Rheumatoid 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. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
So I've gone to visit a naturopath.
I love my rheumy, I hate the army medical system, and I wasn't really moving forward the way I wanted. Then I got sick and had to stop the methotrexate. Since the doc heard a heart murmur a couple of weeks ago, I've been afraid to take the NSAIDS and the last time I took a Tramdol, I vomited everywhere and passed out twice. On a plane because of course I can't have that sort of thing happen in private.
So that n-path has been using acupuncture. I've only gone twice, so I'm not sure exactly how much it works, but I'm standing again while I teach (quit that when I got ill with the whatever), so that's something.
He also wants to use herbs and has suggested that based on my really unremarkable blood work that we explore something called "Wandering Bi" in traditional Chinese medicine. Shoot, at this point, I'm up for anything. Wandering Bi sounds a lot like RA.
I'm not planning on stopping my mtx, but perhaps I'll be able to cut back a bit. I guess any meds I get off of could be good.
So I can keep everyone posted from time to time on my adventures down this path. The naturopath is only 5 miles from the house as opposed to 360. That's a plus too.
I love my rheumy, I hate the army medical system, and I wasn't really moving forward the way I wanted. Then I got sick and had to stop the methotrexate. Since the doc heard a heart murmur a couple of weeks ago, I've been afraid to take the NSAIDS and the last time I took a Tramdol, I vomited everywhere and passed out twice. On a plane because of course I can't have that sort of thing happen in private.
So that n-path has been using acupuncture. I've only gone twice, so I'm not sure exactly how much it works, but I'm standing again while I teach (quit that when I got ill with the whatever), so that's something.
He also wants to use herbs and has suggested that based on my really unremarkable blood work that we explore something called "Wandering Bi" in traditional Chinese medicine. Shoot, at this point, I'm up for anything. Wandering Bi sounds a lot like RA.
I'm not planning on stopping my mtx, but perhaps I'll be able to cut back a bit. I guess any meds I get off of could be good.
So I can keep everyone posted from time to time on my adventures down this path. The naturopath is only 5 miles from the house as opposed to 360. That's a plus too.
I have been going to an acupuncture doc for about six months. It has been helpful. I also take Chinese herbs. It is very subtle, I sleep a little better ( why am I here in the middle of the night?). Sometimes I get a sauna right after the acupuncture.
I know it is working, one day I limped into the office for my acupuncture and sauna. I was not limping when I left. It lasted a few days before I started limping again. So, it is helpful.
I still take Orencia,Arava, and tramadol. My Arava was upped again by my new/old Rhuemy.
Good luck, hope it helps you!
Lynne
Might I also recommend keeping a food and symptom journal as well? You might be lucky and turn out to be like myself and nonightshades - where diet is the magic bullet.
I teach freshmen, (and NOT the honors kids) so sitting down is not really an option - if I want them to actually work :). I do get to sit down during this week of state testing. Most of my morning classes are down to two students, and the afternoon classes are brain dead from a three hour test. So its content movies week!