Alternative therapies to MTX?

October 30, 2004

Hello, I'm new to this group :-)... have been taking MTX inj now for

4 months at 25mgs weekly, along with 5 mgs folic acid

Lots of problems with nausea, mouth sores, still swollen and sore

and fatigued... 4 weeks ago, I cut out all Ibuprofen because of

nausea... still having troubles... this week, I haven't taken my

MTX, because I just honestly need some time to rest... While I don't

get sick often, this week, I have Dry Pleurisy... I'm now on

inhalers to help.

It's been very tough on my family, and work wise, well I'm lucky I

still have a job (I'm a programmer for US internet company, and work

from home)... I've been off most of this week, today is my first

partial day back working. My boss is really in to naturopathy and

alternative meds, and has been hinting at me that I have RA because

I don't 'take care of myself, and put those toxins in my body'.

I'm seriously considering alternative therapy just because he's so

adament, but before I go to my rheum with this new notice, I wanted

to research first... I've been told about Sea Salts with water

(watercure2.org).... As well, I've heard some great results from

acupuncture. Has anyone tried alternative therapy with GREAT

response? I have Bursitis in both knees, swelling in my hands and

ankles....

I know I may be grasping at straws, but it's been depressing.. I was

diagnosed 5 years ago, been on MTX for 3 years, and have been

gradually getting worse.... Any feedback on what to do would be

welcomed!

Thanks

November 3, 2004

,

I finally found some relief and improvement with antibiotic therapy.

It takes changing eating habits a lot but it was worth it to get rid of

joint pain.

If you try Minocin, be sure to not use generic form because that does not

work. I have had RA over 7 years now. Took me a while to find AT.

I take fish oil and some vitamins now.

Good luck,