I am looking forward to the day that I can say the same. I know it is going to happen and I am not taking no for an answer. I live in light of this fact. If I thought for a second that I was not going to go into remission I probably would give up on this fight. I don't care how long it takes I will fight until it happens.

Good for you. No one knows exactly what causes pemphigus, or what determines how and when remissions occur, but some cases have been known to burn out after a few years of treatment with prednisone and immune system suppressants. You probably know that, and have already experienced some of the side effects of prednisone. I am trying very hard to make the case for vitamin and mineral supplements to replace those nutrients that are depleted by prednisone. Most doctors recognize that calcium and vitamin D are depleted by prednisone, and prescribe or suggest taking calcium/D tabs to offset that effect, but not having been trained in biochemistry or nutrition, not many physicians realize that a handful of other nutrients are depleted as well. The loss of zinc, for example, can cause major mental dysfunctioning, impair the healing process, and create feelings of anxiety, depression, and mental confusion...exactly like the side effects of prednisone. Replacing zinc should be as important as replacing calcium. For more information, you can go to www.pemphinremission.com/nutritio.htm

Let me know what other supplements you are taking

I'm not taking any of the supplements I took when I was on prednisone, but most of the nutrients it depletes can be found in stresstabs with zinc, available over the counter in pharmacies and healthfood stores. Most stresstabs don't contain calcium or vitamin D, both of which are also depleted by prednisone, but calcium/D tabs are also available OTC. After a lot of trial and error, I used to take one of each when I had pemphigus, and I also believe it was this combination that lead me into remission. www.pemphinremission.com/nutritio.htm

How long after you were diagnosed did you go into remission? How bad did the disease get before you went into remission?

I ca

Sorry, I hit the send button by mistake. I started to say that I came down with my first symptoms in November, 1994, and went into remission in January, 1998, although I had a brief flare-p in February before going into complete remission. Throughout the whole 3 years or so, I had constant pain in my mouth, and all of the side effects from the drugs....joint aches, physical exhaustion, dizziness, nausea, etc., ...but my case was not as severe as some that I have heard about. I was lucky to have very knowledgeable doctors who knew how to treat pemphigus, and an RN pain specialist who knew how to keep that under control. I would encourage you to join our discussion group. It's easy. Just send a blank e-mail (no subject, no text) to discussion-on@pemphigus.org. You'll meet an amazing bunch of people, most of whom have or had pemphigus, and they can better guide you through their experience.

Thank you SkipVant,to a global approach of the desiese.As regars remissions ,it depens on the quikness the diagnosis is made. The quicker the diagnosis better it is. In my case to the delay in diagnosis(almost 2 months) partly to my fault considerind the sisuation as allergyc and partly to the derm.doc. he told me that I would never succeed keep cortisone.I have Phenfigus for 14 years.

I read the

I read the encouraging entries by Skip VanLenten. I started taking the stresstabs about a week ago. My derm also changed my level of prednisone and cellcept. My blister flare-up has stopped and the old blisters are healing nicely. I know that the prednisone is key, but I want the stresstabs with zinc to help bring me to a remission. I am very hopeful. Thanks for the encouragement!!

Hello Skip, I heard about this site whn on pemphigus.org when a member there mentioned these site. I am very hopeful that like you i will find that light at the end of the tunnel. However I looked at the nutrition link and wanted to know if you can just directly tell me what Vitamins I should use. I am going to buy the Stresstabs with Zinc today, but in combination with what else did you take or does that Vitamin include all. If you mentioned it I apologize but I got lost and confused along the way and just wanted to know if you caa give me a direct answer. Thank you in advance

I am now in remission

Hi Skip , I have read your information on supplements and am wondering if your doctor initially prescribed Fosamax (with pred 60mg cellcept 2000) for you, and did you ever take it, or did you just take the Calc/D/stress/zinc supplements instead.So far I have only been taking the supplements (d3 50,000 1xweek, Calcium/mag 1500, Stress tabs, zinc, copper, lysine, multiple) If so, years later, are you bones still fine? Just curious what everyone's experience or knowledge is regarding the Fosamax /Actinol/Boniva controversy & how necessary it is to take. Especially if you take the supplements. Years later how you fared either way with regards to osteopenia or osteoporosis. Thanks!

Fosamax,helps to fix Ca.to the bone.It does not subtitute the other things.Inform better with your Doc.Best regards.

apr 24-11. i'm so glad to find this link. as you say, there is so much about the diagnosis and prognosis. the terminology is overwhelming so much that i want to take a course. which maybe i will. i have just been diagnosed with bp but i find out that there are so many different types. this has been the most clear information so far. and the most hopeful. my dad had cancer and said one time that he was never so in touch with what was going on with his body and was worried about every thought and feeling. thats how i feel. so thank you for your story. im going to read others and will, im sure, continue to be grateful for the info.