Rheumatoid Arthritis

The trick is to repair faster than you're damaged.... but how?
I have been an anti-aging proponent since 1982, when I first read the
book "Life Extension" by Durk Pearson and Sandy Shaw -- but we used
to use 18 GRAMS of arginine a day in Durk and Sandy's Power MakerII
to get the effect we wanted because the mix wasn't quite correct.
There's an awesome 21-minute TV news video from ABC News and FOX TV
News that features HGH human growth hormone therapy, that requires
the Real Video player.
http://real20.audiovideoweb.com:554/ramgen/avbb1006/reverse.rm It's
well worth the download even on a slow telephone line to fully
understand this principle.
If you don't have the FREE Real Player 8,
ftp://ftp.avtlg.ru/util/RealPlayer8Basic_Std_SKU.exe
ftp://ftp.fh-furtwangen.de/win32/multimedia/player/realplayer-8.0/rp8-
complete2-u1-setup.exe
A new anti-aging product made in Canada is out that is patented in
the US to increase growth hormone production. It safe and free of
side effects - it is the exactly correct amino acid mix, not bovine
HGH itself. No other amino blend releases nearly this much HGH
according to measured parameters in clinical studies.
Anyway, the significance of this anti-aging product is this: Don
Waechter, one of the clinical nutritionists I know who works in a
large clinic with several doctors and a couple of chiropractors and
reflexologists, says he has personally seen dozens of people start
getting results in only two to five days. He says that when it's
given to people with real bad rheumatoid arthritis and chronic
fatigue or myalgia it produces very compelling results, and that in
all his years of practice he has not seen a single therapy produce
this caliber of result so quickly.
Further, it does not interfere with drugs, because it's essentially a
food. What's more, the human growth hormone natrually induced in your
body comes from your own pituitary gland, and the whole process is
self-limited by a feedback loop. In other words, you can't create any
more than 100% of the potential of your system.
The science behind it is that regardless of your supplement intake,
if you don't have the growth hormone release you should, your body
can't repair and recover as fast as you're damaged because adequate
growth hormone levels are an absolute requirement to do so. Some
people have naturally low levels, and adult levels also taper off
after about age 25 until they are only about 50% of that when we're
50, and 25% at 80. Some 80-year olds have only 10% of healthy levels
and that explains a lot. Hormone levels are involved in every process
and raising those to youthful values will allow not only faster
healing but reduced aging, increased energy and stamina, durability,
and muscle tone, organ and tissue quality and function across the
board.
There are many amino mixes on the market that purport to do this. I
have read medline studies that indicate otherwise. I read somewhere
that SomaLife, the one I chose because the data is behind it,
increases HGH by up to 1200%, where the earlier, simpler mix
clinically studied in 1981 produced up to 700% higher levels of HGH,
somatomedin A levels increased by 300%, and insulin increased as
well. This early research is posted on:
http://www.lef.org/growthc.html
There's more to it than that but it looks like this probably is the
most important thing missing in our therapies generally. I am an
ozone therapist as you may recall, and I intend to deploy this also
in my own practice. I know that our antioxidant glutathione
production also falls with aging and I personally feel that the
relationship between this and falling hormone levels should be
checked out.
This product has about 94% reorder rate even in healthy people and
that kind of speaks for itself. Corporate info and order at
wholesale: http://asomaworld.net/duncancrow
I've written a couple of 1/2 page newspaper columns on this subject
in the context of anti-aging, that I'll forward to anyone who wants
them, along with data on what percentage of people get effects from
HGH therapy.
Duncan
duncancrow at shaw.ca

I wanted to introduce myself ~Im Maggie ~ and from Enfield CT ~ Im 43
years old, single mother to a 7 year old girl ~ fairly new to the
area ~ I was just diagnosed with Rhumetoid Arthritis ~ RA factor is
332. I just underwent a complete body bone scan and waiting for the
news! I have been in alot of pain ~ both hands and feet are very sore
~ I was put on Voixx ~ 25mg per day ~ dosnt seem to be doing anything
~
I am doing my homework ~ and have learned alot ~
I hope I can be of support to all of you ~ and looking forward to
talking to others in the chat ~
(hugs) I was glad to find this group ~ thank you ~
Maggie

Hi. I'm Pam and have RA now for 3yrs, so far the only meds that work
for me are pred and vioxx. I have tried methotrexate but after 4weeks
I end up with some infection some where so that is out. My doctor
can't get beyond that drug she said if I can't take it I won't be
able to take the others. Anybody have any ideas. I'm 42 and live in
south Texas and don't have anyone to talk to that can understand what
I'm living with.

Just wanted to let everyone know that I SO appreciate everyone's kind words & welcomes & I hope to get into the swing of posting more. But for now, I need to let my hand/fingers rest b/c I'm in a HUGE flare & the pain meds aren't working. That's the pits about this disease. You find all these wonderful folks to talk & share with BUT if your hands are screwed up, it's hardern'hell to *talk* to them. I have a talk/type program but haven't used it much. It doesn't work too well in email. In any case, I'm reading as much as I can (can't stay at the pc too much b/c I get stiff & can't get up :)))

Wishing you all a pain free day & I'll check in later! Promise!

Renae

Hi everyone,
I just found this group and I've been reading some of the posts. I'm
not sure I have RA so I'm trying to learn everything I can about it.
Last summer I had the flu and it affected my joints. My dr. said it
would clear up in six to eight weeks, which it did. Then in November I
woke up one morning and couldn't bend my legs. It felt like someone
was shoving icepicks in my kneecaps. My hands and hips hurt, too.
Over the next couple of weeks I saw several doctors and had blood tests
done on five separate occasions. All the tests came back normal except
for one that showed an RF of 34.
Since then I've been seeing a rheumatologist. He told me RA can
develop as the result of a viral infection like the one I had last
summer. He put me on 400mg of plaquinil and 1200mg of ibuprofin a day.
I feel fine except first thing in the morning. I wake up stiff and
achey and my hands hurt. I noticed that I wake up with my hands bent
way back or curled under, even though when I go to bed I lie in the
yoga "corpse position" (hands at sides). I'm wondering if the way I
sleep has anything to do with how I feel when I wake up, and why I bend
my hands like this when I'm asleep in the first place. I always ache
when I get out of bed, but within minutes I feel fine, even before I
take my pills.
I'm also worried about taking so much ibuprofin for months on end. I
know it causes liver damage in high doses, but my rheumatologist says
I'm not taking enough to do damage. And what are the side effects of
plaquenil? I'm not sure I need to take these drugs. The dr. always
comments on my "swollen" knuckles, but I've always had big bony hands.
I'm really confused and wonder if I'm doing the right thing by
continuing on the drugs. I'm the kind of person who doesn't like to
take anything unless I really need it. I'd appreciate any advice.
Thanks,
Grommie

Thought I would take a moment and introduce myself - just joined yesterday. I'm 58 yo, raised 5 children as a single mom, 7 grandkids (and every one of them the most beautiful in the world - obviously <g
I take the normal flow of scripts for RA - plaquinil, trexate, Elavil, folic acid, pain meds, predisone, neurontin (for unexplained tremors), Nexium & Wellbrutin (for the day to day depression in dealing w/this disease). Currently I'm going through lots of test to determine what's causing lots of tummy & rib pain. One test revealed I have gallstones -UGH! And another showed there is lots of calcium built-up in lymph nodes in my breast. Next is an endoscopy. UGH again.

