tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post2681487355679206643..comments2024-03-27T19:57:41.954-05:00Comments on common ground : What Everyone Needs to Know about Autoimmune DiseaseDebra@CommonGroundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-29868017220077767172021-04-06T07:14:40.159-05:002021-04-06T07:14:40.159-05:00This blog is very helpful and informative for this...This blog is very helpful and informative for this particular topic. I appreciate your effort that has been taken to write this blog for us.<a href="https://www.endorheumacare.com/%20/" rel="nofollow"> Rheumatologist in hyderabad </a>Sudhakarreddyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07536313574594356937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-10296396851388790752018-04-29T19:56:13.401-05:002018-04-29T19:56:13.401-05:00I hope you are finally getting the help and relief...I hope you are finally getting the help and relief you have been searching for. You have been your own health advocate for sure. We have had to that for my husband too. Praying for you and for complete healing. Thanks for sharing your journey. I hope that those that need it, will find your blog. Katie Mansfieldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00016424092009814488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-75477224926332766282018-04-21T12:15:45.889-05:002018-04-21T12:15:45.889-05:00Hi Jan, this is such a great post, filled with so ...Hi Jan, this is such a great post, filled with so much great information. I came by and read it several days ago, but I was going to email you until I saw that you are a no-reply. Me too, and I cannot get it fixed. Anyway, yes, a little over a year ago, I talked my doctor into checking my T3 levels along with the rest of my Thyroid numbers. Mine was almost nonexistent. So she added in Cytomel to my Levothyroxine. After that things improved for me. The photos are just so telling. Doctors want to argue with you throughout the whole testing process. I don't know why they do not test for T3 routinely, because way too many people cannot convert T3 to T4 properly. thanks for sharing on my blog and for the link to this great post you've written. take care and stay well. I tried leaving a comment on your blog, but it wouldn't let me. sorry. Debra Debra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-44699055505254133482018-04-18T14:04:28.928-05:002018-04-18T14:04:28.928-05:00Sending healing prayers to you! My 38 year old dau...Sending healing prayers to you! My 38 year old daughter was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis last year, and my 40 year old daughter found out she has late onset Cystic Fibrosis when she was going through fertility treatments and had genetic testing. We always thought it was Asthma. It is amazing what can be done to help with these diseases in this modern age. Both of my daughter's are in remission due to miracle drugs. My eldest daughter was even able to have babies after years of having blocked tubes due to her disease. I hope that you can find the right medical care and drugs to help you in your difficult journey. x KarenKaren @ Beatrice Euphemiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08631972741518142563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-24845551486962052692018-04-18T03:17:11.925-05:002018-04-18T03:17:11.925-05:00Debra, I am sorry you have been suffering so. I w...Debra, I am sorry you have been suffering so. I wrote a post on hypothyroidism and my journey with it a good while back. MOST DOCTORS do not know much about Hashi's and treating hypo patients thoroughly. There are two really good sources for information, they are Stop The Thyroid Madness and Mary Shomon. There is a wealth of information on thyroid disease and other autoimmune diseases. Did you know you can develop heart problems because your thyroid is not being properly treated? You wrote the thyroid medication did little for you. Are you on a synthetic thyroid medication? Many patients require a thyroid medication that is called Natural Dessicated Thyroid medication. It gives you much more than the synthetic meds but the doctors won't tell you this. It's a long story with lots of information but it would do you good to read up on it. My Journey on my blog was written in 2015. I used to hurt all over my body and could barely climb the stairs. I did not know that low thyroid could cause such pain. Please come give it a read and message me if you have any questions. Here's the link: https://justjanblog.com/2016/01/05/my-journey/Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00726844770808799411noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-83570486534420418502018-04-17T22:30:57.637-05:002018-04-17T22:30:57.637-05:00thankyou, Sarah, I appreciate the prayers. take ca...thankyou, Sarah, I appreciate the prayers. take care!Debra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-88070146227669389592018-04-17T22:30:23.106-05:002018-04-17T22:30:23.106-05:00Thanks Debbie, I'm finding there are a lot of ...Thanks Debbie, I'm finding there are a lot of us out there with AI. I'm so glad everyone is sharing their experiences with it. I know there are so many of us, but often we just don't talk about what we're dealing with. Thanks for sharing on FB, I appreciate it!Debra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-81332408305091528712018-04-17T22:27:21.147-05:002018-04-17T22:27:21.147-05:00Thankyou, Jeanie, I'm so very sorry to hear al...Thankyou, Jeanie, I'm so very sorry to hear all that you've been through. It's really horrible to have a false diagnosis, especially when it's something so serious as what you were told. So glad that minimizing the stress has helped you get things under control. When I started blogging it was with the knowledge that I could only do it if I could be myself, and not only speak my mind, but be honest about my life. You're right, we should never regret oversharing because it always helps someone else.Debra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-65334742633257538082018-04-17T22:21:04.904-05:002018-04-17T22:21:04.904-05:00thanks so much Des, I just keep talking, hoping at...thanks so much Des, I just keep talking, hoping at some point that they will listen! I so appreciate the prayers! xoxo, DebDebra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-51443921088501969472018-04-17T22:19:10.815-05:002018-04-17T22:19:10.815-05:00thanks so much Mary, I appreciate the prayers so m...thanks so much Mary, I appreciate the prayers so much. take care and be well! Debra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-13103752424992898612018-04-17T21:00:48.175-05:002018-04-17T21:00:48.175-05:00Thank you for sharing, Debra. I pray all goes wel...Thank you for sharing, Debra. I pray all goes well for you.Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01873375271470225199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-28124253156575291972018-04-17T19:22:52.174-05:002018-04-17T19:22:52.174-05:00Hi Linda, gosh I'm so sorry, I didn't real...Hi Linda, gosh I'm so sorry, I didn't realize you had all this AI going on. I know Lupus can be so debilitating. Like you, I really did enjoy the whole antiques and vintage business. I was exhausted by it, but I still miss the fun and camaraderie of being involved. (we can still shop though). For anyone who thinks changing diet is too hard to do, we know the dramatic difference cutting out gluten can make. take care, friend. I understand about blogging, believe me. xoxo DebDebra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-69642877400846773502018-04-17T19:02:31.199-05:002018-04-17T19:02:31.199-05:00Hi Laura, thanks so much for sharing what you are ...Hi Laura, thanks so much for sharing what you are dealing with. It certainly does run in families, as you can attest to. I know what you mean about depression, the illnesses and symptoms take a toll on a person's outlook. Take care of yourself, I hope that you stabilize and feel better, soon.Debra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-6655198636423335882018-04-17T10:04:40.923-05:002018-04-17T10:04:40.923-05:00Hey Friend! yes, I've considered this and even...Hey Friend! yes, I've considered this and even spoke to the new Rheumatologist about this. She felt that I'd probably had AI my whole life since I was dealing with the undercurrent and heart problems long before the possibility of Tick borne illness. It's funny though, that I had 2 rounds of antibiotics that lasted about 20 days, and I felt so much better all over, (even the headache) afterward. Hard to know exactly, even though it was given for the Strep B infection. I think there are so many people out there suffering with Lyme effects that are never diagnosed and treated. I'm keeping that information at the forefront in case symptoms aren't improving. It's so scary to think that this can be so invasive and deep seated. Thankyou for always being there and sharing your wealth of information to help me move forward. you're the best, Amber!Debra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-11926810530612168462018-04-17T09:51:53.128-05:002018-04-17T09:51:53.128-05:00thankyou so much Jane. It's so good to have pe...thankyou so much Jane. It's so good to have people we can open up with and actually share important information. There is so much benefit in knowing that friends are having similar issues, because we can encourage each other. I know you've had a long journey also. You always amaze me in all that you accomplish. You're posts are always filled with your wit and amazing creative personality. Thank you for being a good friend, stay strong and here's to enjoying our life, no matter what.Debra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-91167896746031392222018-04-17T08:20:33.668-05:002018-04-17T08:20:33.668-05:00Debra,
Thanks you so much for sharing this inform...Debra,<br /> Thanks you so much for sharing this information! I too suffer from AI disease. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis several years ago along with IBS which has worsened lately. My sister and niece have Discoid Lupus and my nephew has Psoriatic Arthritis along with my other nephew who has a rare Blood Dyscrasia which is also Auto Immune. I suffer from fatique , joint pain , heat and sun sensitivity. I will be sharing this post on my face book site if that is okay with you.....Tanks again!!<br />Hugs,<br />DebDebbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09393980831584145593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-39429720982889323412018-04-16T22:57:11.586-05:002018-04-16T22:57:11.586-05:00Hi Nancy, its so nice to hear from you! sounds lik...Hi Nancy, its so nice to hear from you! sounds like you've really been through it. It wears you out not only physically but mentally and emotionally also. Hard on the family also. I hope you're feeling better soon. Much of the time food just makes me feel yucky, not much appetite. That's so different for me. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment, glad to know you're still out there!Debra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-2151933460559027392018-04-16T22:45:54.557-05:002018-04-16T22:45:54.557-05:00I love hearing about your mom, sounds like you hav...I love hearing about your mom, sounds like you have some great genes to work with! Sometimes we just KNOW what is best for us, despite the doctors best efforts to "cure" us.Debra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-59848579774678388492018-04-16T20:31:15.238-05:002018-04-16T20:31:15.238-05:00Hi Pam, I don't know if I mentioned it (I'...Hi Pam, I don't know if I mentioned it (I've said so much lately, ha ha) but I feel like Fibromyalgia is actually a low grade autoimmune illness. Fibro is found in most all AI diseases, I have it also. But until you get tested for AI you may never know. There might not be antibodies to any one illness, but you might have a low "titer" on an ANA test. You might ask your doctor to test you if you haven't yet. take care, glad you have your health plan and it's