Hello everyone

[vsapey]

My question is concerning my immune system. I now have 4 auto immune diseases.

I am on 50mg pred ATM.

Have been trying to improve my diet. As my immune system is attacking my body, should I look at foods that 'boost' my immune system. E.g. Pro biotics.

[HeronNS]

Which four diseases do you have? Auto immune disorders are caused by an overactive immune system enthusiastically attacking the body rather than invaders so the last thing you'd want to be doing is boosting that system! Probiotics are a different kettle of fish. These are part of the microbiome which is almost a parallel system in the body, and which we keep healthy through our food choices, including avoiding overly processed foods or too much sugar. We can boost the microbiome either through pills, or preferably through fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir, various fermented vegetables and aged cheeses, among other things. I think boosting the microbiome is an excellent idea. Stimulating your own immune system not so much.

[vsapey in reply to HeronNS]

I have MS, mixed connective tissue disease, PMR/GLA and auto immune hepatitis. Thank you for the great advice.

[HeronNS in reply to vsapey]

I hope you can find ways to help yourself feel better. Sounds like you have a lot to deal with. Best wishes.

[Hidden in reply to vsapey]

Hi Vsapey

I am sorry I have no advice but want you to know I am going to pray for you. You have so much on your plate.

So you know you were used today to help me be more grateful as I only have two ills to deal with. Not much of a concession I am sure but we are all valuable to each other even when ill.

God bless

Lin

[Telian in reply to vsapey]

Hi vsapey

So sorry you having so much to contend with but I am not the person to advice you on diet, sorry but I note HeronNS has, best wishes to you.

I'm interested in the MS you have at the same time as other AI illnesses. Were you diagnosed before or following your PMR/GCA diagnosis.? I ask because I am 50/50 MS - I tested positive for MS via brain scan, eye evoke test and lumbar puncture, and because I already have an AI illness neurology didn't know what the antibodies found in the spinal chord were pertaining to. As a result I was referred on to an MS Consultant. MS is in the family.

My Neurologist says because I am not displaying some of the symptoms of MS (mobility issues) she is not keen to start me on treatment. She is very good and knows her stuff and I have complete faith in her. I can call her if I get any changes and have an annual brain scan. It was my Rheumatologist, Professor Dasgupta, who referred me to Neurology because of my chronic headaches (not my GCA headaches) and he was right - again - very clever man he is.

I wait with interest to hear from you - hope you don't mind and when you can.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Telian]

This thread is over 2 years old. I noticed you also replied to another old thread - so don't be disappointed if you get little response. Only people who "followed" the thread originally will see your posts.

[Telian in reply to PMRpro]

I've done it again, that's twice now. I know I replied to an old thread of yours re Blepharitis, which I did know was old but didn't expect a reply. I know what's happening I'm clicking on headings that interest me and not checking when posted.

However many thanks for this, how embarrassing, I've got real pred head on since I upped my steroids the other week and trying to reduce with great difficulty but getting there. Think I need to stay clear for a while!

Still not used to this sight - I've clicked on 'following' only once but have no idea what's supposed to have happened since. Also don't know how to post a new thread. Perhaps I'll speak to the administrators when I'm up to it. Sorry not a good time to be trying to think.

Really appreciate your help, thanks for looking out for me.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Telian]

You might get an answer - and if it helps that's good.

Look at the top of this page and click on Home. You will see a box saying "What's on your mind?" - click on that and you can write a new post/question. Doesn't matter which, a post is probably better.

Hardly intuitive so hardly surprising you can't fathom it out - this is the most user unfriendly forum I use. It drives me nuts!!!!

[Telian in reply to PMRpro]

Actually I did get a reply so result there.

Many thanks for the 'Home' lesson - I really do need private tuition at the moment - it's interesting to hear what you say about the site - I'll not beat myself up too much now. Think I'll have that much needed rest though - after I've written down your instructions on 'how to' as I'll probably never find it again on here!

Much appreciate your help