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I dedicate this to those who have an autoimmune disorder. I get asked often what exactly is an autoimmune disorder? It is a complicated process. Autoimmune diseases are disorders that occur when the immune response acts against the healthy tissues in the body by mistake. In other words, the body attacks itself; the immune system is unable to differentiate between healthy tissues and foreign invaders.
I was diagnosed with Lambert-Eaton Mysathenic Syndrome (LEMS) over seven years ago. It is a rare autoimmune disorder, often caused by a malignancy. I developed LEMS after a bout with breast cancer eight years ago.
Today, I went to visit my neurologist. My physical exam was all right. Apparently, physically my arms and legs weren’t that weak. The rituxan infusions are helping, which they should do. The doctor did not recommend changing infusions though. There may be another treatment available. He sent me for bloodwork today. I should know the results by Friday or by Monday.
There is a problem though. I’ve been having symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth, inflammation in the joints, swollen feet and joint pain. According to the doctor, it may be another autoimmune condition. He threw out names, such as Sjogren Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus. I don’t know at this point.
What causes Sjogren Syndrome? The doctor said most likely I have a genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases. There are some congential factors. There are treatments though. The results of the bloodwork will tell which direction to go in. If not another autoimmune condition, he will refer me for an MRI on the upper spine (cervical).
For more information on autoimmune disorders or conditions, please see MedlinePlus. According to them, there are more than 80 autoimmune conditions. I have the link below. Please cut and paste to open link.
The Main Focus 
not trying to start any ongoing chat about this, but I believe that many autoimmune disorders are the result of an unhealthy bioterrain.
Heal the body’s terrain (the gut and organ function) and the immune system is fortified.
and anytime people eat sugar – it arrests the immune system
– and if a doctor has not told people about what sugar does to the body – that doctor does not know about immune function.
People cannot heal if they keep eating daily sugar and grains and carbs
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You are right. I’m reading more research of dietary associated with autoimmune disorders. I’ve been watching a number of videos lately on youtube. There are a number of good sites, yet, the best one I’ve seen recently is by Dr. Berg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14Fw-Ibx00o&feature=youtu.be
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I will check it out and thanks for the comment.
have you heard of mark’s daily apple – good stuff there.
like how the canola and vegetable oils are toxic industrial oils and they are in everything.
If I was helping someone with an autoimmune disorder – they would first support their liver with herbs (like thislyn form natures way) and then do 60 days of gentle cleanisng (like with Kroeger herbs) and have a mic of vitamins/minerals/enzymes to rebuild and fortify. Often the thymus gland needs extra support and then food choices have to be addressed.
again, no formula but we can fight for health with good results. I know first hand. thanks again for the comment reply
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Some autoimmune disorders won’t go away, no matter how you fix the terrain. As for doctor’s not mentioning sugar…they are WELL aware. They choose not to, because then they would rob themselves of charging for visits and treatments. Doctors don’t make money by healing people; only treating them.
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i agree about the treating of symptoms – but not so sure about the pwoer of reapring the terrain – and while some damage cannot be reversed (like to the myelin sheath) but sometimes too often (in my experience) people start with the outlook that it will never go but it is not necessarily true. I am sure you know a lot more about this area – which is why you post about it and all that – and whew – it really saddens me that there are this many autoimmune disorders – did not know there were that many.
and side note – I have a friend who recently went to a ND and he put her on an autoimmune eating plan which was custom for her blood type and to help fortify imunnity – after 90 days she reports feeling more energy and has symptoms subsided – I know there is no formula but people can and should clean the gut and heal the terrain to fortify immunity – and it means getting off grains too
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I actually switched over to a 95% vegan diet. Been doing it a couple months now. I will say, I can’t remember when I have felt better.
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Good for you – and best wishes – but make sure you get the b vitamins you need and the right fats and oils.
I am personally against a vegan diet – but more power to you – I think folks should eat meat for their blood type and often the problem with meat is that people no longer have enzymes or stomach acid to absorb the dense nutrition from it 0 and even acid reflux is misunderstood.
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I personally know first hand what it is like to heal from the inside out and what it feels like to feel satisfied after eating – and have energy.
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and ann-louise talked about how her vegan years were her most hungry days of her life.
again, if you feel awesome and are living awesome – seriously – more power to you.
The results is what we want and if you have it – then congrats
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I have stage 3 colon cancer and Celiacs. The other 5% is fish and seafood. I used to be pescatarian. Meat is really bad for colon cancer. Nutrition is something I have learned to study. My doctors have been no help other than prescribing poison.
