Sarcoidosis -- Part II: What the Heck is It?

Here's the short answer: Sarcoidosis is a multi system disorder characterized in affected organs by a type of inflammation called granulomas.

Here are a few tidbits I have learned about "S."

In North America it occurs among a higher percentage of folks of the darker nation. In northern Europe it occurs among a higher percentage of folks of the paler nation.

It generally is found in people between the ages of 20 and 40. I was 42 when I was diagnosed.

While any organ can be affected, in 80% of the cases there is pulmonary involvement. Skin, liver, spleen, bone marrow and lymph node involvement are common. It's in my lungs and left eye. (Why, then, are my bones, joints and muscles affected?)

It manifests itself in different ways but the formation of granulomas is a common element.

It is considered an "orphan" disease and was discovered more than 200 years ago.

What happens in the body: The blood cells that are supposed to defend the body against infectious diseases and foreign materials, surround those enemies, and instead of killing them, give them a place to stay. Welcome! Come on in! Make yourselves at home. Be fruitful. Multiply. And when you outgrow this space we'll just add another room to the house.

Chronic fatigue is a huge factor.

High blood pressure comes with the package.

It is not contageous.

It is unpredictable.

----------------- to be continued