Ankylosing Spondylitis, help please

Greetings to anyone and everyone that could assist me in this matter or who like me on previous occasions is checking out a thread for more information or a distraction from work!

My sister has been diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis and has been seeking treatment for this for a little over a year. I was hoping that out of the collective brain, someone out there had an encounter with this disease or can provide further insight to it.

I have done a bit of googling on the subject and it's pretty much scaring the tar (no, I'm not from Texas and I'm not sweating really) out of me. If anyone would know of extra information, homeopathic medicines, conspiracies, basically whatever that may ease my mind and that I could share with her...I would be forever in your gratitude. I tried doing a search of topics and nothing came up...if you know of any thread that would have been skipped by my search; PLEASE feel free to post it.

I thank everyone for his or her time and efforts!

I take it that she has the HLA-B27 marker?

A good (really good rheumatologist) is in order, and if one course of treatment doesn't yield some improvement/mitigation of the symptoms, don't hesitate to try another. Each person responds differently to this affliction.

If no treatment course seems to be working, consider a trial:

www.wrongdiagnosis.com...

Sorry to hear of your sister's diagnosis.

Thank you! I appreciate your concern and response. Of course, I tried to find out about the marker...but of course we played phone tag all night. I am hoping to find out sometime today.

I know she went to our general practitioner when the symptoms began and he sent her to a specialist (whether or not it is a rheumatologist I shall find out when her and I actually talk). I wasn't sure if there were different levels of this disease, all articles seemed to be cut and dry. If you have it, you have this and this is what happens. Not like other ailment, where you may have a headache, but it isn't a migrane. My sister just turned 29 so I would hate the thought of her being paralysed, especially since she's a teacher and hoping to have children soon.

UGH, it's amazing how many different sicknesses are out there and how quickly they just appear.

Thanks again!

I understand why you're asking but please understand that we are in no position to give advice (even MDs aren't because they can't diagnose via the web).


with that out of the way, i'd recommend you take a look at alternative explanations besides 'atoimmuno diease' including but not limited to infection by stealth pathogens, metabolic deficiencies and lack of oxygenation of affected areas.

to get a feeling what i'm talking about:

www.findarticles.com...

grants.nih.gov...


these infections can be treated with antibiotics such as doxy- or tetracyclin, with mixed results, because for one, mycoplasma can hide within cells and secondly due to poor diffusion (of chamicals) into joints and cartilage..


finally,

the problem with alternative treatments aka. quackery is of course an abundance of snake oil peddlers, so the most important feature of such a treatment (should you pick a few and try them) is its harmlessness. unfortunately, anything can be overdone, so use common sense.

I knew if I had questions that the brains of ATS could assist.

I definitely realize that no one SHOULD diagnose a disease online, although it would save MUCH time that is wasted in doctor's offices as well as probably prevent the spread of viruses and common illnesses!

I appreciate the other suggestions and shall go check out the "quackery" websites you suggested. I am hoping to gain as much knowledge as I can about this, so if my sister needs someone to talk to or just wants to complain...I have an idea of what she is experiencing and also to see if there was something such as taking Zinc that could lessen the pain or stiffness.

Well off I am to go read! Thanks again!

I recommend extract of YUCCA for inflamation of the spine.

I recommend a douche of yogart once monthly, after period, to rule out bacterial infection / yeast infection producting a reactive arthritis in the spine.

If there is a discharge from the eyes wash once or twice daily with baking soda solution and clean rag. Eye infection can cause reactive arthritis.

Add a small quantity of colloidal silver to her diet on general principle that when you're not healthy, silver helps. Maybe two throat spray squirts a week.

Be sure she is drinking pure (spring) water

There is a strong possiblity that this is a stress related illness. Is she under high tension lines or near a substation? Flourescents? What type of neighborhood is she in? When was her house built / how is it constructed?

Sri Oracle as Shaman

Your policy of "find out everything you can about the disease" is a wonderfully wise one! It's that kind of active "take a hand in your own health care" that makes for a happier outcome.

