Hi MonDaRose0202.
Please look into underlying fundamental factors, such as low thyroid function which can cause fibromyalgia symptoms
possibly contributed to your ( suspected) IgG4-related disease and a lot more!
Dr. Lowe from the Fibromyalgia Research Foundation supports the premise that most fibromyalgia patients are either hypothyroid or thyroid hormone resistant.
To rule this in or out you must forgo the standard serum thyroid testing (TSH, T3&T4) which only indicate... serum levels and ask for Free T3, Free T4 and Reverse T3 to test for accurate thyroid cellular FUNCTION!
These may not have an insurance code, so you may have to pay out of pocket, but it is vital to have this done properly.
It could potentially save you from many years of unnecessary suffering, beyond the years you have been
suffering already.
You also need to address any nutritional deficiencies,
food allergies/sensitivity and connective tissue-related
issues.
Beware that there are far too many holes and gaps in the
medical system, when investigating such possibilities, that can keep a patient in perpetual limbo.
I would not risk it myself and I would personally go to
a reputable Functional Medicine or Holistic Doctor.
One direction for possible treatment, would be to have a Th1/Th2 cytokine blood panel, to find out if you are Th1 or Th2 dominant.
According to the medical literature, it seems that IgG4 is a
Th2 dominant condition.
Th1--> T-helper cells involved in “cell-mediated” immunity.
Th2--> T-helper cells involved in “humoral-mediated” immunity.
Those 2 groups of T-helper cells need to be in balance
and work together for a well-functioning immune system.
Because certain nutritional compounds from food and supplements stimulate either Th1 or Th2, it is important to
have the aforementioned test done.
Then have a very knowledgeable natural practitioner,
facilitate a challenge-according to the test result- with different foods and supplements, to find out which work best for you.
This way, your immune system can gradually get back to balance.
I would suggest, not to add any new items to your regimen
until you have a clear indication of Th1/Th2 status.
Please note that my comments are not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Best wishes,
Niko