My main passions in life are my precious grandkids (that range from 13 to 7 mos.). No *real* hobbies, but am an avid fan of Nascar (Jeff Gordon is my fav driver -;)) & hockey (Dallas Stars). I've been able to attend several Nascar races over the last 6 years. I strive daily to keep this disease from getting me to the point where I can't enjoy life. I am a list owner of several Nascar lists & have made some life long friends through them. In fact, through one of those lists, I have been blessed to meet IRL some members. We've bonded some wonderful relationships through that. Currently I'm redecorating my home. Slowly but surely, I'm getting furniture painted; antiquing picture frames, etc.

I have found over the years that humor & a positive attitude makes living w/this horrible disease a lot better. I look forward to *getting to know* some new friends here :-)))

Renae

Barbara Kinney wrote: Congratulations on your remission!
How has placquinel been for you, other than the remission? Any side
effects? My rheumies are thinking of this as the next step for me, they
said its milder and I have been having infections on the methotrexate. I
really hate to stop the mtx to because its been the only med that has
really helped me since aspirin. Good Luck & God Bless, Barbara
--------
Hi Barbara,
I haven't had any side effects from the hydroxychloquine (placquinel)
or the mtx. I do have to have my eyesight checked every 6 months
because of taking the placquinel but so far there hasn't been any
problems with either drug. Thanks for the luck and blessing and I hope
you have the same results I've had.
Chris

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Hello group,
Can anyone tell me how high a positive RF can go? Mine in Jan. was over 900
with a sed rate 65. I continue to have joint flare ups with crippling pain.
My muscles are constantly sore with my fibromyalgia. I see a rheumatologist
through the county system. I am on Choline Magnesium Trisall &
methotrexate. He is trying to get me on Arava but now I am afraid to take
it with the recent articles out about it. I was diagnosed Jan. 99 and just
recently had my 2nd judicial hearing. My lawyer & I made sure the judge got
the last lab results showing the positive RF over 900 & sed rate increased
but in the dr notes post these lab results, My R dr still charted "mild ra"
which upsets me as I have a lot of bad days being crippled up. My RA does
not "FEEL" mild!!!! After 3 yrs & no better off from the diagnosis, I feel
my drs should be helping me out with my SSD by charting notes to support my
disability. I'm at my wits end knowing what to take to make it better,
knowing if I don't get approved I need to work & right now I don't think I
can.
Donna

Hi, I am 37 years old and was dxed with RA at the age of 30. A few
years ago I was retested for RA and the doctors told me my rheumatoid
factor was negative. However, I was still having the joint pain.
Since the test was negative they came up with the diagnosis of
Fibromyalgia. Two weeks ago I was retested again at a different
medical facility and the rheumatoid factor was positive once again.
All during these seven years my Sedimentation rate has been
elevated. Does anyone know of this happening where you will have a
normal RH factor then an abnormal one. It seems I stay in pain and
am having problems sleeping. I toss and turn all night while in
pain. If anyone can make any suggestions I would really appreciate
it. Thanks for listening and I am glad to be a part of your group.

Hi Everyone.

Just thought I would check in and wish everyone a Safe, Happy and Healthy Easter.
Best Wishes to all.
Debbie.
(Australia) xxxx

Here's a site that features Medline articles which show the link
between arthritis - both types, and low glutathione.
Other Medline links on this page show that the other degenerative
diseases and infectious diseases also are linked to low glutathione
levels.
http://members.shaw.ca/widewest/medline_links.html
ciao
Duncan

Hi Everyone,
I've just found your site today. I've belong to a group for
spondylarthropy and paid little attention to the fact I had RA for
the past three years, as I thought the spondylarthropy was more
devastating.
From reading some of the posts here, I think the RA is probably
causing more of my life changing problems than anything else.
For five years, I was told I had fybromyalgia. Then three years
ago, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthristis, osteoprosis
and undifferentiated spondylarthropy. Now, as of last week, the
diagnosis has changed to Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoprosis,
Degenerative Disc Disease, Sacroilitis and "possible"
spondylarthropy.
My pain has always been throughout my body, but the worst of it
is in my spine, hands and legs (from pinched nerves in my spine
I think). I have no tissue left between the joints in my hands and
ankles and my spine is rapidly losing the support between the
vertebrae. I have a large lump in my neck where my neck is
starting to hump over from the degeneration. Now, my hips have
also become involved where I have a hard time sitting or
standing or walking or pretty much doing anything.
What didn't fit with most people with spondylarthropy was all the
other immune system problems that I face. I catch every virus in
the country, have a hard time recovering from infections, and
have strange reactions to most drugs.
The Rheumatologist has tried methotrax and plaquenil and I just
suffered miserably while on them - like a non-stop flu bug. I've
suffered from three occurances of a rare form of cancer and the
oncologist believes it's due to my immune system being
defective.
Does this sound like most people with RA? Or should my doctor
be looking for another immune disorder as the cause of all my
difficulties?
Laura
P.S. It's nice to find you all here. Thank you to whoever started
the group.

After living a "decent" life, my time on earth came to an end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house.
The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat at the defense table. As I looked around I saw the "prosecutor." He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen.
I sat down and looked to my left and there sat my lawyer, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed familiar to me.
The corner door flew open and there appeared the judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as he moved across the room. I couldn't take my eyes off of him.
As he took his seat behind the bench, he said, "Let us begin."
The prosecutor rose and said, "My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell." He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and in the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own lawyer, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about. As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at my representative who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I have been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I've done?
Satan finished with a fury and said, "This man belongs in hell, he is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise.
When it was his turn, my lawyer first asked if he might approach the bench. The judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned him to come forward. As he got up and started walking, I was able to see him in his full splendor and majesty. I realized why he seemed so familiar. This was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior. He stopped at the bench and softly said to the judge, "Hi Dad," and then he turned to address the court. Satan was correct in saying that his man has sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, this man deserves to be punished because the wages of sin is death." Jesus took a deep breath and turned to his Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, "However, I died for him on the cross so that he might have eternal life. He has accepted me as his Savior, so he is mine." My Lord continued with, "His name is written in the book of life and no one can snatch him from me. This man is not to be given
justice, but rather mercy." As Jesus sat down, he quietly paused, looked at his Father and replied, "There is nothing else that needs to be done. I've done it all."
The judge lifted his mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from his lips.....
"This man is free. The penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed. As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, "I won't give up, I'll win the next one." I asked Jesus as he gave me my instructions where to go next, "Have you ever lost a case.?" Christ lovingly smiled and said, "Everyone that has come to me and asked me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, "Paid in Full."
If you do not pass this along to 15 people immediately, absolutely nothing will happen to you. No curse, no bad fortune, absolutely nothing. Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend, (as I have done here), will bless you both, that is what Jesus promised us all.
Now have a good day my friend and keep each other in our prayers this Holy Week.

