Multiple Autoimmune Conditions

By CommunityMember95116a

1 min read

I was diagnosed with MS in August 2007 at the age of 60. Then 2 months later, I was diagnosed with Lupus.

Managing multiple conditions

I also have Sjogren's syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, and Osteoporosis. So it is hard to pinpoint exactly what is causing which problem at any given time. I am losing my balance more often. My body hurts all the time, and my left leg doesn't want to move. I feel fatigued most of the time. Does anyone else have more than one autoimmune disease? I would like to hear from you.

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Racquel H. Dozier Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="CommunityMember95116a" user-id="6650968"/> So sorry you are dealing with so many issues. I have Lupus, RA and Type 2 Diabetes. It is definitely a struggle to deal with it all and differentiate symptoms. I hope your treatment is working a little to provide relief. How do you deal with it all? ~Racquel~ <a href='http://Lupus.net' target='_blank'>Lupus.net</a> team member
1. CommunityMember8e8fa1 Member
 <inline-mention username="Racquel H. Dozier" user-id="2041433"/> just had the sixth cancer diagnosed for a total of 104 autoimmune now syndromes. Had a bad mold exposure, further compounded from living in water damaged buildings for the last 8 years. Did you have a mold exposure?
2. Racquel H. Dozier Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember8e8fa1" user-id="6701730"/> wow so sorry to hear that. Mold is a definite issue bfor many. I am sure there has been mold exposure for many. Living and raised in NY I'm sure it was prevalent. Environment plays a definite role in health. ~Racquel~ <a href='http://lupus.net' target='_blank'>lupus.net</a> team member
JesikaBeth Member
Hello. Boy do I hear you. I was originally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia back when little to nothing was known about it. I was also diagnosed with Osteoarthrits in my early 20s and an autoimmune thyroid condition in my mid 20s. There's no telling when I developed the other autoimmune disorders, I just thought it was the fibro & thyroiditis. Fast forward to my mid 30's, I had just finished treatments for Cancer. Then, the autoimmune issues trickled in... My body went completely haywire. Funny thing is, *during* Cancer treatments, I had absolutely no pain. Later came to find out, the treatment I was receiving is also used for RA. Anyway, the autoimmune issues trickled in: autoimmune alopecia, RA, Sjrogrens, Lupus, Raynauds. I also have autoinflammatory skin condition and seborretic (sp?) dermatitis. I'm relatively newly diagnosed (within the last year) and on a good medication regimen. I feel better, without a doubt. However, on those difficult days it's really hard to discern what is what. I try not to get caught up in the "what's acting up this time" mentality. For me, I find that sends me into a rabbit hole. I try to be mindful of my symptoms and how I'm feeling, and respond accordingly. Sometimes it's effective. Sometimes not. I'm still trying to process that part. Sorry for the long response. Just know, you are definitely not alone. 
1. GabbyFormica Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="JesikaBeth" user-id="8513475"/>, Please don't be sorry!! Thank you for sharing with us. You have been through so much and its always comforting to know you are not alone in this battle. One of our patient leaders who lives with multiple conditions including lupus wrote this article about fibromyalgia and how it was harmful for her in terms of being able to get an accurate lupus diagnosis: <a href='https://lupus.net/living/fibromyalgia' target='_blank'>https://lupus.net/living/fibromyalgia</a> It might be of interest to you! Gabby (team member) 
2. JesikaBeth Member
 <inline-mention username="GabbyFormica" user-id="4217065"/> thanks 😊

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