A Word about Autoimmune Diseases

Not too long ago, I found out that a childhood friend had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. It came, as these things often do, as a complete shock to her. No one in her family had ever been diagnosed with it. And she's only in her 30s. When I found out, I immediately went online and began researching MS. Here's what I discovered:

1) MS is much more common than you might think
2) It's not really an "old-age disease"-- many sufferers are diagnosed in their late 20s and early 30s
3) It appears to strike women more than men (but men are still vulnerable to it, see Montel Williams)

MS is an autoimmune disease, in other words...a disease in which the immune system goes haywire and starts attacking, instead of protecting, the body. MS forms lesions on various areas of the nervous system. These lesions, in turn, interfere with the normal functions of the nervous system and wreak havoc (large or small) on numerous physical and mental functions: speech, motor skills, temperment, etc. Like a game of roulette (but a lot less fun), you never really know when and where the ball is going to land and what that's going to mean for you.

My very first brush with an autoimmune disease happened several years ago when my mom was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. RA not only effects the joints but, like MS, can cause lesions to form in various organs...most frequently the lungs. So while someone suffering from RA will experience the painful twinges associated with your garden-variety arthritis, they also are at high risk for developing severe breathing problems and have to be monitored carefully. Also like MS (and most autoimmune diseases, for that matter), rheumatoid arthritis is three times more likely to show up in women than men, and it often strikes people in the prime of life.

What gives?! Why is the female sex so much more vulnerable to autoimmune disorders? There are several studies underway to try and determine the cause(s). Some potential candidates are:

- cosmetics (scary!)
- industrial pollution
- agricultural pesticides (all the more reason to buy organic!)
- increased stress levels
- all of the above
- none of the above

Meanwhile, aside from taking drugs (frequently in the form of intramuscular shots which have fun side effects like weight gain, dry mouth, and depression), there aren't any cures for these bastards. So if, like me, you are currently autoimmune disease-free but know of someone who has been diagnosed with one....you probably feel a bit useless. As in "I want to help....but what the hell can I do?"

First of all, you can vote with your wallet. Try checking here before purchasing cosmetics and other bodycare items to make sure you are stocking up on products that use minimal chemicals. Buy organic when possible and always wash the hell out of any non-organic produce before you eat it. Maybe this will inspire companies to start paying closer attention to the ingredients they are putting on our faces and in our food.

Also, just about every one of these diseases has its own association and research foundation. Because it's not cheap to study diseases, they are always in search of additional funds. You can donate directly to the foundation of your choice (not sure which to choose? try the general, all-purpose American Autoimmune Association). Or join one of the many walks going on across the country several times a year.

The MS walk in my area is this weekend. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it. But check here if you're interested in signing up or participating in one in your area. Or maybe I'll see you at the local RA walk in May?