Fighting autoimmune disease

osean79
osean79 Posts: 1
in Introduce Yourself
I am recovering from an autoimmune disease called Guillain Barre Syndrome.
Started using MFP app about 3 weeks ago, and found it a very useful tool for tracking my food as I recover and heal my body.
Some of the symptoms of the disease include double vision, paralysis, and loss of reflex. I've been fortunate with quick recovery, but still suffer from double vision, numbess in my limbs, weakness, and fatigue. During my recovery, I made it my number one priority to start eating healthy, along with a good exercise regimen to help the healing process as well as prevent any future GBS relapse. I would like to hear from any other autoimmune disease survivors and any tips on getting my body to stop hurting itself.

Replies

  • kleigh9
    kleigh9 Posts: 9
    Hey! I have autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). I'm currently in the middle of a flare, so I'm on budesonide, imuran, and cellcept trying to get my immune system in check. At the moment, I'm tackling the fatigue that comes with AIH, as well as the side effects of all the medications.

    For me, I HATE the thought of exercise, but once I get myself to the gym it isn't hard at all! I have to remind myself that exercise will strengthen my health -- which people with autoimmune diseases need to do!

    I've changed my diet completely since my diagnosis. I personally and truly feel like gluten plays a major role in certain, if not all, autoimmune diseases. I've cut out gluten from my diet and I have noticed a complete change in my mental clarity; I no longer have that nasty brain fog. I try my hardest to stay away from processed foods, but being a college student makes that hard sometimes!!
  • dizneedana
    dizneedana Posts: 40 Member
    I also have had Guillain-Barre. It has been almost 10 yrs but I still live with residuals. Since I also have fibromyalgia and other things going on it is hard for me to exercise. Some days I have too much pain but this site is helpful for me to stay within my calories. Friend me if you like...it is always good to have someone who knows a lot of what you are going through. Take care.
  • acpgee
    acpgee Posts: 7,963 Member
    I had Guillain Barre Syndrome too in 2011. Still walk with canes and wear orthotics due to bi-lateral drop foot, paralysis in feet and impaired balance. Have been warned not to expect much further improvement now that the two year watermark has passed. It could be worse, early 2011 I couldn't sit upright unaided and was still in a wheelchair mid 2011. Best wishes to everyone here.
  • arcticbutterfly
    arcticbutterfly Posts: 24 Member
    I also have an autoimmune disease mine is PBC (primary biliary cirrhosis) I take imuran 150mg a day. I was exhausted and my specialist told me its because in addition to having anti nuclear antibodies I also have anti mitochondrial antibodies (mitochondria are the energy producers in the cell) He added nuvigil and its amazing!!! I can make it through the day no problem now and it makes me not hungry at all and have lost 4 pounds in a week on it so far. Just food for thought :) maybe it would help you all too?
  • lrmall01
    lrmall01 Posts: 377 Member
    I don't have anything autoimmune related but I have looked into it quite a bit on behalf of my sister. I just wanted to suggest that anyone who does have these issues look into the "autoimmune paleo" way of eating. Just use google and you will find some good information and suggestions on how to remove and systematically add food back in to understand what may contribute to your symptoms. At a minimum it might point out some things that you are currently eating that could be avoided (gluten, legumes, dairy, FODMAPS, eggs for example).

    Best of luck to you!

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