RE: Daughter diagnosed with RA

[Guest guest]

Hi Lee,

I have a 16 year old daughter who plays field hockey so I sympathize with

you because I know how hard it would be to make her stop. I am the one with

RA though.

This support group is mostly made up of people using antibiotics to treat

their disease. The premise behind this treatment is that the disease cause

is infectious by nature. There is a book called The New Arthritis

Breakthrough by Henry Scammel which outlines the theory and practice behind

this treatment. You may want to find a copy of this book and read it over.

Treating with antibiotics is not as mainstream a practice as I believe it

should be but let me give you the reader's digest version of why it was the

treatment I chose. I was only 35 when I was diagnosed. I had 2 young kids

and did not want to start subjecting myself to treatment that could cause

trouble down the road. After reading the book I mentioned, it seemed like a

reasonable explanation. At least as reasonable as anything else I'd heard.

Because this was the least toxic option in my opinion, it was the one I

chose.

I have had success treating my disease in this fashion. It seems to work

best if you catch it early on. In your daughter's case it seems to have just

manifested itself if I understand your email correctly. As for her symptoms,

in the beginning before I knew what was wrong with me I had pain in only the

left foot so it is not always symmetrical. It is also possible to have a

negative blood test and have RA.

The most important thing you can do is educate yourself. The best decision

is a well informed one. Read everything you can get you hands on and when

you finish that find more. Then you'll be able to make choices that make

sense for you. Another good resource is the Roadback website

www.roadback.org <http://www.roadback.org/> there is a lot of information

to get you started.

I wish you luck in your learning process. I hope you daughter remains as

comfortable as possible until you can figure out you next step. It's so

tough to imagine a teenager having to cope with this lousy disease. Give her

my best and tell her to hang in there and pace herself. When she doesn't

feel well she shouldn't push herself too hard. I know that's easier said

than done.

Best wishes,

Dee

_____

From: rheumatic [mailto:rheumatic ] On Behalf

Of power2thefaint

Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2008 11:11 AM

rheumatic

Subject: rheumatic Daughter diagnosed with RA

Hi,

My 17 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Artrhitis.

She is a

soccer player. Her symptoms are pain/swelling in 2 or 3 (depending on the

day) of the

knuckle joints on her right hand, her right wrist (a couple ganglion-looking

things with

pain), and pain in her right foot.

Bloodwork is all negative thus far. We heard two different takes on the

x-rays of her right

hand (one says negative, the other doc says there may be visible bone

erosion in the

hand). MRI showed swelling in the soft tissue of of the bone and some cysts

(I think this is

correct).

We have an appointment with a pediatric rheumatologist in Philly scheduled

in about

three weeks. My daughter began taking Nabumetone about two-three weeks ago.

So far,

her inflammation seems unaffected by it -- better some days than others, but

it's there

every day (a little worse in her foot these last couple days).

The first rheumatologist expressed concern for an aggressive form, but now

she's not

sure. She recommended giving up soccer, which didn't go over too well with

my daughter.

The doc relented, thinking it would be okay at least until we see what's up

with the other

doctor.

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.

What has struck me about this disease is that the only thing wrong is the

body thinking

there is something wrong (if I understand the autoimmune explanation

correctly). By her

body thinking something is wrong, it takes action that then makes something

wrong. A

communication breakdown is at the root of so much disease.

Anyway...thanks for taking the time to read and/or respond.

God bless you

Lee

[Guest guest]

My personal take on the RA - the body doesn't make this " error " so universally.

There is something wrong (many have suspected virus, bacteria, etc. attached to

the affected cells) and that this has not been discovered to date.

BTW one of the hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis is that it is symmetrical -

that is, affects same joints on both sides at once - both hands, both wrists,

etc.

Best of luck

O

rheumatic Daughter diagnosed with RA

Hi,

My 17 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Artrhitis. She is

a

soccer player. Her symptoms are pain/swelling in 2 or 3 (depending on the day)

of the

knuckle joints on her right hand, her right wrist (a couple ganglion-looking

things with

pain), and pain in her right foot.

