I've heard of that in some of my reading in re to allergies and asthma-as you know that's part of the immune system breaking down and turning on itself-I also moderate on that forum here at HealingWell...Though, I've not read enough to be any kind of pro on discussing it-but you are welcome to visit there!
You have a tough position with all of this. I've watched my husband get so frustated at times, as he tells me that he wants to help me, but is unable to-he's even tried to discuss this with my Dr.'s asking what can he do?, and of course, there is not much...I've just told him at this point he needs to just be supportive and get on with life in general, as I am. When we dwell on this only and it becomes "us" then there isn't much of a life to live. You still have to have wants and dreams to aspire to-I'm always "wanting" something! lol 
I never get tired of telling this story, for I use it a lot for myself...a very good friend of mine once told me when I was really down with all my illnesses. Teri you are not a disease, you are Teri, that happens to have some diseases. (Thanks Friend!!)
So from that point on and this can go for our loved ones as well...I close my eyes and I visualize a crazy sort of little clown type guy with big red curly hair and all. Hanging onto a bunch of brightly colored helium balloons waving into the sky, almost pulling him off the ground! On each balloon is a name of one of my diseases and as I wish it away, he pulls out a big hat pin and pokes that balloon and I enjoy seeing it pop! One by one, they disappear and then I'm free!! I'm Teri that happens to have some diseases now, not Teri, a disease! 
I call him my "Happy Balloon Popper" and if you want to borrow him, or Tammy does-please by all means, be my guest!
Much good luck-Hugs, Teri