Just curious as I am trying to see if there is a connection between the Lyme and the Autoimmune theory.
Personally, I have Vitiligo (depigmentation) that was passed on from my mother.
In my case, my T-Lymphocytes are attacking my own melanin.
I'm just trying to see if my Neuro Doc.s theory that Chronic Lyme is Autoimmune.
I start my IVIG tomorrow so wishing and praying for a reprieve and to get my own body to start fighting this.
I have met many other with Lupus, Chrons, etc. that have Lyme and just met another with Vitiligo as I have it.
LT
Posted by Shosty (Member # 12232) on :
My daughter and I both have lupus, and also were diagnosed with Lyme some years back. The lupus diagnosis came after the Lyme diagnosis (and after a few years of treatment).
Posted by Snailhead (Member # 18091) on :
I was dxed MS, and am also treating lyme now.
Posted by Al (Member # 9420) on :
. Lyme is an autoimmune condition, ie: an active infection whereby the immune system is looking for the invader The invader effectively evades the immune system and continues to be an active infection with an autoimmune component. So both are not theories but have been demonstrated through research. Interestingly when the infection is cleared the autoimmune condition disappears as was shown by the late DR. Brown with Rheumatoid Arthritis; and Mycoplasmas "The Road Back"
Posted by lymeparfait (Member # 14268) on :
Yes, Lyme is a trigger for autoimmune conditions. although it is not the only thing that brings it on, but getting rid of it, sometimes clears the other autoimmune conditions.
My lupus is not clear although my lyme is now in remission. so-infections are gone.
I was hoping that Lupus would have cleared like many that have that happen, but am still working on other conditions that are present that are not allowing my immune system to function well, to clear the lupus.
Most of us have more underlying problems than just lyme, but lyme seems to be the thing that helps us take notice and begin treatment.
Starting with lyme/co-infection treatments seem to be the best place to focus our initial treatments, then see what is left behind to address.
My emphasis now is Candida yeast problems. I did not realize all the problems that occur from Candida/yeast /molds and parasites! Which I most likely had before the lyme invaded my body. But I never took note. Lupus and other autoimmune conditions are very scary...
Posted by Jason21 (Member # 16393) on :
I have probably had LD for at least 8 years but was just diagnosed about a year ago. This was about the same time I started to notice vitiligo on my hands.
I was prescribed Protopic for the vitiligo. At first, it seemed to slow the progression but did not improve the affected areas. After using it for about 9 months, the white vitiligo spots seem to be turning pink, which is supposed to indicate the pigment is coming back.
I also may have developed autoimmune digestive problems since I am now intolerant to dairy proteins, soy, aspartame, MSG, and Splenda.
Prior to my LD diagnosis, I went to a plethora of doctors regarding my strange symptoms. I was tested for food and environmental/seasonal allergies, but the only thing I am allergic to is penicillin.
Posted by karenl (Member # 17753) on :
I have it very high 1280. I think it can be from Lyme or toxins, molds...
Posted by lymie_in_md (Member # 14197) on :
Could such a herb be researched for efficacy based on her discovery, especially in its relation to lyme disease? Is there any promise in her discovery?
I've been using the herb as triphala a supplement you can get at a health food store and find it extremely helpful, but that is hardly scientific. It may help to kill the infection if it reacts to biofilm and hopefully lower the autoimmune numbers.
So final question: is biofilm mostly or partly responsibile for autoimmune issues?
Posted by DeniseNM (Member # 11182) on :
Yep - I was misdiagnosed 11 years ago with MS, found out recently it has been caused by the Lyme. So now I have both, and am treating both, or will soon. Right when i started the Lyme meds, my gall bladder went all wonky and I discovered I have stones in it, and am having it removed next week.
After that, I'm taking a 3 week break from everything except vitamins/supplements/probiotics, and then will attack the Lyme, viral overload, fungal overload and whatever else is lurking in there!
Posted by Pinelady (Member # 18524) on :
I was tested for 5 different autoimmune diseases and all neg. I think Lyme can cause autoimmune
symptoms and people with autoimmune can have Lyme as well. But I do not think it is the same disease.
Just what I believe. I don't think testing in lyme could be conclusive as our immune systems are
skewed. Interesting to find any research of patient testing after treatment for these
diseases? That may help. But I know of no one looking.
Posted by luvs2ride (Member # 8090) on :
I have RA which I am sure was at least partly lyme induced. I test positive for having had lyme and I am positive for current infection of babesia ducani, mycoplasma pneumonia and chlamydia pneumonia, EBV.
The RA is the symptom I battle and am doing very well by treating it with ANTIBIOTICS and detoxification.
A little killing and a lot of detoxifying keeps me pain and inflammation free.
Susan
Posted by lymewreck36 (Member # 4395) on :
I was diagnosed with lupus this year. I'm feel sure that lyme and co-infections and fighting them brought it on.
Mary
Posted by Parisa (Member # 10526) on :
My husband has dermatomyositis, an autoimmune condition. Traditional autoimmune treatment almost killed him. A year into his illness we had him tested for Lyme disease and haven't looked back. By treating the cause of his autoimmune condition (Lyme and Co), he has made great progress.
Posted by luvs2ride (Member # 8090) on :
Treating auto-immune illness with antibiotics.
Posted by karenl (Member # 17753) on :
Denise, have you tried Gall I of Dr. Z for your gallbladder and read his book. Probably call him on his opinion on the gallstones.
Posted by Al (Member # 9420) on :
It's not just a matter of breaking down bio films; This bacteria has the ability to incorporate your DNA into theirs ,hence autoimmune AND ongoing infection. I will look into the other matter soon.
Posted by lymie_in_md (Member # 14197) on :
So in essence it doesn't even need biofilm to evade the immune system. It can create an autoimmune diversion, spitting out proteins on normal cells making them look like the invaders. How can the body counter this beyond cellular appotosis.
Posted by fighter (Member # 20170) on :
yup! autoimmune stuff definitely going on here:
lupus, crohns, celiac and juvenile arthritis.
i was always convinced that the autoimmune stuff is related to the lyme. like the lyme bugs invaded my immune system and caused it to go wonky.
if there's ever a study to figure this out - count me in Posted by minerva (Member # 20410) on :
I have Hashimotos. Autoimmune of the Thyroid. My brother, grandmother, cousins all have thyroid problems so I think my thyroid is a "weak link".
Had thyroid issues long before other things started showing up but didn't get diagnosied with the Autoimmune until I got much sicker. Hard to say, how or when it maybe related to Lyme
Makes me wonder if its important to check for other Autoimmune diseases? I understand that having one can lead to more developing more latter.
So, is it worth knowing and treating things like lupus or is it best to deal with the lyme and let the other possiblites shake themselves out? Just wondering out loud.
Posted by lymie_in_md (Member # 14197) on :
Minerva -- the autoimmune is related to lyme. I suspect most autoimmune issues are related to a pathogen.
Autoimmune condition could arise from lyme, mycoplasma, or a stealth virus. A virus not recognized by our immune system.
I just found out that I have Hashimoto's yesterday. I have all of the symptoms. I was shocked. I am thankful that it is not as severe as others, however.
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