Hi Folks,
Healing thought's are sent to those who are in pain and continued good
health for those who are not.
I am a 49 year old female living on the east coast of the USA. My
partner and I have been in a happy relationship for 22 year's, we have
two Furkids (large dogs) a Weimaraner and German Shorthaired Pointer.
My RA story: I was working for a large chemical corporation when I
was struck with this weird and not normal pain in my shoulder in June of
1994. Within two weeks the pain had spread to both shoulders, knee's,
hip's, hands, neck, left elbow, right ribs and right foot.. My PCP
pumped me full of anti inflammatories, pain pills and cortisone shots.
I couldn't perform my job because of the pain, I'm sure you all know how
that adds to the stress!! In July she sent me to a Rheumatologist and
the test came back positive for the RA gene. Right away the doctor
started me on Methotrexate and there was improvements but it took
month's of suffering before the medication had any effect. By then the
disease had zapped the strength from my body and my job required
physical work, which caused continued joint swelling. The company I
worked for offered me an early medical retirement in 95 and I took it.
In 96 I had another horrific flare up and the doctor started me on
hydroxychloquine (placqunil) and I'm happy to say I've been in remission
since then. So that's my RA story.

Hi everyone!
My name is Deb Toms and I am 34 years old. I have suddenly found myself
off of work and unable to do much of anything. My symptoms started in
January with a sore and stiff neck. My PCP said it was stress and told
me to take 800 mg ibuprofen (this did not help). About a month later
my knees were so stiff and painful upon awakening that I had difficulty
getting down the stairs. Within a few days I noticed pain in my
wrists,ankles and my chest as well. My appetite is very poor and I have
lost 11 lbs in 3 weeks. I have had a low fever at times. Within a week
I couldn't get out of bed one morning. I went back to my PCP and they
ordered some blood work. They tested me for Lupus and Lyme's Disease
(both negative). My Ced Rate was 90 but my RF Factor was negative. My
doctor is now convinced that I do not have RA. I am not as confident.
My husband is a nurse and I have been looking through a lot of his
nursing books and discovered that 20 -25% of RA patients have a negative
RF factor. I have an appointment next week with a RA specialist and
hope to know more after that but in the mean time, I would appreciate
anyone's input.
I work in a warehouse and work 12 hour shifts where I stand constantly
and lift heavy boxes. As I said before I am on Short Term Disability
for now and my joints are not as bad, but I have not done too much the
past week. My joints start to hurt more if I am on my feet for just a
few hours. My PCP has me on Relafen and Ultram for pain but I am not
sure they are working very well.
Thanks for your help.
Deb Toms

Debbie,
I will pray for you..
Ellen

Hello all, new member here. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis
two years ago. Now at age 37 I want to have a child (I don't have
kids). But I'm single and don't think I could take care of a child
alone plus the meds I'm on right now I'm advised NOT to try and get
pregnant (methotrexate(folic acid), prednisone, and naproxen for
pain).
If anyone has any suggestions please let me know. Thank you.
Marenda

Hi Everyone.

Well the Arava did not work. It has only made everything 100 times worse. It FAILED...........
I have been in hospital and only came home on the week-end. My specialist is very, very upset with them sending me home so early. He said things can still go either way at the moment.
My R/A is so bad I don't think I have ever had it this bad before and my Crohns disease is fully out of remission. The only place they did not find it was in my rectum.
The depression and pain is driving me and the rest of my family up the wall. I am crying all the time and yelling at everyone. All I want to do is hide away from them so I don't hurt them anymore.
I can't stop the migraines either.
I am going back on the Methotrexate as of this Friday but he said it will still take up to a month for things to look like settling down again.

I will talk to you all more later when things start to pick up as it is taking all my energy to type this and it is getting hard to see past the tears.

Love to all and best wishes.
Debbie.
(Australia).

This Antibotic therapy seems to go along with the theory that many or maybe
all illness is basically from a virus, or bacteria gone astray in your
system. The antibotics makes sense to me.
There is also a co. called DVC, merger of Dupont and conAgra, that developed
the technology based on passive immunity that chickens pass onto their
young..these chickens are innoculated against human pathogens and their
young have the special antibodies and immune co factors....We ingest and USE
to fight off what is ailing us and prevent further attacks..... Since
Antibotics are becoming resistant, this makes sense to me. And I've seen it
work for many different things, I wonder if RA would be helped too!
Ellen

(This article is reprinted from the Cowichan Valley Citizen newspaper)
Arthritis reversal just a supplement away
Body Electric
Many people who called me about Arthritis had missed the previous
articles or not grasped their importance so here's the information
presented in a new way. Although a "cure" for arthritis has not been
proclaimed, there is a large body of knowledge about how to reliably
slow or stop its progress, and a smaller body of knowledge on how to
reverse the cartilage damage. The gist of it is that it's an
oxidative stress illness, often associated with age-related
spontaneous degeneration. Antioxidants and drugs to suppress the
inflammation are being employed with varying degrees of success. The
missing ingredient is the master antioxidant and detox enzyme,
glutathione, as the following (peer-reviewed) Medline articles show:
From "The glutathione defense system in the pathogenesis of
rheumatoid arthritis", "The results support a hypothesis that defense
mechanisms against reactive oxygen species are impaired in RA." J
Appl Toxicol 2001 Jan-Feb;21(1):69-73. Another article asserts, "GSH
deficiency or oxidative stress plays a role in disease pathology,
e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's disease, hepatitis, liver
cirrhosis, septic shock and diabetes." In an article titled "Free
radicals in chronic fatigue syndrome: cause or effect?" from
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, New South
Wales, Australia, "We have demonstrated that certain morphological
and biochemical changes occur in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and
in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These changes in RA can be explained by
the well-established inappropriate increase in free radical
generation. The similar changes in CFS suggest a similar explanation
and a possible role for free radicals in the aetiology of this
condition." And from the Biomedical Research Centre, Ninewells
Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Scotland,
UK, "Increases in the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species
(ROS), frequently referred to as oxidative stress, represents a
potentially toxic insult which if not counteracted will lead to
membrane dysfunction, DNA damage and inactivation of proteins.
Chronic oxidative stress has numerous pathological consequences
including cancer, arthritis and neurodegenerative disease.
Glutathione-associated metabolism is a major mechanism for cellular
protection against agents which generate oxidative stress. It is
becoming increasingly apparent that the glutathione tripeptide is
central to a complex multifaceted detoxification system, where there
is substantial inter-dependence between separate component members.
Glutathione participates in detoxification at several different
levels, and may scavenge free radicals, reduce peroxides or be
conjugated with electrophilic compounds. Thus, glutathione provides
the cell with multiple defences not only against ROS but also against
their toxic products."
What the researchers are saying is that we are oxidizing until it
compromises our health across the board. This degeneration is the
free radical theory of aging in a nutshell. Although this is an
arthritis article, the degeneration will be obvious in more than one
area, your weakest points. You can stop this process, and stopping it
requires nutrients, not drugs.
You know from this and previous articles that we can get the
inflammation and free radical damage under control with glutathione
precursor HMS-90. Now let's regrow that degenerating cartilage. For
that you neeed a non-drug product that's guaranteed to do exactly
that or your money back. The product also controls Th2 cell mediated
inflammatory response by increasing Th1 memory cells like one of HMS-
90's properties. The last time I wrote on this in August, after
trying it for less than 2 months, one lady has taken off her knee
brace and is able to go walking on the trails all day, climb stairs
and such that she said "just wouldn't have happened last year."
Another lady has removed and stored 2 knee braces and is giving her
wheelchair back to the Red Cross after using this product for only
two months. She had already had four surgeries to each knee but was
degenerating badly. Far from being crippled, she can now walk for
miles. Both these ladies are pain-free for the first time in more
than 20 years. Their testimonials appear on the local website
www.zeek.ca, which has started to mount my articles including a
longer one about this product, called Collastin (non-drug fibro and
arthritis relief). Email me for the free ebook "At Last Collastin".
Because this therapy regrows cartilage, thus reversing the damage,
and because cartilage usually takes a long time to degenerate, the
relief obtained from a three month program can last for several
years. Of course, a person who practices good nutrition will respond
better and more quickly because he will have the other components,
the vitamins, minerals, proteins and all that readily available. You
can't rely on a therapy to work if you're killing yourself with bad
diet and poor lifestyle decisions.
Collastin is not available in stores. The MSM and the glucosamine
hydrochloride (you could also use Recovery for that), the vitamins,
the minerals including selenium and boron are all available at local
stores, and the HMS-90 glutathione precursor (Immunocal in the USA)is
available from distributors. You can find it on a google search on
the Internet www.google.com.

