blood tests

[Bronte007]

So I had my blood results back and the long and the short of it is that I have certain antibodies which means I have an autoimmune disease -an antisynthetase syndrome which has lung disease and skin problems,arthritis as part of it . I don’t have muscle weakness, or raynaulds or sun sensitivity but must not get sun burned as it can trigger an autoimmune reaction.

As these things go I have a ‘better type’. It was probably triggered by covid exposure but things are improving especially my breathing ( it’s the lungs that are the biggest worry) . I have to go back to Mr Lung and he will assess whether he’s happy to leave all alone for now. I will have to have regular check ups with rheumatologist but now under nhs. If I have a worsening of condition I will have to go on immune suppressant meds which I obvs don’t want as they make you susceptible to infection and I’d have to be careful around the snotty kids I work with - I’m a paediatric speech therapist and lots of them come in with a whole host of nasties!!

What I found most interesting is that whereas before covid the rheumatologist saw 1 or 2 mysotosis cases a year , since last Xmas he’s seen 2-3 per month ! 🤔

[Patk1]

My niece is on immune suppressant biologics and is a teacher.shes not had a problem with bugs,v rarely catches anything x

[Bronte007 in reply to Patk1]

Thank you for your reply - it is most reassuring 😊

[Ergendl]

Interesting comment about the increase in cases since covid - another consequence of long covid perhaps?

[jackdup in reply to Ergendl]

I wonder if they meant that or the vaccine?

[jackdup]

Did she give an explanation as to what she feels the cause is? Is it a result of COVID itself or perhaps the vaccine?

[Bronte007]

He said he couldn’t be sure but most likely covid ‘exposure’ as my colleague has covid at Xmas and he said now most people have had covid or been exposed to it. He said some people had autoimmune disease triggered from the vaccine too. Whereas at the beginning of the pandemic people had clear covid pneumonia and were usually in hospital and then had long covid , now the picture was different. He said now the flu vaccine was the most important jab to have as we are over due a flu pandemic ! 😩

[Izb1]

I have rheumatoid arthritis as does one of my sisters, one of my other sisters has Crohns, both auto immune diseases. One thing I will say is to look after your gut in anyway you can. I am a great believer that most of our health problems are connected to gut health. I hope you can stay well and avoid meds as long as possible x

[Bronte007 in reply to Izb1]

What do you advise to look after gut health?

[Izb1 in reply to Bronte007]

I am lucky that I am retired and have time to shop for fresh foods and have time to cook so avoid processed foods as much as possible, hard when you are working I know. Fermented foods are great, Kefir, Sauerkraut, nuts, beans and daft as it seems look after your teeth. I read about the bacteria in your teeth destroying your good bacteria in your tummy. There are a host of things you can do to keep your gut healthy, have a look online there is plenty of info. I dont always keep to it and have my weakness's like crisps, chocolates and a drink of wine but on the whole I do try. Exercise is just as important to keep your lungs fit. The longer you can avoid medication the better you will be x

[Bronte007 in reply to Izb1]

Thankyou . I will try but like you partial to chocolate and weakness for bakery goods and g and T !! 😳

[Izb1 in reply to Bronte007]

Well we are human after all and I am sure a little of what you fancy does you no harm at all. I have limited myself to treats on a weekend only though as I really need to lose some weight x

[Alberta56]

It's good to read that you are still working at a very important job in spite of your own problems. i hope all goes well and the snotty kids don't bring in anything too awful. xx

[Bronte007 in reply to Alberta56]

Thankyou . I feel well at the moment with very few symptoms currently. Once I’ve seen Dr Lung , I might again ask whether it’s worth trying some topical treatment for my finger tips which look awful !

[Alberta56 in reply to Bronte007]

🤞🤞🤞 xxx