Good morning Nancy,

How do we stop the progression of our autoimmune disorder from increasing and developing into an additional autoimmune disorder. I wish I knew how to stop the progression. I went from RA to Autoimmune Optic Neuropathy. How did this start, eye pain, frequently broken eye blood vessels, and temple pain. At first, it was thought to be Giant Cell Arteritis, I had a blood vessel in the temple biopsied (surgical procedure) this was negative. Then it was suggested I have a Lumbar Puncture; this is where they found this rare autoimmune eye disorder. I was fortunate that Rituxan infusions are highly recommended for Eye Autoimmune disease and RA.

I recall asking my Rheumatologist about the frequency of developing another autoimmune disorder, she stated it is highly likely that you will develop another.

One of my sisters started out with Autoimmune Hepatitis, a few years later RA, and a few years after that Lupus.

I'm hoping in my lifetime I see the fruition of the RA vaccine or a vaccine that turns off this malfunction of our immune system. There are several Medical Scientists trying to create a vaccine for RA. As I see this if they can reduce or remove the immune system malfunction, then it is possible to reduce the likelihood of developing another autoimmune disorder.

It makes me angry! We don't deserve having our chronic illnesses to begin with let alone to be layered with multiple ones.

I want to know why there's been an uptick in autoimmune disorders cropping up. Is it something in the air? The water? The food? Or is it that Big Pharma can make more money if more people have to take their meds so doctors are making more diagnoses? Sorry if this comes across as cynical but it makes one think that way.

All warm and fuzzy inside lol. Not spending time and energy on the possibility. I stay observant of my body but just take 1 day at a time.

I do my best to live one day at a time, enjoying each day to the best of my ability. Worrying about what may come takes away the pleasures of today and serves mo purpose. I have RA, osteoarthritis, nerve pain, blood clots in legs & lungs, and my husband has dementia/alzheimers. If I worried about dealing with everything, and what may come, my quality if life would be poor.
I practice the spoon theory, I've learned to say no, (that is a huge one for me), and I'm mindful of my limitations. Life is a gift❣
Blessings & hugs to everyone going down this road. 💞🙏💞🇨🇦

BTW "you don't look dumb" is hilarious. 🤣🤣🤣

As can be seen from other responses, many have other autoimmune disorders. I have four at last count. For me, it is important to stay current on my lab tests (as these will show if any of those in remission are making a comeback, or maybe something new has shown up) and just keeping track of my health. I keep a diary of symptoms, how often I take extra Tylenol, and when my medications change. Sometimes I also write down what I have eaten if it upsets my stomach - acid reflux is apparently one of the side effects of my condition. In any case, the diary, lab tests and regular visits to my specialists keep me from having excess anxiety about my conditions. If you don't have confidence in your medical team, my advice is to find another one. I did and it has helped tremendously.