A question for people with arthritis?

Question

I was diagnosed with rheumitoid arthritis several years ago and it is now getting to point where it is becoming a problem, I wake up so sore and stiff sometimes it hurts to get out of bed, my hands swell up, every joint hurts and I'm always worn out. Does anyone know of anything besides aspirin and ben-gay that might help?.....I know I should go to the doctor but he just tells me to take some time off and use aspirin and ben-gay, which isn't working anymore.

Thanks for the answers people, I work construction so I'm always moving,and this is really starting to interfere with my ability to do my job, sounds like what I need is a new doctor, mine won't do anything except charge $100 and tell you to take two aspirin,

Tomhiek, thanks but I don't smoke, don't drink , I'm not overwieght and changing occupations after 25 years is not a possibility,I got too many bills to pay.

Answer 1

RA is something I would suggest you aggressively treat, especially in the early stages. Do everything you can to halt progression of the disease--I would suggest you look into Embrel, Humira, Abatacept (Orencia), Remikade, Rituxin and get knowledgeable about your options. (I think each have their own websites.) They deal with pain and some of them also work to slow down progression.
In the meantime, go to a doctor and see about prednisone or prescription strength pain relievers--the only thing is, they will not do anything about the disease itself, and have side effects like weight gain or possible dependency.

Answer 2

As far as alternative therapies are concerned, there is a lot that you can do about arthritis of the small joints. To start with, cut down on anything that is sour and fermented [this will not give more cut to your lowering calcium content in your body.] Next always use hot foods, as they will give a little boost to your blood circulation and digestive system. Preferably dip your hands in hot[bearable]water as and when possible. The next thing that you should do, is to get a pair of a pair of High Power Magnets. Use1 magnet under your right hand/ fingers, and the other pole on top of your hand/fingers, for about 15 mins. or so. Repeat the same with your other hand/fingers. Repeat this 3/4 times a day. In case you have a good Vibrator, use it on both the hands, after having done with the magnets for 5 /10 mins. at a time. You should feel the healing in 48 hrs. Next consult a good Homoeopathic consultant. In case He is not available, try the foll. medicines : Rhus Tox, Ledum Pal, Bryonia, Ruta Grave etc. Next, a electronic Machine called TENS, can be of good help, to get continued healing. Make sure that your bowels are OK. In case of constipation take Nux Vomica or Opium according to the symptoms. All the best and happy self healing. My ID [e-mail]

Answer 3

Imagine for a moment your arthritis completely vanishing right now.

If, in a moment, your pain and stiffness melted away. And your joints all of a sudden functioned like a well-oiled machine.

Like a magic wand was waived, you'd be able to jump up from your chair and run around the room like a kid.

And imagine that you'd never have to suffer as much as a pinch of arthritis stiffness or pain ever again.

I know this sounds impossible right now, but bear with me, because sometimes miracles happen.

It was a gift from a woman on the other side of the world. From the kindness of her heart, she took pity on my suffering and taught me how to completely reverse my arthritis.

Today, I want to do the same for you!

Answer 4

Your doctor's attitude shows why most Americans need to look at alternative medicine. Your doctor is probably looking at you for 15 minutes and tells you the first thing that comes to his or her mind. Take a couple of aspirin and go away!

Look at what you do at work. If you are doing a lot of repetitive work for 8 and more hours a day, you will have a problem with overdoing it

Are you a smoker? Quit if you are.

Are you heavy? Drop the weight.

I live in Maine and my uncles and my dad work in the woods or the factories. Everyone over 50 has a health issue due to overuse. My dad lifts all day and so he had a problem with his back.

So be realistic. If you are older and working a young man's job, consider changing it.
Also clean up your diet and quit smoking and the alcohol.

Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Arthritis is so very painful and I'm sorry to hear you are experiencing this type of pain....if your pain is interfering with the
quality of life you want and is becoming worse consult your doctor honestly about it...so many people abuse pain medication
these days..but some truly need it to help them to function at a
level where the pain is not constantly in the way....so be sincere
with your doctor and if he/she is unwilling to help you find one
that will...and then take whatever medication that is prescribed
for your condition appropriately so you do not have to suffer.
Also...try reading up on the subject so you can know what you
are dealing with and what the alternatives are...do all that you
can besides taking medication to ease your pain..but know that
you are not the only one that lives with chronic pain and you have
to take an ethical stance and have a good doctor to work with
you on solutions...Best Wishes!!!!

Answer 6

hi we have the same problem AM 48 years old but i was able to solve this problem on arthritis. Before i can't even walk up the stairs due to arthritis i have relied heavily on pain reliever tablets to ease the pain. but the problem is my Arthritis keeps on coming back. What i did was to reduce greatly red meat meals in my diet. I ate more on fish, chicken, fruits and vegetable and in some rare occasions eat red meat meal. My Arthritis never came back the reason for this is that, red meat is the main source of purines or uric acid in your blood if you eat too much red meat meals this purines in your blood will lodge in your joints such as knee joints, joints in your foot and fingers etc. making them extremely pain full and agonizing especially going up or down the stairs. So next time you eat your red meat meal think about the pains and suffer rings you will go through after digesting your red meat meal. If you successfully try this more permanent approach you will have a 2nd leash to life. Like as if you are reborn and younger again and you can do most activities when you were younger and sometimes even better because of your better experience and wisdom. Believe me i have gone through hell with arthritis and envied those who can walk smoothly and now am back to a normal and better life. I just follow one rule to avoid arthritis- Reduce red meat intake to reduce pain full arthritis. Good luck and hope you solve your Arthritis problem soon because arthritis is like hell here on earth everytime you move you fell excruciating pain. I tell you LIFE IS BEAUTIFULL THE 2nd TIME AROUND.

Answer 7

Hi there I also have rheumatoid arthritis as well as a disease called ankylosing spondylosis, however I am no longer on any meds and I have been on some pretty heavy duty ones including methotrexate...none however have worked like mangosteen juice. I am off all meds now as a matter of fact!
I would love to discuss this with you, if you would care for more of my story.
Take care.

Answer 8

You need a rheumatology consultation. There are many new medications on the market that your primary care doctor might not be aware of or have lots of experience with. If your RA is affecting your life, you need to do something. The longer you let it go untreated, the more damage you'll have to your joints and the more pain you're going to experience in the very near future. Good luck.

Answer 9

There are, unfortunately, no 'alternative' therapies for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Well, none that work. Save your money and don't use any coral calcium, or glucosamine chondritin pills. They don't work.

If your doctor isn't treating your RA properly then find a new doctor, a rheumatologist. My mother has lupus which has caused her to get RA and she has a number of anti-inflammatories that help her a lot.

Answer 10

Hey! i have arthritis too and i am great. I am taking Humira and i am having a normal life ..i even go to the gym. Why dont you try one of the anti-TNF monoclonal antobodies such us Enbrel, Remicade or Humira? Humira is the most expensive but maybe you have ensurance...Humira changed my life. Is the only one i can take cause i was allergic to enbrel and remicade but if you are not you should try those cause they are cheaper cause Humira is a fully human anti TNF but the other are human and mouse. Take care and any questions..feel free to ask. c u