One tip from my dad (who has leukemia): be sure to get copies of all tests (blood tests, etc) and hang onto them in a special file. When a new one is done, compare with the other ones and if you see changes, ask questions. A "daily diary" may also help her uncover some trigger points.

My heart goes out to her. My daughter has fibromyalgia and there are days when she's so miserable. Constant pain also puts her in danger of depression -- be sure she talks to someone about depression and pain management!

Sorry for being absent for a bit...but Christmas time was a bit hectic. My sister and I actually spent time together and it was fun.

I thank you for all the comments and recomendations. My sister lives on the outskirts of a rural town (ok so would town describe it???) Maybe village is the best term. It's a new subdivision. If you feel the need to search out the information (like population size, etc) she lives in Kaplan, Louisiana.

What do you mean by how is her house constructed? Do you mean building materials? If so I would have to ask her about this! I appreciate the different suggestions, she has not complained of yeast infections (but if does I will let her know), her eyes only discharge the normal “eye boogers” (yes that is my technical term .

She drinks purified tap water…which is from the city water (out here we have well water). My sister is under stress (she mainly creates her own because she stresses over everything)…and with all that has occurred over the last few years, Katrina had her husband’s family moving in with them (St. Bernard Parish) and then we had Rita, which affected our immediate family and then during that time she was diagnosed and her husband was out of the job…so stress is/was commonplace.

What are Flourescents? I may google that and see what pops up, but any further information you have on that so I could answer that question.

I thank you for your compliment. I always try to find out, I figure in this life nothing is ever certain (well besides the you born you die stuff…ohhh and taxes) and if you keep learning then at least you are in the know.

I know her family doctor has a record as well as the specialist she sees once a month. I don’t think she has copies, but I shall find out tonight and see. I think that is a real good idea and shall apply it to my doctor’s visits as well. She has kind of figured out what are her triggers (a change in the weather, stress, extra humid days, etc) and knowing her she would have a hard time keeping a diary (she sometimes looses things and or gets too preoccupied to keep up with her stuff).

My sister and I have always been close and talk about everything. We have had nights where everything is going wrong and we talk to each other. I know I am not a trained professional (which there have been times I have suggested doctor visits when she is beyond my help) but some days just having someone to listen to your annoyances helps.

Once again my most sincere thanks go out to the ATS community. I have always been a watcher of this site because I love seeing what different views are out there and I am grateful that all these suggestions can be given when I am in need!

Hi DarkSky,

I noticed that the symptoms of your sister's condition is very similar to lupus. Very few doctors can distinguish between the two, it would be a very good idea to follow the advice of one of the previous posters which was for her to see a rheumatologist, preferably one who specializes in lupus and other related conditions.

If it is Lupus or a related auto-immune disorder there are definite triggers that once she becomes aware of them and avoids them will greatly improve her conditon. For example: strong sunlight, florescents, very hot environments will bring on an attack that could last 2 days - 2 months which switches on her immune system to attack her system and if she unknowingly continues to go out into the sun uncovered it will progress rapidly. She should consider cold packs to bring down the inflammation on her spine, not hot packs as so many RA sufferers use. The inflammation is the enemy and cold along with aspirin to bring down the inflammation often brings a quick halt to the attack.

I realize that it might not be lupus, but after reading the description it seems to be very similar and it would not hurt her to keep out of the sun until she see's a specialist just in case. And also, most of the pain is from tensing up from the bit of inflammation pain, I'd say 3/4s of the pain is from the tensing, so if she is taking painkillers she might want to consider taking muscle relaxers instead, they are much more effective, especially combined with the cold packs to bring down the inflammation.

Over-all the most important thing is for her to see a specialist as soon as possible and I pray for the best for her.

STM, lupus under control ex-sufferer

from: www.biomedcentral.com...