My wife has a lump on her breastbone about the size if a silver
dollar. It is hard and very painful. It hurts mainly at night but now
it hurts during the day as well. She wanted me to ask you that if
from anyone's experience this sounds like a possible manifestation of
her rheumatoid arthritis.
Thank you
Hal

I can only imagine your pain and my heart goes out to you.......I think
doctors are human and don't always know the best route for serious ill
people, much of it is an experiment, which is kinda scary when they are
dealing with you.
I will continue to pray for your relief from pain.
Anne, email me privately... so I can tell you about something that may at
least help with the quality of your life...
Many Hugs, Ellen

Hi everyone,
Has anyone tried acupressure for their arthritis? I have been feeling
well lately and I thought I'd try something new. Massage has worked very
well for me and this is similar, although you don't have to take your
clothes off. I'm going to try a local certified acupressure therapist
before going to the doctor again (I know he'll just increase my meds).
Take care,
Stephanie

MRSA is not new and as a nurse, I have cared for
patients with it. So please do not feel like you are
a leper who should be closed up in your house. Being
that Remicade lowers the immune system, you could
pretty much catch anything while on it. I am not
condeming those who take it though because I
understand how desperate one can be to just get some
relief from RA. Please keep an open mind with my
suggestion-Have you ever tried antibiotic therapy?
Strengthening your immune system is what you should be
doing. Antibiotic therapy follows the idea that an
infectious agent is causing a majority of these
autoimmune diseases. You can get more information by
doing a search for the Road Back Foundation, a site
based on this therapy. Rheumatic.org is also another.
The testimonials are amazing and there are also
several books available, the best being The New
Arthritis Breakthrough available at Barnes & Noble
.com This therapy, a simple antibiotic, has saved my
life. Agressive RA hit me right after having my son.
Caring for him was a nightmare and I had no idea what
was wrong. A year later, severely anemic, and very
weak, I found out I had agressive RA and a few other
things. Having my new baby kept me from considering
suicide as more than just a fleeting thought. I can't
believe how I am now. Running with him and playing
with him like other normal moms. I am almost in
remissioon and I know I will get there some day. My
RA factor has plumeted and joint pain is seldom,
compared to having been my everyday torture. A kind
woman told me about antibiotic therapy and her
remission story of 6 years with NO sign of disease. I
knew I had to give it a try so I did. I'm so glad I
did! Please check out thse sites I listed. It has
changed my life and it may indeed be your answer too.
There are scientific studies that support this method
as well as actually finding several infectious germs
in the joint fluid of those affected. Remember that
Lyme disease acts very much the same way and is caused
by a spirochete germ. You should get a western blot
Lyme test to rule it out since it very much mimics RA.
Studies show that 86% of 240 RA patients studied had
exhausted immune sytems most likely caused by
infections. Feel free to email me personally. I hope
you will give antibiotics a try. Sounds like it could
be just what you need with so many infections present.
~roseanne~

This is what I meant to send.

Diane.

Irish wish/pass it on
THIS HAD BETTER WORK!

We can all use the luck of the Irish... and bad luck I can do without!!

IRISH FRIENDSHIP WISH

You had better send this back!!!! Good Luck!! I hope it works...

May there always be work for your hands to do;
May your purse always hold a coin or two;
May the sun always shine on your window pane;
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;
May the hand of a friend always be near you;
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

OK, this is what you have to do.... Send this to all of your friends!
But - you HAVE to send this within 1 hour from when you open it!

Now.................Make A wish!!!!!!

I hope you made your wish! Now then, if you send to:

1 person --- your wish will be granted in 1 year
3 people --- 6 months
5 people --- 3 months
6 people --- 1 month
7 people --- 2 weeks
8 people --- 1 week
9 people --- 5 days
10 people --- 3 days
12 people --- 2 days
15 people --- 1 day
20 people --- 3 hours

If you delete this after you read it .... you will have 1 year of bad
luck! But...if you send it to 2 of your friends ...you will
automatically have 3 years of good luck!!!

Happy saint patty's day.

Diane.

The subject line says it best..I've been for the most part a silent member to this list, but since returning from my primary today I decided perhaps my misery might be of help to someone here..I learned 2 years ago I was honored to be listed in the ranks of having RA.That was the best news I have had since that day. For the past 2 years I had pain, sores, opened wounds on my legs, below the knee.the pain is beyond description, I call it my living hell.I have been diagnosed with Pyroderma Gangrenosum and have already gone through 3 surgical debrisements and skin grafts without any positive outcome. My wound care doctor and rheumatic doctor decided "remicade" is for me.It used for moderate to severe R.A. and has recently been discovered it works marvels on pyroderma and severe wounds and lesions that will not heal.
During my first infusion of remicade I ended up flat on my back on the floor in the doctors office.it seems remicade is a bear on a patient who has asthma. They had to inject me with a steroid and benerdryl to get my breathing back to normal with oxygen,then continued with the infusion. My RA still has me in horrid pain, but after the 3rd infusion of remicade the pyroderma on both legs are reducing in size as well as amount of pain. Last week I woke screaming from the pain, the infectious disease doctor did a biopsy on the legs and the results came back that i now have tested positive for M.R.S.A which is the newly dreaded illness nurses and care givers are concerned. it can be contagious, it is painful and they now are deciding what to do with me, either put me in the hospital with anti biotic iv's or allow me to lock myself in my house and have a line put into my arms for the iv anti-biotic drips to be given at home with a visiting nurse. whats my point in boring ya'll is,
do NOT allow remicade to be given if you have opened wounds and skin infections. The doctors are *positive* the remicade was the factor and more harm than good was done to me. I am a 47 year old white female, and I will confess I am so tired of hurting, I forgot what it is to have a 24 hour period of no pain. Several times I have seriously thought of taking my life..It would stop my pain, it would make life easier on my daughter who at the age of 19 has become my rock.
If anyone has experienced what I have please write me, I need advice, I need advice from someone who is living the hell I am.I am seriously getting to my limit with these doctors. There is an expression, "they don't know their as$ from the elbow".
I hope someone here can suggest what I might look for in a new doctor perhaps. I live in south FL. Any advice would be appreciated and I hope I might have helped or at least made someone here aware of what our illness does...
Anne