Bloodwork is all negative thus far. We heard two different takes on the x-rays

of her right

hand (one says negative, the other doc says there may be visible bone erosion in

the

hand). MRI showed swelling in the soft tissue of of the bone and some cysts (I

think this is

correct).

We have an appointment with a pediatric rheumatologist in Philly scheduled in

about

three weeks. My daughter began taking Nabumetone about two-three weeks ago. So

far,

her inflammation seems unaffected by it -- better some days than others, but

it's there

every day (a little worse in her foot these last couple days).

The first rheumatologist expressed concern for an aggressive form, but now she's

not

sure. She recommended giving up soccer, which didn't go over too well with my

daughter.

The doc relented, thinking it would be okay at least until we see what's up with

the other

doctor.

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.

What has struck me about this disease is that the only thing wrong is the body

thinking

there is something wrong (if I understand the autoimmune explanation correctly).

By her

body thinking something is wrong, it takes action that then makes something

wrong. A

communication breakdown is at the root of so much disease.

Anyway...thanks for taking the time to read and/or respond.

God bless you

Lee

[Guest guest]

Lee, when I read your email I immediately thought of Jessie Dutton. Her

story, written by her mother, Bernadette, is at

http://www.rheumatic.org/jessie.htm. I thought we had an update from

Jessie, but I can't locate it. Feel free to call Bernadette with any

questions you may have. Her phone number is at the end of the story.

Bernadette has Jessie's contact information should you or your daughter wish

to speak with her.

Ethel

rheumatic Daughter diagnosed with RA

> Hi,

>

> My 17 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Artrhitis.

> She is a

> soccer player. Her symptoms are pain/swelling in 2 or 3 (depending on the

> day) of the

> knuckle joints on her right hand, her right wrist (a couple

> ganglion-looking things with

> pain), and pain in her right foot.

>

> Bloodwork is all negative thus far. We heard two different takes on the

> x-rays of her right

> hand (one says negative, the other doc says there may be visible bone

> erosion in the

> hand). MRI showed swelling in the soft tissue of of the bone and some

> cysts (I think this is

> correct).

>

> We have an appointment with a pediatric rheumatologist in Philly

> scheduled in about

> three weeks. My daughter began taking Nabumetone about two-three weeks

> ago. So far,

> her inflammation seems unaffected by it -- better some days than others,

> but it's there

> every day (a little worse in her foot these last couple days).

>

> The first rheumatologist expressed concern for an aggressive form, but now

> she's not

> sure. She recommended giving up soccer, which didn't go over too well

> with my daughter.

> The doc relented, thinking it would be okay at least until we see what's

> up with the other

> doctor.

>

> 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.

>

> What has struck me about this disease is that the only thing wrong is the

> body thinking

> there is something wrong (if I understand the autoimmune explanation

> correctly). By her

> body thinking something is wrong, it takes action that then makes

> something wrong. A

> communication breakdown is at the root of so much disease.

>

> Anyway...thanks for taking the time to read and/or respond.

>

> God bless you

>

> Lee

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

> To unsubscribe, email: rheumatic-unsubscribe@...! Groups

> Links

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

**************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL

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000000001)

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I echo the sentiments of others in the group--research! I started having

problems in my early 20s. My diagnoses were: idiopathic thrombocytopenia,

then lupus, then rheumatoid with lupus tendencies, and finally, lyme disease.

For ITP, doctors put me on steroids and removed my spleen to help slow down

the immune system. My knees started to bother me when I was playing tennis;

and, one day, I developed a butterfly rash across the bridge of my nose and

cheeks. I went to the doctor with extreme fatigue, and because I had a

positive

ANA, was diagnosed with lupus. I tried to ignore the lupus diagnosis for an

entire year because I didn't want to have lupus. Then, my hands started to

swell. I went back to a rheumatologist; and this time I had a positive R.A.

factor and an elevated SED rate. Thus began the immunosuppressive drugs,

i.e., gold shots, everyday use of prednisone, NSAIDS, etc. The rheumatologist

then progressed to gold with plaquenil and then methotrexeate, always

continuing the steroids and NSAIDS. After begging an infectious disease doctor

to

test me for Lyme (and I had to beg), I tested genus-species specific for

burrelia burgdorferi on a western blot sent to a lab in California. I had been

told at Mayo to quit teaching, apply for disability, and accept my fate to a

wheelchair when I was taking methotrexate for R.A. with Lupus tendencies When

starting antibiotics, I herxed terribly, but started seeing a gradual

improvement in symptoms and bloodwork. I wish I had found the book, The Road

Back,

early in my disease. Antibiotic therapy has given me many more years of

productive living. However, the earlier treatments took a great toll on my

body.