Numerous studies have demonstrated that some viruses and bacteria including mycoplasmas could be related with the pathogenesis of arthritis [1-4]. The primary habitats of human and animal mycoplasmas are the mucous surface of the respiratory and urogenital tracts, the eyes, mammary glands and joints [5]. Mycoplasmas have been incriminated as causative agents of arthritis since they were found in rats and mice with natural arthritis 50 years ago [6,7]. Bartholomew isolated M. hominis, M. hyorhinis and M. arthritidis from the synovial fluid in 14 of 17 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and Reiter's Syndrome in 1965 [8].

i find it advisable to consider many possibilities, limiting research to the concept of auto-immunity is probably one if not the most important reason why little if any progress is made in the field of arthritis and related diseases. (correct me if i'm wrong)

PS: if you go see a specialist, ask him what mycoplasma is but try to get some info on it beforehand but beware, (some) MDs are easily annoyed by certain question

anyways, good luck !

[edit on 28-12-2006 by Long Lance]

You're right about asking about mycoplasmas, my doctor treated me for them just to cover all the bases, no luck on that though, it was totally genetic with all the women in our family, who live all over the country all coming down with Lupus at the same age. Wish it had been so easy, and I hope that it's that way for Dark Sky's sister, just a couple of capsules a day for awhile. You're right, choosing a doctor that is up on all the latest is very important. You gave very good advice and I hope that is the case here.

STM

Originally posted by DarkSky796
Sorry for being absent for a bit...but Christmas time was a bit hectic. My sister and I actually spent time together and it was fun.


My sister lives on the outskirts of a rural town (ok so would town describe it???) Maybe village is the best term. It's a new subdivision. If you feel the need to search out the information (like population size, etc) she lives in Kaplan, Louisiana.

Kaplan, Louisiana. is floodzone alongside the deadzone in the Gulf of Mexico.


What do you mean by how is her house constructed? Do you mean building materials? If so I would have to ask her about this!

VOC's come off of paint, polyurethane, carpet and out of plywood. Because of the chemical concoction that this puts into the air of new construction homes or remodeled homes I believe mysterious illnesses such as Ankylosing, etc. are becoming more common. If this is the case consider moving her to a more natural home might be a good idea.

She drinks purified tap water…which is from the city water (out here we have well water).

Water is always suspect. You might want to try bottled spring water for a while to rule out city water contamination.

My sister is under stress (she mainly creates her own because she stresses over everything)…and with all that has occurred over the last few years, []so stress is/was commonplace.

I believe there may be a degree to which her condition is psychosomatic. I recommend study of the buddha's eightfold path and pantanjali's yoga sutras for stress management. Learning a productive way to deal with stress could lessen muscle tension in her back. The way I understand the physical effects of this disease... stress leads to muscle tension, muscle tension to artritis, artritis to paralasis.

What are Flourescents?

as in flourescent lighting... or does she spend endless hours in front of a computer screen? Sleep with an electric blanket? Any exposure to EMF that could be limited would help.

Sri Oracle

Oracle, I would be cautious about suggesting non-traditional medicines for
things like this.

Also though you're a Shaman you don't want to run afoul of the law about dispensing medical advice without a license.

You might want to phrase it a bit differently to be safe.

My wife is has been doing a lot of training in Shamanism. What do you think of it?

Dark,

I read thru the posts here and i will make this comment...do a lot of research on this subject. There is plenty of info available online. There is info here i would be leery of...I will leave these comments at that...

Now,where do i come from ? 25 years of dealing with AS.
Does it suck at times ? Yep.
Will your sister kick the bucket from AS ? Nope.

Hell,I did 4 years in the Marines with AS symptoms and am still alive to talk about it...I just had no idea wtf was wrong with me when I was in...

Now for some solid info....

Has your sister been checked for sleep apnea ?? If not, get it done asap.
My sleep doctors thesis was on the relationship between AS and sleep apnea. His conclusion...Something on the order of 90% of AS patients also suffer sleep apnea. I waited 6-7 years after being diagnosed with AS to get checked. My sleep is now good to go with a CPAP. Makes a huge difference getting a good nights sleep.

