Advice for sufferers of Rheumatoid Arthitis?

Question

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis; most of the time I'm fine, but other days my wrists and ankles kill me. My MD wants me to try Methotrexate, but it can have so many bad side effects. Does anybody else think that different foods can affect RA? I stay thin, so weight doesn't seem to be an issue. Any homeopathic remedies?

Answer 1

methotrexate has side effects but is not a terrible drug when managed correctly. I agree with the advise to give it a go. There are many new and improved meds coming out for RA. There is no cure yet. The meds buy you time, so that your joints don't turn to dust in a few years. The biologics are good, but are expensive. If you have insurance, its doable also.

homeopathic remedies are a crap shoot in my mind...and i'm not sure that foods are a big influence. Stress certainly is, as RA is born from an immune system disorder. The more stress you have, the worse the RA.

best to you

Answer 2

I think the pill would be the best solution but talk to your doctor as you seem a little unsure. The pill will regulate your hormones and make sure you bleed each month, this will also make your periods 'normal' in the sense of lasting a normal length of time and bleeding a normal amount and also they shouldn't be too painful. Yes the pill stops you releasing eggs but it shouldn't have an effect on future fertility, when you want to have a baby you can come off it (talk with your doc when you want to do this though) and then if there are any ovulation problems they can deal with them. If the doctor thinks the pill is the best solution then ask them to explain that a bit more, it's really helped me (i dunno if I have pcos but when I was 14 I was told the reason why my periods were so painful and heavy could be due to not releasing an egg) and fertility problems can be dealt with later when you're ready to have a baby, for now the pill will help your periods be regular as clockwork and won't effect your ability to have a baby in the future.

Answer 3

I would suggest really considering what could happen to your joints if you do not take methotrexate. Yes, there are side effects but they are far in the future, can you live with the problems until then?
There really aren't that many homeopathic helps.
They say pomegranite.... but I don't think I would chance not taking the medication that can keep the beast at bay.

Answer 4

Hi.

Excellent question. It is ALWAYS good to get a second opinion. Never let your doctor know about it though. Just tell him/her you're thinking about it.

WebMD and about.com has many articles, forums, and contact information to experts on this. Here's an article on treatment that I think you'll find interesting.

adult treatment:
http://www.webmd.com/hw/rheumatoid_arthritis/aa19572.asp

juvenile treatment:
http://www.webmd.com/hw/rheumatoid_arthritis/aa9793.asp

The link containing the entire WebMD "Rheumatoid Arthritis treatment" search results on Rheumatoid Arthritis is:
http://www.webmd.com/search/search_results/default.aspx?query=Rheumatoid+Arthritis+treatment&x=0&y=0

I hope you find this helpful.

-Leon S

p.s.

" Medications called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that can actually slow or sometimes prevent joint destruction are now recommended early in the course of the disease.9 DMARDs, such as methotrexate, etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab, and leflunomide, can help prevent the significant joint damage that may occur in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis.10 A 2004 study concluded that use of DMARDs resulted in fewer hospitalizations due to rheumatoid arthritis.11 A second study reported that DMARD treatment, begun as soon as possible after diagnosis and continued for a prolonged period of time, may prevent damage to joints and other complications of rheumatoid arthritis."

-from www.webmd.com

You can weigh the trade-offs of each medication.

*MORE INFO:
FYI: On that link I sent you, it lists the side effects of each of those medications.:

http://www.webmd.com/hw/rheumatoid_arthritis/aa19572.asp?pagenumber=2

You'll need to click on the name of each medication. You can weight side effects against effectiveness. Consult with your family and other doctors. WebMD has group forums too.

Best wishes!

Answer 5

Digestive Wellness by Elizabeth Lipski recommends: multivitamin with minerals; Vitamin E 400 IU tid; Vitamin C 1-3 grams a day; Yucca 2-8 tablets daily; Gamma Linolenic acid 1.4 grams daily; omega 3 fatty acids in fish or flaxseed oils; glucosamine sulfate 500 mg tid: ginger 3-7 grams a day; quercetin with bromelain 4 times daily; copper 2 mg daily; niacinamide 500 mg qid; and cider vinegar.
also try celadrin capsules or cream.