working.Debra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-76591739142553198672018-04-16T20:24:21.797-05:002018-04-16T20:24:21.797-05:00Hi Kathleen, thanks so much for sharing how you ar...Hi Kathleen, thanks so much for sharing how you are managing your health. Glad you've found a diet that works well for you. So many people have so many individual health issues that require different approaches. I'm with you about drugs and side effects. It's so problematic that most doctors won't even listen when we find something that could help so many additional people. take care, DebraDebra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-14355849441334943132018-04-16T19:51:59.806-05:002018-04-16T19:51:59.806-05:00Debra, thank you so much for opening up and sharin...Debra, thank you so much for opening up and sharing such a personal and profound life journey with us. I'm definitely bookmarking this for future reference or to share if needed. Like you, I have had health related issues of chronic illness -- in my case, it is a lung disease called bronchiectasis and a colonized superbug called pseudomonas which can flare up at times, often stress triggers it. It was why I retired early and ironically (or maybe not so ironically) since I retired, I haven't had any flares from it. Until we nailed all that conclusively, they told me I had some horrible things from false positives, including a tuberculosis "cousin" that would have been a devastating diagnosis. Fortunately, they retested and found they were off. But I was terrified. I will always have the bronchiectasis -- there is no cure, just management, but it seems to be under control. Still, it takes a toll on the immune system so I am interested in the topic and always keeping an eye on things. You did the smartest thing -- vigilance and not giving up till you found an answer. It is my hope your newest meds will show improvement and that you will continue to improve.<br /><br />I am a strong advocate of bloggers who tell it like it is. Sometimes it's pretty decorating or craft ideas or a great trip or a wonderful recipe. And sometimes, it's the real life, nitty gritty of seeking answers and the fears and concerns and pain that can come with that. It's a wonderful community of caring people and I've never regretted "oversharing" when I've needed to, for the support has always been emotionally healing. I'm grateful you took that step, too.Jeaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17482528482559445943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-4374018529025040252018-04-16T17:51:38.960-05:002018-04-16T17:51:38.960-05:00Wow,Kris. I'm so glad your hubby is doing so w...Wow,Kris. I'm so glad your hubby is doing so well. Only 1 in 10 men have Sjogrens. I hear you on the hard to regulate thyroid with low metabolism and chronic fatigue. I'm really anxious to hear about the treatments his Rheumatologist has him on. so far only Plaquenil has been mentioned. Thankyou so much for the prayers and always love a big hug. If you'd rather email me the info please do. I know he must be doing well since you all have tackled so many wonderful projects. xoxo DDebra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-77660132672253427492018-04-15T22:31:41.353-05:002018-04-15T22:31:41.353-05:00Hi Debra. Very interesting. My hubby has Sjogren...Hi Debra. Very interesting. My hubby has Sjogren’s and is on Plaquenil. Did they tell you Plaquenil was used to treat malaria and they found it to be very helpful for people with Sjogren’s. My husband went through so much after being diagnosed with Sjogrens. He finally got to a very good Rheumatologist and now is feeling so great with the treatments.<br />He had severe muscle pain and they could not figure out what the issue was. Finally he got tested for Sojourns and then once they figured that out and started him on Plaquenil he has his quality of life back. I have thyroid disease and that is very hard to regulate and have good quality of life. I have no metabolism and I have psoriasis along with chronic fatigue. I have been on therapy and replacement thyroid hormones that seem to be helping me. It is so frustrating when you have specific symptoms that mimic major issues and most doctors want to head in that direction. Glad you finally found a good Rheumatologist and they are treating you with up to date treatments that cover all the bases. I am sending you a big hug and lots of prayers to feel better. Life can really throw us some curves. As a nurse it always makes me sad to see how our health care providers do not look at the whole picture and quickly want to diagnosis. When they stop to really listen and put all the issues together to see a bigger picture that is a great health provider. Unfortunately you have to be your own advocate and keep pushing until you get someone to really listen and see the whole picture. I just feel for you that it took them so long to finally get you the help you need. Prayers and hugs.<br />xoxo<br />KrisJunkchiccottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13312068546640480844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-10856614655514313902018-04-15T22:04:14.030-05:002018-04-15T22:04:14.030-05:00Thank you for sharing your story. I am sorry you h...Thank you for sharing your story. I am sorry you have to go thru all of this and I pray that one day you will feel good again. It is so hard to find doctors that will actually listen to you. Like you said, most of them want to pat you on the head and send you on the way. I will be praying for you!!!! (((HUGS)))<br />~DesDeseraehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12548332335063152792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6448019025261796302.post-88159130313570242722018-04-15T20:48:07.296-05:002018-04-15T20:48:07.296-05:00I'm hoping you're doing ok with your Diabe...I'm hoping you're doing ok with your Diabetes. I know how many issues can come along with that. Thanks so much for stopping to share your own story. take care of yourself.Debra@CommonGroundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04830455848744270459noreply@blogger.com