Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction.
Joined DS a while ago because of my bouts of depression, today I just realized I could look for some other groups, so here's my RA story;
Had wrist pain for a few years. first Dr (Kaiser = awful) gave me a shrug and a wrist brace. Also started having ulsers in my eye and had to stop wearing contacts - about four Ophthalmologists in four years and never the same response, no one knew why. Finally was so bad between my two wrists I couldn't open things, could shift the car to drive I went to my new general practice Dr (awesome office that's been in town for ages) and my reg Dr sent me to a arthritis specialist - so at 39 I was finally diagnosed with RA and I was starting to feel it regularly in my hands and feet - all the smaller joints. Started with Sulphasalazine and some other 'usual' pills (I'll post the list on request) over the course of a year and finally worked up to Humira. Insurance required other trials and while most of the meds made some difference, often had some uncomfortable side effects and just not totally effective. The Humira was slow to start working, but it finally seemed pretty good - by this time I'd lost most of my muscle tone as I couldn't bike or do anything anymore. I used to have pretty strong hands, now I compete with my 75yo mom for who needs a jar opener more.
Humira stopped being effective after 6-7 months and I was moved to Simpony. so far this is working great, at a point I'm trying to get my energy back with exercise, push to build some strength back but I'm so busy with a 5yo and work (at a desk) I can't seem to make time.
anyway, things are pretty decent right now till the insurance runs out - no way I could afford this stuff without the full coverage.
Interesting points:
- my RA Dr knew about the eye connection, I'm screwed and will never be eligible for contacts or surgery again. At least the painful ulsers have stopped with this medication
- When it hits, it roves around my body. Some areas are pretty regular, but I never know where or when it will hurt. It's kinda like playing roulette.
- before the injectable, it was pretty constant in all the smaller joints - hurt to walk, do almost anything with my hands
-since the injectables I sometimes have pain in larger joints, I think my neck is the only place I haven't had an issue (yet)
Had wrist pain for a few years. first Dr (Kaiser = awful) gave me a shrug and a wrist brace. Also started having ulsers in my eye and had to stop wearing contacts - about four Ophthalmologists in four years and never the same response, no one knew why. Finally was so bad between my two wrists I couldn't open things, could shift the car to drive I went to my new general practice Dr (awesome office that's been in town for ages) and my reg Dr sent me to a arthritis specialist - so at 39 I was finally diagnosed with RA and I was starting to feel it regularly in my hands and feet - all the smaller joints. Started with Sulphasalazine and some other 'usual' pills (I'll post the list on request) over the course of a year and finally worked up to Humira. Insurance required other trials and while most of the meds made some difference, often had some uncomfortable side effects and just not totally effective. The Humira was slow to start working, but it finally seemed pretty good - by this time I'd lost most of my muscle tone as I couldn't bike or do anything anymore. I used to have pretty strong hands, now I compete with my 75yo mom for who needs a jar opener more.
Humira stopped being effective after 6-7 months and I was moved to Simpony. so far this is working great, at a point I'm trying to get my energy back with exercise, push to build some strength back but I'm so busy with a 5yo and work (at a desk) I can't seem to make time.
anyway, things are pretty decent right now till the insurance runs out - no way I could afford this stuff without the full coverage.
Interesting points:
- my RA Dr knew about the eye connection, I'm screwed and will never be eligible for contacts or surgery again. At least the painful ulsers have stopped with this medication
- When it hits, it roves around my body. Some areas are pretty regular, but I never know where or when it will hurt. It's kinda like playing roulette.
- before the injectable, it was pretty constant in all the smaller joints - hurt to walk, do almost anything with my hands
-since the injectables I sometimes have pain in larger joints, I think my neck is the only place I haven't had an issue (yet)
Thank heavens for scientific research into the disease.
I later found out that it is nothing but a chemo drug use for all sorts of cancers.
http://www.chemocare.com/bio/methotrexate.asp
oops! why are doc administering chemo drugs for RA?
Worse, I had Psoraisis, Dr prescribed Neoral. Neoral is drug given to organ transplant patients. Very expensive drug.
It is a living hell taking all these drugs.
Took me a long time, 16 years to find out that I was sensitive to Gluten, and it cause arthritis, bone ache and oestheoporosis.
I was intolerant to eggs, it cause psoriasis.
I change my diet, go gluten free and bone aches and pain left in a short 2 weeks. Very dramatic results. zero medication.
Went egg free one year ago, took 3 weeks for itch to subside. Rash have subsided, no more plugs. Healing very well. Worse battle is to be totally egg free. lots of food contaminations when eating out. Flare up when I eat the wrong food. Eat sushi and caesar salads, all hv mayo with eggs. oh oh!!! that will take another 3 weeks to clear the rash.
Its all in the food, people. We are being poison!!!!
Something is definitely wrong with our bread and eggs these day?
Doctors only prescribe us drugs and more wrong drugs. We are all nothing but gineapigs or what? No wonder we are all sick!
2 - thank you for posting about your gluten experience! I'd guess I have a similar issue, but I haven't pursued it, mostly due to lack of will power. This encourages me to try.
3- My guess is if you see a Dr with 'western medicine' philosophy, they will be compelled to use chemical technology - I've always thought it's ALSO harming, but it's a quick feel good for this lazy American.
4 - I was very moved by the following video and I really like/embrace what she teaches: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLjgBLwH3Wc
again, thanks for sharing!
Grains sensitivity to wheat and gluten is the big culprit that cause so much chaos in our health.
Dr William Davis is Cardiologist, a heart doctor. He also advocate that the new short wheat, with higher yields, higher protein/gluten is causing havoc in modern society. Wheat sensitivity caused celiac disease, heart diseases, diabetes, arthritis, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue.....
http://www.redicecreations.com/radio/2012/04/RIR-120429.php
Ya, we should go back to basics and study what our ancestors used to eat. All these processed foods like wheat are not good for us. Lets go back to the Paleo Diet. Be a modern day hunter and gatherer.
Question is, Where do we start? I started in my kitchen. Culture and grow my very own probiotic drinks for supply Vitamin Bs, in my kitchen cupboards.