Proto,
Good to hear you are discussing options with your Dr about treatment.
As you take time to learn more about Th1, you might appreciate reading What is the basic definition of Th1 inflammation? where you will find: As for Th1 and Th2, it takes a real scientist to cut through all the pseudo-science and be able to understand the underlying biochemistry which differentiates the two conditions. The Th1 diseases are defined to be characterized by high levels of Interferon-gamma in the inflamed tissue and it catalyzes production of 1,25-D by the mitochondria of the activated macrophages.
Common mistakes made by those who are confused between Th1 and Th2 include trying to measure the cytokines in venous blood (not in the paracrine tissue), not measuring Interferon-gamma but trying to make inference from something else, and making pronouncements when they don't have a clue about the underlying molecular medicine."
Dr. Trevor Marshall, Ph.D.
Basically, if any one told me I had a Th2 condition when symptoms and outcomes looked remarkably like others who were responding to the MP, I would really, really want to see my D test results and I would be inclined to demand Quest Diagnostics for the sensitive 1,25D assay.
Fibriotic tissues do respond to the MP. They seem to take a long time to remodel, but those who have been patient are starting to notice these repair too.
You might ask your Dr if the outcome for IPF is so positive. Compare expected end results, in other words. It is one thing to mis-diagnose if one isn't seeing a granuloma, quite another to mis-represent eventual outcomes for treatments. Ask your doctor ,"Do IPF treatments fall under end-state palliative management processes that rely on methods to shut down immune response or not?"
Best to you Proto--Janet
____________________ 12/99:Sarc, 9/00:noPred, Mar05:no-D+lo-lght+NoIRs, 8/09/05 began MP. MP ph3 yr3 and getting better every day.
