Autoimmune – affecting other health issues

Diana,
Welcome to the forum. Sorry you had to find us but I hope you will get lots of good information while you are here. In answer to your question it seems that many of us who have GBS or CIDP have other autoimmune issues as well. Its not a prerequisite but I believe there are a high percentage if we did a poll. Of course there are many autoimmune diseases and issues that can be acquired that might be part of the reason.

Hi Diana, I’ve had other autoimmune tendencies…blood clotting irregularity with positive ANA titer 20 years ago, reactive arthritis after fifth disease 9 years ago, GBS after dental surgery 2 years ago and mild raynauds. I have always had a very strong immune system, yet I have not had any underlying autoimmune disease identified. I go years without anything.

Hi, I have had GBS with the Miller Fischer Variant 3 times (age 11, 30, and 37) and I am now 40 years old.

I get sick A LOT…3-4 times per year – at least. I had heard or read before that GBS can lead to a weakend immune system and I am trying to find the article.

My doctor recommended a test to look at ALL VITAMINS AND MINERALS in my body to try to create a compounded vitamin specific for my body to see if it helps decrease the amount of colds I get. AND OF COURSE THE INSURANCE COMPANY DOES NOT COVER THIS $5,000 TEST…unless, I can show them some research article that suggest this could happen.

I eat right, take multi-vitamins, work out, and stay in shape yet I am always getting sick and I don’t even have kids! Imagine if I had kids? I would end up being the girl in the bubble.

I did e-mail the foundation to see if they knew of any research reports that pointed to this…but, I see on this site that I am not alone with these problems?

I am very frustrated….

Thanks for any help/info anyone can provide.

Lisa

Hi, I’m on the autoimmune diet and doing great, however in my case it could be all about the timing. It probably hasn’t been long enough for me to be struck with another autoimmune thing yet. I did have some genetic test which showed I have a gene which predisposes me to reactive arthritis, GBS and some other autoimmune thing which usually hits in one’s 60’s (if you get it). Gee, one more weird thing to get! lol! I really couldn’t believe my test results. I am thinking about hibernating this winter while H1N1 spreads through my state. No reason to put my immune system to the test 😉 Andrea

Hi All,

I also have thyroid issues, and then about 10 years ago while going through divorce I got alopecia. Immune system attacks hair follicles. :rolleyes:
Still have alopecia and take throid meds. Sucks. (GBS 1959 at age 5)

Hi auto gals, my reynauds is driving me crazy since winter started. Just got some blood test results back and my new doc (after old retired) wants me to see a rheumatoid specialist. Says she thinks I have some mixed connective tissue disease. Anyone familiar with this one? This sort of waffling doesn’t instill much confidence on my part…hope I stay healthy, I mean healthier!:D Andrea

Hello .. rereading thigs on this board. I too had problems with my thyroid .. all started after I was dx with GBS. I have my thyroid removed because of cancer. I think that the more we show thigs to our Drs the more they will learn. I am waitting for the next autoimmune dx. After all at times it is like a game between our bodies and our knowledge of our bodies.

Hi Diana:

My daughter came down with GBS-MF variant at age 3. Since then she has had an endless amount of autoimmune related issues throughout her young life. 1. hPylor bacteria 2. Mono 3. ANA titers have been high 4. Walking Pneumonia 5. Fibromyalgia 6. more than her share of colds, ear infections and strep throat. And lastly but the most serious now, although this may not be related to autoimmune defincency; she has 2 brain tumors where she will have surgery on September 14th for the one that is operable as it has doubled in size in the last 2 months.

~Cathy

Oh, Cathy, I am so sorry to hear of your daughter’s problems.

I hope the surgery was successful and she is making a good recovery.

Hugs to her!!!