Well, as I understand it, my own body's immune system has decided that my connective tissue is the enemy. You have to understand that I have a very good immune system, I am almost never sick. So it is very diligently working away, trying to eat my own tissue. At least, that's what I understand. I know it is way more complex than that. I spend hours and hours reading medical journals, trying to understand the latest research, which is extremely fast-moving. A lot of the research is brand new, not only cutting edge but bleeding edge, I think probably spurred on by AIDS. What I have is sort of the opposite of AIDS. If I got AIDS, I'd be cured. Of this disease.
Prednisone shuts down the immune system, it keeps my macrophages from eating me alive. But it also fools me into ignoring natural pain signals that I have pushed myself too far. That's why athletes take it when they injure themselves during competitions. They can play hurt, and not feel it.
Also, prednisone makes me susceptible to infections, my cuts don't heal, I get upper respiratory infections, stuff like that, which I am not used to.
So, I can't push myself too far physically, but if I don't get up off my rump, I keep getting fatter, and I keep getting stiffer joints. And I have to avoid stress so I don't get sick.
Other than that, I am pretty much normal. |
