Rheumatoid Arthritis and Other Autoimmune Diseases

 

Today's blog post will be more personal as I have had some health issues recently such as painful legs and lower back. I made a Dr. appointment and she had me go for blood work and an x-ray as well as start physical therapy.

My blood work came back and I know have to see a rheumatologist. My autoimmune system is being a bit of a PIA! To start with, I have developed Vitiligo. My skin is beginning to get white patches where I was tanned. The Dr said if I wasn't so tan, I wouldn't have noticed it as much. Then there is the blood work issue that need to be dealt with.

I am waiting for the Rheumatologist to call and schedule an appointment. I start Physical Therapy tomorrow and had my xray still waiting for results. In the meantime, I thought I would gather information of types of Rheumatoid Arthritis and other Autoimmune Diseases.

Autoimmune diseases are a group of conditions in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. This can lead to inflammation, pain, and damage to the body's organs and tissues. So even though I said to myself, "my immune system is great! I hardly ever get sick!" My sister said to me, "Well it is too good! It not only fights the bad, but also fights the good!"

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease that affects the joints. RA causes inflammation and pain in the joints, which can lead to stiffness, swelling, and deformity. RA can also affect other organs and tissues, such as the heart, lungs, and eyes.

Other common autoimmune diseases include:

• Lupus: Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and lungs.
• Scleroderma: Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the skin to become thick and tight. Scleroderma can also affect the blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD is a group of chronic inflammatory diseases that affect the digestive tract. IBD can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue.
• Type 1 diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the blood, leading to high blood sugar.
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development. When the thyroid gland is damaged, it can lead to hypothyroidism, a condition in which the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone.

Autoimmune diseases are often chronic and can be difficult to manage. However, there are treatments available that can help to control the symptoms and improve quality of life.

If you think you may have an autoimmune disease, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. There is no cure for autoimmune diseases, but early diagnosis and treatment can help to control the symptoms and prevent complications. I pray that my symptoms can be controlled to whatever autoimmune disease I have. The Rheumatologist will more than likely test me for all of the above and maybe more. The waiting is driving me crazy!

Living with an autoimmune disease can be challenging, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you manage your condition and live a full and active life. Yes, YOU are not alone and neither am I. I am a fighter and will learn to manage whatever I have! So can you!