My current med for AS was recommended by a arthritis doc at Ohio State. I will not say what it is except it is the strongest NSAID on the maket. It also has been around a looong time with a good track record.
The key to these meds is to keep taking them as prescribed. If i miss one dose I can tell in my back pain. It also takes a couple of weeks to really get a good effect from the meds...I will also say this...If anyone says something about long term side effects of NSAIDs,live with AS for a couple of years and the side effects are actually easy to deal with...

How bad is my AS ? Numerous docs have told me its one of the worst cases they have seen...

As for what also helps...
No smoking...I quit 4 years ago and it helped a bunch.
Exercise daily...Very important if you sit at a desk job all day.
Keep the weight in check....
One thing that helped me greatly was cutting dairy fat out of my diet. I still eat cheese but no milk...Yes ,I grew up on a dairy farm drinking milk like it was water...

Dont worry its not as bad as is sounds...

Chris

Greetings EVERYONE,

Seriously when I started this thread, I did not know what kind of response I would get…or if I would get one. I was a bit freaked, scared and worried (I’m a girl it’s what I do best). At this moment I am grateful for each and every response because even though some tactics may not be recommended, or may not be appropriate for her they are giving me insight into what she is going through and helps me have a better grasp of her condition.

Where to begin, she was diagnosed as having fibromyalgia first and I think lupus was also suggested when the symptoms first began. Tonight, or maybe tomorrow, I will find out if lupus was one of the diseases she was checked and cleared for…I also need to check on what type of specialist she is seeing. We always talk about her doctor visits, I being the ditz keep forgetting the simple question of “what kind of doctor is he?” I will definitely give her the tips on the cold compresses and aspirin. Her and I are probably on the same regime for that right now. I know she is on anti-inflamatory pills because she’s on a higher dose and different pill than I am. (I broke my leg 4 months ago, and thanks to the fiberglass cast I was held captive in am trying to regain walking abilities).

***Woohoo email, my sister just responded she goes to a rhematologist/internist so that would be that answer!***

I will find out if the doctor has discussed mycoplasmas with her, and also if he has suggested alternate means to help her (I would think that a doctor who would suggest ways other than the pharmacy counter may be more open when discussing such matters). I will also research the subject so her and I can compare notes. I am a bit more diligent in my online searches (even though I’m a bit ADD at times). I know she has had many tests run on her because being from a rural area sometimes information takes longer to reach us…so I will make sure this is not one of those tests she has already had.

WOW, It would be great if everything she was dealing with could be fixed with a few capsules…although sometimes she does forget her medicine (guess I’m not the only ADD one in the family haha). I know she has more pains on days with a lot of moisture in the air, and also on days when she forgets her medicine in the morning. I know she is on the anti-inflamatory, as well as a few others. They had tried placing her on painkillers, which she did NOT like taking. Not because they didn’t help but because she doesn’t like being dependent on a pill. I know they had also placed her on muscle relaxors, which could be something she is still taking.

Now I know Sri has done his research, we are MOST definitely in a flood zone. I didn’t realize it was also a dead zone (although if you met a few people from my hometown…you may think it was…haha).

I am thinking her house in NOT of pure natural materials, and as nice as moving to a more natural home could be…on a teacher’s salary it is not that easy to just switch homes. I would have to agree that the chemicals out there are most likely responsible for most illnesses. It’s just hard to get away from them, it’s even harder to get away from mold down here (WOOOHOO Hurricanes…when does next season start????).

The more I think about it, she drinks Dasani water. I should have remembered her forcing the bottled water upon me while I was recouping from drinking too much crown last weekend (but what can I say I was a BIT out of sorts at that moment).

Stress is definitely a helper in her problem and I wish I could say YES she will follow those ideas of lessening her stress. However, my sister much like me is a chronic worrier. I realize that stressing and worrying is much like a rocking chair, a great way to waste the day…but you never get anywhere, but I think only finding a way to totally turn off her brain and turning her into someone she is not could get her to change that part of her.

To be continued...

