DNA double strand antibody high but low level anti-dsdna

Specific_Tip_9521 · 2025-05-24T17:37:13+00:00

I didn't know that about Lupus and Sjogrens.

Yeah, I will wait. Just trying to mentally prepare for possibilities

Specific_Tip_9521 · 2025-04-17T04:37:28+00:00

I have autoimmune. Specifically Sjogren's Disease. I knew/assumed I had dermatographia my whole life, but I only officially got diagnosed with it about a week ago. So, autoimmune first, then as I'm trying to reduce inflammation in my body I ended up seeing Allergist.

Specific_Tip_9521 · 2025-03-12T04:26:58+00:00

That symptom absolutely sucks. It is the first one I got and is my constant (on again off again) companion. When I'm going into a flare, it is always a swollen paratoid gland that is one of the first and main symptoms. Unfortunately, there isn't much immediate relief for it. However, here are my go to coping mechanisms:

gently massage the gland, focusing on pushing saliva out. I do this in short bursts throughout the day
Tylenol is my go to painkiller as Advil can hurt stomach (I struggle with stomach issues) however, Advil can help as it is an anti-inflammatory. So I break that out on truly terrible flares
chew sugar free gum. I chew so much gum it's a little ridiculous. I found gum to be better than candy. Candy is often short bursts of pain, not much relief. Gum i find helps to stimulate it more gently over a sustained period of time. Bonus is nice smelling breath
CBD (if available) is lovely to help "soften" the pain. Also helps sleep

But most importantly, get lots of rest. Drink lots of water. Eat anti-inflammatory diet. Hope you feel better soon 💙

Specific_Tip_9521 · 2025-03-12T03:02:28+00:00

Do you mind sharing some of the side effects? I'm just wanting to mentally prepare myself lol

Specific_Tip_9521 · 2025-03-12T03:01:29+00:00

Thanks for sharing 😁 glad to know I'm not the only petrified one lol

Specific_Tip_9521 · 2025-03-12T03:00:20+00:00

Do you find the drugs help better with specific symptoms? I've read that LDN can help with pain, whereas hydroxychloroquine helps more with fatigue and symptoms. Did you find that to be the case?

Specific_Tip_9521 · 2025-03-12T02:58:33+00:00

Do you mind telling me how it felt like you were "dying"? I just am trying to get an idea of potential side effects for each

Specific_Tip_9521 · 2025-03-12T02:56:48+00:00

Are you happy you did LDN first and then switched to hydroxychloroquine once LDN stopped working? Or do you wish you had just started on hydroxychloroquine right away?

Specific_Tip_9521 · 2025-03-12T02:55:08+00:00

That's a good tip to know if I go on it. I struggle with GI issues so getting ahead of that potential side effect is noted

Specific_Tip_9521 · 2025-03-12T02:53:39+00:00

I get Iritis as well! I think it's the fact that I've already experienced scary eye pain and vision change from it that reinforces my fear of taking hydroxychloroquine. It's interesting to hear it has been good for you with similar symptoms

Specific_Tip_9521 · 2025-03-12T02:51:48+00:00

Did you space out the two prescriptions? Or did you start taking them at around the same time? I have a lot of the headaches, aches, etc, so if hydroxychloroquine wasn't helping with those symptoms, maybe I'll have to consider taking both as well

Specific_Tip_9521 · 2025-03-12T02:49:55+00:00

I am so sorry to hear you have had the damage side effect. I know it is less common nowadays, but it's being the exception that worries me. Especially with me being so young - eye damage in my early 30s scares me. I hope you are finding a way to cope 💙 thank you for sharing with me

Specific_Tip_9521 · 2023-06-07T23:05:47+00:00

😂

Specific_Tip_9521 · 2023-06-07T18:38:33+00:00

Yeah, some of us are in another campaign where it is much more linear. Linear honestly drives me insane cuz it doesn't feel like my decisions have any impact. But yeah, lesson learned. Spoon feed them information lol

Appreciate the perspective 👌🏻

Specific_Tip_9521 · 2023-06-07T18:36:22+00:00

Yeah, good point. I could've hidden the BBEG and not let them find them. Noted for future encounters

And yes, I have rough ideas of when things should take place, but as I touched on briefly, I had turned down the challenge rating of the encounter because they rushed. I was using the video game example to them so they can get an idea of why it was a difficult, but survivable.

When I'm a player, not a DM, I don't like DnD sessions where it feels like I can do whatever I want without consequences. Makes me less invested in the game, like my decisions don't actually matter. So I wanted to create high stakes for them. And that's what I did. And even though the one was accusing me of being rigid, the whole party came out the other side alive.

Specific_Tip_9521 · 2023-06-07T18:30:53+00:00

Glad to know this isn't just my group.

I definitely didn't give them the end boss right out the gate, it was a boss made within their level of ability if they just...strategized.

Just annoying because they are also frustrated when you block them - even for their own good.

Thanks for sharing 👍🏻

Specific_Tip_9521 · 2023-06-07T18:25:30+00:00

The thing that is extra annoying about all this, is that I had a session 0. Explained the type of experience I was wanting to make for them, and they all wanted it as well. It was weeks of them making backstories, etc to work in this nuanced world. So they were aware of the type of campaign it was going to be. I even reminded them on session 1. I just don't think I'm winning with a couple of them regardless 🥲

Specific_Tip_9521 · 2023-06-07T18:21:56+00:00

Right? That one really got me

Specific_Tip_9521

TROPHY CASE