Anyway, I wish the best for your daughter and you. I agree with everyone on

this board--research,research,and research some more. It sounds like you

are doing just that since you found this board. We are all different and some

of us, I'm sure, have genetic vulnerabilities to certain diseases. I did not

mean to just go on about my history; but I do not have time to edit, as my

neighbor just called to go shopping. I wish your daughter the best.

**************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL

Home.

(http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15 & ncid=aolhom00030\

000000001)

[Guest guest]

Really? Both sides of the body? Do doctors agree with symetrical

hallmark? Does everyone have symetrical pain/swelling?

Thanks

Amy

mary ottman wrote:

>

> My personal take on the RA - the body doesn't make this " error " so

> universally. There is something wrong (many have suspected virus,

> bacteria, etc. attached to the affected cells) and that this has not

> been discovered to date.

>

> BTW one of the hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis is that it is

> symmetrical - that is, affects same joints on both sides at once -

> both hands, both wrists, etc.

>

> Best of luck

>

> O

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Lee,

I have been in your position with my?daughter.? Never went to Philly as we are

in NJ and close to NY.? Since your daughter is 17 whatever you decide you will

have your pick of Doctors since most rheumatologists will treat anyone over 16.?

My daughter was diagnosed with Stills disease (aggressive RA mostly in children)

when she was 7.? We started antibiotic therapy when she was 8.? At the time we

started AP, she was on Indocin and prednisone augmented by Tylenol when the

other 2 could not keep the fever under control.? Also started supplement and

diet when she was first diagnosed.? They helped, particularly with the side

effects of the medications, but did not keep the RA under control.?? She had 11

involved joints. RA is usually symmetrical but for some reason one ankle was

affected and not the other (might have just been waiting).??

9 years ago, our choice was to see Dr. Franco in California, followed up with

Dr. Burton (not a rheumatologist, alternative physician) in PA.? We also had a

pedicatric Rheumatologist in NJ.? She was not open to any form of alternative

(including diet).

My only advice would be that a good approach is to have a Rheumatologist you

like working with a nutritionist as food allergies can be a trigger for the

arthritis.???We used a combination of standard drugs, antibiotics and diet with

success.

is in remission and has been off all medication since she was 13.

rheumatic Daughter diagnosed with RA

Hi,

My 17 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Artrhitis. She is

a

soccer player. Her symptoms are pain/swelling in 2 or 3 (depending on the day)

of the

knuckle joints on her right hand, her right wrist (a couple ganglion-looking

things with

pain), and pain in her right foot.

Bloodwork is all negative thus far. We heard two different takes on the x-rays

of her right

hand (one says negative, the other doc says there may be visible bone erosion in

the

hand). MRI showed swelling in the soft tissue of of the bone and some cysts (I

think this is

correct).

We have an appointment with a pediatric rheumatologist in Philly scheduled in

about

three weeks. My daughter began taking Nabumetone about two-three weeks ago. So

far,

her inflammation seems unaffected by it -- better some days than others, but

it's there

every day (a little worse in her foot these last couple days).

The first rheumatologist expressed concern for an aggressive form, but now she's

not

sure. She recommended giving up soccer, which didn't go over too well with my

daughter.

The doc relented, thinking it would be okay at least until we see what's up with

the other

doctor.

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.

What has struck me about this disease is that the only thing wrong is the body

thinking

there is something wrong (if I understand the autoimmune explanation correctly).

By her

body thinking something is wrong, it takes action that then makes something

wrong. A

communication breakdown is at the root of so much disease.

Anyway...thanks for taking the time to read and/or respond.

God bless you

Lee

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I'm glad you didn't edit a single word as your testimony is very encouraging to

me,

although I'm sorry you had to go so long before you arrived at your 90%

solution. 90% is

phenomenal!