Here is some info about Fibromyaglia.
Steph
Healthy Woman Newsletter from ABCNEWS.com:
Fibromyalgia: It Hurts All Over
By Roz Puleo and Amy Malick
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that baffles many. Before 1990, it did not
even have a name, yet many doctors were seeing an increasing number of
patients with its hallmark symptoms: muscle pain throughout many areas of
the body, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Today, about 4 million Americans have fibromyalgia, making it the No. 2
two most common chronic pain condition behind osteoarthritis. Ninety
percent of these 4 million are women, and most are Caucasian.
Fibromyalgia is often frustrating to both doctors and patients because
very little is known about its causes.
Some speculate that fibromyalgia is caused by an injury or trauma to the
body. There have been reports of people who have developed fibromyalgia
after getting into car accidents or after having surgery.
Fibromyalgia is a condition where there is a breakdown of the bodys
buffering system that helps people deal with stress. They become
hypersensitive to everyday stresses that most people are capable of
dealing with," says Dr. Luc Jasmin, an assistant professor of neurosurgery
at the University of California at San Francisco.
This is not to say that stress causes fibromyalgia, but it is why stress
can make it worse, says Jasmin.
Research is still trying to undercover possible causes of fibromyalgia,
which many believe is a nervous system disorder that stems from the brain
and spinal cord. There are a few theories. It seems that the ones that
attribute the cause to the central nervous system have the most merit.
However, some researchers are trying to see if genetics may play a role,
says Jasmin.
Without a direct cause, doctors continually struggle to find effective
treatments for these patients. We as doctors are trained to treat a
localized disease, and it is very distressing when we cannot.
Fibromyalgia is a multi-systemic condition that does not have one good
treatment, because it affects so many systems in the body, says Jasmin.
NO CAUSE, NO CURE, ANY COMFORT?
With all the vague information surrounding this condition, is there
anything patients can do to make themselves feel better?
First, find a doctor who will take you seriously. Some doctors believe
that fibromyalgia is all in the patients heads. It is not. Any doctor
who tells you that is simply not doing his/her job, says Jasmin.
Many believe the best way to treat fibromyalgia is through self-care
techniques like exercise, stress management and sleep management.
At this point in time, self-management is the most effective approach to
relieving the symptoms of fibromyalgia in most patients, says Daniel
Rooks, PhD, director of the Be Well! Tanger Center for Health Management
at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston whom conducts research
on the effects of exercise on fibromyalgia. Rooks research has shown
that through a gradual progression of exercise, people with fibromyalgia
can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Rooks recommends patients with fibromyalgia begin an exercise program
slowly. Even four minutes of easy walking can be highly beneficial to
someone with fibromyalgia who is just beginning to exercise. In fact,
doing too much can cause pain. It is always safer to start gradually and
slowly work up."
Taking steps to minimize your bodys reactions to stress through
relaxation can be helpful in reducing symptoms. Exercise is an effective
way to minimize the bodys reaction to stress. If possible, try to avoid
stressful situations.
Because sleep disturbances are also common in those with fibromyalgia, it
is important to try to get yourself on a regular sleep schedule.
Establish a nightly routine that gets you to bed at the same time each
night, which over time may improve the quality of your sleep.
People with fibromyalgia can do a lot more to manage their health than
they think. Regular exercise, stress reduction and sleep management can
lead to improved function and reduced pain in many cases, says Rooks.

Hello All,
I have joined this group to find some insight and support.
My 21 year old stepdaughter was diagnosed with RA last year. Her
name is Amber. She also has asthma and additionally began using
heroin before she was diagnosed, but is continuing to use for pain
control. She is trying to conform to a methadone program, but
everyday is a battle. The pain and depression overwhelm her, and she
talks about taking her own life. She has the opportunity to begin
Remicade therapy, but she is focusing on the listed side effects.
She is afraid she will not be able to have children after taking the
Remicade. The anger, depression, and pain take its toll on her and
everyone around her. From where is stand, the benefits outweigh the
risks, BUT I WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!
I can empathize, but I can never truly understand what she is going
through. I have fibromyalgia so I know about pain everyday. I only
know that if there was a medication out there that could take it
away, I would do it.
I can't get her to go to any support groups in the area. She is very
skeptical of the internet because of some of the strange things that
happen in chat rooms. If I could read her some messages from people
that understand, maybe it would be a good source of information and
hope for the future.
I guess what I am hoping is that someone could picture in their mind
what they would say to their own daughter. Could anything you know
or have gone through help her? Your thoughts and kind words are
greatly appreciated.
Here's hoping!
Rowan

Hi All!!!!!! I just got home from work, and am really feeling
achey....(yet, here I sit typing!!) I am up to 20 mg of Prednisone/day,
and am STILL so sore in my wrists and fingers. Doc wants to start me on
Embril.....I have filled out the paperwork as there is like a 12 week
waiting period for this drug. Any suggestions? Anyone ever use or using
this med? Thanks to all-sherri

My mothers doctor is wanting to start her on this. She is 76, badly
crippled. But the main side effect is upper respiratory infection and
she has emphysema.
Anyone used this and had success/problems. I want to help her decide
if the help given outweighs the risks.

My mother's doctor is recommending this. I'm concerned as one of the
primary side effects is upper respiratory infection and she has
emphysema.
Would like to hear the experiences of anyone who has taken this.

Hello everyone. I am new to this group and new to this ailment. I
have not yet beenn diagnosed but I have been doing some research and
find I have a number of the symptoms. Over the last 6 months or so
they have worsened immensely - to a point now where more often than
not I don't feel I can even get out of bed, let alone go to work. It
started a year or so ago with a really general, not at all
specific "blah" feeling. Not exactly sick, but certainly not well.
I have had issues with depression before that were treated
successfully with anti-depressants. While the medication for
depression eased the sypmtoms immediately, they soon returned and
have grown progressively worse. I have scheduled an appointment with
my regular doctor for next week. Any advice you could offer would be
a great help.
Thanks-
Lana

PLEASE FORWARD THIS ON........

When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard. My kids see flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff you can wish on.
When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money and I look away. My kids see someone smiling at them and they smile back.
When I hear music I love, I know I can't carry a tune and don't have much rhythm so I sit self-consciously and listen. My kids feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words. If they don't know them, they make up their own.
When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk. My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing.
When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that. My kids say, "Hi, God! Thanks for my toys and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight. Sorry, I don't want to go to Heaven yet. I would miss my Mommy and Daddy."
When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets. My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross and worms to play with.
I wonder if we are given kids to teach or to learn from?
No wonder God loves the little children!! Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
My prayer for you...
Mud puddles and dandelions, and may God bless this day for you!
At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure."
Luke 10:21
Have a Great (mud puddle and dandelion) Day!

