Stress and our Immune systems

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ShannaWright

Posted Friday, August 08, 2003 2:15 PM

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Last Login: Thursday, July 31, 2008 12:31 PM
Posts: 6, Visits: 0

Hi everyone. I am 24 yrs old and have had JRA since birth. Recently i have been under ALOT of stress at about the same time I have had an allergic reaction that has resulted in a rash, and have an upper respitory infection. I take Enbrel, methatrexate, I am alos on Nexium for severe acid reflux. My question is has anbody heard of or know if stress and anxiety can lower your immune system even more than it already is due to the JRA. I just feel like I am falling apart and that there is nothing that I can do about it. It is getting to the point that I hate my job (iam a teacher and have wanted to teach since grade school) and just want to stay home all day. Anyways if anyone has any inof or advice please let me know, thanks

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Peachy

Posted Saturday, August 09, 2003 6:03 AM

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Last Login: Thursday, July 31, 2008 12:30 PM
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Hi, Shanna: I heard on the radio this week that it has been shown that stress can be as big, or bigger, a factor in heart attacks than high cholesterol and smoking. Stress is being recognized as a major factor in a number of health problems. I have fibromyalgia and I am CERTAIN it is due to stress. Having said that, it isn't the stress itself, it's how you deal with stressful situations. There's a huge difference between stress where you can get in there and change things and stress where you are less able to "fix" it. Have you done any web research about stress and immune system? If you are under the care of a rheumatologist, you might consider asking. Meanwhile (from someone who doesn't always take her own advice) you have to find a way to back away from the situation. My hubby recently said "this is going to put you in an early grave". Well, I had always hoped to have a long life and I have to learn that if I can't fix something, I can't let it kill me, either. take care Peachy

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francescanocella

Posted Saturday, August 09, 2003 6:58 AM

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Last Login: Thursday, July 31, 2008 12:31 PM
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Hi Shanna, I'm sorry to hear your feeling bad. I'm not sure if the stress medicaly lowers the immune system. I was wondering if they had you on any anti-depressants. I ask because my Dr. has told me that with RA usually comes Depression, Anemia and asst. other problems. Sometimes I can't tell if the stress I,m under causes flare-up or the flare-u[ps cause the depression. Might be worth checking into. Don't give up on teaching. We need Teachers that truely love what their doing. Sounds like you did. Take a Deep breath sit back and relax. Have a great Saturday Frankie

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RAgal

Posted Saturday, August 09, 2003 8:25 PM

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Last Login: Monday, March 16, 2009 12:55 PM
Posts: 101, Visits: 1

Shanna, I was dignosed with JRA when I was 12. I am 36 now. As you know, JRA is an autoimmune disease and Methotrexate supresses the immune system, so we are going to be very fatigued! I admire you for making it through college and getting your teaching degree! What an acomplishment! Be proud of yourself! I don't know that I could hold down a job. I believe that stress has a big part in wearing a person down even more! It is taxing a body that already is being attacked by itself, so you are bound to feel even more fatigued! I am a believer in Christ, so I draw my strength from Him. You also need to rest and take care of yourself! I will be praying for you! Don't give up! That is letting the disease win! Please let us know how you are doing! Take care!

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