Newbie to the group

[Guest guest]

Hello all! I just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. I am

new to the group but by no means new to this way of thinking. I have

lost 125 pounds thanks in part to a low calorie eating plan coupled

with exercise and weight training. I am so glad to have found a

group of folks who 'get it', and am looking forward to sharing ideas

and thoughts in the future.

Sincerely, Kim

[Guest guest]

Hi! I'm a newbie, too. Sorry to hear about your problems. I take the

glucosamin/chondroitin as per orders from the ortho doc for my knees and hands.

The RA doc did not say to stop taking it and he put me on Metho and folic acid.

The folic acid is not for the RA but to counter the effects (hair loss, fatigue,

etc.) from the Methotrexate. I'm also on something called sulfamiazine (I think

that's the name) that's an anti-inflammatory agent and low dose prednisone. I

have not taken MSM but have read an article that says it is a good thing to take

for RA. Here's a link to that article:

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/pain-management/rheumatoid-arthritis/slidesh\

ow.aspx?cp-documentid=100250036 & gt1=31004

I do find that the gluco/chondro helps the joints some. I would talk to your doc

before adding or trying anything else, though. These are just my experiences. I

wish you the best of everything.

Michele

>

> Hello all. I am Steve and I was diagnosed in June 09 with RA. This has been

the latest in a series of medical issues that have plagued me for the last

several years. I was told 8 years ago that I needed both knees replaced. I went

on a weight loss program and the problem disappeared. I have had 3 knee

surgeries and 3 fusions (2 cervical and 1 lumbar), prostate cancer, and now RA.

I have tried to roll with the punches, but everything is starting to wear out my

enthusiasm. I try to encourage people (I am a pastor) and can give advice to

people dealing with cancer, Alzheimer's, and now RA. I am not up to speed on the

treatments, but I am learning. Currently take methotrexate and folic acid.

Weather changes kill me and I cannot sit for long periods of time. My pain is in

my hands, feet, and back.

>

> A question I have is this: If glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM are allegedly

good for joint health, would it possibly help with the RA or could it counter

act the methotrexate and folic acid?

>

> Thanks for any help.

>

> Steve S in Arkansas

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I'm also new to the group. I was diagnosed with RA 5 years ago, I'm 36 now. I

was on Methotrexate alone for about 6 months and since my RA still wasn't under

control my rheumatologist decided to put me on a triple therapy (Methotrexate,

Sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine). I've been doing more or less OK and just

recently found out that my x-rays showed more erosions in my wrists and my

doctor wants to discuss stronger meds.

I've just recently found out about LDN and I definitely want to give it a try.

On top of the triple therapy I take Fish Oil (up to 3000 mg/day), it lowered my

CRP significantly. I also take 1000 I.U. of vit D3 daily. I'm not sure how

helpful is glocosamine/chondroitin/MSM but I think it's worth trying. I'm on

Folic Acid, too.

Best regards,

Krystyna

[Guest guest]

Thanks . I had taken the glucosamine/chondroitin for a while along with

calcium plus D. Just needed to know what others were doing. You hear so many

stories about this herbal remedy or that natural thing. The article was very

good in explaining many of those issues. I have always been very active and this

combined with all of the other issues over the last few years has gotten me

down. Been trying to work on the weight issue, watch my diet, and trying to

exercise (bought a pilates ball that the grandkids love!) and start a walking

program because I was told NOT to ride a stationary bike because of damage

already in the knees and back. Have a great day.

Steve S in Arkansas