Hi, I run across this web page when doing a search on immune modulating treatments for auto immune disorders.
I have been an RN for 35 years and unfortunately have 2 familial auto immune disorders. ITP and Hashimotos thyroiditis. They began 27 yrs ago during my 1st pregnancy and by my 2nd pregnancy my endocrinologist said my thyroid had burnt itself out and I would have to be on life-long thyroid hormone replacement therapy. 1 1/2 yrs ago my autoimmune conditions flaired badly. My platelets dropped to 19K with spontaneous eye/mouth bleed (flair up prob d/t hormone changes with menopause) and after failing 1st line treatment with steroids.. my hematologist started me on monthly IVIG infusions. The txs only inreased my platelets for about 2 1/2 wks but after the 3rd infusion (month) my ( life- long) neck goiter started to decrease in size as well as the achiness/fullness. My Synthroid dosage had to be decreased and by the end of 6 mo of IVIG , I was almost completely off my Synthroid ! I went on to start Rituxan txs for my ITP and I continued to need thyroid dose reductions. I finished the Rituxan txs this past March and am still off my Synthroid ! I fully feel the medical community SHOULD offer these meds to Hashimoto patients ! At age 56 I'm feeling the best I've ever felt for the past 30 years !