Anyone out there with an autoimmune disease?

If so, how are you coping? Please explain.

Yes, I have both Celiac Disease and a thyroid problem.

I just take Armour pills for my thyroid problem... it really isn't much of a day-to-day problem. I have an underactive thyroid, so I knew there was something wrong... I was sleeping for hours a day and missing school. Once I got on track with the pills, though, I haven't felt bad at all.

Celiac disease hasn't been trouble at all. At first, it was difficult, getting to know what restaurants could meet my needs, but once I found the brands (like Amy's, Schar's, Glutino, Van's waffles, and Kind nut bars) and the handful of local restaurants that could make gluten-free pizzas and breads, everything came easily. I've noticed that once you develope a relationship with a restaurant as a loyal customer, the kitchen is more than willing to help. Some restaurants will even cook my gluten-free noodles in a separate pot of water and prepare them as a meal... sometimes without charge!

If anything, I would recommend seeing an autoimmune professional, or a good family doctor, if you suspect having an autoimmune condition, or if you want to handle it better. Without our doctor, I could have never reached the successful point I have. If there are any more autoimmune conditions in my future, at least it's great to know that someone's got your back!

Celiac Disease doesn't run in my family, suprisingly. I've got a huge family history of autoimmune diseases....chrones disease, thyroid problems, eckzema, terrible arthritis, and more.

Best wishes, and have a nice day! If you'd like to know more, just ask! :)

I have Ucerative Colitis. I hate it.

When it interferes with your life, sometimes telling people and being straight with them really helps. Otherwise you can manage with tons of pills, which sucks.

I used to belong to a website called HealingWell.com and would go there for support when I had a relapse. They are very helpful over there.

i have celiac sprue...
i hate it! it's inconvenient & expensive...eating out at a restaraunt sucks because there aren't that many that have things that are ok for me to eat (or because they can't guarantee no cross-contamination in the kitchens)... i can't have anything with wheat, barley, rye or any derivitive of them & have to read the ingredients on everything i eat...it's a little easier now because of FDA reg that went in effect Jan 1, 2006 (manufactured food must state if it has any of the 8 major food aleergins or is made on equipment that also processes any of them)
i feel better being gluten-free but i miss regular foods...i don't miss being in constant pain though & i've tried all sorts of yummy foods that i wouldn't have tried before i found out when i was 29...