Immune system question

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 01/09/01 1:18:26 AM Eastern Standard Time,

kirstenmj@... writes:

<< My question is: if the DMARD suppresses my immune system, will the herbs

do anything to my immune system? Like build it back up? I don't want them

all counter-acting each other. >>

Kirsten - definately, enchinea (however you spell it) will be

counterproductive as it is meant to INCREASE your immune system.

Unfortunately, since supplements aren't really FDA regulated, I'm not sure

how you'd find out about other herbs, etc. that would effect the immune

system - maybe looking them up online or a nutritionist??

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone!

I've been trying to keep up with all the posts... sorry I haven't

written recently. Just wanted to update you on " where I'm at " .

I have an appt. with a new rheumatologist for the first week of

Dec. My current Dr. has denied me any further pain medication,

specifically Vicodin (after over 2 years!) and I've had to go off it

cold turkey. Fun! So we'll see if FINALLY I'll find someone who

will treat this disease agressively so I won't continue to go

downhill.

I've been treating myself with lots of tylenol in the meantime, in

addition to my normal regimen of Feldene and Prednisone, and have

gone back on Methotrexate. But my question is this.

Recently I have had a cold that has lasted over 3 weeks. I feel

generally run down (like chronic fatigue) all the time, sneezing,

scratchy throat, and mild diarreha (sp?). Dr. put me on Allegra,

which is an allergy medication, but it's not helping at all, so....

I'm convinced that I just really have a depressed immune system

which I know is common with an autoimmune disease like RA.

Other than improved diet, which I'm already planning on instituting,

does anyone recommend any specific supplements to build up the

immune system and generally feel better? I'd appreciate any ideas.

ALSO...my disability was denied, BUT my employer is allowing me to

come back to work. I'm going to be on a 30 day probation due to all

my absences due to illness, etc., so basically unless I'm dieing I

have to go to work or be fired. But I need to see this as a

blessing. I'll have income coming in and be able to survive until,

if and when, the new Dr. deems me disabled.

Thanks again to all of you for your input and support. I appreciate

you all!

[Guest guest]

Hi, !

I hope very much that your new rheumatologist is better than your

current one. Good luck with that appointment. Sorry things have been so

hard for you lately.

Since the immune system is extremely complex and how it works is not

completely known, particularly in the case of someone with RA, it's

difficult to answer your question. The RA meds do attempt to depress the

immune system, but that is intentional.

I can't recommend specific supplements, but I can recommend: if you

smoke, quit; if you need to lose weight, try to; make sure your blood

pressure and cholesterol are at safe levels; exercise; eat plenty of

fruits and vegetables and little in the way of sweets and processed

food; try to reduce stress levels; get adequate, uninterrupted sleep.

If all of the above is under control, your current treatment plan may

need revision.

I hope you can keep working and find a way to feel better soon. Good

luck!

[ ] Immune system question

> Hi everyone!

>

> I've been trying to keep up with all the posts... sorry I haven't

> written recently. Just wanted to update you on " where I'm at " .

>

> I have an appt. with a new rheumatologist for the first week of

> Dec. My current Dr. has denied me any further pain medication,

> specifically Vicodin (after over 2 years!) and I've had to go off it

> cold turkey. Fun! So we'll see if FINALLY I'll find someone who

> will treat this disease agressively so I won't continue to go

> downhill.

>

> I've been treating myself with lots of tylenol in the meantime, in

> addition to my normal regimen of Feldene and Prednisone, and have

> gone back on Methotrexate. But my question is this.

>

> Recently I have had a cold that has lasted over 3 weeks. I feel

> generally run down (like chronic fatigue) all the time, sneezing,

> scratchy throat, and mild diarreha (sp?). Dr. put me on Allegra,

> which is an allergy medication, but it's not helping at all, so....

> I'm convinced that I just really have a depressed immune system

> which I know is common with an autoimmune disease like RA.

>

> Other than improved diet, which I'm already planning on instituting,

> does anyone recommend any specific supplements to build up the

> immune system and generally feel better? I'd appreciate any ideas.

>

> ALSO...my disability was denied, BUT my employer is allowing me to

> come back to work. I'm going to be on a 30 day probation due to all

> my absences due to illness, etc., so basically unless I'm dieing I

> have to go to work or be fired. But I need to see this as a

> blessing. I'll have income coming in and be able to survive until,

> if and when, the new Dr. deems me disabled.

>

> Thanks again to all of you for your input and support. I appreciate

> you all!

>

>