A NEED FOR KNOWLEDGE

> > > > >

> > > > > Autoimmune diseases remain among the most poorly

understood

> and

> > > > poorly recognized of any category of illnesses. Individual

> > > diseases

> > > > range from the benign to the severe. Symptoms vary widely,

> notably

> > > > from one illness to another, but even within the same

disease.

> And

> > > > because the diseases affect multiple body systems, their

> symptoms

> > > > are often misleading, which hinders accurate diagnosis. To

> help

> > > > women live longer, healthier lives, a better understanding

of

> > > these

> > > > diseases is needed, as well as providing early diagnosis

and

> > > > treatment.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > MAJOR AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

> > > > > CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASES

> > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------

---

> ----

> > > --

> > > > -------------

> > > > > SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE)

> > > > > An inflammation of the connective tissues, SLE can

afflict

> every

> > > > organ system. It is up to nine times more common in women

than

> men

> > > > and strikes black women three times as often as white

women.

> The

> > > > condition is aggravated by sunlight.

> > > > >

> > > > > Symptoms: Fever, weight loss, hair loss, moth and nose

> sores,

> > > > malaise, fatigue, seizures and symptoms of mental illness.

> Ninety

> > > > percent of patients experience joint inflammation similar

to

> > > > rheumatoid arthritis. Fifty percent develop a

> classic " butterfly "

> > > > rash on the nose and cheeks. Raynaud's phenomenon (extreme

> > > > sensitivity to cold in the hands and feet) appears in about

20

> > > > percent of people with SLE.

> > > > >

> > > > > Treatment: Anti-inflammatory drugs can help control

> arthritis

> > > > symptoms; skin lesions may respond to topical treatment

such

> as

> > > > corticosteroid creams. Oral steroids, such as prednisone,

are

> used

> > > > for the systemic symptoms. Wearing protective clothing and

> > > sunscreen

> > > > when outdoors is recommended.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------

---

> ----

> > > --

> > > > -------------

> > > > > RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

> > > > > Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disorder in which

immune

> > > cells

> > > > attack and inflame the membrane around joints. It also can

> affect

> > > > the heart, lungs, and eyes. Of the estimated 2.1 million

> Americans

> > > > with rheumatoid arthritis, approximately 1.5 million (71

> percent)

> > > > are women.

> > > > >

> > > > > Symptoms: Inflamed and/or deformed joints, loss of

strength,

> > > > swelling, pain.

> > > > >

> > > > > Treatment: Rest and exercise; anti-inflammatory drugs

when

> > > > necessary.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------

---

> ----

> > > --

> > > > -------------

> > > > > SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS (SCLERODERMA)

> > > > > Scleroderma is an activations of immune cells which

produces

> > > scar

> > > > tissue in the skin, internal organs, and small blood

vessels.

> It

> > > > affects women three times more often than men overall, but

> > > increases

> > > > to a rate 15 times greater for women during childbearing

> years,

> > > and

> > > > appears to be more common among black women.

> > > > >

> > > > > Symptoms: In most patients, the first symptoms are

Raynaud's

> > > > phenomenon and swelling and puffiness of the fingers or

hands.

> > > Skin

> > > > thickening follows a few months later. Other symptoms

include

> skin

> > > > ulcers on the fingers, joint stiffness in the hands, pain ,

> sore

> > > > throat, and diarrhea.

> > > > >

> > > > > Treatment: The drug D-penicillamine has been shown to

> decrease

> > > > skin thickening. Symptoms involving other organs such as

the

> > > > kidneys, esophagus, intestines, and blood vessels are

treated

> > > > individually.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------

---

> ----

> > > --

> > > > -------------

> > > > > SJ�GREN'S SYNDROME

> > > > > Sj�gren's syndrome (also called Sj�gren's disease) is

a

> chronic,

> > > > slowly progressing inability to secrete saliva and tears.

It

> can

> > > > occur alone or with rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or

> systemic

> > > > lupus erythematosus. Nine out of 10 cases occur in women,

most

> > > often

> > > > at or around mid-life.

> > > > >

> > > > > Symptoms: Dryness of the eyes and mouth, swollen neck

> glands,

> > > > difficulty swallowing or talking, unusual tastes or smells,

> > > thirst,

> > > > tongue ulcers, and severe dental caries.

> > > > >

> > > > > Treatment: Interventions to keep the mouth and eyes moist

> > > include

> > > > drinking a lot of fluids and using eye drops, as well as

good

> oral

> > > > hygiene and eye care.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------

---

> ----

> > > --

> > > > -------------

> > > > >

> > > > > NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASES

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------

---

> ----

> > > --

> > > > -------------

> > > > > MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS (MS)

> > > > > A disease of the central nervous system that usually

first

> > > appears

> > > > between the ages of 20 and 40, and affects women twice as

> often as

> > > > men. MS is the leading cause of disability among young

adults.

