Journey from Despair to Survival to Living.
My immune cells have lost their way, resulting in disharmony (autoimmune disease).
This is my journey to return them to the light resulting in harmony (restored health).
IMMUNE is the state of being insusceptible to infections or diseases, meaning the body can effectively defend itself against pathogens. This is protection against external threats.
AUTOIMMUNE is where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to autoimmune disorders. This is a harmful response against the body’s own cells.
Was diagnosed by wound doctor as Pemphigus vulgaris. After extensive blood work (11 vials), was diagnosed by dermatologist as Bullous pemphigoid. Both are blistering diseases of skin, resulting in intense itching with skin cells not adhering to themselves, thus leading to open wounds and pain.
Pemphigus vulgaris forms intraepidermal blisters within the epidermis with minimum scarring.
Bullous pemphigoid forms subepidermal blisters below the epidermis at the junction between the dermis and epidermis leading to definite scarring.
Three doctors discuss how to reverse autoimmune diseases.
6. Supplements / Sleep / Whole Food Diet / Water (no tap water) … Methylated Multivitamins . Omega . Mineral salt . Amino acids . D3 with K2
Integrating Medical and Spiritual Paths
Scientific and Medical Understanding
Spiritual and Metaphysical Interpretations
Information from Internet
Integrating Medical and Spiritual Paths
There is no scientific basis for a spiritual reason for getting pemphigus vulgaris. Pemphigus vulgaris is a serious autoimmune disease caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy skin cells. However, some individuals and spiritual traditions interpret autoimmune disorders through a metaphysical or emotional lens.
Many people with autoimmune diseases choose to use a combination of medical treatment and spiritual or psychological practices to manage their condition. While conventional medicine focuses on treating the physical symptoms, spiritual or mindfulness-based practices can help individuals cope with the emotional and mental stress of chronic illness. This might include:
Stress reduction: Meditation, breathwork, and mindfulness can help regulate the nervous and immune systems.
Processing emotions: Therapy, journaling, and other expressive outlets can help process suppressed feelings.
Exploring personal meaning: Some find it helpful to reflect on the metaphysical questions posed by their illness, viewing it as a catalyst for personal growth.
Scientific and Medical Understanding
Autoimmune disorder: Pemphigus vulgaris occurs when the immune system produces antibodies that attack desmogleins, the proteins that bind skin cells together. This causes the cells to separate, and fluid collects in the spaces, forming blisters.
Autoantibody production: The immune system produces autoantibodies, specifically immunoglobulin G (IgG), that target proteins called desmogleins.
Cellular detachment: Desmogleins are vital proteins that bind skin cells together. When IgG autoantibodies attack these proteins, the connections are broken, causing skin cells to separate.
Blister formation: This separation leads to the formation of fragile blisters on the skin and mucous membranes, which are a hallmark of the disease.
Medical science does not support the idea that spiritual or emotional factors directly cause the disease. Instead, research indicates that the disease develops from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Genetic predisposition: People with certain genes, particularly specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles, have a higher risk of developing pemphigus.
Medications: Certain drugs, particularly those containing thiol groups like penicillamine and some ACE inhibitors, are known to trigger the disease.
Infections: Viruses, especially the herpesvirus family, may trigger an outbreak in predisposed individuals by overactivating the immune response.
Dietary factors: Studies suggest a link between pemphigus and the daily consumption of certain foods high in thiol or phenol compounds, such as leeks, garlic, and specific spices.
Stress: High levels of emotional or psychological stress can significantly impact the immune system and are associated with a higher risk of developing or exacerbating autoimmune diseases, including pemphigus.
Chemicals: Exposure to certain pesticides and household cleaning products has been linked to the disease.
Environmental triggers: In those who are genetically predisposed, the disease can be triggered by various factors, including certain medications, infections, diet, and emotional stress.
Other factors: Physical trauma, pregnancy, and some vaccinations have been reported as potential, though less common, triggers.
Spiritual and Metaphysical Interpretations
While not scientific, here are some common spiritual and metaphysical perspectives that some people apply to autoimmune and skin conditions:
Self-rejection: Since the body is “attacking itself,” some spiritual interpretations view this as a physical manifestation of inner conflict or self-rejection. This can be associated with suppressing one’s true identity or needs.
Suppressed emotion: Pemphigus is a painful skin condition that can start with oral blisters, which can prevent healthy eating and speaking. In some metaphysical traditions, skin issues are seen as unexpressed or suppressed feelings, especially anger or frustration, that manifest as a physical boundary issue.
Violated boundaries: The skin is the body’s boundary, and a disease that attacks it can be seen as a spiritual message about setting or enforcing personal boundaries. This perspective suggests that the individual may have a history of allowing their personal limits to be violated.
Spiritual distress: The disease process itself is intensely stressful, and some patients report high emotional stress leading up to the onset of symptoms. Some spiritual views see this intense psychological distress not as the cause, but as an important signal or experience that can facilitate spiritual growth or a deeper connection to oneself.
