For Lee - Re: Daughter diagnosed with RA

[Guest guest]

>>>I'm simply reaching out for any guidance anyone might be able to offer --

what to ask,what to look for, what nutritional/alternative treatments there are,

etc. Anything anyone has to offer would be greatly appreciated.<<<

Lee, did your daughter's doctor ask about previous tick exposure? The standard

tests for Lyme are notoriously inaccurate, so even if she tests negative or

equivocal, Lyme Disease is still possible. She plays and trains for soccer

outside, which would increase greatly the chances of Lyme. My seropositive RA

was triggered by Lyme Disease, but not everyone with Lyme and/or RA is

seropositive, either. In my case, there must have been a strong genetic

propensity and the Lyme infection just set it off. Also, joints affected by Lyme

are typically non-symmetrical, although this, too, is not always the case.

On the rheumatic.org website, you'll find a FAQ (frequently asked question)

section. If memory serves, in the first FAQ, there is a recommendation to check

for Lyme. Central Florida Labs are excellent, I understand, or you could also

get testing through IGeneX Labs in CA. Both specialize in Lyme testing, though

you do have to pay out of pocket. You could begin with having standard lab

testing done and then follow up with these labs if she tests negative. It's

thought that about 60% of Lyme cases go undiagnosed due to poor standard

testing. The tragedy being that immnosuppressives are prescribed that only allow

the infection to worsen. So, if it turns out to be Lyme, it's a good idea to see

a Lyme Literate physician who will treat with longterm antibiotics based on

clincial history and signs/symptoms.

Anyway...just a thought, as your daughter's risk for Lyme would likely be

greater than most as she runs around in the grass and, even here in CT where

Lyme Disease is rampant, we all forget our bug repellant....and the nymphal

ticks can be as small as a ball point pen head or a poppy seed, so easily

missed.

Hope you find your answers very soon. Even if it is not Lyme, antibiotic therapy

works for rheumatoid disease and the earlier it's started and less severe the

disease, the better the prognosis and swifter the response.

The great suggestions to read the New Arthritis Breakthrough by Henry Scammel

and to also visit The Road Back will be invaluable as you navigate your

daughter's road back to wellness. All the very best to you and yours.

Peace, Maz

[Guest guest]

Absolutely! Make sure Lyme's is not the underlying culprit. By the way,

Lyme's can also be caused by mosquitoes or other insect bites. El

_____

From: rheumatic [mailto:rheumatic ] On Behalf

Of momazmat@...

Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2008 11:55 AM

rheumatic

Subject: rheumatic For Lee - Re: Daughter diagnosed with RA

>>>I'm simply reaching out for any guidance anyone might be able to offer --

what to ask,what to look for, what nutritional/alternative treatments there

are, etc. Anything anyone has to offer would be greatly appreciated.<<<

Lee, did your daughter's doctor ask about previous tick exposure? The

standard tests for Lyme are notoriously inaccurate, so even if she tests

negative or equivocal, Lyme Disease is still possible. She plays and trains

for soccer outside, which would increase greatly the chances of Lyme. My

seropositive RA was triggered by Lyme Disease, but not everyone with Lyme

and/or RA is seropositive, either. In my case, there must have been a strong

genetic propensity and the Lyme infection just set it off. Also, joints

affected by Lyme are typically non-symmetrical, although this, too, is not

always the case.

On the rheumatic.org website, you'll find a FAQ (frequently asked question)

section. If memory serves, in the first FAQ, there is a recommendation to

check for Lyme. Central Florida Labs are excellent, I understand, or you

could also get testing through IGeneX Labs in CA. Both specialize in Lyme

testing, though you do have to pay out of pocket. You could begin with

having standard lab testing done and then follow up with these labs if she

tests negative. It's thought that about 60% of Lyme cases go undiagnosed due

to poor standard testing. The tragedy being that immnosuppressives are

prescribed that only allow the infection to worsen. So, if it turns out to

be Lyme, it's a good idea to see a Lyme Literate physician who will treat

with longterm antibiotics based on clincial history and signs/symptoms.

Anyway...just a thought, as your daughter's risk for Lyme would likely be

greater than most as she runs around in the grass and, even here in CT where

Lyme Disease is rampant, we all forget our bug repellant....and the nymphal

ticks can be as small as a ball point pen head or a poppy seed, so easily

missed.

Hope you find your answers very soon. Even if it is not Lyme, antibiotic

therapy works for rheumatoid disease and the earlier it's started and less

severe the disease, the better the prognosis and swifter the response.

The great suggestions to read the New Arthritis Breakthrough by Henry

Scammel and to also visit The Road Back will be invaluable as you navigate

your daughter's road back to wellness. All the very best to you and yours.

Peace, Maz