Rheumatoid Arthritis Or Other Autoimmune Disease / Problems

[peacequeen 434]

I have myasthenia gravis, hashimotos thyroiditis and osteoarthritis. I've had positive test results for RA but low readings so have not been officially diagnosed. I also have positive ANA so have been told it's possible I have systemic lupus. I've taken imuran and cellcept for the mg, had ivig treatments, the first 2 caused liver problems for me. Ivig caused me to have aseptic meningitis. I can't take prednisone because it caused me to fall into type II diabetes and cushing syndrome so I only take mestinon timespan. I had a set back in July this past year and had an ICU stay with plasmapheresis treatments,,which really helped and I may need them in the future if I have exacerbations. I take 200 mcg synthroid for my thyroid and celebrex (which the ins. co is giving me grief) I haven't had it for 2 weeks and I can see and feel the inflamation and the weather really brings on the symptoms. My neurologist was the the one who originally suggested my having wls. I'm glad I did,,I've noticed a difference. I was using a bipap for respiratory issues due to the mg, I'm no longer using it. My synthroid dose decreased (which flucuates so not sure it's due to weightloss), the osteo issues are better in my ankles and hips but my knees still bother me. Sorry I just rambled on..I haven't had anyone to talk to about all this,,it's unfortunate all of you have these struggles but a blessing that I found this post. I get alot of deer in headlight looks when I talk about my health issues. It would be nice to know others who suffer from the same type of issues as myself. I look forward to knowing each of you.

[sleevemeup 41]

Wow, glad to know that there are others with issues! Not glad you have them, but relieved that I am not alone. My autoimmune problems aren't as bad as some, (Celiac & Hashi's), but nonetheless I hope this will help me regain my health. I wonder if it will re-boot our immune systems?? Curious to hear or experience if this has happened!

[kmill 2]

I am a year and 3 months out. I had diabetes and RA. I am til this day, not being treated for RA or diabetes. Losing the weight has helped me tremendously. I just went to my RA doctor and she still has not put me on any meds. I had one flare up with my hip and they gave me Prednoise, but she seems to think it was not RA, but spasms. I am totally happy with my sleeve. Now, just to work and keep the weight off. I am now a member of Anytime Fitness and enjoy my workouts. Good luck to you!

[sleevemeup 41]

Also.... for those of us with autoimmune issues, I have found a way of eating which I am trying to see if it can be modified to sleevers. Obviously, it needs to because I have not been able to loose weight on it! I have noticed that I do feel better though. Check out Paleo or Primal Blueprint. It's basically Protein, fruit and vege based. You eat totally grain free and some people don't eat dairy. So, you can modify it. It was easy for me because of Celiac. My brother has MS, and it has helped him a great deal. My father-in-law has RA, and I am trying to get him into it, but he is single and not too good with anything other than the microwave! If anything, it is a great read and very interesting. It is a lot of work because you don't eat anything processed either. They also have a great workout, based on crossfit.

[Jen35 283]

Hi,

I know is is an older post, but I was so happy to find it. I just recently joined this site and I am planning to be sleeved in January. I have RA (mild) and fibromyalgia. Someone recenlty created a group on here for RA an/or auto-immune diseases. You should all join so we can all compare notes:)

I'm trying to figure out if I should stop the Plaquenil before surgery or not?? My surgeon doesn't think it should be an issue, but I'm not so sure.

[gamergirl 4,610]

Hi there! I just created an autoimmune support group for us! Please follow and post there. I keep losing this thread because it's not in a forum. I sure hope to see all of us there. Here's the link

http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/groups/show/269-autoimmune-sleevers/

[boosh10 98]

Hello all... I know this is a super old post, but any updates on how you all are doing with an autoimmune disease and being sleeved??

[MPL 9]

Can we revive this? I am having trouble finding others with fibro (well, I am having trouble with the "search" function altogether: nothing found on "protein drinks" either? My fibro doctor advises against surgery because it is a fibro trigger-- talk about being between a rock and a hard place. People who had the surgery, please speak up!

[boosh10 98]

I'll probably trigger the fibro for you temporarily, but in the long run it may totally help with less weight. I'm fully aware that I may go into a RA flare because I have to come off my RA meds, but if weighing less in the future will put less stress on my joints, then I'll take the flare. Good luck

[kmill 2]

I have Rheumoid Arthritis and I had the Gastric Sleeve surgery, almost 4 years ago. I have not gotten back on any of my meds. I am doing great. Every once in a while with the weather, I will take either tylenol or advil to help with the stiffness in the morning. Four years out and I am feeling great! Good luck to you!

[boosh10 98]

Thanks kmill. I've read a couple of stories that ppl didn't have to take RA meds anymore. I really really hope that's my case too!!