Trauma and healing: Some integrative medicine practitioners note that a significant number of people with autoimmune diseases have a history of trauma. From a spiritual perspective, the body’s illness may be a way of “saying no” to the continuation of past wounds, prompting a journey of deep emotional healing.
Betrayal
Organizational Bullying
I believe the above two caused significant emotional trauma triggering this autoimmune skin disease.
FRIEND (Carol)
I avoid medical visits (due to past trauma) preferring to use naturopathic methods instead. Photo on left shows what Carol observed when she visited. She kept insisting I see a doctor. For several months endured the situation until skin began peeling leaving bed soaked with discharge. OK, Carol, time to see a doctor.
DOCTORS (Danielle and LaTroy)
Fortunately my primary (Danielle) is very caring, always taking the time to listen and treating me with kindness and respect. Due to the escalating condition, requested Visiting Nurse assistance. Was referred to the Wound Clinic where I am in the care of another very caring medical professional (LaTroy). Photo on right shows current situation. Blisters and wounds cover most of my body. That combined with constant itching and peeling skin is quite the challenge. Because of her kindness and respect, am able to embrace the things she is requesting, even though they do require major life changes. So, I am taking an allopathic prescription -and- eliminating most of the supplements.
CHANGE IN LIFESTYLE
Based on Wound Doctor’s wisdom, eliminating all supplements not approved. From a rather large list, only the following are approved.
SUPPLEMENTS … B 500 / C 500 / D 3000
Vitamin B complex – eight water-soluble vitamins essential for maintaining good health. (Thiamine B1, Riboflavin B2, Niacin B3, Pantothenic acid B5, Pyridoxine B6, Biotin B7, Folate B9, Cobalamin B12) / Convert food into energy / Cell growth and development / Cognitive health and nervous system function / Blood health
Vitamin C – powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system, collagen production, and wound healing
Vitamin D – bone health, calcium absorption, and immune function
FOOD / DRINK … Non-acidic / Non-spicy / Stur water drops with electrolytes
SYMPTOMS OF FLARE-UPS
BLISTERS – Soft, fragile, fluid-filled blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. After blisters burst, they leave behind painful, open sores that may ooze, drain, or develop a crust.
SKIN SENSITIVITY – Fragile, peeling off in layers with the slightest touch.
MUCOUS MEMBRANES – Painful sores and blisters common in the mouth, making it difficult to eat or drink.
SIGNS OF INFECTION – Yellow or green pus coming from blisters or sore patches, or if the sores feel hot to the touch.
MANAGEMENT OF Pemphigus vulgaris
There is no known cure for pemphigus vulgaris, but it is a manageable chronic autoimmune disease that can be controlled with treatment. Strategies focus on suppressing the immune system to reduce or eliminate the harmful autoantibodies that attack skin and mucous membranes.
ANTIBODIES are Y-shaped proteins (immunoglobulins) produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign invaders like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other harmful substances (antigens). They help clear infections and provide the immune system with memory to quickly respond to future exposures to the same pathogen.
AUTOANTIBODIES are antibodies that mistakenly recognize and attack the body’s own tissues or organs.
My strategies involve …
1. Minimal supplements.
2. Diet change by eliminating trigger foods.
3. Stress reductions by using alternate therapies (Tuning Forks, Aromatherapy, Crystals/Stones, Quigong, Reki).
RAINBOWTREE ARTIST BARB’S THOUGHTS
Ok. There’s something that the Brenda, Geocaching, and similar situations have in common. On the surface, they’re different and all have obvious, unfair elements. The key, I think, is in the attachments you form. When you meet someone who seems to resonate with you, or get involved with an activity, you build an aura of perfection around that person or thing. You put a halo around them and pull them close to your heart. When they turn out to be ordinary, flawed human beings, or a corrupt company, you’ re not just disappointed, you’re devastated. These situations anyone would agree were/are grossly unfair. Where the potential damage to your health happens is your emotional response and recycling the feelings of betrayal constantly through your heart.
As TS (Native American Seer) said: “Take care of Elaine”. Do whatever works for you to stop the emotional poison that’s chewing you up inside.
Now taking my non-existent psych degree off the wall.
PERSONAL JOURNEY WITH INSIGHTS GAINED
It is interesting to note that only my face has two small wounds. One is above my right eye prompting “right-brained” holistic, spatial, and creative aspects of sight. The other is on the left side of my mouth prompting “left-brained” communication emphasizing logic, structure, and data. Need to combine both to end being emotionally ambushed by what is presented rather than what is the underlying truth.
My body is literally attacking itself, a physical manifestation of inner conflict based on repeated emotional trauma. Time to stop seeking. Time to just be happy with the blessings I have. Easier said than accomplished… but, I am working on it!
I sincerely hope sharing this journey will help others facing the challenge of dealing with Pemphigus vulgaris.