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Other Autoimmune Diseases


Thu, August 01, 2013 7:42 PM

Hi All,
I am new to this site and not sure where to post my question. Here is my story, briefly. I am a 44 year old female with 2 children. I am a workout nut,as my kids say, and stay very fit. I was always a sick kid with many diagnosis. At at 21 I started bleeding profusely, etc and was diagnosed with Severe UC. After enormous amounts of medication I never got into remission and in 1995 I had J Pouch surgery. I have done fairly well with my pouch. Over the years multiple obstructions and a few bouts of heavy bleeding pouchitis. In october I  had surgery to remove an enormous amount of adhesions. Twice I have had psoriasis covering my entire body and had to give myself enbrel injections for months.  I have been dangerously anemic and have had multiple transfusions and 30 infusions of iron. Through it all i have maintained a fun, silly attitude towards it all, joking that i will tattoo my tush.. exit only or property of Dr. C.   here is my question. I have not been feeling well.. extreme fatigue, very anemic again, muscle soreness. stiff fingers, headaches, resistant to medication, general not feeling great. Blood work shows... very anemic, elevated monocytes and a positive ANA. Doc is looking for more autoimmune disease, lupus, RA, etc.   
Anyone else dealing with multiple autoimmune diseases?  Any thoughts?    thanks CaraJill

FPO carajill
Joined Aug 1, 2013

Tue, August 06, 2013 2:59 PM

 Reply posted for carajill.

It's not my own experience, but I know a local lady who has Crohn's (I have UC) that also has psoriasis, MS, and RA.  I remember specifically discussing with her that she said people with MS have a high incidence of also having Crohn's.  I've seen what she goes through, almost like when one of them finally goes dormant one of the others flare.  But her attitude is good, and I think that's what makes the difference.  Hang in there!

FPO gcrawford
Joined Mar 14, 2017

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