How does autoimmune disease affect your life?

Many people with chronic autoimmune disease feel that there is a lack of understanding among those closest to them about their experiences and an unwillingness to learn more about their illness. This can create feelings of rejection, which can lead to increased feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Can you live a healthy life with an autoimmune disease?

Most autoimmune disorders are not fatal. People can live full lives with a typical life expectancy. Your potential lifespan and your quality of life will depend, though, on getting the right kind of medical care. Many of these disorders can be managed with medication that alleviates symptoms.

Why is autoimmune disease important?

Introduction. A healthy immune system defends the body against disease and infection. But if the immune system malfunctions, it mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues, and organs. Called autoimmune disease, these attacks can affect any part of the body, weakening bodily function and even turning life-threatening.

What is it like having an autoimmune disease?

Autoimmune diseases can affect many types of tissues and nearly any organ in your body. They may cause a variety of symptoms including pain, tiredness (fatigue), rashes, nausea, headaches, dizziness and more. Specific symptoms depend on the exact disease.

Does having an autoimmune disease mean you get sick easier?

The immune system of people with diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis malfunctions and attacks cells in their own bodies. This is why they are prescribed immunosuppressants. The combination of these two factors means that these people are more vulnerable to infection.

What can trigger an autoimmune disease?

The exact cause of autoimmune disorders is unknown. One theory is that some microorganisms (such as bacteria or viruses) or drugs may trigger changes that confuse the immune system. This may happen more often in people who have genes that make them more prone to autoimmune disorders.

Can vitamin D reverse autoimmune disease?

These studies show that treatment with active vitamin D is effective in modulating immune function and ameliorating autoimmune disease.

What is the next step after a positive ANA test?

So if you have a positive ANA, don’t panic. The next step is to see a rheumatologist who will determine if additional testing is needed and who will make sure you will get the best care for your particular situation.

What does it feel like to live with an autoimmune disease?

A common theme that emerges among people living with an autoimmune disease is the feeling of being alone with their illness. Many find that family and friends are available and supportive initially or when there is a crisis such as hospitalization, but that support fades over the long run.

How long does it take to diagnose an autoimmune disease?

The environment delivers the triggers that may make the autoimmune disease clinically apparent. We have also learned that autoimmune diseases are chronic conditions: they require a long time (years) before they become clinically evident and diagnosis (so, they have long latent phase), and then last for decades (often a life time) once diagnosed.

Can psychotherapy help people living with autoimmune diseases?

Feelings of low self-esteem, sadness, and even depression are commonly experienced by people living with autoimmune diseases, and some people may find psychotherapy helpful.

What is autoimmune trauma and how does it affect you?

According to Dr. Vitacco, when people are diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, they frequently experience emotional trauma which – in this context – is used to describe the “emotional and physical reactions that are experienced when one is confronted with an overwhelming external event, such as a disease diagnosis.”.