Cramps

It’s important to note the kinds of physical problems that accompany autoimmune diseases like Still’s Disease. In allergies, the body tries to fight against what it deems to be a threat. However, this threat is the host’s body itself. In autoimmune diseases, the body tries to overreact to each finger pop or leg bump to the coffee table. Not surprisingly, many people with Still’s have allergies, asthma, or any other immune system issues.

In most people with Rheumatoid Arthritis, there is an antibody which is directed at the body itself which causes the biggest problem. Rheumatoid Factor (RF) does not exclusively mean Rheumatoid Arthritis, but with the right symptoms it can. Other diseases with high RFs are hepatitis, leukemia, mono, lupus, and Sjogren’s syndrome.

After that medical lesson, let’s shift our attention back to the title.

In addition to my Still’s Disease, I have:

• Allergies
• Anemia
• Asthma
• Bronchospasms (a side effect of Asthma, but since I have them frequently, I think it deserves it’s own category)
• TMJ
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency

And some pretty interesting abdominal issues as well, but that’s a part of the JRA itself.

The amount of proteins and vitamins that my body doesn’t hold on to correctly cause a lot of problems. My fingernails and toenails suck, which isn’t that big of a deal unless you like to be barefoot like my hippie self does. I also get these terrible cramps, generally when I’m working, that extend from my lower back down to my calves. Sometimes these cramps get so painful that I can’t move my leg, which is not all that conducive to retail life.

I’m thinking it might be time to start taking the multivitamins that I bought forever ago.