my sister

[Sangye]

Sangye - wonder why this wouldn't happen with any other AI disease? Let's say someone goes to the acupuncturist with undiagnosed RA and gets their immune system boosted. Wouldn't that also be the exact opposite of what that RA patient should have?

Actually, no. Holistic physicians and practitioners have a long history of successfully treating RA and other autoimmune diseases by doing the opposite of the medical treatment (ie, regulating the immune system, not suppressing it). With the exception of a handful, other AI diseases are not fatal and don't do extensive silent damage like Wegs. So if the treatment were worsening the condition it's quite noticeable and can be changed or stopped in time.

If some AI diseases are caught in the early stages and treated holistically, they can often be cured because the underlying imbalance can be found and corrected. (Some known causes are food sensitivities and toxins.) Once the disease has become more entrenched a cure is not likely. The goal is then prevention of disease progression and relief of symptoms. Again, holistic methods are highly successful at this.

Some patients use a combination of holistic and medical treatments. It can work well under certain circumstances.

You rarely see a holistic practitioner or long-time patient getting an AI disease. None of my holistic buddies have ever heard of one other than me, and most have practiced for 20-30 yrs. It was a real shock when this happened to "one of us." This is also one reason why I'm not a big fan of the genetic theory of causation.

[Lila]

Thanks Sangye!
I think there are 2 Dr. Kim's there...the one she was going to see couldn't get her in the same day as her follow-up with Dr. Levine, so she's seeing the male Dr. Kim?! I think...
Yea, I know she started her meds today, and I didn't even bother calling her. She was back to her ol' self and now....UGH....the PRED!!! I did tell Dr. Levine about how nasty she gets...him and her both laughed about it. He says that since she's not 'depressed'-cause she goes out, that he'll hold off putting her on anything.Maybe she'll start taking the Xanax....I dunno!
I'm just relieved~
How are u?

[Lila]

Wow Sangye, I posted a response and now it's not here.....
I'm to tired to retype the whole thing! I just jumped on here real quick....I'll be back tomorrow.
How are u?

[Lila]

oops! there it is!! LOL! I told u I was tired!!

[Lila]

Thanks Jola!

[Lila]

Thanks so much Moyan!!! Im so relieved too!

[Lila]

She got the trache because she couldn't breathe which, I believe was due to the stenosis. Dr. Levine didn't seem too thrilled that the ENT at Jefferson didn't seek the help of a Wegener's doc while treating her. She didn't have any trauma....Sorry if these responses are short...Im falling asleep... ;0

[Lila]

Im glad everything worked out well for u Onatreetop! This weather is ridiculous but we made it there! YIPPEE! It was well worth the drive!
Dr. Levine mentioned something about Ritux ? (spelling)...maybe in the future. But, he has alot of hope that the trache can be out within a few months!
Take Care! I'll get back on tomorrow when Im not so sleepy! Goodnight!

[Sangye]

Lila, she definitely has to see Young Kim (male) not Jean Kim (female). He's the Wegs guy, she isn't. The receptionists don't know that. They're really nice receptionists and very truthful about him running late, etc... They'll tell you how long a wait to expect with a particular appt time.

The reason I suggested a psychiatrist eval is because evaluation for meds and their use is tricky business. What looks like anxiety is often depression. It's incredibly complicated stuff. Dr Levine is a great doc and knows Wegs inside-out of course. But brain chemistry isn't his specialty and an appt to discuss Wegs is not a psychological evaluation. It's just as important to go to the specialists for that-- moreso. I suggest a psych eval and ongoing therapy. I sure couldn't have gotten through all this without seeing a therapist.

[onatreetop]

Glad to hear she is taking the meds. Even if it comes with mood slings!!!!! Not swings! My EMG went well from what the doc said at the end. Have more results on wednesday. See ENT on tuesday about biopsy and fallow up. See Prim about fallow up on pulse. And go back to work everyday. I feel So sluggish after a week off. I feel like a blob! The docs are checking into the diabetes now too. This blows Snow!!! I am boarderline and know it from the labs but poop!

Hope the meds work quickly for your sis! An the tra. is out soon for her. Hope you are all dug out and ready for more snow. I am not.