I've tried turmeric but didn't get relief. Were you have side effects from your medication? If not and it was helping I would tell doctor that I wanted the medication back. Almost all meds have side effects but unfortunately we have to deal with them if it provides relief. Maybe even have family doc refer you to rheumatologist or to pain management. Best wishes

I am recently diagnosed and am taking Fish oil, and calcium which has helped in the past, and just added Turmeric. I'm also prescribed Celebrex. I'm still early in the diagnostic process so holding off on more prescription medications until I get x-ray and blood results. I am also diagnosed with BP disorder so the drug interaction issue is a problem with things like prednisone.

I do agree with cdfrance26 about finding a rheumatologist. They are much better at not only diagnosis but also managing these illnesses.

I did tried enbrel once, it provides relief but I had psoriasis like side effect so I have to stop taking it. Does anyone have tried it and experience the same side effect? I did also try topical biofreeze but it only provides temporary relief. I'm taking fish oil (http://visiongroupcorp.com/omega3.html), also did take turmeric and chamomile flower (as tea) these are the all-natural alternative that I am taking. I'm starting to gradually reduce my intake of NSAIDs hoping that these natural anti-inflammatory hold of the inflammation. Checking with a rheumatologist to help you better understand how to manage RA(diet, supplement, stress, prescription meds).

MSM is an organic sulphur compound, give almost instant pain relief in 20 minutes. Athletes and Horse trainers use it to relief muscle aches and for racehorses. If it is good for the horses, it is good for us. It a wonderful substance. I use it everyday. Apply on skin, makes skin smooth and supple. lol!!! another anti ageing secrets!

Another good herb to grow is the Pennywart also commonly referred to in the Nursery as " Arthritis Plant". In other part of Asia, it is better known as "Goto Kola".
Some have sworn, chew 2 fresh gota kola leaves per day, keeps back pain away... lol! have not tried it yet. But I have bought bunches of gota kola leaves from asian shop, juice it and drink it like a refreshing herbal drink. Loads of chlorophyll, vit Cs and antioxidant. Grow it in my garden. Actually, this Pennywort drink is available in a soda can, commonly sold in Vietnamese restaurants and grocers.

I am taking cayan, turmeric, ginger and fish oil all at my rheumatologist recommendation. Along with the prescription meds she had me on.
As for as your "family Dr." telling you to stop taking it. I would change family Dr. if I were you. Yes there are side effects, but there are also side effects to almost every medication on the market. My RA Dr has taken over most of my care at this point. I trust her and she is very open about using alternative medications. She if from India and like so many Dr.s from other countries understand how herbal products had help certain types of illness.