> > > > >

> > > > > Symptoms: Numbness, weakness, tingling or paralysis in

one

> or

> > > more

> > > > limbs, impaired vision and eye pain, tremor, lack of

> coordination

> > > or

> > > > unsteady gait and rapid involuntary eye movement. A history

of

> at

> > > > least two episodes of a cluster of symptoms is necessary

for a

> > > > diagnosis of MS. Because MS affects the central nervous

> system,

> > > > symptoms may be misdiagnosed as mental illness.

> > > > >

> > > > > Treatment: The drug baclofen is used to suppress muscle

> > > > spasticity, and corticosteroids help reduce inflammation.

> > > > Interferons also are being used to treat this disease.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------

---

> ----

> > > --

> > > > -------------

> > > > > MYASTHENIA GRAVIS

> > > > > This is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by

> gradual

> > > > muscle weakness, often appearing first in the face.

> > > > >

> > > > > Symptoms: Drooping eyelids, double vision, and difficulty

> > > > breathing, talking, chewing, and swallowing.

> > > > >

> > > > > Treatment: The drug edrophonium along with daily rest

> periods

> > > can

> > > > improve muscle strength.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------

---

> ----

> > > --

> > > > -------------

> > > > > GUILLAIN-BARR� SYNDROME

> > > > > Guillain-Barr� syndrome is an acute illness that causes

> severe

> > > > nerve damage. Two-thirds of all cases occur after a viral

> > > infection.

> > > > >

> > > > > Symptoms: Tingling in the fingers and toes, general

muscle

> > > > weakness, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases,

> paralysis.

> > > > >

> > > > > Treatment: Supportive care until the condition is

> stabilized,

> > > then

> > > > rehabilitation therapy combined with whirlpool baths to

> relieve

> > > pain

> > > > and facilitate retraining of movements. A process called

> > > > plasmapheresis, which removes plasma and nerve-damaging

> antibodies

> > > > from the blood, is used during the first few weeks after a

> severe

> > > > attack and may improve the chance of a full recovery.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------

---

> ----

> > > --

> > > > -------------

> > > > >

> > > > > ENDOCRINE DISEASES

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------

---

> ----

> > > --

> > > > -------------

> > > > > HASHIMOTO'S THYROIDITIS

> > > > > Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune disease

in

> which

> > > > the immune system destroys the thyroid, the gland that

helps

> set

> > > the

> > > > rate of metabolism. It attacks women 50 times more often

than

> men.

> > > > >

> > > > > Symptoms: Low levels of thyroid hormone cause mental and

> > > physical

> > > > slowing, greater sensitivity to cold, weight gain,

coarsening

> of

> > > the

> > > > skin, and goiter (a swelling of the neck due to an enlarged

> > > thyroid

> > > > gland).

> > > > >

> > > > > Treatment: Thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------

---

> ----

> > > --

> > > > -------------

> > > > > GRAVES' DISEASE

> > > > > Graves' disease is one of the most common autoimmune

> diseases,

> > > > affecting 13 million people and targeting women seven times

as

> > > often

> > > > as men.. Patients with Graves' disease produce an excessive

> amount

> > > > of thyroid hormone.

> > > > >

> > > > > Symptoms: Weight loss due to increased energy

expenditure;

> > > > increased appetite, heart rate, and blood pressure;

tremors,

> > > > nervousness and sweating; frequent bowel movements.

> > > > >

> > > > > Treatment: Antithyroid drug therapy or removal of the

> thyroid

> > > > gland surgically or by radioiodine.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------

---

> ----

> > > --

> > > > -------------

> > > > > INSULIN-DEPENDENT (TYPE 1) DIABETES

> > > > > Type 1 diabetes is caused by too little insulin

production

> in

> > > the

> > > > pancreas, and usually occurs in children and young adults,

but

> it

> > > > can occur at any age.

> > > > >

> > > > > Symptoms: Increased thirst, increased urination, weight

> loss,

> > > > fatigue, nausea, vomiting, frequent infections.

> > > > >

> > > > > Treatment: Monitoring of diet and insulin.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------

---

> ----

> > > --

> > > > -------------

> > > > >

> > > > > GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------

---

> ----

> > > --

> > > > -------------

> > > > > INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

> > > > > Inflammatory bowel disease describes two autoimmune

disorder

> of

> > > > the small intestine--Crohn's disease and ulcerative

colitis.

> > > > >

> > > > > Symptoms of Crohn's disease: Persistent diarrhea,

abdominal

> > > pain,

> > > > fever, and general fatigue.

> > > > >

> > > > > Symptoms of ulcerative colitis: Bloody diarrhea, pain,

> urgent

> > > > bowel movements, joint pains, and skin lesions.

> > > > >

> > > > > In both diseases, there is a risk of significant weight

loss

> and

> > > > malnutrition.

> > > > >

> > > > > Treatment: Antidiarrheal pills or bulk formers for mild

> cases.

> > > For

> > > > more serious cases, anti-inflammatory drugs are effective.

> > > > Corticosteroids are reserved for acute flare-ups of these

> > > diseases.