My Quilt
As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles.
An Angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life. But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares were. They were filled with giant holes.
Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in everyday life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all. I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.
Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose, each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.
My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes... I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and death, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times, I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again.
I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.
Now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light.
A gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, "Every time you gave over your life to me, it became my life, my hardships, and my struggles.
Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let me shine through, until there was more of me than there was of you." May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through.
Please share this with someone you love, care about or even someone who needs Jesus in his or her heart. They may scoff, but at least the seed has been planted, and God will do the rest. May God bless you today and forever.

The url for this article:
FDA Panel Recommends Arava For Adult Rheumatoid Arthritis
was forwarded to you from :
*Doctor's Guide to the Internet* by Debbie . Australia (
dcampbell@... )
To view this article, please visit:
http://www.docguide.com/dg.nsf/DGNews/C26767E8A1BC49B28525665C004B7F13?OpenDocum\
ent&f=y
To view other recent medical news, please visit::
http://www.pslgroup.com/mednews.htm:
Doctor's Guide to the Internet can be accessed at: http:/www.docguide.com
Comment from sender:
Thought this might be of some interest to some of you for the future.
This is what I started on Saturday.
Debbie......x

Hello
I suffer from a form of arthritis ( GOUT ) and have recently tried
this machine. Normally my attacks last 2 - 4 months, But this one was
kicked in 3 weeks. I believe it helped.
Also tried it for back pain, had immediate result.
Beyond The Rife machine, The Crane Device,
The Priore Device& other treatments
The Pap-Imi machine
< Pap Ion
Magnetic Inductor
is far more powerful & focused.
It is used in Europe to as an aid to healing
and for pain reduction.
Currently avail. in the U.S.A.
having been approved for a study.
This ongoing study has been approved by the IRB
(Institution Review Board), Bio-Med of San Diego.
The machine operators undergo full training
in the use of the machine.
The current study results will be gathered
and tabulated by an outside authority,
and then submitted to the FDA for final approval
The PAP-IMI Device belongs to the
same category as the devices of
Tesla, D'Arsonval, Rife, Becker
and others
The modern scientific term for
these devices
is Pulsed Electromagnetic Devices
The PAP-IMI was found to surpass
corresponding devices by a factor
of one hundred to one thousand
times faster and more efficient
The superiority of the PAP-IMI is
due to its unique pulses that are
faster and stronger, with far higher
instantaneous power
(10,000 to 100,000 faster and more powerful).
The PAP-IMI pulses are of smaller duration.
These results to less heat energy
to be distributed out,
avoiding thermoplexy and thermal damages,
while the phenomenon of
biological synthesis takes place
The Pap-imi machine is
becoming available in many states
and has been in use in
europe for many years.
( There are several here in S. CA
& we can inform you where else
The Pap-Imi Machines are located )
Join to learn more about the theory,
use of, treatments with
and purchase of the Pap-Imi Machine

Hi everyone.
I am just writing to let you know I started a new medication 3 day's ago to try to get this form of RA under control.
It is called "Leflunomide" or ARAVA.
I don't know what they call it over there or if it has been released but it has not been on the list over here in Australia for all that long.
My specialist has no idea what to expect to happen to me as they have never tried it on someone with my rare form of RA.
The more common side effects are eg: Diarrhoea, Rashes, Itching and temporary hair loss.
The more severe one's are eg: if skin or whites of eyes become yellow or you bleed or bruise easily I could be developing a liver problem.
The even more severe are eg: if my skin becomes pale and I start to feel tired, I become prone to infections I could be developing a blood cell disorder.
There are other side effects apparently so they said if I notice anything to report it to my specialist immediately.
The common one's are just a matter of adjusting my medication but the more severe, I have to stop the treatment.
I am really hoping that I don't get any side effects as I would love for something to finally work properly.
I have about a 3 week gap between coming off the Methotrexate injections immediately and these tablets starting to work and I am already starting to ache form head to foot all the time. I could not sleep last night but I was warned that this will happen and to make sure I had a lot of pain killers on hand.
I am tired of this pain everyday and not being able to do anything with my children.
I am sure the specialist's would be happy as well to find something that works on this type of RA. I suppose I am some sort of experiment to them.
My doctor is a really nice and very understanding guy. I should have gone into hospital for at least 4 day's to start this off but he know's what I am like with hospital's. He waited around for the company to write the prescription and then got it filled for me and delivered it up here to my local medical centre so I could meet him last Saturday and he gave me all the instructions and the book on the med's.
He gave me his direct number and pager number if I get into any trouble.
I am a bit worried about the side effects but I know he will not let thing's get out of control for me.
I do not have to have the Methotrexate injections now which is one less needle a week. He said if my Crohn's Disease starts to come out of remission I will have to have small doses again to get it under control. The Methotrexate also work's for that as well so I really have my fingers crossed for that. When that is out of remission I don't know what is worse. I would rather give birth to 10 children at once than feel all that again. I went through far to many years of that.

If anyone has heard of this medication before or of someone on it would you please let me know as I would love to be able to talk to them and what they experience with it.
Thank's for listening and I will keep you up to date with what happens.
Please keep your fingers crossed for me.

Happy Thoughts All
Debbie.
(Australia) xx

SPECIAL DELIVERY
Sally jumped up as soon as she saw the Surgeon ome out of the operating room.

She said: "How is my little boy? Is he going to be O.K.? When can I see him?"
The Surgeon said, "I'm sorry, we did all we could."
Sally said, "Why do little children get cancer, doesn't GOD care anymore? GOD, where were you when my son needed you?"
The Surgeon said, "One of the nurses will be out in a few minutes to let you spend time with your son's remains before it's transported to the university".
Sally asked that the nurse stay with her while she said Good-bye to her son.

Sally ran her fingers through his thick red curly hair.
The nurse said, "Would you like a lock of his hair?"
Sally nodded yes. The nurse cut a lock of his hair and put it in a plastic bag and handed it to Sally.
Sally said, "It was Jimmy's idea to give his body to the university for study. He said it might help somebody else," and that is what he wanted.
I said, No at first, but Jimmy said, "Mom I won't be using it after I die, maybe it will help some other little boy to be able to spend one more day with his mother".
Sally said, "My Jimmy had a heart of Gold, always thinking of someone else and always wanting to help others if he could".
Sally walked out of the Children's Hospital for the last time now after spending most of the last 6 months there.
She sat the bag with Jimmy's things in it on the seat beside of her in the car. The drive home was hard and it was even harder to go into an empty house.
She took the bag to Jimmy's room and started placing the model cars and things back in his room exactly where he always kept them.
She laid down across his bed and cried herself to sleep holding his pillow.
Sally woke up about midnight and laying beside of her on the bed, was a letter folded up.
She opened the letter, it said:
Dear Mom,
I know your going to miss me, but don't think that I will ever forget you or stop loving you because I'm not around to say I LOVE YOU.
I'll think of you every day mom and I'll love you even more each day.
Some day we will see each other again.
If you want to adopt a little boy so you won't be so lonely, he can have my room and my old stuff to play with.
If you decide to get a girl instead, she probably wouldn't like the same things as us boys do, so you will have to buy her dolls and stuff girls like.
Don't be sad when you think about me, this is really a great place.
Grandma and Grandpa met me as soon as I got here and showed me around some, but it will take a long time to see everything here.
The angels are so friendly, I love to watch them fly.
Jesus doesn't look like any of the pictures I saw of Him,but I knew it was Him as soon as I saw Him.
Jesus took me to see GOD! And guess what mom? I got to sit on GOD'S knee and talk to Him like I was somebody important. I told GOD that I wanted to write you a letter
and tell you Good-bye and everything, but I knew that wasn't allowed.
God handed me some paper and His own personal pen to write you this letter with.
I think Gabriel is the name of the angel that is going to drop this letter off to you.
God said for me to give you the answer to one of the questions you asked Him about. Where was He when I needed him? God said, "The same place He was when Jesus was on the cross. He was right there, as He always is with all His children.
Oh, by the way Mom, nobody else can see what is written on this paper but you. To everyone else, it looks like a blank piece of paper.
I have to give God His pen back now, he has some more names to write in the Book Of Life.
Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for Supper.
I'm sure the food will be great.
I almost forgot to let you know - Now I don't hurt anymore, the cancer is all gone. I'm glad because I couldn't stand that pain anymore and God couldn't stand to see me
suffer the pain either, so He sent The Angel of Mercy to get me.
The Angel said I was Special Delivery!
Signed with love from:
God Jesus Me.