Thank you so much.

Lee

>

> Hi,

>

> I echo the sentiments of others in the group--research! I started having

> problems in my early 20s. My diagnoses were: idiopathic thrombocytopenia,

> then lupus, then rheumatoid with lupus tendencies, and finally, lyme disease.

> For ITP, doctors put me on steroids and removed my spleen to help slow down

> the immune system. My knees started to bother me when I was playing tennis;

> and, one day, I developed a butterfly rash across the bridge of my nose and

> cheeks. I went to the doctor with extreme fatigue, and because I had a

positive

> ANA, was diagnosed with lupus. I tried to ignore the lupus diagnosis for an

> entire year because I didn't want to have lupus. Then, my hands started to

> swell. I went back to a rheumatologist; and this time I had a positive R.A.

> factor and an elevated SED rate. Thus began the immunosuppressive drugs,

> i.e., gold shots, everyday use of prednisone, NSAIDS, etc. The

rheumatologist

> then progressed to gold with plaquenil and then methotrexeate, always

> continuing the steroids and NSAIDS. After begging an infectious disease

doctor to

> test me for Lyme (and I had to beg), I tested genus-species specific for

> burrelia burgdorferi on a western blot sent to a lab in California. I had

been

> told at Mayo to quit teaching, apply for disability, and accept my fate to a

> wheelchair when I was taking methotrexate for R.A. with Lupus tendencies

When

> starting antibiotics, I herxed terribly, but started seeing a gradual

> improvement in symptoms and bloodwork. I wish I had found the book, The Road

Back,

> early in my disease. Antibiotic therapy has given me many more years of

> productive living. However, the earlier treatments took a great toll on my

body.

>

>

> Anyway, I wish the best for your daughter and you. I agree with everyone on

> this board--research,research,and research some more. It sounds like you

> are doing just that since you found this board. We are all different and

some

> of us, I'm sure, have genetic vulnerabilities to certain diseases. I did not

> mean to just go on about my history; but I do not have time to edit, as my

> neighbor just called to go shopping. I wish your daughter the best.

>

>

>

>

>

> **************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL

> Home.

> (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?

video=15 & ncid=aolhom00030000000001)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

You've got my brain buzzing! My wife made an appointment to see Dr. Burton

yesterday.

he cannot see us until June, however (minus cancellations, that is). We're

about an hour

north of his practice outside Philly.

The rheumatologist/Lyme's specialist I went to when it was suspected I had

Lyme's is in

Basking Ridge, NJ...a Dr. Gaito. That might be a consideration.

BUT... what jumped off your post was the thing about food allergies. My daughter

is

severely allergic to tree nuts and sesame seeds. Can food allergies really be

involved in

RA??? Any additional info or advice might have would be more than welcome.

That is awesome news about your daughter. I'm so glad for you all.

Thanks and God bless you...your post has really lifted my spirits.

God bless

Lee

" He gives power to the weak,

And to those who have no might He increases strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary,

And the young men shall utterly fall,

But those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint. "

--Isaiah 40:29-31

>

> Lee,

>

> I have been in your position with my?daughter.? Never went to Philly as we are

in NJ

and close to NY.? Since your daughter is 17 whatever you decide you will have

your pick

of Doctors since most rheumatologists will treat anyone over 16.?

>

> My daughter was diagnosed with Stills disease (aggressive RA mostly in

children) when

she was 7.? We started antibiotic therapy when she was 8.? At the time we

started AP, she

was on Indocin and prednisone augmented by Tylenol when the other 2 could not

keep

the fever under control.? Also started supplement and diet when she was first

diagnosed.?

They helped, particularly with the side effects of the medications, but did not

keep the RA

under control.?? She had 11 involved joints. RA is usually symmetrical but for

some

reason one ankle was affected and not the other (might have just been

waiting).??

>

> 9 years ago, our choice was to see Dr. Franco in California, followed up with

Dr. Burton

(not a rheumatologist, alternative physician) in PA.? We also had a pedicatric

Rheumatologist in NJ.? She was not open to any form of alternative (including

diet).

