Does anyone have autoimmune disorders in ... - Cure Parkinson's
Does anyone have autoimmune disorders in addition to PD? I was diagnosed w/Systemic Lupus at age 25; Sarcoidosis at age 37; PD at age 56.
I've had alopecia areata universalis since 1977. I've often wondered if there was any connection.
i have VITILIGO - which is supposed to be an auto immune desease
No, but I had thyroid cancer and a thyroidectomy right before I was diagnosed. Low thyroid exacerbates PD.
Thanks DiCan, shasha, and PatV for responding. I asked my neurologist if the Parkinson's diagnosis could be auto immune related. He respond that it was not. I was so hoping for a "yes" since auto immune diseases can go into remission, and I thought I could "will" this into remission. It was an attempt on my part to deny this diagnosis. I have finally decided that it is what it is, and I'll have to accept it and move on; but there are days that I still question the diagnosis. I guess there will always be doubts or periods of denial for me. I am new at this. I actually have 2 diagnosis dates. The first one was 6/15/11. I call this my Parkinson Disease Denial Date (PDDD). I flat out refused to accept it. When I finally got up my nerve to research this disease (which took me a while), all the things that happened to me were classic textbook cases. I also responded to the Parkinson's meds which is a tell all sign. Even still, I sought a second opinon. My second positive diagnosis was 12/1/11. I call this my Parkinson Disease Acceptance Date (PDAC). I'm still struggling though. I'm going to my 1st support group meeting tomorrow. I'm axious about it. We'll see how it goes!
Again, thank you all for responding. Hope everyone has a good day!
CheriH,
I still think there is a lot we do not know about PD. I too wonder about auto-immune relationship. I have a long history of allergies and asthma, since I have been on the PD meds, my allergies symptoms are minimal and I have not had to use my inhaler at all. I have not asked my MD about this but think it is interesting.
I was so sick by the time I was diagnosed that I already knew it was PD, though we were also ruling out MS. I could no longer deny it. Keep in mind there is a grieving process with any illness, the first step is denial. Looking back, the first documented symptoms started in 2004.