> > > > In some cases, surgery may be required to remove

obstructions

> or

> > > > repair perforation of the colon.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------

---

> ----

> > > --

> > > > -------------

> > > > > OTHER AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES VASCULITIS SYNDROMES

> > > > > This is a broad and heterogeneous group of diseases

> > > characterized

> > > > by inflammation and damage to the blood vessels, thought to

be

> > > > brought on by an autoimmune response. Any type, size, and

> location

> > > > of blood vessel may be involved. Vasculitis may occur alone

or

> in

> > > > combination with other diseases, and may be confined to one

> organ

> > > or

> > > > involve several organ systems.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------

---

> ----

> > > --

> > > > -------------

> > > > > HEMATOLOGIC AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

> > > > > Blood also can be affected by autoimmune disorder. In

> autoimmune

> > > > hemolytic anemia, red blood cells are prematurely destroyed

by

> > > > antibodies. Other autoimmune diseases of the blood include

> > > > autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura and autoimmune

> neutropenia.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > ----------------------------------------------------------

---

> ----

> > > --

> > > > -------------

> > > > > AUTOIMMUNE SKIN DISEASES

> > > > > The skin frequently gives the first sign that an

autoimmune

> > > > diseases is present. In many of the diseases mentioned, the

> skin

> > > is

> > > > only peripherally involved, but in others, the skin is the

> primary

> > > > site of the disease. One of the foremost is psoriasis, a

> common

> > > skin

> > > > disease that results from a malfunction in the life cycle

of

> skin

> > > > cells. The process of skin cell production that normally

takes

> > > about

> > > > a month is speeded up to several days, resulting in a build-

up

> of

> > > > thick scales.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > SUMMARY

> > > > >

> > > > > Autoimmune diseases run the gamut from mild to disabling

and

> > > > potentially life threatening. Nearly all affect women at

far

> > > greater

> > > > rates than men. The question before the scientific

community

> > > > is " why? " We have come a long way in the diagnosis and

> treatment

> > > of

> > > > autoimmune disease. But more work is needed, especially in

the

> > > areas

> > > > of discovering the causes and developing more effective

> treatments

> > > > and prevention strategies.

> > > > >

> > > > > The U.S. Public Health Service's (PHS) Office on Women's

> Health

> > > in

> > > > the Department of Health and Human Services, was

established

> to

> > > > redress the inequities in research, health services, and

> education

> > > > that have placed the health of American women at risk. Its

> mission

> > > > is to direct, stimulate, and coordinate women's health

> research,

> > > > health care services, and public and health care

professional

> > > > education and training across the Public Health Service

> agencies

> > > and

> > > > to collaborate with other government organizations,

> foundations,

> > > > private industry, consumer and health care professional

groups

> to

> > > > advance women's health. The focal point for women's health

> > > > activities in the Department of Health and Human Services,

the

> PHS

> > > > Office on Women's Health is working to improve the health

of

> > > > American women in this decade and beyond into the 21st

> century.

> > > > >

> > > > > The programs and activities in autoimmune diseases of the

> PHS

> > > > Office on Women's Health, joined with initiatives and

programs

> > > > across the agencies and office of the Department of Health

and

> > > Human

> > > > Services, are providing a solid foundation from which to

> increase

> > > > knowledge about autoimmune disorders in women.

> > > > >

> > > > > For more information on autoimmune diseases, contact:

> > > > > American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association

> > > > > 15475 Gratiot Avenue

> > > > > Detroit, MI 48205

> > > > > Phone:

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

> *Note: Information is freely exchanged on this board based on

patient experiences, and should not be considered a medical

recommendation.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Am new to thyroid group. Find all of your notes so

interesting.

Has anyone ever tried a holistic approach to their

disease.

I feel that drs are not treating the cause, only the

symptoms (low thyroid).

What does everybody else think?

Rita rmig48@...

--- " joan n.y.c./phx.az. " wrote:

> well if someone has the rh factor, that is the

> reaction of the body killing a foreign body in the

> body. The shot is supposed to help, the body from

> killing the next baby.

> That is why I brought it up.

> Joan

>

> truely85251 wrote: I had

> the rhogams shot, too. I do not think they are

> looking so much

> at blood type as they are loooking at the actual

> DNA of the child

> floating around the Mom and causing an immune

> reaction.

>

>

> > > > >

> > > > > AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE IN WOMEN - THE FACTS

> > > > >

> > > > >

>

-------------------------------------------------------------

> ----

> > > --

> > > > -------------

> > > > >

> > > > > Autoimmune Disease

> > > > >

> > > > > The term " autoimmune disease " refers to a

> varied group of

> more

> > > > than 80 serious, chronic illnesses that

> involve almost every

> human

> > > > organ system. It includes diseases of the

> nervous,

> > > gastrointestinal,

> > > > and endocrine systems as well as skin and

> other connective

> > > tissues,

> > > > eyes blood, and blood vessel. In all of these

> diseases, the

> > > > underlying problem is similar--the body's

> immune system

> becomes

> > > > misdirected, attacking the very organs it was

> designed to

> protect.