****The continuation

I must say she is definitely exposed to fluorescents, not quite as much as me…but definitely exposed at school (computer and lighting) and at home (wireless internet and a myspace addiction that I started).

Cobra, thank you sooo much for responding. I agree with you that there is lots and lots and lots of information online regarding this issue and I have searched but must admit it is comforting to have personal touches added to responses and also connecting with others who have faced, or know people who are facing the same things! Do not fret, besides trying to keep up with my responses, I print the information so I can read more at home as well as research more regarding the different suggestions.

I applaud you on dealing with AS for 25 years (and also thank you for shortening it because that is one finger twister to type)! I am glad she’s not going to kick the bucket from AS, although to be truthful that hadn’t even been one of my concerns.

I do not think she has been checked for Sleep Apnea. I will have her work on that. I know she has a doctor’s appointment in January so will make sure she gets that checked then. I know she is constantly tired, which I thought was caused by the disease…it could definitely also be caused by this as well.

I am glad your medication is working. As long as she remembers to take her medication she has little or no problems (unless of course the weather is changing or she’s sick with something else). She missed a dose yesterday morning and by afternoon could tell she had missed it and needed to take it. She’s pretty good at remembering to take her meds and the side effects have not been too bad! Then again if you think about what she feels, side effects of medication is child’s play.

I am sorry that your AS is so terrible and am glad you have not been overwhelmed by it and can share that.

My sister has never smoked, so that’s one of the things she is doing right!

She has just rejoined her gym (before getting diagnosed she was too achy and tired to go and had quit) and goes exercise for at least 1 hour a day every day (well minus Sundays). She has been doing really amazing with that and with her weight. I will also suggest to her cutting out the dairy fat. She doesn’t really drink THAT much milk…but her husband’s a milk-aholic and she normally gets to toss out the empty carton instead of drinking. But I do know that she adores cheese, so I will see if it would torture her to cut out a WEE bit of her normal cheese consumption. I think cutting back on cheese and feeling a bit better would be MUCH better than having cheese dip with popcorn…

I did not think her situation was the worst case scenario, and I am glad that even if it was worst case others are out there willing to offer thoughts, ideas and how they handled it. I know each person is unique and what works for one may not work for the other…but I really appreciate all the thoughts, prayers, and help.

I hope you all have a VERY Happy New Year, I know I will because I am finally crutchless and should be able to understand and offer advice to my sister by the New Year!

Thank you all again!
Kristie

scratch the douche and eye wash... This is a reative arthritis alright.... but not to eye or yeast infection. I am fairly convinced this is a case of nitrate poisoning.

Now I know Sri has done his research, we are MOST definitely in a flood zone. I didn’t realize it was also a dead zone (although if you met a few people from my hometown…you may think it was…haha).

The dead zone is dead because of hypoxia. Hypoxia exists because of increased nitrates flowing out of the Mississippi.

Serum nitrate and nitrite levels are enhanced in patients with AS compared with healthy subjects.

Does she have a local "creole" diet? lots of fish, local seafood... fish fed chicken... etc.

I am thinking her house in NOT of pure natural materials, and as nice as moving to a more natural home could be…on a teacher’s salary it is not that easy to just switch homes.

You'd be surprised. I've never netted more than 25k in a year and I own 4 homes and rural acreage. Rent out or sell the one she's in... and you're off; all it takes is a small ad.

Spend more time outside, turn off the AC and open windows,

Gut the old carpet, toss the couch and get some wooden chairs, lay some tile or a tung oiled wood floor, and put up some low VOC paint on the walls and ceiling. Natural can be cheap and easy.

I would have to agree that the chemicals out there are most likely responsible for most illnesses. It’s just hard to get away from them

There is no disease without repetitive exposure to toxin. Meditate upon that.

The more I think about it, she drinks Dasani water.

Desani is glorified tap water, in a cheap leaching plastic bottle, with a high surface area to volume ratio. She needs SPRING water... in 5 gallon jugs. She needs to be drinking 64+ oz daily.

