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...
Blood work confirms my remission is over. Also, my rheumy has left the practice. I see another doc under the same practice's "umbrella", and am hoping my experience with him is better than with the office staff so far. UGH! Seriously, I don't want to get back on this train. Has anyone just remained on OTC pain relief with any success and no noticeable joint damage?
No, I haven't been able to do OTC pain meds and not have progression of the disease, not with prednisone either. I certainly understand the frustration. I think no matter what we have to 'pay the piper'. Do it now a little or pay a big bill later. I don't think there is an easier way. If you find it, please share.
Good luck.
Hang in there Kim. I know it's easy to say, and I struggle with the stress as well, but it WILL get better. We just don't know when. It will certainly be a new normal though.
I know another woman, not from DS, who managed to get into remission from watching her diet. Her rheumatologist gave her yearly xrays to make sure the disease was in remission but they forgot about organs it attacked her heart, kidneys and lungs. She is very sick, and said she will never go med free.
I don't know if that is what you are looking for, but I'm the type to take the meds, and not worry about alternative fixes. I hope you find a way to not take meds, but if not, there is no shame in treating this disease with meds. I've been side effects free on many different meds.