Out of Denial - Need Your Support

[Guest guest]

Wonderful brave & inspiring ones -

I've hesitated to write this since so many of you have much bigger

challenges to deal with. But, the fact is, I need your help.

I was diagnosed with RA in 1999. Of course, at first I was overwhelmed.

The possible side effects of the medication the rheumy recommended

frightened me. I resolved to try to take care of it with

natural/alternative medicine. I do feel that the strict " natural "

program I pursued (with the advice of a wonderful herbalist) helped

control the inflammation and reduced the number of and length of

flares.

However, now I must face the fact that--in spite of this--my RA has

definitely progressed. My joints have continued to deteriorate. And I

know I must try other means to deal with it. I just had a thorough

checkup with my GP. My liver, kidneys, etc. are all great. But my RF is

130 and my SED is 98, up quite a bit from my original tests.

Now I know I must investigate conventional medicine. But I'm still

scared to pieces of the possible side effects. So scared that tears

come into my eyes just from typing these words and admitting my fears

to you. Most of my physical systems are in good shape; I'm frightened

about, frankly, destroying them.

Any insight, encouragement, thoughts, cautions, inspiration or whatever

comes to mind that you'd like to share with me will be so gratefully

embraced.

Thank you so much for all that you are, all that you do, and the way

all of you honestly (and more bravely than you realize) deal with your

challenges.

Prakasha