one more thing...has anyone with RA seen a lower RF factor or ANA as a result of taking LDN? My research suggests that MTX and LDN may work against each other because MTX is a suppressant and LDN is to "rebalance" (for lack of a better term) the immune system.

I really am glad I found this group! Thanks everyone!

Hi nomorera, I take LDN for RA. I took MTX, Sulfasaladine, Plaquanil and Sulindac on a regular bases & hydrocodone & steroids for flares. All these meds did a number on my stomach. Now I just take 4.0 LDN nightly. Since I quit the RA meds, I'm not under a Rheumatologists care anymore. So I don't know if RF factors or Set Rates or any labs have changed. I also don't know if LDN reduces or stops the RA damage to the joints,

Here are the things I do know, LDN has eliminated my severe morning stiffness (lasted until 2 PM). I rarely have a flare and when I do it's mild compared to what they used to be. The swelling in my ankles is mostly gone and I can walk better because the balls of my feet are not on fire and mostly pain free. Reduced swelling in all my affected joints.
I hope you get to try LDN. Good luck to you :)

NomoreRA, I forgot to mention........awesome username, love it :)

Thanks littlemac. I just got off the phone with a relative of a friend of mine. He AND his wife are on LDN and have been for 1 1/2 years and are thrilled with the results. He has lymes, she has graves. They are almost symptom free. He started after a hit with H1N1 and couldn't recover. Started on LDN and his condition improved within 30 days. He gave me some great information, referrals etc. I am really excited.

i have found, both from my own medical needs, and in sheparding my daughter through a heart transplant and it's follow-up care, that one has to be an advocate for oneself. if you want to start using LDN, educate yourself, and TELL your doctor you want it. whatever your condition, it's yours, and you need to be in charge of your care.

Thanks zenhead. I am really learning how to be my own advocate. I called my Rheumy today and told her about LDN and the book "The Promise of Low Dose Naltrexone Therapy" by Elaine Moore. Then I called my primary care physician and left a message with her as well about looking into LDN (I think she will be more receptive to it). If neither of those avenues work I will keep trying until I find someone who WILL prescribe it.