A question regarding Auto-immune in general

[goofysmom1]

In the last 6 months or so, I have developed joint pain in my hands. It started in the thumb joints and is now in the first 2 joints of my thumb, index and middle fingers.  When I saw my Neuro for my annual exam a couple of weeks ago, she referred me to a Rheumatologist.   I am seeing him next Tuesday.  In the meantime, my Naturopath has me trying a gluten-free diet to see if might help with MS symptoms and the joint pain (which she thinks might be Rheumatoid Arthritis)....

Are people with an auto-immune disorder/disease more prone to other AI disorders/diseases?  I mean seriously, I have MS, possibly a gluten sensitivity and possibly Rheumatoid Arthritis?  3 AI disorders/diseases?  Really?

Anybody have any thoughts on this?

Hugs!
Chrisy

[Forgetfullkaykay]

Hi Chrisy
Bummer isn't it?  They travel in packs.  I have Lupus and sjorgens now Nuro isn't yet able to rule out MS -
just be sure your natural therapy or nutricuticals don't get you on anything that will 'boost' the immune system like ginsing.  these can really be bad for AI sufferers.

Also, my sister has RA and I have joint pain with lupus, it is usually in the large joints; knees, hips, when I complained to my rumatologist about pains in my finger joints he looked at it and decided it was OA, so don't worry too much yet - it might be something like that.

Hang in there!  Post when you get the Rhumy's input.

[goofysmom1]

Thanks for the input - I guess we will have to see what the Rheumatologist has to say about what is going on.   I feel like I am falling apart!  :)  I know that everyone here understands that feeling!  :)

Hugs,
Chrisy

[drsdonthelp]

Hi Chrisy,
I have been told by numerous doctors that if you have one autoimmune disease you are more susceptable (sp?) to having another. I have Graves Disease, but my neuro problems started years before that dx.
I am undx'd with ms, but some doc.s have a belief that I might have ms. My MRI's have not shown anything, but neuro exams and VEP do. So you never know.
I am so sorry you are going through this, Hang in there, we are here for you.
Pam

[rendean]

HI Chrisy,

Unfortunately people with MS can and do develop other autoimmune disorders such as RA and thyroid issues.  Follow-up with the rheumatologist and let them run the testing so IF you have another disease dx it can be treated properly.

Keeping my fingers crossed the testing is negative, you've been through enough!

Hugs,
Ren