Re: WHO HAD RA IS IT'S FROM STRESS??

[Guest guest]

Hello Shandi and ,

Just my point of view but I think you are both probably right, saying the same

thing in different ways!!

After all , all those examples you mentioned, Shandi, are body stressors,

altering the immune balance at the time.I mean  pregnancy is obviously  a stress

 to the body, albeit a natural one with a hopefully very happy outcome!  The

body adjusts and accommodates, with huge outpourings of hormones and naturally

produced steroids, and TOLERATES the presence of a little being growing inside

although with some 'nonself' protein on board (from the father of course).When

these protective hormonal changes fall away somewhat after birth that can leave

some ,those with a susceptibility, to reveal an autoimmune response has

developed, such as RA.

Acute becoming chronic severe mental (dis)stress,also infections put the body

through similar changes in these protective responses and it is not unreasonable

to attribute significant mental stress as a trigger.My friend with RA, would

certainly fit this pattern.

Best wishes

retired doc UK

From: michellefollet <michellefollet>

Subject: [ ] WHO HAD RA THAT IS IN THE FAMILY OR DOES ANYONE THINK IT'S

FROM STRESS??

@gro ups.com

Date: Sunday, August 10, 2008, 2:23 AM

Hi I was interested in hearing who had RA that has been inherited from

other family members or I was curious to see if there is any relation

to stress!!!!

I am asking this as a girlfriend's mother developed RA in her fourties

and she thinks it is related to her having a very stressful upbringing.

I too have had a life full of enormous stress from a young girl and I

am curious if in some way this has attributed to my RA/FM !!!

I also have a daughter who has a rare blood disorder (which is also an

autoimmune illness) But no one in our family has had RA and I am the

youngest of six siblings.

I wondered if this is just a myth about stress or there is a

connection. I do know when I am under stress now with my RA it flares

up something shocking !!

I would love to know everyones imput !!

take care .

[Guest guest]

I think it's different for everyone, no one set pattern really.

For me I had a complete hysterectomy at age 30. I took HRT daily till age 46,

stopped estrogen cold turkey Feb 2003. By Dec of the same year I had a diagnosis

of full blown RA. I was dealing with a boat load of family stress at the time

and also dealing with menopause and all that comes with that. The RA pain

started hitting me early May during a motorcycle vacation. Let me tell you, it

was not a fun year.

Judy in OK