>

> My only advice would be that a good approach is to have a Rheumatologist you

like

working with a nutritionist as food allergies can be a trigger for the

arthritis.???We used a

combination of standard drugs, antibiotics and diet with success.

>

> is in remission and has been off all medication since she was 13.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> rheumatic Daughter diagnosed with RA

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi,

>

> My 17 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Artrhitis. She

is a

> soccer player. Her symptoms are pain/swelling in 2 or 3 (depending on the day)

of the

> knuckle joints on her right hand, her right wrist (a couple ganglion-looking

things with

> pain), and pain in her right foot.

>

> Bloodwork is all negative thus far. We heard two different takes on the x-rays

of her

right

> hand (one says negative, the other doc says there may be visible bone erosion

in the

> hand). MRI showed swelling in the soft tissue of of the bone and some cysts (I

think

this is

> correct).

>

> We have an appointment with a pediatric rheumatologist in Philly scheduled in

about

> three weeks. My daughter began taking Nabumetone about two-three weeks ago. So

far,

> her inflammation seems unaffected by it -- better some days than others, but

it's there

> every day (a little worse in her foot these last couple days).

>

> The first rheumatologist expressed concern for an aggressive form, but now

she's not

> sure. She recommended giving up soccer, which didn't go over too well with my

daughter.

> The doc relented, thinking it would be okay at least until we see what's up

with the

other

> doctor.

>

> 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.

>

> What has struck me about this disease is that the only thing wrong is the body

thinking

> there is something wrong (if I understand the autoimmune explanation

correctly). By

her

> body thinking something is wrong, it takes action that then makes something

wrong. A

> communication breakdown is at the root of so much disease.

>

> Anyway...thanks for taking the time to read and/or respond.

>

> God bless you

>

> Lee

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Lee,

I liked Dr. Burton.? I also recommend seeing a Rheumatologist, if your medical

plan will cover both, since they really understand the issue of joint damage.?

The only thing I would say about Dr. Burton is that he feels very strongly about

mercury from fillings and always recommends seeing a dentist about that.

We looked at allergies like dairy, wheat (celiac disease symptoms can be similar

to RA), dairy.? Allergies are an autoimmune reaction.? I know that there are

people who removed the " nightshades " from their diet, potato, tomatos and

peppers.? I know that there are books available on diet and arthritis.? I will

look in our basement and see if I can find any titles that might help.? The web

is great for this kind of research.?

My best advice is to seek information from everyone and any source.? Then

evaluate that information based on your common sense and any other available

source.? You really need to look at your daughter's symtoms. Look back on the

months or years leading up to the onset of the arthritis.? When we looked back

over the 2 years before the onset of RA, we saw a child that had infection after

infection, strep after strep.? Her tonsils were always infected and we thought

about having them removed.? It seemed as if she was?never really well.? For us

this eventually made the low dose antibiotic therapy?a logical choice.??It

seemed clear that there was some kind of bacteria that was never completely

eradicated by 12 days of antibiotics.

By the way by the time she completely her therapy (a little over 4 years) her

tonsils which had been " kissing " , were a normal size.

We saw 3 rheumatologists before seeing Dr. Franco.? One more Rheumatologist

after that then added Dr. Burton.? Most of our Drs would actually talk to

another Dr. that they did not recommend to us.? Do not be afraid to take her

records and get another opinion.? Do not be afraid to challenge anyone.?

Good luck.?

rheumatic Daughter diagnosed with RA

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi,

>

> My 17 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Artrhitis. She

is a

> soccer player. Her symptoms are pain/swelling in 2 or 3 (depending on the day)

of the

> knuckle joints on her right hand, her right wrist (a couple ganglion-looking

things with

> pain), and pain in her right foot.

>

> Bloodwork is all negative thus far. We heard two different takes on the x-rays

of her

right

> hand (one says negative, the other doc says there may be visible bone erosion

in the

> hand). MRI showed swelling in the soft tissue of of the bone and some cysts (I

think

this is

> correct).

>

> We have an appointment with a pediatric rheumatologist in Philly scheduled in

about

> three weeks. My daughter began taking Nabumetone about two-three weeks ago. So

far,

> her inflammation seems unaffected by it -- better some days than others, but

it's there

> every day (a little worse in her foot these last couple days).