> > > > > Table I

> > > > > Female:Male Ratios

> > > > > in Autoimmune Diseases

> > > > > Hashimoto's disease/hypothyroiditis

> 50:1

> > > > > Systemic lupus erythematosus 9:1

> > > > > Sjogren's syndrome 9:1

> > > > > Antiphospholipid syndrome 9:1

> > > > > Primary biliary cirrhosis 9:1

> > > > > Mixed connective tissue disease 8:1

> > > > > Chronic active hepatitis 8:1

> > > > > Graves' disease/hyperthyroiditis 7:1

>

> > > > > Rheumatoid arthritis 4:1

> > > > > Scleroderma 3:1

> > > > > Myasthenia gravis 2:1

> > > > > Multiple sclerosis 2:1

> > > > > Chronic idiopathic thrombo-

> > > > > cytopenic purpura 2:1

> > > > > A WOMEN'S ISSUE

> > > > >

> > > > > For reasons we do not understand, about 75

> percent of

> autoimmune

> > > > diseases occur in women, most frequently

> during the

> childbearing

> > > > years. Table I(left) lists the female-to-male

> ratios in

> autoimmune

> > > > diseases. Hormones are thought to play a

> role, because some

> > > > autoimmune illnesses occur more frequently

> after menopause,

> others

> > > > suddenly improve during pregnancy, with

> flare-ups occurring

> after

> > > > delivery, while still others will get worse

> during pregnancy.

> > > > >

> > > > > Autoimmune diseases also seem to have a

> genetic component,

> but,

> > > > mysteriously, they can cluster in families as

> different

> illnesses.

> > > > For example, a mother may have lupus

> erythematosus; her

> daughter,

> > > > diabetes; her grandmother, rheumatoid

> arthritis. Research is

> > > > shedding light on genetic as well as hormonal

> and

> environmental

> > > risk

> > > > factors that contribute to the causes of

> these diseases.

> > > > >

> > > > > Individually, autoimmune diseases are not

> very common, with

> the

> > > > exception of thyroid disease, diabetes, and

> systemic lupus

> > > > erythematosus (SLE). However, taken as a

> whole, they represent

> the

> > > > fourth-largest cause of disability among

> women in the United

> > > States.

> > > > >

> > > > > A NEED FOR KNOWLEDGE

> > > > >

> > > > > Autoimmune diseases remain among the most

> poorly understood

> and

> > > > poorly recognized of any category of

> illnesses. Individual

> > > diseases

> > > > range from the benign to the severe. Symptoms

> vary widely,

> notably

> > > > from one illness to another, but even within

> the same disease.

> And

> > > > because the diseases affect multiple body

> systems, their

> symptoms

> > > > are often misleading, which hinders accurate

> diagnosis. To

> help

> > > > women live longer, healthier lives, a better

> understanding of

> > > these

> > > > diseases is needed, as well as providing

> early diagnosis and

> > > > treatment.

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > MAJOR AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

> > > > > CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASES

> > > > >

>

-------------------------------------------------------------

> ----

> > > --

> > > > -------------

> > > > > SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE)

> > > > > An inflammation of the connective tissues,

> SLE can afflict

> every

> > > > organ system. It is up to nine times more

> common in women than

> men

> > > > and strikes black women three times as often

> as white women.

> The

> > > > condition is aggravated by sunlight.

> > > > >

> > > > > Symptoms: Fever, weight loss, hair loss,

> moth and nose

> sores,

> > > > malaise, fatigue, seizures and symptoms of

> mental illness.

> Ninety

>

=== message truncated ===

__________________________________________

Yahoo! DSL – Something to write home about.

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[Guest guest]

hi rita,

i'm a RN and i guess thats one reason i don't really believe in a holistic approach to a lot of things. from what i know since this is an autoimmune thing and our body has already damaged the thyroid the only thing you can do is treat the symptom....to treat the cause you would have to prevent whatever triggered the immune response and i don't think thats possible....if you research it they say a virus can cause it for one thing.

there is a newsletter i get with good info by mary shomone....i'm not spelling this right....anybody know the site for this newsletter?

-- Re: Re: AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE IN WOMEN - THE FACTS

