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Looking for Suggestions on Healing Autoimmune Connective Tissue Issues

Posted By KJC (East Lansing, Michigan ) on 10/01/2022

I have been diagnosed with IGg4-related disease, but my doc first was torn between that and Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder (MCTD). I have something going on with my connective that seems to have started around the front of my chest underneath my breasts, spread all the way around my rib cage, gone up my chest into my neck, shoulders, and face, into my forearms, and all sorts of places. It seems to be thickening as it does, and perhaps hardening as well. Doc prescribes CellCept and Plaquenil, which has just now started working a little, after about 16 weeks, and staying really low on carbs and sugar seems to help--but I'm nowhere near "remission" yet. I've lost 109 pounds since March (about 7 months) and it's great because I needed to lose a lot --- but it seems to be coming off on its own really easily in addition to my trying to lose it, which is concerning. Docs always cheer on my weight loss and ignore the second part.

I take Vitamin D, a multivitamin, turmeric, biotin and folic acid (hair is falling out), every day. Anything else you know of that could help this condition? It's scary and I'm already wayyy sick of it. TIA for anything you can offer.

Replied by Art (California) on 10/01/2022

KJC,

If your doctor was aware that you were concerned about the unexplained weight loss, he/she should have told you that Plaquenil also known as Hydroxychloroquine and CellCept(immunosuppressive) both have been shown to have the side effect of weight loss in people taking them longer term.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/plaquenil#side-effects

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cellcept#side-effects

This may be the reason why your doctor was not concerned, but once the weight loss was apparent as yours clearly is, your doctor should have explained the likely reason why to you to allay your fears. Chronic fear is not a healthful thing as it can increase oxidative stress and inflammation which can potentially feed disease processes.

Both IGg4 related disease and MCTD have elevated levels of the inflammatory cytokine IL-17. Vitamin B1 has been shown to lower inflammatory IL-17 as I discussed here :

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/il-seventeen.html

Whenever there is inflammation and tissue destruction there will be elevated levels of oxidative stress. Melatonin is a potent inhibitor of oxidative stress and is the most potent antioxidant and radical scavenger in the body through direct and indirect means. Unfortunately melatonin production declines in the body with age reaching a very unhealthful level of decline around age 50. Melatonin also inhibits fibrosis which can sometimes occur with tissue damage. Melatonin is also protective of all major organs in the body which can come under pressure when inflammation and oxidative stress are at increased levels.

The following review, although about newborn care, explains some of the multiple protective actions of melatonin :

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41419-019-1556-7#:~:text=The direct antioxidant and free, reduce oxidative stress3,22.

Because of the medications you are already taking, it would be a good idea to let your doctor know that you would like to take high dose vitamin B1 as well as high dose melatonin to be sure they will be safe for you with the medications you are already taking. Your pharmacist may also be able to give information on interactions in addition to what your doctor tells you.

Art

Replied by Anne (CA) on 10/10/2022

Could it be your diagnosis has been confused with Costochondritis? I used serrapeptase to dissolve scar tissue and my chiropractor used a similar device as the Theragun over those areas of scar tissue along the sternum all of which resolved my problem. I haven’t had any reoccurrence in the last four years.

Replied by Lisa (HI) on 10/10/2022

Ask your doctor to prescribe Nitazoxanide 500 mg 2 times a day for 14 days. Many auto immune problems are due to a occult ( hidden) parasite problem. This will clear up the parasites, you might notice some die off ( feel ill) for a day or so, then better as the dead bugs get cleared. Drink plenty of water, sleep lots. This is cheap about $2 a pill, and selective, as good ( aerobic bugs) like l- acidophillis are not harmed.and huge margin of safety, I could not find a LD50, as massive doses had no ill effects. all side effects seem to be from parasite die off and clear up quickly while on meds.

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