Discussion Board

Has anyone else had this autoimmune disease? I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in 1998 when lymph glands in chest became very swollen and I developed a constant nonproductive cough. I was advised to take a month long round of prednisone. After researching side effects of this drug I decided against the drug and see if remission came on its own which it did. Fortunately there have been no recurrences for me. I'm now following the McDougall vegan WOE and feel like this is sufficient to keep myself healthy and away from recurrences. What experiences have any of you out there had with sarcoidosis?

I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in 1987 when I presented with a persistent (months long) cough. The bilateral hylar andenopathy was noticed in an xray, and my drs recommended watchful waiting. Since then, no evidence (although not actively checking for it, either). I always worry about the sarcoid when they mention it on "House"! LOL

Kathy

I watched a program (think it was House) where a woman was getting a lung transplant. I felt so blessed that I hadn't experienced anything like that. One of the first things I was told when diagnosed was how infrequently it's found. Within 2 weeks I found 3 other women within 10 miles of my tiny community who also had been diagnosed recently. I live in the country as do 2 of the other women. The 3rd was a local school teacher who had to go on disability because of sarcoidosis. The tiny community I speak of has a population of just over 1,000. I assume since you're eating the McDougall way since you're on this site. Other autoimmune diseases are mentioned as put in remission by eating this way. I certainly hope this holds true for us too! Thanks for your kind response!

Shirley

Yomom congrats on your results. I have a friend and former co-worker who developed this problem. I asked a doctor if this way of eating would help. He replied that a nutritious diet like recommended by Dr. McDougall would help and that an interesting study showed the use of melatonen (sorry about the spelling) had been shown to be as effective as the traditional treatement , I think sterroids. Shirley, You might want to email Dr. M on the topic, he is the most helpful doctor I know of.

Thanks,

I'd never heard of the melatonin helping with sarcoidosis. This is something I'll be talking to my doctor about for sure. Such a simple thing and certainly not dangerous like the prednisone. Thanks for sharing, Steve.

Shirley

Shirely,

Let us know what the Doc says. Btw, please check your pm (Kathy too) for the study abstract.

Thanks,
Steve,