>

> The first rheumatologist expressed concern for an aggressive form, but now

she's not

> sure. She recommended giving up soccer, which didn't go over too well with my

daughter.

> The doc relented, thinking it would be okay at least until we see what's up

with the

other

> doctor.

>

> 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.

>

> What has struck me about this disease is that the only thing wrong is the body

thinking

> there is something wrong (if I understand the autoimmune explanation

correctly). By

her

> body thinking something is wrong, it takes action that then makes something

wrong. A

> communication breakdown is at the root of so much disease.

>

> Anyway...thanks for taking the time to read and/or respond.

>

> God bless you

>

> Lee

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thank you again for all this. I am racking my brain, and there are some pieces

of the

puzzle falling into place (just realized my daughter's been showing signs of

Raynaud's

phenomenon, which I didn't even know existed until the last couple hours).

She also has two very serious food allergies, so I wonder if bringing her

allergist into this

might be of some help. He's probably my favorite of all our doctors --

incredibly smart -

- so it won't hurt to at least speak with him.

It's going to be hard to slow the brain down enough to go to sleep tonight.

Thanks again and God bless

Lee

> >

> > Lee,

> >

> > I have been in your position with my?daughter.? Never went to Philly as we

are in NJ

> and close to NY.? Since your daughter is 17 whatever you decide you will have

your pick

> of Doctors since most rheumatologists will treat anyone over 16.?

> >

> > My daughter was diagnosed with Stills disease (aggressive RA mostly in

children)

when

> she was 7.? We started antibiotic therapy when she was 8.? At the time we

started AP,

she

> was on Indocin and prednisone augmented by Tylenol when the other 2 could not

keep

> the fever under control.? Also started supplement and diet when she was first

diagnosed.?

> They helped, particularly with the side effects of the medications, but did

not keep the

RA

> under control.?? She had 11 involved joints. RA is usually symmetrical but for

some

> reason one ankle was affected and not the other (might have just been

waiting).??

> >

> > 9 years ago, our choice was to see Dr. Franco in California, followed up

with Dr.

Burton

> (not a rheumatologist, alternative physician) in PA.? We also had a pedicatric

> Rheumatologist in NJ.? She was not open to any form of alternative (including

diet).

> >

> > My only advice would be that a good approach is to have a Rheumatologist you

like

> working with a nutritionist as food allergies can be a trigger for the

arthritis.???We used

a

> combination of standard drugs, antibiotics and diet with success.

> >

> > is in remission and has been off all medication since she was 13.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > rheumatic Daughter diagnosed with RA

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Hi,

> >

> > My 17 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Artrhitis.

She is a

> > soccer player. Her symptoms are pain/swelling in 2 or 3 (depending on the

day) of

the

> > knuckle joints on her right hand, her right wrist (a couple ganglion-looking

things

with

> > pain), and pain in her right foot.

> >

> > Bloodwork is all negative thus far. We heard two different takes on the

x-rays of her

> right

> > hand (one says negative, the other doc says there may be visible bone

erosion in the

> > hand). MRI showed swelling in the soft tissue of of the bone and some cysts

(I think

> this is

> > correct).

> >

> > We have an appointment with a pediatric rheumatologist in Philly scheduled

in about

> > three weeks. My daughter began taking Nabumetone about two-three weeks ago.

So

> far,

> > her inflammation seems unaffected by it -- better some days than others, but

it's

there

> > every day (a little worse in her foot these last couple days).

> >

> > The first rheumatologist expressed concern for an aggressive form, but now

she's not

> > sure. She recommended giving up soccer, which didn't go over too well with

my

> daughter.

> > The doc relented, thinking it would be okay at least until we see what's up

with the

> other

> > doctor.

> >

> > 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.

> >

> > What has struck me about this disease is that the only thing wrong is the

body

thinking

> > there is something wrong (if I understand the autoimmune explanation

correctly). By

> her

> > body thinking something is wrong, it takes action that then makes something

wrong.

A

> > communication breakdown is at the root of so much disease.

> >

> > Anyway...thanks for taking the time to read and/or respond.

> >

> > God bless you

> >

> > Lee

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >