Shiela, I do believe what the doctors say that the immune system weakens as we age. My flares are a few a month, with mouth ulcers and joint pain. I choose to not use any medication as I am able to deal with it. I will never regain my eye sight but thankful for all the doctors who tried. One big issue I do deal with is stomach issues, have been informed by my gastro Doctor that this is part of it. This started a few years ago. Not sure where I go from here with that.