Undiagnosed auto immune disease, put on Leflunomide

I think, I can feel for you, because I was in the same situation. Looked like a picture of health. But donˋt let that fool you. After going thru this period of autoimmune desease symptoms, 7 years, you can tell now, that I am going thru this pain, IBS. Crohns and nausea, headaches, dizziness etc has taken its toll. On top, I became dependent on opioids for back and neck pain. Became isolated from friends and family, because I did not want them to see, what pain I had to endure. Now I have anxiety and depression, and you would not want to see me now. I think, the autoimmune problems are that your own body attacks you, via brain and digestive problems. Does anybody went thru this after years of golden health and happiness?

Hi, @edda - I'm sorry to hear about the pain you've gone through. You mentioned experiencing anxiety and depression, and I wanted to suggest you might check out our Depression & Anxiety group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/depression-anxiety/.

Have you done any testing for Sjogren’s Syndrome?

I have fibromyalgia please check out this blood test. I took it and came back positive. But many people are misdiagnosed because doctors can’t figure something out so they will just throw that label on. The Fma test please google it. They are actually doing a vaccine trial with all the people who tested positive. But for peace of mind contact them. FYI most Rhumatologist don’t believe this test because most Rhuematologist don’t know how to deal with Fibro. I have major experiences with several doctors and years before being diagnosed.

All I can say is good luck because I’ve been going through this forever 25 years. I truly believe fibromyalgia as a catchall for other disorders that are comorbidities of connective tissue diseases. I am finally getting to the bottom of the real issues and most rheumatologist absolutely do not and will not take the time to figure out what’s truly going on. You must find somebody who will actually listen to you Instead of just dictating what they think instead of doing research. I’m having to train my own doctors in rare disorders and I’ve been right on every account.

Dear Techchick oh my! You are so right. I have experienced the same as you, But here where I live the doctors will not and do not want to listen and understand. To me it is very important for the doctors to listen and learn about their patients to help me,you and the rest of us. I saw a new general practitioner today and she told me that I have three auto immune diseases. She is quite young and probably this is her first practice. Ahhhh! There is hope yet for us humans. A candle in the dark. Applause for this human beginner in her practice. And for the rest of us hang in there. But now the rest of the story: I brought with me all my recent blood workups and etc. which made it easier to put the story together.

I just links to very important articles and got a response today that they can’t access the videos or articles from work. Really, they don’t know how to print an email and look at it from home. 4 doctors got this info and that’s their response.

WHAT ARE THE 3 AUTO IMMUNE DISEASES. IF YOU PREFER NOT TO SAY I UNDERSTAND. THANK YOU TERESA

I was diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome it sounds very similar to a symptoms that I have right now. Ask your rheumatologist or your neurologist to have the test done on you it's very simple to have done. The Plaquenil is the drug that they have given me and it does only help a little bit. But have the test done. I'm surprised they haven't suggested that for you. Look it up and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Hello @pjc820, welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing what helps you for your diagnosis with similar symptoms. I wasn't sure who your post was directed to? The person who started the discussion @lisabeans? If you tag a member with their member name (@membername), they will receive an email notification with a link to your post.

Have you found other treatments that help with Sjogren's syndrome?