Stress is definitely a helper in her problem and I wish I could say YES she will follow those ideas of lessening her stress. However, my sister much like me is a chronic worrier. I realize that stressing and worrying is much like a rocking chair, a great way to waste the day…but you never get anywhere, but I think only finding a way to totally turn off her brain and turning her into someone she is not could get her to change that part of her.

She needs a copy of Pantanjali's Yoga Sutras or Raja Yoga by Vivekenanda.

Still water runs deep. I believe her condition is a combination of psycosomatic stress issues and nitrate poisoning.

She should embrace a vegetarian diet, practice absolute avoidance of seafood and chicken that has been fed seafood, and drink lots of water. Avoid caffiene or alcohol or cigarettes... or any other immune sytem inflamer. Oatmeal for breakfast at least 3 times a week and barley and beans for dinner at least as often can help with detox.

If you are financially capable, semiprecious stone/jewelery gifts of cape amethyst, rainbow obsidian, and black opal may help her condition. She may want to sleep with the obsidian.

You may also want to try an amber choker/necklace to help improve her spirits.

A good walk in the woods on the weekends or at least once a month somewhere inland, perhaps at a state park could be good for her.

I also recommend she speak with an experienced practitioner in chelation therapy. Chelation can help remove nitrates from the body.

Periodic use of an oxygen mask could help with her energy levels as well; that will require prescription and doctor visit however.

You may want to include an antioxidant, blue green algae, or spirulina, as well as vitamins A, C, and E. Sauna's can also be good for detox.

Side note... does she have silver fillings in any of her teeth? How long have they been there if so?

One last suggestion... methylene blue. It has been used on livestock suffering from acute nitrate poisoning. You will have to do your own research on that though, I am unfamiliar...

If I could sum up the most important stuff:

Organic (low nitrate) Vegetarian Diet
Lots of SPRING water
Scripture
Antioxidants, oats, and barley
Crystal therapy for bone conditions and negative energy abatement
Get away from the dead zone.

by Badge01:

Oracle, I would be cautious about suggesting non-traditional medicines for
things like this.

One should ALWAYS seek and try a natural solution BEFORE even suggesting "traditional" pharmecutial solutions.

Also though you're a Shaman you don't want to run afoul of the law about dispensing medical advice without a license. You might want to phrase it a bit differently to be safe.

I do not ask for pay in return and make no claims to be a licensed medical doctor. I am shaman. The shaman's message is always the same: Be in touch with nature and pray.

My wife is has been doing a lot of training in Shamanism. What do you think of it?

I have to say, one down side to shamanism is the Knowledge one gains from shamanistic Experience can be alienating when surrounded by those ignorant to such Truth. Especially when you watch someone fail to follow advice, and continue down a bad path that you see the eventual outcome to... An inability to lead others efficiently can lead to feelings of guilt as one's third eye outpaces one's crown... and I never can seem to get my chakras completely balanced.

Other than that though, I feel healthy, wealthy, and wise. As are my friends becoming. The last time I was at a traditional doctors office was 3 years ago when I stepped in dog poo and then proceeded to step back with the same foot, full force, onto a rusty nail; arms full of lumber. Needless to say, I got a good dose of antibiotic for that one. I work (as a carpenter) on condemned and historic buildings. I live most of my life with a respirator mask on, under high tension lines... surrounded in debris, asbestos, lead paint chips, and black mold. I bleed from minor injuries more days a month than most women; yet, I am never sick.

Subtle Energy and Love.

