Infections (not due to immunosuppression)
 

Hey guys,

I'm just wondering if any you have found that either prior to MG, during or after, you've noticed an increase in infections? The doctor in charge of Plasmapheresis at the hospital went ahead and tested my immunoglobulin levels (I think to make sure I don't have hypogammaglobulineria (sp.?) along with the MG due to the thymoma), and my levels were normal, however, I find that I get a lot of infections...I've been taking prednisone for a couple of weeks, but the infections started a long time ago, way before the prednisone....It's so weird to have an autoimmune disease and a weak immune system...I bought echinacea, and then put it away, thinking, 'what am I thinking?!' I've been thinking of trying this supplement that's made up of phytonutrients as it supposedly brings t3 and t4 levels in the immune system back into balance, but i don't know if that's dangerous or not with the state I'm in...I wish my immune system would stop misbehaving! lol:(

Hi, Nicky. Did they run the IgG subclasses too? I have an IgG3 deficiency and my IgG1 runs on the low end.

Think of the GI Tract as "home base" for the immune system. That's where food goes and bacteria goes with it. Ever watch any food rot on a counter? It basically turns to "bad" bacteria.

So, you need good bacteria in the GI tract to make it happy. That first starts with stomach acid. Yes, stomach acid is good. I'm sure all the antacid companies would have you think that the stomach is defective since birth. We start to lose our stomach acid as we grow older. I have been without mine for decades and had LOTS of infections before I started taking Betaine HCL. DO NOT take anything, even echinacea which is not good for those with immune problems, without discussing it with your doctor first. Stomach acid is not only important to digest food but to keep the body's pH balance in order.

Then there are pancreatic enzymes that help digest food and come into play after the acidification of the food. Some people are low on those too. But do not try pancreatic enzymes without supervision either! They can increase things like calcium which can then cause too much calcium in your circulatory system, heart and can cause kidney stones.

Prednisone is an antiprostaglandin. What an antiprostaglandin does is to reduce the gel coating of the stomach. And it often diminishes the production of stomach acid. To keep GOOD prostaglandins in your body, you need to have omega 3's, etc. That is why they often give antacids or acid blockers with Prednisone. Without the gel coating, the stomach is more vulnerable and open to having ulcers. But, again, ulcers are usually from bacteria which would multiply in the absence of stomach acid. Dizzy yet?

Taking probiotics like acidophilus will also help keep the good bacteria in there. It's all about keeping the GI tract healthy and happy.

I do not get infections any more and I used to get them all the time. When I am immunosuppressed, however, they come right back.

I'm sure you guys are sick of all this info but I thought it would help. Just take some time to think about it all and talk to your doctor (who may not have a clue about stomach acid or leaky gut or anything like that). I'm sure Mrs. D would have a lot to add. I'm too worn out at the moment to add any more. Thank goodness, right?! :eek:

Annie

Hi Nicky!
 

Annie,

I love your informative posts. You make what can be complicated stuff easy to understand...and it makes such sense! Don't ever stop ... what a gift you have!! Thanks for sharing.

Sue

Hey
 

Annie,

Thank you so much for your reply! I totally appreciate it, and everything you said makes absolutely perfect sense to me! I prolly shoulda searched for this topic, but I sorta just wanted to throw it out there! Sorry if this was redundant :( lol

When I was 16, I had H-Pylori virus with duodenitis and have had many other stomach complaints...I've always suspected that that infection was either a sign of bad things to come, or a cause...It makes perfect sense...Everything I read always says that you are what you eat or the poor health of the digestive tract is the root of most disease...

I also have extremely low cholesterol....I read that that can also be a sign of having low stomach acid, as the acid is required for absorption of fatty acids/fat soluable vitamins (also low in Vitamin D)...

I gotta see a nutritionist to get this all sorted out! Or I will make a list of the things you've said along with the vitamins and show it to my GP...Thanks so much for the info.!

Were you able to bring your IGg levels back to normal? I will take a look through my papers to see exactly what I was tested for and let you know...

Thanks again!
Nicky

Thought #1:
One week before I started getting my MG symptoms I had major flu-like symptoms with high fever. I recovered after one day from the sickness and thought everything was back to normal. After one week I started getting blurry vision and then all the typical MG symptoms.

So...I think the flu(or whatever it was I had) triggered the MG.

Before I got the flu (I am calling it flu) I was strong and healthy and felt great. Too much of a coincidence for this sickness not to somehow be the trigger for my MG.

I have not been sick since getting MG.

Thought #2:
When I was in my 20's I started getting sick a lot, mostly bladder and kidney infections, but also I seemed to get everything that was going around. After at least a year of going to the doctor and the doctor not understanding why I was getting sick so much, he suggested experimenting with my diet. After much documenting of everything I put in or on my body, I found that my problem was a combination of allergies to perfume/cleaners/etc and soda pop. Now that I am mostly chemical free and avoiding bubbly drinks I rarely get sick. At this time I also discovered that vitamin Bs help with avoiding getting sick.

I hope this info helps. Also I am curious if anyone else had a high fever or sickness shortly before their MG symptoms started. I also had high stress in my life at the time when my MG started and I think the stress may have played a part in giving me MG.

Hey DesertFlower,

Welcome to the forum! I recall reading a post latley where someone had a flu type illness prior to the onset of their MG. Stress is a big factor for all MGers. Perhaps you could start your own thread as a new member so everyone can get to know you better. Any questions you have will get a better response as well. Everyone here is very friendly, helpful and supportive. Hope to hear from you more. Take care.;)

Hugs,
Pat

Welcome Desertflower!
 

We could be twins~ Shortly after my trip out of the country I came down with terrible flu symptoms and then one week to the day after that my vision was GONE!

Terrible double vision, headaches,the whole sheebang! It was awful!:(:eek:


6 mg out months to the day there I was in ICU with tubes running out of all parts of my body.:eek:

Stress has always been a big part of my life - I am (or was very type A) - now I've learned to let things go - my health just isn't worth it.:D

Anyway - WELCOME to neurotalk! You are going to love it here!:D

Hope this info helps!

Take care!
ERin:winky:

I have always been very healthy, infection wise, just seems to be my nervous system, junction & muscle atrophy. I have never even had an ear infection, my whole life ! Crazy stuff ! I did have the normal chicken pox, & mumps.
Welcome to our group DF !

Mary

Nick,

I have been prone to infections my whole life. Actually, since I was a baby. I have been sick with something or another. I wonder if this is a common denominator in MG. You bring up a very good question. It does get frustrating, so I can understand you wanting your immune system to behave. I hope you are feeling well and take care. Dorothy