Re: Brad and all/fear resigning into DMARDs

[Guest guest]

Hi Leonie - I loved your analogy " RA is a train gone out of control.

There's no easy way to stop it. You can slow it down, but it's still

chugging away. " That definitely sums it up pretty darned good. I'm

sorry you're dealing with so much. I also know how that word " denial "

can cause more problems in the long run. I applaud the fact that you

are determined not to give up - even if you are having to resort to

modern medicine (gag) *lol*.

I would like to offer a suggestion: Please talk with your pharmacist

or go online to http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.php . While

most wouldn't think it would be a problem (myself included), there are

some supplements out there that interact negatively with some DMARD's.

I would hate to see you shooting yourself in the foot by taking a

supplement that may counteract the effects of a DMARD.

Best wishes.............Doreen

Brad, Yes it does kill to think of resigning to DMARDs ! You're not

alone there. I never thought i'd be on a mainstream list like this in

a million years (no offense). Deep down i wish i was one of those ppl

who just listens to doctors, and then life would be so much simpler

and less stressful. I could avoid all the stress of constant research

and seeking of magic supplements and alternate treatments. Most ppl

probably look at me and can't figure out where the hell i'm coming

from ... Doctor give drug - patient take drug - patient go away

and get better. End of story. By the way, If you do find something

that helps your RA go away, be sure and tell me

In my case i didn't really grasp that RA is degenerative and in most

cases leads to being crippled one way or another. I thought it

couldn't happen to me. I hope it doesn't happen to you, but be aware

that it might. I thought doctors were stupid trying to scare me.

According to naturopaths, the body is supposed to be able heal itself

given the right nutrients and treatments. But RA is a train gone out

of control. There's no easy way to stop it. You can slow it down,

but it's still chugging away. Get your joints x-rayed regularly and

keep an eye on things. I didn't even know i had no cartilage left in

my knees till now. My other joints are the same. I'm just trying to

say that it's best to keep your eyes open and be balanced in your

thinking. I was so focussed on thinking 'natural " was going to cure

me, that i didn't notice my body falling apart in the process. I'm

only human, and now doctors are going to be my best friend <gag>.

Strange but true ! I'll still be taking every supplement under the sun

to offset the side effects of DMARDs, but that's my way of feeling

better about it and convicing myself that i won't drop dead if i take

the drugs. I know you've got to find your own path, and what happened

to me probably doesn't matter one iota to you, but above else i just

wanted you to understand that I know how you feel (at least a bit anyway).

all the best,

Leonie