Re: RA - To Pam

[Guest guest]

Hi Pam. This is kind of a late response because I have not logged

into this group for a while but I felt like I wanted to respond to

your post. I am early on in some sort of rheumatic diagnosis though

the doctors will not commit to RA, ankylosing spondilytis, or

something else. I was not anxious to start medications but it

quickly became a situation where I did not have a choice. I have

subsequently read in numerous places that early and aggressive

treatment for RA is very important in the slowing of the disease and

overall prognosis. I hope you and your doctor are considering taking

action.

In addition to the medications that I am on (mtx and prednisone), I

am trying alternative therapies and a healthier lifestyle. I have

done a bit of research on herbs and supplements and have had

acupuncture treatments twice a week since March. The arthritis

foundation has a great supplements guide on their website and you

might find some information there. I decided to take fish oil, vit

D, vit E, vit B-6 and B-12 w/ folic acid (for mtx), cranberry w/ vit

C, and multi-vit. The fish oil and vit E are supposed to be fairly

effecitve against inflammation. A number of clinical studies have

been done on both. I am focusing my diet on fruits and vegetables

and cutting out anything that is processed, not organic or

purportedly causes inflammation. The acupuncture has been really

great. The two acupuncturists that I see have a lot of experience

and they are very balanced in their approach. They do not believe

they have all the answers but feel that a combination of Eastern and

Western medicines will eventually make me well and/or stave off

progression of this disease. I was originally skeptical of

acupuncture but am now a believer. It took a few weeks for the

treatments to begin being effective but it certainly does ease my

pain. I highly recommend it.

Take care and I hope the best for you.

--- In , " pamelamary9 " <pamelamary9@...>

wrote:

>

> I am 51, and was diagnosed with RA. It wasn't a surprize. Iam

afraid

> of the disease and afraid of the meds. So, I am not taking anything

> now. It happened very fast. It seems within a 2 to 3 year span, my

> hands totally changed. Sore, swollen, deformed, and me, well,

> devastated. Pain is constant. My feet hurt in the morning. My

entire

> body upon waking in the morning feels like rigamortis has set in.

> Funny word to use maybe, but the truth. I am trying, (and I

> emphasize " trying " ) to cleanse my body of impurities through

juicing,

> lots of friuts and veggies (organic of course)vitamin C with

> glucosamine. I hope that through healthier living, I can make all

this

> go away! But obviously, writing this post shows that I have doubts.

> Can someone please tell me about the meds involved? I have heard

awful

> things about them, but don't know what is true and what's not. In

> short, I need help.

> Thank you

> Pam

>