Am new to thyroid group. Find all of your notes sointeresting.Has anyone ever tried a holistic approach to theirdisease.I feel that drs are not treating the cause, only thesymptoms (low thyroid).What does everybody else think?Rita rmig48@...--- "joan n.y.c./phx.az." wrote:> well if someone has the rh factor, that is the> reaction of the body killing a foreign body in the> body. The shot is supposed to help, the body from> killing the next baby.> That is why I brought it up.> Joan> > truely85251 wrote: I had> the rhogams shot, too. I do not think they are> looking so much > at blood type as they are loooking at the actual> DNA of the child > floating around the Mom and causing an immune> reaction.> > > > > > >> > > > > AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE IN WOMEN - THE FACTS > > > > > > > > > >>-------------------------------------------------------------> ----> > > --> > > > -------------> > > > > > > > > > Autoimmune Disease> > > > > > > > > > The term "autoimmune disease" refers to a> varied group of > more > > > > than 80 serious, chronic illnesses that> involve almost every > human > > > > organ system. It includes diseases of the> nervous, > > > gastrointestinal, > > > > and endocrine systems as well as skin and> other connective > > > tissues, > > > > eyes blood, and blood vessel. In all of these> diseases, the > > > > underlying problem is similar--the body's> immune system > becomes > > > > misdirected, attacking the very organs it was> designed to > protect. > > > > > Table I> > > > > Female:Male Ratios > > > > > in Autoimmune Diseases > > > > > Hashimoto's disease/hypothyroiditis > 50:1 > > > > > Systemic lupus erythematosus 9:1 > > > > > Sjogren's syndrome 9:1 > > > > > Antiphospholipid syndrome 9:1 > > > > > Primary biliary cirrhosis 9:1 > > > > > Mixed connective tissue disease 8:1 > > > > > Chronic active hepatitis 8:1 > > > > > Graves' disease/hyperthyroiditis 7:1> > > > > > Rheumatoid arthritis 4:1 > > > > > Scleroderma 3:1 > > > > > Myasthenia gravis 2:1 > > > > > Multiple sclerosis 2:1 > > > > > Chronic idiopathic thrombo-> > > > > cytopenic purpura 2:1 > > > > > A WOMEN'S ISSUE > > > > > > > > > > For reasons we do not understand, about 75> percent of > autoimmune > > > > diseases occur in women, most frequently> during the > childbearing > > > > years. Table I(left) lists the female-to-male> ratios in > autoimmune > > > > diseases. Hormones are thought to play a> role, because some > > > > autoimmune illnesses occur more frequently> after menopause, > others > > > > suddenly improve during pregnancy, with> flare-ups occurring > after > > > > delivery, while still others will get worse> during pregnancy. > > > > > > > > > > Autoimmune diseases also seem to have a> genetic component, > but, > > > > mysteriously, they can cluster in families as> different > illnesses. > > > > For example, a mother may have lupus> erythematosus; her > daughter, > > > > diabetes; her grandmother, rheumatoid> arthritis. Research is > > > > shedding light on genetic as well as hormonal> and > environmental > > > risk > > > > factors that contribute to the causes of> these diseases. > > > > > > > > > > Individually, autoimmune diseases are not> very common, with > the > > > > exception of thyroid disease, diabetes, and> systemic lupus > > > > erythematosus (SLE). However, taken as a> whole, they represent > the > > > > fourth-largest cause of disability among> women in the United > > > States. > > > > > > > > > > A NEED FOR KNOWLEDGE > > > > > > > > > > Autoimmune diseases remain among the most> poorly understood > and > > > > poorly recognized of any category of> illnesses. Individual > > > diseases > > > > range from the benign to the severe. Symptoms> vary widely, > notably > > > > from one illness to another, but even within> the same disease. > And > > > > because the diseases affect multiple body> systems, their > symptoms > > > > are often misleading, which hinders accurate> diagnosis. To > help > > > > women live longer, healthier lives, a better> understanding of > > > these > > > > diseases is needed, as well as providing> early diagnosis and > > > > treatment. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > MAJOR AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES > > > > > CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASES > > > > >>-------------------------------------------------------------> ----> > > --> > > > -------------> > > > > SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE) > > > > > An inflammation of the connective tissues,> SLE can afflict > every > > > > organ system. It is up to nine times more> common in women than > men > > > > and strikes black women three times as often> as white women. > The > > > > condition is aggravated by sunlight. > > > > > > > > > > Symptoms: Fever, weight loss, hair loss,> moth and nose > sores, > > > > malaise, fatigue, seizures and symptoms of> mental illness. > Ninety > === message truncated === __________________________________________ Yahoo! DSL – Something to write home about. Just $16.99/mo. or less. dsl.yahoo.com

Copyright ©2003 LongBraid Designs

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I also am a Registered Nurse, (Oncology and Hospice).

Guess I feel modern medicine does not have all the

answers and am willing to try anything to start to

feel better.

I would never take any alternative medicines without

the approval of my endocronologist. Just seems that I

should be treating the cause and not the symptoms.

Have heard the theory that a virus may cause

auto-immune diseases, in fact, that theory applies to

cancers, too.

Maybe stress added to the disorder too, so wouldn't

plenty of rest, eating properly lessen the

inflammation on the thyroid.

Would apprecaite your thoughts and anyone else who has

suggestions.

Rita

--- wrote:

> hi rita,

> i'm a RN and i guess thats one reason i don't really

> believe in a holistic

> approach to a lot of things. from what i know since

> this is an autoimmune

> thing and our body has already damaged the thyroid

> the only thing you can do

> is treat the symptom....to treat the cause you would

> have to prevent

> whatever triggered the immune response and i don't

> think thats possible...

> if you research it they say a virus can cause it for

> one thing.

> there is a newsletter i get with good info by mary

> shomone....i'm not

> spelling this right....anybody know the site for

> this newsletter?

>

>

> -- Re: Re: AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE IN

> WOMEN - THE FACTS

>

> Am new to thyroid group. Find all of your notes so

> interesting.

> Has anyone ever tried a holistic approach to their

> disease.

> I feel that drs are not treating the cause, only the

> symptoms (low thyroid).

> What does everybody else think?