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Oh I am so sorry to hear about your illness.
and I can see why you know sooooooo much about this topic and how you keep learning.
again, so sorry
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Thank you. It’s in God’s hands. I was meant to go through this for a reason. My disease won’t define me. 🙂
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Oh Lynn – you are so right – and his grace is enough to carry us through – every hour every day –
Sending good thoughts your way
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Thank you…much appreciated
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✌️💜
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Doctors treat the symptoms, not the source. I don’t believe they actually can “cure” an autoimmune disease. From the beginning, I was advised that this would be with me the rest of my life. As a token, I feel I’m on so many medications, that their mixture weighs on my immune system. I actually feel worse when I take more medication. I do agree that a good cleansing detox is good to rid of the toxins in the body. Dr. Berg gives an illustration of this process.
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My point was doctors in general have no intention of doing more than trying to cure or get as close to a cure as possible. Doctors make money on sick people and grest kickbacks on prescribing drugs. There is minimal care in healthcare these days. I too, will have my autoimmune disease forever.
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Thanks. I have not tried Mark’s Daily Apple. I presume you are talking about his website. Also, I would like to get the name of the doctor that prescribed your friend an autoimmune diet. Maybe I can email him.
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Hi – yes – marks daily Apple blog is where I have found a wealth of info –
And I also love dr axe’s website –
I do not have the name of the doc but will try and get it this weekend –
Her husband just went and had a smillar appt – met for two hours and do some tests – so far I have loved the whole approach –
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And one more idea to leave here – what really helped me heal my gut (many many things) like getting off sugar – herbal cleanse – easy enemas – rest and movement – but it was the wellness protocol of supplements from LOGOS nutritionals – out of Georgia –
And I stayed away from that company cos I was skeptical but they have a money back guarantee – so I was expecting to maybe ask for a rerund but instead i ordered more and they make amazing stuff!
I sometimes tried to make my own version of their wellness kit (cos I love to try stuff) but their formulas are tight and work synergistically – and my body loved it – but their thymic formula is the most special as it has glandulars and was crested to help someone heal –
Further – John b from Logos is knowledgeable and humble – and will answer questions. He also supervises product development and they stand by blends and items –
anyhow – not sure what you have going on in your body but the wellness protocol has powerful restoring and rebuilding qualities
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I went to help out in Haiti after their earthquake. Going required getting 3- 4 shots, Typhoid vaccine, Flu vaccine, etc.. you get it
A year later, Hashimotos, Vitiligo, Pernicious anemia
Ugh !
I downplay my stress level.
Thank you for these posts. They are a reminder of the need to improve my self-care!
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I was diagnosed with LEMS, a rare autoimmune disorder caused by breast cancer. It has been ongoing for eight years. I suffer from inflammation, mobility issues, weakness, fatigue. joint pain and swelling (especially in the feet). I have infusions on a continual basis. I appreciate the information on LOGOS. Went to Whole Foods today. Although expensive, they have a lot of organic foods and health products. Thrive Market online have a variety of organic health foods and products. They are less expensive and ship right to your door. Over $49 orders receive free shipping. I plan on getting healthy and staying healthy. Best wishes in getting ultimate health.
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Do you have ms? My disease mimics ms, although different in treatment and protocol. I understood your point about doctors. There seems to be a high level of arrogance among medical doctors. I agree that there is too much money to be made in the medical industry other than doctors to try to find a cure for sick people. Also, I have heard that there is actually a cure for cancer, but the pharmaceutical companies make billions of dollars annually off of people like you and me. Right? I put my faith in God, not in medical science or medical doctors. Best wishes in your healing.
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Hi Anne, thank you for sharing. We understand the struggle of having to deal with an autoimmune disease and recognize your strength. If you would like to learn more about autoimmune diseases and ways to improve your health through functional medicine (such as food therapy and movement therapy) check out our blog! We have lots of resources that you may be interested in 🙂 #spooniestrong
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Thank you for your feedback. Support groups are also helpful when dealing with a chronic illness. I have found that people who are aware and familiar with “dealing” with a life-threatening disease add support. I started researching Dr. Eric Berg’s videos on autoimmune diseases and on Keto and Intermittent Fasting for about two months now. So far, I feel better in general and have shed excess pounds, even though I didn’t initially intend it for a weight loss program. I would be interested in learning more about movement therapy. I’m seeing a specialist next week to begin treatments and physical therapy for building strength. It has been a day to day struggle. I hope to reverse this autoimmune condition someday. Thanks again.
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I have Sjogren’s Syndrome and it absolutely sucks! I have been blogging about my experience getting diagnosed on my site – autoimmunewarrior.org. I wish you the best of luck in your journey to health.
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Thank you and you too. Also thank you for your website. It is important to have support of others with similar diseases. I was also tested for that disease too this year. Best wishes and a Merry Christmas!
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