Sending good thoughts.

My family has many auto-immune disorders and I assume eventually I will too. I'm convinced it makes us special that our bodies are more evolved and rejecting all the bad things that hurt us, that eventually after we've overloaded our bodies with bad our immune system doesn't know what to do. Thats what I tell myself at least.

You'll have to find out exactly what it is. I think you are on the right path with how you are caring for yourself and after decades of damage you have to expect some negative effects. I think it will take some time for your body to completely heal, but don't give up on it.

Love and support to you dear Carly. I hope the doctors can have a happy surprise for you and put your mind more at ease ♥

I don't have much advice, but here is a big *hug* & I will be thinking about you!

robert65ferguson wrote: »

@Knitormiss; sorry to hear about your understandable frustration. You have clearly shown that you're someone who has the capacity to tackle problems in a methodical manner. There are times when the sheer complexity of a problem can overwhelm us. Perhaps this is a good time to step back and break the cycle of the ever growing mushroom cloud of conflicting thoughts and emotions which can threaten to engulf us. Every complex problem can be broken down into it's constituent parts. You're clearly a thinker with the ability to evaluate information. While accepting that a number of factors can be interlinked or perhaps even causal, you may find it helpful to try to focus on some of the factors that you can influence and then use that success as an incentive to try and tackle the more difficult issues. As a wise man once said ' we can eat an elephant if we take it one bite at a time.' I wish you well in your endeavours to find a solution.

Could not have said this better!

I understand your frustrations and overwhelming feelings. Feel them. Let the anger flow for now. Try not to binge, that's counterproductive. Meditate. Do you do yoga? It's very calming and centering. Wait until your doc puts it all together. I know that's easier to say than do, but Google isn't really your friend with medical stuff when it isn't put into perspective. Maybe it's a lab error. Those happen more than you may know. They will probably re-test and run some others. In the meantime, I'll be thinking about you. Keep your chin up.

<<hugs>>

Dang. I feel for you Knit. truly, truly I do. Honestly, one of the worst things you can do for yourself if you truly have an autoimmune disorder is to get extremely distressed about it. Internalized stress can send AI disorders into an absolute tailspin. Stress is your enemy. Stress is everyone's enemy, but with AI, its really your enemy.

The other worst thing for you that you can do is google all of the weird AI disorders out there and their symptoms.....someone mentioned that as well. You will never sleep again if you do that. Sleep is your friend (think rest and repair).

Meditation? yes. Mellow Music? yes please. Maybe a contemplative walk? definitely. Genuine laughter every now and again? a MUST. If you would like to read about AI information...I'd suggest reading about ways to improve or alleviate / lessen the potential impact. You know knowledge is power....because you are a very knowledgeable person, Knit. I recommend Chris Kresser a lot. He is very knowledgeable with regard to AI, and is all about treating the underlying causes of AI, not just the symptoms. i.e., gut health is very very VERY important. He also has many many podcasts you can listen to if that is your thing.

http://chriskresser.com - search autoimmune. Lots of good information there.

There are also a few good posts on marks daily apple with regard to AI. Here is one. just search autoimmune on his site.

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/the-autoimmune-protocol-what-to-do-when-nothing-else-has-worked/#axzz3YBKbMsCY

Research the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP). Familiarize yourself with foods and situations that are known to potentially trigger AI symptoms/attacks. Stress. Constant fatigue. OVER exercising (this does not mean DON'T exercise - know your personal limits). Soy. Wheat / Grains. Processed foods. Legumes. Nightshades.

These are positive things you can read to further educate yourself for your doctor's visit. Write your questions down...because I can guarantee that when you are in your doc's office, if he uses the word "disease" with regard to your diagnosis...you will forget everything you wanted to ask.

I, am an autoimmune train wreck...lol...My T2 is autoimmune. My thyroid is autoimmune. Last summer I had to get a bone marrow biopsy (and yes it hurts like hell - sorry), and they found I have a mast cell disease. It also is autoimmune. Luckily its not yet progressed / proliferated to the bone marrow (Its non-systemic for now)....*whew*! I've also been tested for Lupus. Thank the Lord that one came back negative.

I know where you are. for the last couple of years, i could barely walk from the parking lot to my desk without either tears or such extreme fatigue and pain. The inflammation was unbearable. Daily events were major events. My concentration was in the tank (I'm also slightly ADD - this post took me well over an hour to write...sheesh...lol). I bought an additional life insurance policy because I didn't think I was going to make it, it was that bad. But I did. and I am. Some days are better than others. Some days really suck....I won't lie, I'm sorry.

You can face this....whatever "this" is. Level yourself. Look at all the things you have been through, and how very far you've already come? Don't binge. Be good to yourself.

Your body needs you right now, more than it ever has, to love it and care for it like no one else but you can.
Love and prayers for you.

Just reading this. *Hugs* I can't be much help otherwise, as I know nothing on the topic. But definitely as previous commenters have said care for yourself! Enlist your man to help you with some distraction and/or relaxation. I don't know what helps you, but for me it's alone time. A warm bubble bath with soothing music and mood lighting... undisturbed. Whatever it is that relaxes you, do that.

I'm so pleased to hear the 'success story' title for you Carly, and I hope it *all* turns into that quickly for you