>

> Rita rmig48@...

>

>

> --- " joan n.y.c./phx.az. "

> wrote:

>

> > well if someone has the rh factor, that is the

> > reaction of the body killing a foreign body in the

> > body. The shot is supposed to help, the body from

> > killing the next baby.

> > That is why I brought it up.

> > Joan

> >

> > truely85251 wrote: I

> had

> > the rhogams shot, too. I do not think they are

> > looking so much

> > at blood type as they are loooking at the actual

> > DNA of the child

> > floating around the Mom and causing an immune

> > reaction.

> >

> >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE IN WOMEN - THE FACTS

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> >

>

-------------------------------------------------------------

> > ----

> > > > --

> > > > > -------------

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Autoimmune Disease

> > > > > >

> > > > > > The term " autoimmune disease " refers to a

> > varied group of

> > more

> > > > > than 80 serious, chronic illnesses that

> > involve almost every

> > human

> > > > > organ system. It includes diseases of the

> > nervous,

> > > > gastrointestinal,

> > > > > and endocrine systems as well as skin and

> > other connective

> > > > tissues,

> > > > > eyes blood, and blood vessel. In all of

> these

> > diseases, the

> > > > > underlying problem is similar--the body's

> > immune system

> > becomes

> > > > > misdirected, attacking the very organs it

> was

> > designed to

> > protect.

> > > > > > Table I

> > > > > > Female:Male Ratios

> > > > > > in Autoimmune Diseases

> > > > > > Hashimoto's disease/hypothyroiditis

>

> > 50:1

> > > > > > Systemic lupus erythematosus 9:1

> > > > > > Sjogren's syndrome 9:1

> > > > > > Antiphospholipid syndrome 9:1

> > > > > > Primary biliary cirrhosis 9:1

> > > > > > Mixed connective tissue disease

> 8:1

> > > > > > Chronic active hepatitis 8:1

> > > > > > Graves' disease/hyperthyroiditis

> 7:1

> >

> > > > > > Rheumatoid arthritis 4:1

> > > > > > Scleroderma 3:1

> > > > > > Myasthenia gravis 2:1

> > > > > > Multiple sclerosis 2:1

> > > > > > Chronic idiopathic thrombo-

> > > > > > cytopenic purpura 2:1

> > > > > > A WOMEN'S ISSUE

> > > > > >

> > > > > > For reasons we do not understand, about

> 75

> > percent of

> > autoimmune

> > > > > diseases occur in women, most frequently

> > during the

> > childbearing

> > > > > years. Table I(left) lists the

> female-to-male

> > ratios in

> > autoimmune

> > > > > diseases. Hormones are thought to play a

> > role, because some

> > > > > autoimmune illnesses occur more frequently

> > after menopause,

> > others

> > > > > suddenly improve during pregnancy, with

> > flare-ups occurring

> > after

> > > > > delivery, while still others will get worse

> > during pregnancy.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Autoimmune diseases also seem to have a

> > genetic component,

> > but,

> > > > > mysteriously, they can cluster in families

> as

> > different

> > illnesses.

> > > > > For example, a mother may have lupus

> > erythematosus; her

> > daughter,

> > > > > diabetes; her grandmother, rheumatoid

> > arthritis. Research is

> > > > > shedding light on genetic as well as

> hormonal

> > and

> > environmental

> > > > risk

> > > > > factors that contribute to the causes of

> > these diseases.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Individually, autoimmune diseases are not

> > very common, with

> > the

> > > > > exception of thyroid disease, diabetes, and

> > systemic lupus

> > > > > erythematosus (SLE). However, taken as a

> > whole, they represent

> > the

> > > > > fourth-largest cause of disability among

> > women in the United

> > > > States.

> > > > > >

>

=== message truncated ===

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Rita,

Yes, it's definitely true that modern medicine doesn't have

all the answers. A few people on here have reported success

in lessening their hypothyroidism with the use of Chinese herbs,

acupuncture, etc. There is a book called " How I Reversed My

Hashimotos " and another group on Yahoo supposedly devoted

to it, although the last time I was on there, the author was

no where to be found and I didn't hear much more about his

successes (centered around herbs and diet).

Rest and eating properly are always essential, but you'll find

there are many people who rest and rest and rest -- in fact,

can't drag themselves out of bed -- so definitely this alone

won't help much. Exercise in fact helps stimulate the thyroid

and metabolism.

In any case, though autoimmune diseases are definitely tricky

as said, and I also believe highly individualized (what

works for one may not work for the next), we are always open

to hearing new remedies.

Oh and Shomon's site is http://www.thyroid-info.com

Cheers,

>

> Hi ,

> I also am a Registered Nurse, (Oncology and Hospice).

>

> Guess I feel modern medicine does not have all the

> answers and am willing to try anything to start to

> feel better.

