My mom has RA(rheumatoid arthritis) Help?

Question

My mom has had RA for about 16 years She got it right after i was born and she has been on methotraxate(she had a bad reaction to it), embrol(it made her feel bad and she lost amunity to anything) she is currently taking ultram or tramadol and it has been helping her the best and she also takes stereroids off and on when she gets really bad or has a bad swell up. I help her as much as i can nut she goes off and just has to clean or work 24/7 she also sleeps terrible on a goodnight she will even sleep the whole night but usually its no more then 5hrs is there any suggestions for new medications, or natural remidies or just anything. it would help me a great deal thanks so much

Answer 1

Wobenzym may help (THE ASPIRIN ALTERNITIVE by Mike Loes MD)
MSM helped James Coburn (THE MIRACLE OF MSM)
Check out the chapters in Prescription For Natural Cures (Balch & Stengler) and Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine (Murray & Pizzorno) for a load of good advice. Also, try Celadrin capsules and Cream which is all the rage in Europe for RA. (swansonvitamins.com) Good luck!

Answer 2

You are a very loving person. My wife has serious arthritis too. Did you know there are about 50 different forms of it, and RA is one of the most serious? Does she have a doctor that specializes in arthritis? If not, encourage her to go to this type of specialist. Also, some hospitals have what is known as a "Pain Clinic" that can help. One thing that sometimes really helps is a TENS unit. It is an electrical stimulation unit (not a drug) which you attach the electrode pads to the area in the most pain, and you can control if you get pulsating impulses or other nerve deadening impulses to help control the pain. Many insurances will cover the cost! Also, remember that you can only do so much, just love her and it will please her. And I know you do.

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

Glucosamine is a good start but it takes a few months depending on the brand to start getting results. Grape seed extract is another natural anti-inflammatory that can do wonders for arthritis including RA. There is a patented formula that works extremely well.

Answer 5

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long term disease which is caused when the immune system attacks the human body. It results in the inflammation of joints and surrounding tissues. It affects many joints on both sides of the body. More information on RA,home remedies and treatment available at http://tinyurl.com/z5vx5

Answer 6

I doubt if she can get hospice care for arthritis. Hospice is generally used for those with a terminal disease who have run out of or given up on treatment options. It is not a place to seek pain management. Your mom should talk with her doctors and see what other options are available to her. If they have nothing to offer it might be time to change doctors. You do not say if she has osteo or rheumatiod arthritis...but at her age either way she should see a rheumatologist if she isn't already.

Answer 7

If the Ultram and Tramadol helps her pain that's a good thing. Since your mom has had RA for so long, I'm sure she has learned ways to cope with the condition. If she feels she needs more sleep, have her talk with her rheumatologist..5 hours sleep might be enough for her..

Answer 8

I don't know if I can help, but my husband has been on methotrexate for 6 years and he's doing ok with it. Vicodin doesn't do anything, but the Naprosyn works best. The dr wanted to add Humira to the methotrexate, but he said no. He sleeps on and off during the day, has restless nights. We only have one rheumatologist in our medical group and our HMO won't authorize another, so we just work with what we have. Sorry I don't have any suggestions.

Answer 9

My cousin has RA and she takes Evening primrose oil with essential fatty acids. It reduces the swelling naturally and helps with the pain. She has been taking it for years and has had great results.

Answer 10

HAS SHE TRIED GLUCOSAMINE ?? NOT SURE IF THAT IS SPELT RIGHT?? BUT I USED TO WORK FOR A VITAMIN COMPANY AND THE PEOPLE WHO USED TO BUY THIS STUFF USED TO SWEAR BY IT. REALLY FEEL SORRY FOE YOUR MUM.