Any Benefit To Having An Overactive Immune System?
So here's something I've been pondering that I don't have the scientific or medical background to answer. All of us with PsA know that it can be debilitating at worst and a huge life hassle at best. But are there ANY benefits to it? Does having an overactive immune system help you to fight off infections or even things like cancer?
I ask this because I was talking to my rheumatologist a couple of months ago and noted on my blood work that I still had mono antibodies in my system. I had mono when I was 19 and I'm 51 now. She said that was a sign that I had a really strong immune system. Too strong ... which is the problem we all have.
But I didn't know if there was any evidence at all of people who have PsA having fewer instances of other diseases or conditions due to having such a ramped up immune system.
Just something I was curious about. I guess I'm always on the lookout for silver linings.
I guess not. Damn.
https://www.psoriasis.org/advance/cancer-risk
Although the good news is that if you're being properly treated - with a biologic, for example - your risk goes back down to normal. One more reason to treat the condition and not fear the drug.
From articles I have read, the real link between cancer and psoriasis is suppression of the immune system due to drugs. The drugs may relieve symptoms, but it doesn't do anything to address th cause.
The only benefit i can think of is that my family now washes their hands ALL THE TIME. Which not only keeps me safe from transmission of illnesses, it keeps them safe as well. So its a win-win for all of us.
Hi Sean, my name is Gail and I too have noticed that I do not seem to pick up infectious diseases as regularly as other people around me seem to. At one point in my life I actually went nearly 7 years without ever getting any viruses etc. I have never been in remission however and have had psoriatic spondylitis since my mid twenties and i'm now 56. I am in constant pain to one degree or another and am convinced that I do not pick up infectious diseases because my immune system is constantly fighting my condition. I did bring it up with my Rheumatologist, but he said I was just lucky I had a strong immune system. I'm not convinced. I'm glad that you too have noticed this correlation. I think we may be onto something. It makes perfect sense to me.
Yes!!! Haven't been sick as long as I can remember! I wondered about this myself. I certainly don't want to suppress my immune system by taking biologics, but may pain is damn near crippling in the morning, or after sitting for 5 minutes, so it's best to just keep moving, but the pain is constant...which drug helps the pain the most?!
Hi Alekza I have been like you for years, now 68 male. I am just starting to think i have an over reactive amune system. I dont get sick like rest of family.But i do have very bad flair ups.My flait ups include bad flur like simptoms like bad joint pain and feeling very cold, I go to bed with electric blancet on and as many cloths as i can stand on me,so bad i almost cant walk with pain and cold feeling, Then after about 2 or 3 hrs i start to sweat and it just poors from me, then i fall aslle and when i wake i am feeling great, it all takes about 6 to 8 hrs. Now i have discovered if i take one solone 25 ( prednisolone) I can fight it off much better, no sweat ,no cold or bad flue simptoms. and the pain is bearable for quite a while so try one or two prednisolone and see how you go. hope it helps.
Hi Sean, my name is Gail and I too have noticed that I do not seem to pick up infectious diseases as regularly as other people around me seem to. At one point in my life I actually went nearly 7 years without ever getting any viruses etc. I have never been in remission however and have had psoriatic spondylitis since my mid twenties and i'm now 56. I am in constant pain to one degree or another and am convinced that I do not pick up infectious diseases because my immune system is constantly fighting my condition. I did bring it up with my Rheumatologist, but he said I was just lucky I had a strong immune system. I'm not convinced. I'm glad that you too have noticed this correlation. I think we may be onto something. It makes perfect sense to me.