[Guest guest]

hi rita,

i worked oncology a few years but lost my whole family to cancer and had to change areas for awhile.

true, modern medicine doesn't have answers for everything.

its true that stress can cause it but if you already have it that won't reverse it. just like with cancer, you can't treat the cause at all. same with thyroid. i don't knock holistic remedies because everyone has a right to their own choices but everything is so hyped up today...everything is a sales pitch to make a buck and i'm skeptical. i also believe in the power of the mind....regardless of a natural or medical treatment i believe you can think it works. there may be holistic things that help with the hypothyroid symptoms just like soy is a natural thing that supposedly makes it worse but i honestly don't know how it would be possible with anything to treat the cause once you have it - just like cancer.

-- Re: Re: AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE IN> WOMEN - THE FACTS> > Am new to thyroid group. Find all of your notes so> interesting.> Has anyone ever tried a holistic approach to their> disease.> I feel that drs are not treating the cause, only the> symptoms (low thyroid).> What does everybody else think?> > Rita rmig48@...> > > --- "joan n.y.c./phx.az." > wrote:> > > well if someone has the rh factor, that is the> > reaction of the body killing a foreign body in the> > body. The shot is supposed to help, the body from> > killing the next baby.> > That is why I brought it up.> > Joan> > > > truely85251 wrote: I> had> > the rhogams shot, too. I do not think they are> > looking so much > > at blood type as they are loooking at the actual> > DNA of the child > > floating around the Mom and causing an immune> > reaction.> > > > > > > > > >> > > > > > AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE IN WOMEN - THE FACTS > > > > > > > > > > > >> >>-------------------------------------------------------------> > ----> > > > --> > > > > -------------> > > > > > > > > > > > Autoimmune Disease> > > > > > > > > > > > The term "autoimmune disease" refers to a> > varied group of > > more > > > > > than 80 serious, chronic illnesses that> > involve almost every > > human > > > > > organ system. It includes diseases of the> > nervous, > > > > gastrointestinal, > > > > > and endocrine systems as well as skin and> > other connective > > > > tissues, > > > > > eyes blood, and blood vessel. In all of> these> > diseases, the > > > > > underlying problem is similar--the body's> > immune system > > becomes > > > > > misdirected, attacking the very organs it> was> > designed to > > protect. > > > > > > Table I> > > > > > Female:Male Ratios > > > > > > in Autoimmune Diseases > > > > > > Hashimoto's disease/hypothyroiditis> > > 50:1 > > > > > > Systemic lupus erythematosus 9:1 > > > > > > Sjogren's syndrome 9:1 > > > > > > Antiphospholipid syndrome 9:1 > > > > > > Primary biliary cirrhosis 9:1 > > > > > > Mixed connective tissue disease > 8:1 > > > > > > Chronic active hepatitis 8:1 > > > > > > Graves' disease/hyperthyroiditis > 7:1> > > > > > > > Rheumatoid arthritis 4:1 > > > > > > Scleroderma 3:1 > > > > > > Myasthenia gravis 2:1 > > > > > > Multiple sclerosis 2:1 > > > > > > Chronic idiopathic thrombo-> > > > > > cytopenic purpura 2:1 > > > > > > A WOMEN'S ISSUE > > > > > > > > > > > > For reasons we do not understand, about> 75> > percent of > > autoimmune > > > > > diseases occur in women, most frequently> > during the > > childbearing > > > > > years. Table I(left) lists the> female-to-male> > ratios in > > autoimmune > > > > > diseases. Hormones are thought to play a> > role, because some > > > > > autoimmune illnesses occur more frequently> > after menopause, > > others > > > > > suddenly improve during pregnancy, with> > flare-ups occurring > > after > > > > > delivery, while still others will get worse> > during pregnancy. > > > > > > > > > > > > Autoimmune diseases also seem to have a> > genetic component, > > but, > > > > > mysteriously, they can cluster in families> as> > different > > illnesses. > > > > > For example, a mother may have lupus> > erythematosus; her > > daughter, > > > > > diabetes; her grandmother, rheumatoid> > arthritis. Research is > > > > > shedding light on genetic as well as> hormonal> > and > > environmental > > > > risk > > > > > factors that contribute to the causes of> > these diseases. > > > > > > > > > > > > Individually, autoimmune diseases are not> > very common, with > > the > > > > > exception of thyroid disease, diabetes, and> > systemic lupus > > > > > erythematosus (SLE). However, taken as a> > whole, they represent > > the > > > > > fourth-largest cause of disability among> > women in the United > > > > States. > > > > > > > === message truncated ===__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Rita,

I have had extremely good results with Chinese medicine and acupuncture. My

endocrinologist recommended I see a Chinese doctor because, " They know how to

cure

autoimmune diseases and we (western doctors) can only treat the symptoms. " The

woman

I see treated a friend of mine who had Graves disease and she no longer has

Graves

disease. My friend did not do any western medicine because she also has liver

problems.

My Chinese doctor has also treated and cured several Hashimoto's patients.

Since seeing her I have energy to spare and I have been slowly lowering my

synthroid from

72.5 mc to 50 while maintaining a TSH of 1.45. According to both doctors, the

plan is that

I will be cured and will no longer need either the Chinese herbs nor the

synthroid.