Om mani padme hum,

Sri Oracle

Greetings Sri,
No frets, I had not suggested either the douche or eye wash, since she had neither of those conditions, but will keep the ideas on hand in case of either. That is interesting about the nitrates, would regular blood work detect nitrates in her system or would a special test be needed. She has her blood tested when she goes to the doctor so I am not sure if that information would be located in her current results.
Haha, I can’t say that anyone down here does not have a “Creole” diet. Fish, seafood and chicken are staples in our home…well all of that either fried or with white rice and brown gravy. I am not sure what the chickens are fed, since we now purchase those at the grocery store and don’t raise our own. She has had a decrease in her seafood consumption since she married a boy who’s allergic to seafood…
All the home suggestions sound good in theory, but I know I would have a HARD time selling her on that. All she ever wanted was a home of her own, a husband, a dog, kids and a white picket fence. She has the first three, is working on the third and is hoping to replace the picket fence with a patio. She does spend quite a bit of time outside because her dog has the smallest bladder known to man!
The spring water sounds fine and easy to convince her of…but what can I say, there’s no way I’m giving up my dasani…not because it’s the best water, but instead just because it’s the only bottled water they have at work and drinking soda all day is probably worse!
I will suggest to her the reading you suggested. I can’t promise she will read it because she has an addiction for the “Series of Unfortunate Events” and has a few books left of the series.
As for the vegetarian diet, I can once again suggest, but I know I wouldn’t be able to do it…and am pretty sure she would have a hard time (my mom’s beef meat rice and gravy is addictive). She really doesn’t drink caffeine, will have a drink every now and then and does not smoke (and has never). She does eat oatmeal…I’m not sure if it’s three times a week or not…and will also eat some beans (not much for peas, lima beans, black eyed peas, etc…).
Hmmm, I’m not that financially capable, but I do have a choker of rainbow obsidian, and the others I could probably find at one of the gem retailers I frequent. I am a lover of sparkles and I’ve been able to help my sleep paralysis with stones.
I will suggest to her the vitamins and antioxidants (although I know she’s already taking supplements trying to boost her immune system).
I thank you for all your suggestions and shall research on the topics I am unfamiliar with. *OHHHH and thanks for also giving me a reason to go stone shopping!!!!!!*

Hi there. I am very sorry to hear about your sister's ordeal, and I really hope she gets better. I have Crohn's Disease which is another auto-immune disease that affects the small and large intestines. It is also called Inflammatry Bowel Disease and I can relate to what your siter is going through.

After doing a TON of research on my condition, I have found quite a few different things that help me out quite a bit and have almost completely put my disease into remission. They are natural things and not prescription meds.

Through research I found over and over that alot of inflammatory conditions are associated with yeast infections. Although doctors will hesitate to tell you you have a yeast infection, alot of evidence points to it being the cause of alot of problems. Has your sister ever been on antibiotics? Antibiotics do not pick and choose which bacteria they kill and they kill the bad with the good. By doing this, it compromises your immune system.

What I have found to work for me (this is just what worked for me.. I'm not trying to tell you to take anything because I don't have a M.D.)

Vitamin D - it has been suggested that vitamin D has good anti-inflammatory properties. check it out on the web.
Omega 3 Fish Oil - omega 3 fatty acids help with inflammation as well
Vitamin E - known to help immune system function better
Probiotics - probably the most helpful out of everything.. these guys have helped me more than any drug I have ever taken in my life. I take Primal Defense by a company called Garden of Life.
a Multi enzyme to help digest food.
Eat healthy diet with absolutely no dairy, minimal sugar.. means no milk, soda, candy, cake, if it tastes good i don't usually eat it (sucks but it works)
also caffeine causes me real problems. i don't eat chocolate or drink coffee or tea any more.

alot of your immune system resides in your intestinal tract and it might be beneficial to take something like a probiotic to maximize your bowel function and in turn maximize your immune function. Probiotics = Lactobacillus Acidophilus and many other strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidum.

Greetings Arkane,

I thank you for your sympathy and am sorry to hear of your condition. Once again it is something that I am not familiar with but I wish you the best with it.

I appreciate your suggestions of vitamins and supplements that have helped you. Improving your immune systems does help with the condition and I think all are wonderful ideas. She has been on antibiotics but to my knowledge has not been suffering from yeast infections. She’s the type if she is having a problem she goes to the doctor (which is always a good idea).

I shall print a copy of the supplements and do a bit of research on my own (that way I have a list for her that she can’t argue). I thank you for your help…once again the collective brain of ATS impresses me!