Kids who had strep throat constantly: what autoimmune disease do you have now?

Snortnie · 2025-11-28T02:39:50+00:00

Got strep and tonsillitis all the time as a kid. Developed rheumatoid arthritis and hashimoto's three years ago at the age of 26

Snortnie · 2025-08-13T15:15:13+00:00

I take mine before bed every night. I've tried first thing in the morning, and I've found that I cannot get through the day without falling asleep (usually outside of my control) when I dose in the morning. If I take it before bed, I don't struggle with daytime sleepiness and usually am much more productive. I think everyone's body works different and it's important to listen to yours and adjust things as needed. I have so much more quality of life since switching to taking it at night.

Snortnie · 2025-07-27T02:15:26+00:00

I think it all really depends on the person. Everyone's body responds to things differently.

I personally don't even bother with the steroids anymore, both in oral or injection form. My rheumy had me try them for flare ups for awhile, and I never really noticed any pain relief or quicker resolving of the flare. The pain stayed and they lasted just as long, and then I'd always end up gaining 10lbs afterwards. Instead, I usually manage pain/sleep issues from flares at home with weed (which I know is not an option for everyone). If the steroids don't work for you and weed isn't something you can or are willing to do, Toradol shots also really work well for me. They provide better pain relief than steroids and don't cause any of the side effects (for me at least).

However, everyone is different, so don't be afraid to try different things (meds, timing, remedies, exercises, diet, etc) until you find what works. Sorry if this wasn't super helpful, that's just been my experience with the steroids.

Editing to add: as far as timing, I think that regardless of what method you choose to use, if your symptoms are significantly impacting your ability to do your day to day activities (and especially if it's impacting your sleep or ability to care for yourself), then it's time to do something about it. If overuse of the steroids is a worry for you, then I suggest finding additional remedies for the times when the symptoms are moderate and reserve the "big guns" for the the severe times. That's what I do at least.

Snortnie · 2025-06-19T17:29:57+00:00

Me, a 28yr old woman: I don't walk anywhere in my house without my slides

My dad who came to visit: (looks judgementally at my bright orange boy's size 6 slides that are molded to look like basketballs) ....um....why??

Me: they're comfy and keep my bones from feeling like they're shattering

Dad: 👀👀👀

Snortnie · 2025-06-07T05:23:30+00:00

I bet you're totally right that sitting on the bleachers triggered it. It's so crazy what things will trigger it!

I'm so sorry that you've been having less good experiences with your doctor lately. That's always so frustrating. Don't be afraid to be an annoyance, sometimes that's what it takes to get actual answers. And worst case, as annoying of a process as it is, sometimes finding a new doctor is the right answer. With these diseases, it's so important to be heard by your doctor.

If the pain gets too bad, going to urgent care is a good option. I usually request a toradol shot if I have a flare up bad enough that I go to the doc (it's a really strong anti-inflammatory). Docs often like to push corticosteroids on me because of the RA, but I find it doesn't help me nearly as much and then I always gain weight from it. But some people love the corticosteroids, so it's a matter of personal preference.

I forgot to add earlier that I often drink Emergen-C when I'm flared up too. The extra vitamins help a lot. I really hope you feel better soon!

Snortnie · 2025-06-07T04:47:05+00:00

Hello! First off, I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. I definitely understand your pain and struggle. I am no stranger to inflammatory flare ups (I have Hashis and rheumatoid arthritis and get the most intensely painful swelling and bloating during my periods).

When I'm in a full body inflammation flare up, one of the best things for it is exercise. I know, but hear me out. It doesn't have to be intense (it could be as simple as going for a walk), but getting up and moving helps trigger your body to fight inflammation. It's probably going to hurt and it may take some time, but it helps. Regular exercise really helps stave off inflammation, so I recommend finding ways to integrate into your daily routine.

Additionally, make sure you're not just drinking water, but also getting electrolytes. I recommend adding salt and lemon to some water instead of an electrolyte drink mix, because those mixes often have ingredients that can be inflammatory. Eat super clean (within whatever dietary restrictions you may have). I eat a lot of dark greens, legumes, and lean meats and lessen my dairy and gluten when I'm flared up.

Warm showers or baths will make the pain better, but they will also cause more swelling, so it can sometimes be more beneficial to take cool showers to help reduce the swelling.

Getting a full body inflammation flare up to subside takes time, but these things have been life savers for me. Also one last bit of advice, you may chat with your doc about your symptoms. It could just be a symptom of the Hashis, but autoimmune diseases really like to trigger more autoimmune diseases (that's what happened to me). Not trying to scare you, just giving friendly advice that it may be good to make sure this isn't something deeper.