As a side note, and forgive me group if I have already posted about this, I am

41 years old

and have never been pregnant despite extreme measures trying. My husband and I

adopted our fabulous and beautiful daughter a year ago. Thinking that I was

" infertile " we

have not been using birth control. Well, I guess the Chinese medicine is

working on more

than just my thyroid, or the thyroid problem was the problem, because low and

behold

last October I discovered that I was 8 weeks pregnant. The pregnancy continued

for 3

more weeks and then, sadly, I miscarried. But as my ob/gyn said, " You are

obviously

healthier than you were when you were 34 starting out trying to get pregnant.

Most

people go in the other direction. "

I work with both doctors and they are both supportive and respectful of each

other. I

regularly get my blood tested and give the results to both doctors.

I am also on a completely gluten free diet.

This is my story.

[Guest guest]

hi susan,

HT does cause infertility...it happened to me....i waited late in life to have kids but didn't expect problems...i had been on the pill since 16 and at 33-34 decided to stop to try to get pregnant....i immediately started packing on weight and periods didn't return to normal...after 8 months of bugging my doc plus 100 lbs later they decide to do blood work and found hypothyroidism...started meds and shortly after got pg....had my daughter 11/11/99 and she is 6 now then i had a miscarriage then got pg again and had daughter #2 on 2/19/03...she will be 3 in feb....i'm 41 now and been married 22 yrs. my thyroid got real screwed up at delivery of 2nd child and its just getting regulated.

are you still trying to get pg? congrats on the adoption.

-- RE: AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE IN WOMEN - THE FACTS

Rita,I have had extremely good results with Chinese medicine and acupuncture. My endocrinologist recommended I see a Chinese doctor because, "They know how to cure autoimmune diseases and we (western doctors) can only treat the symptoms." The woman I see treated a friend of mine who had Graves disease and she no longer has Graves disease. My friend did not do any western medicine because she also has liver problems. My Chinese doctor has also treated and cured several Hashimoto's patients. Since seeing her I have energy to spare and I have been slowly lowering my synthroid from 72.5 mc to 50 while maintaining a TSH of 1.45. According to both doctors, the plan is that I will be cured and will no longer need either the Chinese herbs nor the synthroid. As a side note, and forgive me group if I have already posted about this, I am 41 years old and have never been pregnant despite extreme measures trying. My husband and I adopted our fabulous and beautiful daughter a year ago. Thinking that I was "infertile" we have not been using birth control. Well, I guess the Chinese medicine is working on more than just my thyroid, or the thyroid problem was the problem, because low and behold last October I discovered that I was 8 weeks pregnant. The pregnancy continued for 3 more weeks and then, sadly, I miscarried. But as my ob/gyn said, "You are obviously healthier than you were when you were 34 starting out trying to get pregnant. Most people go in the other direction."I work with both doctors and they are both supportive and respectful of each other. I regularly get my blood tested and give the results to both doctors.I am also on a completely gluten free diet.This is my story.

Copyright ©2003 LongBraid Designs

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I read your emails w/ interest b/c I tried Chinese medicin and acupuncture both

before

and after I was diagnosed w/ Hashi's. It helped w/ night sweats, sleeping

patterns and

muscle twitching. Regretfully, I haven't kept up w/ it mainly b/c it gets so

expensive

between the herbs and having acupuncture treatments done three times a week.

Any who, I was surprised to read that people w/ Hashi's have been cured. I

thought that

since the antibodies killed off the thyroid that it wouldn't be possible. Also,

do you know

if these people stayed on their meds while being treated by your doctor?

Any info would be appreciated.

a

>

> Rita,

>

> I have had extremely good results with Chinese medicine and acupuncture. My

> endocrinologist recommended I see a Chinese doctor because, " They know how to

cure

> autoimmune diseases and we (western doctors) can only treat the symptoms. "

The

woman

> I see treated a friend of mine who had Graves disease and she no longer has

Graves

> disease. My friend did not do any western medicine because she also has liver

problems.

> My Chinese doctor has also treated and cured several Hashimoto's patients.

>

> Since seeing her I have energy to spare and I have been slowly lowering my

synthroid

from

> 72.5 mc to 50 while maintaining a TSH of 1.45. According to both doctors, the

plan is

that

> I will be cured and will no longer need either the Chinese herbs nor the

synthroid.

>

> As a side note, and forgive me group if I have already posted about this, I am

41 years

old

> and have never been pregnant despite extreme measures trying. My husband and I

> adopted our fabulous and beautiful daughter a year ago. Thinking that I was

" infertile "

we

> have not been using birth control. Well, I guess the Chinese medicine is

working on

more

> than just my thyroid, or the thyroid problem was the problem, because low and

behold

> last October I discovered that I was 8 weeks pregnant. The pregnancy

continued for 3

> more weeks and then, sadly, I miscarried. But as my ob/gyn said, " You are

obviously

> healthier than you were when you were 34 starting out trying to get pregnant.

Most

> people go in the other direction. "

>

> I work with both doctors and they are both supportive and respectful of each

other. I

> regularly get my blood tested and give the results to both doctors.

>

> I am also on a completely gluten free diet.

>

> This is my story.

>

>

>