God Bless You, Love Barbara [INLINE]

Would it be possible for anyone who posts here not send e-mail as an attachment? With all the crazy people out there the last thing anyone of us here need is a virus..Sad to say I've had to delete many responses from the group here due to people sending their remarks and or comments as attachments and not as basic -email...Just a thought..Be well ya'll
Anne

YOUR DAILY MOTIVATION
Wednesday, February 6, 2002
YOU MUST DREAM BIG AND THINK BIG TO BE BIG.

Hello Everyone,
My name is Debbie and I am from just near Sydney in Australia.
I was diagnosed with a very rare form of Rheumatoid Arthritis (Entro
or Enthropathic). This started about 6 years ago but I was diagnosed
around 6 months later after numerous tests. After all these tests I
was told there was no specific medication for this so they just trial
and error with the normal med's for severe Rheumatoid.
There are only around 20 people in Australia with this and less than
500 world wide.
I would love to know if anyone on this list has this form of
Rheumatoid or you know some one.
I don't know what to expect from this in the future and the doctors
can not tell me as there are not enough people in one country to do
studies.
I do not suffer any more or less than someone with bad rheumatoid but
I am finding that there is more to this every month with my own
experiences.
I went off my med's for a operation (total hysterectomy). The doctor
told me to stop them 2 day's before but to start them again the night
after the operation. I was in a lot of pain before surgery but
nothing after. I went back on my med's that night and I thought every
thing was back to normal. I came home 8 day's later and had the first
day at home and I was fine. I woke the next morning in agony and
could not move. I was like this for 4 week's with the local nurse
coming around twice a day to wash me and get my medications.
My family and friend were here to help me in every other way but the
pain was the worst to date I have ever experienced. When I started to
be able to sit and stand with support I had rails put in on the
stairs (out-side)and the shower and toilet. In total I was like this
for 3 months. It turned out it was a major flair up of the arthritis
for which no one was expecting. Not even the Specialist.
I am of interest to the doctors because it is so rare this form and
they don't get to see this.
This effects from my jaw down to my toe's
Great lot of help to me.
I have had a knee reconstruction 4 years ago but it is back to as bad
as it was before and the other knee is just as bad now. My hip's are
a major concern and my feet. I have huge lumps in my muscles in my
arm's and leg's and large dint's. They tell me it is all from this
form of Rheumatoid A.
I have other problems as well. Crohn's Disease, Glaucoma and Eschemic
Heart Disease.
My medication's for the Arthritis are as follow.
Methotrexate Injection's weekly ............25 mg
Dolobid 500mg .............2 tab's twice daily
Plaquenil 200mg ...........1 tab twice daily
Prednisone 5 mg ...........1 tab daily
Has gone as high as 180 mg daily
Folic Acid .............10 mg daily
I was on Celebrex but they did absolutly nothing for me.
My pain med's are.
Panadine Forte....3 tab's every 4 hour's
Endone.......2 tab's as required (usually twice daily)
Tramal.......150 mg.....1 tab twice daily
Morphine tab's 60 mg......1 tab when required
I am on a heap of other medications for my other problems and I am
sure I rattle when I walk.
I have been on these set med's for 18 months now and they seem to be
doing most of the job so far. I still get exhausted very easily and
there is very little I can do with my family but they are very
understanding and supportive.
Sorry to go on and on but I did not know how much you would what to
know straight off.
I hope some-one can advise me and I hope I can be of some help to
others. Just looking to talk this through with others in a similar
situation.
Thank you for taking the time to listen.
Debbie. (Australia)

Hi Kristin, I read your message where you were asking about sed rates
and being diagnosed with RA. It took almost 4 months for me to be
diagnosed with RA. My sed rate was 125 but I didn't test positive
for the RA factor and after 5 years I still show negative for the RA
factor. However, fluid was drained from my knee and sent to the lab
and I guess they determined from that test along with exams that I
had RA. At first they thought I had Still's disease which I think is
generally found in children but it generally goes away within 4
months. I also was found out to have a blood disorder too so I don't
know if my sed rate contributed to that or not. My actual RA dx is
Severe Inflamatory RA sudden onset neg RA factor with myelodysplastic
disorder. I have the kind with anemia as well. Hope this helps.They
also do another test which I think measures inflammation in the body
that is called I think its ESR, I need to look this up to be sure
thats what its called but the dr told me normal is 0 and mine was 13
at the time. However, I think it generally runs around 8 or 9 now.
When I first started the Remicade it went to 0 but its gone back up
after the first treatment, unless they read it wrong in the lab when
it was 0. I hope you don't have the RA, hopefully it's something that
will go away in a short time. I'll remember you in my prayer
tonight. I have several people I pray for and I'll just add you to
it. - Katie

Kristin - I'm sorry I gave you the wrong name of the other test they
do besides the sed rate (ESR). It's called CRP. Anyone out there
getting Remicade - got mine today and my Rheum. is now letting me do
a one hour treatment instead of the two hours. Isn't that great?
Katie