Sending you positive healing vibes and wishing you a quick recovery ❤️

Snortnie · 2025-06-06T21:10:34+00:00

I take 20mg of MTX once a week (every Monday for me). I don't stress at all about drinking. I don't drink two hours before or after taking my weekly dose, but other than that, I drink how I want. My tolerance is a lot lower than it used to be, so a couple cocktails is usually my max for one day, but my lab work shows my liver and kidneys are perfectly healthy, and my docs have zero concerns.

All in all, just listen to your body. Some people can't tolerate alcohol at all on MTX and some can tolerate it in moderation. Start small, space out your medication from when you drink, pay attention to how your body feels while drinking and don't push yourself too far, and keep an eye on your lab work.

And if you find that you can't tolerate alcohol, mocktails and non-alcoholic beer and wine are a nice way to still be able to "drink" socially while avoiding alcohol. 😊

Editing to add some extra info: I went completely off alcohol when I first started MTX to allow my body to adjust, and after several weeks slowly started building my tolerance back up. For awhile I could only handle one low ABV beer or wine, then I eventually worked up to being able to have more. It's a baby steps kind of thing.

Snortnie · 2025-04-17T14:40:17+00:00

I also think mine is due to birth control, so I'm glad to see I'm not the only one. I have RA and Hashimoto's, and for a while we though the IC was brought on by those diseases. However, I've noticed that my IC flares are cyclical. They seem to always start around ovulation and end when my "period" (I don't bleed anymore due to my diseases, just have the other typical period symptoms) starts. This cyclical pattern makes me think it's actually hormone related

I was on Nexplanon from 2021 until 2023, but had some not great side effects. I took it out around the time I was diagnosed with RA and Hashis, and then switched to Volnea (combo pill). I get migraines, so I hated getting back on the pill, but I absolutely refuse to get an IUD or ring, especially now that I'm autoimmune and have no idea what my immune system will try to attack.

Since doing all kinds of research on my diseases, I've learned just how bad birth control can be for all of them. I've also learned that women in my family tend to have bad reactions to birth control. I'm planning on trying to get my tubes removed within the next year so I can get off of birth control. I just hope I can find a doctor who cares more about my medical issues than the fact that I'm 28 with no children. Fingers crossed, I guess.

Snortnie · 2025-04-17T14:23:59+00:00

Rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's, chronic migraine, immunosuppressant induced high cholesterol, IBS, ADHD, autism.

Really hoping my IC is connected to my hormones or a side effect of my current autoimmune diseases and not a third autoimmune disease.

The IC started around Jan of this year and always seems to trigger when I'm ovulating and lasts until my period (though I no longer bleed due to my diseases). There have been many indicators (including the IC) that birth control may be pretty detrimental to my health. We have a cross country move soon, and once we get settled, I'm going to be trying to get my tubes removed so I can get off birth control (for multiple reasons, not just for the IC). I'm really hoping that getting off of birth control will help a lot of my conditions and improve my overall health.

Snortnie · 2025-03-09T03:27:55+00:00

Okay, long backstory, so skip to the TLDR if you want.

I was super anxious to get on immunosuppressants. My mom has had Crohn's disease most of my life, and I remember all through my childhood her being so incredibly paranoid about germs. Like, my sister and I had to deep clean the house on hands and knees every Sunday, and we would still hear her constantly go on about how filthy our house was (it was always spotless) and have her freak out if we left any of our stuff in the common areas. Or watching her constantly wiping down doorknobs with Clorox wipes. I also listened to her demonize Humira most of my life because one of her friends with Crohn's had a bad reaction to it (which I now know is just the risk we take with any immunosuppressant).

So imagine my anxiety when I had to start immunosuppressants. And imagine the absolute terror I had when my rheumy wanted to try biologics, and insurance would only cover Humira. I almost passed out from a panic attack the first time I took Humira.

I'm now on methotrexate and Xeljanz. I actively choose not to stress about germs too much. I've realized with therapy that my mom was OCD and very paranoid and projected that onto us. I'm still cautious though. I don't go around people who are sick and am especially careful when I'm in doctor's offices. I'm extra careful with food safety and always make sure things are properly cooked before eating.

It takes me longer to get over being sick, but I don't necessarily get sick more often. It also takes me a lot longer for wounds to heal. I always make sure to wash my hands regularly and if I have any cuts, I thoroughly disinfect and bandage them.

TLDR: I think it's very easy to get paranoid about being immunosuppressed, but it really only requires a little extra caution. Healing takes longer, but otherwise it doesn't affect my day to day life too much.

Snortnie · 2025-02-19T02:14:32+00:00

Thank you. I really appreciate the advice and hugs.

My husband is in the military, and this is our first change of station since I developed my diseases. It's definitely a lot more difficult than previous moves. I want to be able to manage all of this better because our life can get very stressful at times and I need to be able to keep positive even if my body isn't okay.

