Question: I am having a problem and I was wondering if you could give me a little advice. My husband said if anyone would know what to do you would. About a week ago my left eye started to swell up for no reason. I developed swelling from my hairline to just above my cheek on the left side of my face, and a large knot formed under my eyelid and my face went completely numb. I went to the eye doctor and they sent me for a MRI and CT and then said I have an autoimmune disorder but, they can't tell me what kind.

Plus they gave me a large dose of Prednisone to take over the next week and come back to see them. That was on top of the antibiotic they already told me to take. I feel like I'm just taking pill after pill and I just don't know what to do. Is this Prednisone safe to take especially since I've had 2 bouts with optic neuritis already. I hope you can help.

Larry's Response: Okay, you've done what is necessary to establish what your problem ISN'T. The diagnosis of "autoimmune disorder" is an easy answer, but probably correct. Sadly, the medical systems in place don't know how to approach immune problems and their only weapons are anti-inflammatory. The most potent of which are the glucocorticoids (steroids).

Prednisone is powerful and it is not without side effects (I can send a list if you want, but trust me, knowing what could happen won't make any difference). They won't "cure" the underlying problem but they may impede the inflammation long enough for your body to attack the immune problem and bring about healing. I suggest attacking the problem from the inside.

You may already be doing a lot of this, but here's my short list of actions:

• Start using a lot of probiotics - 100 to 250 billion units per day for 3 to 5 days, then cut back to 50 billion units per day in divided doses (with clean - no chlorine - water on an empty stomach).
• Drink plenty of clean water.
• Avoid sources of hormones, pesticides, household chemicals, and plastics.
• Get plenty of OUTSIDE air circulating through your house.
• Replace furnace and A/C filters.
• Exercise 20 minutes a day, 4 days a week (walking and light weights, but no jogging).
• Use Coenzyme Q10 and consider doing a "cleanse". You need to rid your body of toxins that may be activating your immune responses and feed yourself substances that won't make things worse.
• Reduce consumption of store-bought meats and consume as many raw (or lightly steamed) vegetables as you can stand.
• Eliminate all sugar, artificial sweeteners, wheat, and all processed foods.
• If it comes in a package, don't eat it.

If you decide to take the prednisone be sure not to stop abruptly. Your doctor or pharmacist should give instructions for tapering down. I wish you well and I pray for your quick recovery.

FOLLOW UP NOTE FROM ORIGINAL POSTER:

Thanks for the good advice! I have been trying the diet you suggested and the gland on my eyelid that was attacked with inflammation is shrinking. I've been taking a really hard look at everything I have been eating. I'm extremely allergic to soybeans and I've been staying away hoping it makes things better. I'm eating a high protein low carb diet with no artificial sweeteners, sugars and wheat. And I have been feeling better. Thank you for the information I'll let you know how things are working and if this thing goes away.