warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia

I have AIHA, spleen removed not much help. on prednisone and need to find a way to get off, many side effects including fracture, mood swings, etc.  Have been looking at Chinese medicine and one thing i note is that I don't sweat which seems that could be a result  or precursor to autoimmiune disease.  What are the chances of being helped with consistent daily use of farinfrared sauna? Thanks, Magsteps

[tamkat]

I was diagnosed with AIHA in March of 07.  Prednisone did not help me and I know what you mean about side effects.  One doc said out with the spleen and second doc said lets try Rituximab IV treatments.  Going to the last of 4 treatments this Friday.  Hemoglobin up to 12.6 for the first time and feeling a little better, dosing down on the Prednisone each week.  Will go on a 3 month maintenance schedule for a year of Rituximab.  Keeping my spleen as long as I can.  I would recommend that you look into this monoclonal treatment to help you.

Best of luck,
Tamkat

[magsteps]

thanks for your comments.  I am somewhat reluctant to try Rituximab because of the sideeffects.  I tried a couple other suppressants and my liver functions went off ballance real quick so had to abandon that.  My hemo doc says there is progress daily and so am hoping to find something to help in the meantime.  Keep me posted.  Would like to know how you do long term. All the best.  Magsteps

[tamkat]

I have just completed round two of Rituximab three months after initial treatments.  My hemoglobin has stayed stable at 11.2 as I have dosed down to 4mg of Prednisone.  Hopefully I will be able to get off the Prednisone all together.  Have had terrible mood swings with the Prednisone.  Still have my spleen.  

Let me know how you are doing,
Tamkat