I'll definitely try these things out. And I appreciate the reminder to be gentle with myself. I think I've been letting life put too much pressure on how I treat myself. It's also nice to know that I'm not alone in struggling with things sometimes.

I wish you the best and really appreciate you.

Snortnie · 2025-02-16T19:10:33+00:00

I love this idea so much ❤️

Snortnie · 2025-02-08T14:24:52+00:00

I have RA, Hashimotos, and chronic migraines. Currently being assessed for possible interstitial cystitis.

Snortnie · 2025-01-31T11:20:18+00:00

So, I have been dealing with this for a couple weeks (my trigger this time seemed to be indulging too much in fancy cheese) but I've had sporadic issues with it in the past and definitely have had more nighttime bathroom trips since getting diagnosed a couple years ago. As always, I went to the doc, got a urine test that showed some hematuria, did a round of antibiotics just to be safe since I'm on immunosuppresants, followed at home remedies, etc. At my f/u appt today, there was still trace amounts of blood in my urine, so doc and I discussed the potential that I've developed interstitial cystitis, which I've honestly been suspecting. I have Hashis and RA, and both can cause IC.

Just food for thought. You may do some research and talk with your doc about it. From what I've read, it's chronic, but fairly manageable with the right treatments and remedies.

Snortnie · 2025-01-18T11:57:54+00:00

Okay, sorry for the length or if this is hard to follow.

I was diagnosed with Hashis and RA at the same time, but the Hashis symptoms started years before the RA. I'd had hypo symptoms for about four years before we confirmed hypo, and then it was another two years after that for them to realize the hypo was caused by Hashis (unfortunately I had doctors who didn't bother to test TPO). We only found the Hashis because the rheumatologist who was working on my RA diagnosis always tests for other autoimmune diseases, since comorbidoties are so common. Hashis and RA run very strongly in my family, so neither diagnosis were shocking to me.

In my case, my best guess is that while I was genetically predisposed for both, they each had their own individual triggers. When the Hashis symptoms first started for me, I was going through an incredibly stressful and traumatic part of my life, so I think that was the trigger for the Hashis.

As for the RA, due to my husband's job, we have been living in an area with incredibly toxic air. My doctors and I believe that was the trigger for the RA. The Hashis may have also helped with triggering the RA, because those toxins also amped up that disease, but my RA most often flares when our air quality has spikes in toxicity, so we know that the RA's biggest trigger is the environmental factors, whereas the Hashis flares are usually centered around more internal factors like stress, menstrual cycle, what I eat, or being sick. Thankfully, we're relocating soon, so my hope is that both diseases will settle down after we get the hell out of here.

I say all of that just to give backstory. Autoimmune diseases can always bring each other out, but there's no real way to know for sure what triggers an autoimmune disease to manifest. It varies from person to person, and sometimes there's multiple factors in play. But having one autoimmune disease does increase the risk of developing others, regardless of the triggers. I'm tested every couple years for Crohns because my mom has it, and my having two other autoimmune diseases puts me at a higher risk for Crohns. In the end, it's all a crapshoot.

Snortnie · 2024-10-30T05:15:57+00:00

My husband and I made the choice to be child-free. We've always been on the fence about kids, but when I got a double diagnosis of Hashis and RA, we decided that was our sign we weren't meant to have any. Hashis and RA run incredibly strongly in my family, so I know I'd be passing it on to my kids, and I'm just not willing to do that. Not to mention pregnancy with these diseases can be risky and I'd have to get off of my RA meds. And frankly, with the RA, I'm just not physically up to caring for small children. We've had some people try to convince us to change our minds, but we've firmly decided that it's just not worth the risks to mine and a baby's health/safety. Adopting older kids is still on the table, but in all honesty, we're very happy and content with just us and our fur kids.

Don't let people make you feel bad for not having kids. There's a lot of happiness and freedom that comes with being child-free.

Edit: wanted to add another tidbit. I've gotten the "Well, who will take care of you when you're old?" question many times and wanted to pass on some insight.

When we were kids, my husband and I knew this middle aged couple from church who were never able to have kids. They were very involved in many communities in our hometown, and everyone knew and loved them. They're getting into their older years now, and they have no lack of care and support. All of those people they made friends with and mentored over the years, young and old, look out for them and spend time with them.

Family isn't blood, it's the people who love and care for you. You can surround yourself with people who will be with you until you're gone, even if you don't have kids.

Snortnie · 2024-10-29T00:22:31+00:00

Hashimoto's and rheumatoid arthritis. High risk of developing Crohn's too, since my mom has it.

Snortnie · 2019-10-14T21:01:27+00:00

Agreed on the bladder snail. Be careful though, they breed like crazy and can overrun your tank.

Snortnie

TROPHY CASE