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eases themselves.
Anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteriods and immunosuppressive drugs may be prescribed, but most come with two heavy price tags: one that hits the wallet and the other in the form of side effects such as kidney and liver damage, stomach ulcers or mental confusion.
Researchers now believe that autoimmune diseases stem from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Viruses, stress, chemical exposure and even food allergies may trigger an autoimmune disease in someone genetically predisposed to developing one. And if a grandparent has lupus, for instance, the risk of the grandchild developing that or one of the other autoimmune diseases is increased.
Belinda said, "My mother had lupus. She suffered so much and became an invalid, she couldn't walk. I was so scared I would be like her, and I was so much younger [when striken]."
Each member of the support group has his or her own theories about treatments. When they meet they trade tips about medications, doctors and recalcitrant insurance companies.
But what emerged from one recent meeting was not just an exchange of important information but the emotional relief of talking with "someone who understands."
Ann, who suffers from Hepatitis-B, said, "We used to go back-packing and now I can't even hike for a day. I feel like I'm grieving over my previous lifestyle." Around the table, heads nodded in sympa
95.1%