I decided to post this here too, even tho I have already posted it on the PN forum because I thought maybe someone might respond.

There is a lady on the Sjogrens forum that I use who is very ill with multiple autoimmune problems. She has a decision to make with her doctors. She has to decide whether or not to have a stem cell transplant or just to die. Either one doesn't look good. (yes she is that ill). I have a nerve problem that affects my sitting severely. And I am having really serious problems with dry eyes right now. So my computer time is severely limited. Do any of you have any info or can you research out any info either way about the stem cell transplants in autoimmune disease? I don't want to just post positive stuff when there is negative stuff and influence her myself. Thanks so much for any help you can give me.

Billye

Some chemotherapeutic agents are being used with some success. Oral imuran, etc. IV rituxan (monoclonal antiabody). Both of the above have helped me. I was on oxygen 24/7 due to lupus and now only on at night. Still have loads of problems tho. If I was told stem cell transplant had a 50% chance of curing me I'd go for it. When I had lymphoma due to lupus in 2001 I had a 50% chance and I made it. I decided make it or not it was my only reasonable choice and I'd do it again because the type of autoimmune problems I have now are just as dangerous. nancy