The immune system

[HeronNS]

Book recommendation:

Matt Richtel. An Elegant Defense: the extraordinary new science of the immune system, A Tale in Four Lives.

[HeronNS]

Sitting here with my immune system fighting a rotten cold, reading this book, I think I finally have a better insight into what goes on in our bodies when we have autoimmune disease. Book reads like a novel, albeit a kind of annoying one at times.

[KellyInTexas in reply to HeronNS]

Thank you- will look at this!

I think it’s also important, as I’ve recently learned by sent by my consultants, to learn about the innate and adaptive immune systems in our bodies.

Innate= primitive. Histamine degranulation responses. In extreme cases, anaphylactic responses. This is where Mast cells come into play. They can become dis regulated in auto immune diseases- especially in Lupus/ APS . ( I see a top world consultant in this.) This is where Benadryl will help. ( histamine blockers.)

Adaptive= a bit more sophisticated, or targeted, specific. More to do with T cells/ B cells.

I don’t understand a lot about it. I’ve been sent to a consultant immunologist a couple of weeks ago in San Antonio Texas. The question is ...switch to IVIG ( innate immune system intervention) or continue Rituximab ( adaptive immune system intervention) and stay on the solumedrol indefinitely. ( yes please!)

Looks like both of my immune systems are not functions properly.

A good book to understand Mast cell activation syndrome is Never Bet Against Occam , by Dr Laurence Afrin ( Hematologist) if anyone is so inclined. It’s academic written for the lay person with great resources.

[HeronNS in reply to KellyInTexas]

I do have to say, reading about some of the other autoimmune diseases makes me almost grateful to have PMR!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to HeronNS]

I used to say that a lot!

[KellyInTexas in reply to HeronNS]

They are all very difficult, and carry their own complications, especially when dealing with medication (s) / treatments.

I’m just grateful for each other’s support and knowledge!

[Megams in reply to KellyInTexas]

~Thank you KellyInTexas - I will see if my Library has the one or two recommended. Most interesting indeed + always thirst for more knowledge to further understand how these intricate systems work. ~