I'm so sorry you are having such a rough time. Reading your email
takes me back to the beginning of my RA in 1997. I have come such a
long way since then. I do credit the remicade I've been on since Oct
2000 for how I'm doing now. I guess since the improvements were so
slow I didn't realize how much I have improved. I do know how much
you are suffering and I can't believe you are on all the drugs at
once that is supposed to help us. I was on the Arava before the
remicade & my dr stopped the Arava before starting Remicade. I'm
still limited in a lot of things and I do depend on pain meds to get
me thru the day. I tried without and suffered so much and got tired
of living in bed so now I'm a strong supporter of pain meds if you
need them. Life is so much better for me and people around me since
I started taking them. I got to the point that I didn't care if I
got addicted to them or not JUST TAKE THIS PAIN AWAY, I'M GOING
INSANE. I respect those who don't want to take them but at the same
time I want to tell them to at least try and see how much more you
can do and how much better you feel which in the long run keeps me
active enough that I don't dwindle away to nothing. If your pain
meds are not helping you, please talk to your doctor or even another
doctor until you can get some relief. I can't remember if you told
me how long you have had RA. I think you do need a 2nd opinion. It
seems like you are on too many of the modifying drugs. Beiing on so
many of them does it make you even more suseptable to infections? I
wish I could send you some of my relief and improvements. I remember
when I had it I think in every joint and even my jaws like you. I
sure lost a lot of weight not being able to eat. Once on the
prednisone tho, 20mg for almost 3 years, it didn't take long to pork
out and I do mean pork out. I went from 110 to 165 in about a year.
I'm 5'2" and my face looked like it belonged on a person that weighed
twice what I did. I've lost some of the weight now that I've got the
prednisone down to 5mg a day. Hoping I'll keep losing on the lower
doses. But at this point, my weight is the least of my worries. The
meds I'm on are: Prednisone 5mg, Paxil 20mg at night, amitriptiline
25mg at night, Oxycontin 40mg 3x a day, Norco 10-325 2 twice a day,
Methotrexate 25mg injection once weekly, Fosomax 70mg weekly( for the
osteoporosis from prednisone) Vioxx daily when pain is super super
bad, multivitamin,mineral daily, 1,000mg Vitamin C daily, 1500mg of
calcium daily, Previcid (for the bleeding ulcer I got from meds)
Hydrea 500 mg every 3 days (for blood disorder) and iron supplement
if anemia gets too bad. A couple of months ago I started taking
Royal Jelly, a supplement from bees and it really helped my fatigue.
At first I didn't think it did that much, but when I didn't take it I
could tell the difference. My husband also takes it and he can tell
a difference if he doesn't remember to take it. I completely
understand if you can't do emails very often. When I have too much
pain I do my emails a little at a time (that's why they are so long I
guess). The only advice I can give you is to try & hang in there.
It took me almost 5 years to get to where I am now (in some people's
eyes that's not very far but it's a long way from living in bed). I
went thru all kinds of meds, the ones you are on even until the
Remicade which I do every 8 weeks. In fact I go in for one this
week. And of course, prayer. I would have never survived without
prayer and I know I had a lot of friends praying for me too. I
remember you in my prayers every night so I hope you feel a little
benefit from them. Please, plese keep me informed when you feel like
it and remember to talk to someone about more pain relief. Once you
find something that works for you (that took a lot of experimenting
too) you'll at least be able to enjoy life again. I hope your 2nd
opinion doctor will know just what to do for you. God Bless-Katie

Hello,my name is shelly evans.i was wondering if this group also deals with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.my 12 year old daughter alisha hasnt been diagnosed yet,but was referred to a rheumatologist at geisinger medical center in pa.she has been having pain in a few of her joints and her sedrate was 43 with normal being 0-20.i dont know anything about this disease and would love to know what to expect for more testing and what to expect for her future if she does have the disease.can someone please help?thanks in advance!

Harry and Shelly Evans(adult hypo) parents to-
Keith-12/5/86
Alisha-12/28/89
Ryan-9/17/93-3/11/94-infantile hypophosphatasia
Chyanne-6/7/96
Sierra-5/25/00-infantile hypophosphatasia,multisuture craniosynostosis,hydrocephalus,shunt placement,august 7,01,failure to thrive.CVR,FOA-oct.25,01,shunt revision,g-tube-nissen-dec.11,01,developmental delays
http://www.geocities.com/shellyeus/family_pictures.htm

I was just wondering if anyone knew the tests, results etc of any
bloodwork they had when they were diagnosed, or if you just got the
diagnosis. I don't have any diagnosis for RA, but im thinking that is
where we are heading. I have an elevated SED rate, a positive ANA with
"speckled and homogenous" pattern and im in miserable pain. Anyway, I
see my new doc tomorrow, and hopefully a rheumatologist from there,
but I wanted to start getting some input from you guys.
Thanks
~Kristin

In my opinion, you ALWAYS need to investigate a product.... Look for
Patents!!! That seems to be one of the keys, because the process of getting
a patent demands that the product prove what it is claiming to do.

hi everyone, just a quick note to say thanks to everyone who sent
messages to me, i am slowly getting used to the fact i have
rheumatiod arthritis, i am now trying to give up smoking( i can't
afford to smoke plus it's no good for my health), i have been
drinking heaps of water and eating carrot sticks to try and fight the
cravings, they have not been to bad today mostly when i am on the
computer or phone anyhow bye for now, i hope everyone is well
audrey

Leslie, thanks for taking the time to let me know I was doing good on
the pc. When I was able to work, I worked on computers but only did
data entry. Didn't have access to the internet or email or no fun
stuff. I can't believe how much information is on the internet. I
have to be careful and make sure I don't believe everything I read.
I'm very gullible when it comes to believing people at their word.
I've been disappointed quite a few times, especially with believing
in the Miracle Cures you get in the mail once its found out you have
an illness. I probably spent enought to buy a new car the first
couple of years I was first diagnosed and guess what - I still have
it and the money I sent them for the product or book I was stupid
enough to buy I'm sure made a nice car payment for them.I sure don't
know how some people can sleep at night taking advantage of sick
people just trying to feel better. I wasn't really looking for a
cure just a little relief would have satisfied me. Sometimes I find
myself questioning products or medications that are legitimate since
I fell for all the useless stuff. I guess that's the way they make a
living and people like me are paying their bills. How are you
getting along with your arthritis? What meds do you take? God
Bless - Katie

Hi Carla- I'm sorry to hear that you are having problems enough with
your hips that you may have to have them replaced. I'll give you a
rundown on my experiences but I don't know if they are typical or
not. Because of the high doses of pred. I now have osteoporosis
which is probably why I had to have the first hip replaced. I fx my
hip and I don't know how it happened. It just started huring soooo
bad and I couldn't walk. Went to er & they found fracture, didn't
fall or anything-the thing just broke. This replacement was a
breeze. The post op pain was not as bad as the pain I had been having
in it and I was so glad to have that pain gone. A few months later
my other hip started hurting and I just kept taking more pain pills
until the pain pills were not helping at all ( I was taking 80mg of
oxycontin twice a day and Vicadin extra strength 2 every 4 - 6
hours. I don't know why I waited so long since the first one was
such a success. I think the thought of having 2 artificial hips kind
of frightened me and I was wondering how I would know how to walk on
2 artificial joints. Anyway, the pain got the best of me and I had
it done. Please don't let how this one went scare you off, just talk
to your surgeon before hand about controlling the pain. Since I had
been on such high doses of pain meds before this surgery, the pain
meds after the surgery did nothing to help me with the post op pain.
They have these little buttons you push when you need pain relief and
it delivers what has been programed to give you. I made the nurses
mad because I kept pushing the button every few minutes and finally
they called my surgeon and he added I think it was torodol to
whatever he had been giving me and that helped a lot. I don't know
how much pain meds you are on now but check with your surgeon and
tell him/her if you are on high doses so they can do something
different. Anyway, I didn't get the same results from this surgery
as I did the first and I think its because I waited so long to get it
done. It's been about 8 months since the last one and its a lot
better now and I'm glad I went ahead and had it done now but when I
first had it done I wish that I hadn't had it done. Does this make
sense to you? (lol) The surgeon said the 2nd hip wasn't as stable as
the first one which is why I had a few problems which didn't make a
lot of sense to me because the first was done due to a fx and I would
have thought that one would have been the one to give me more
trouble. I guess that's why he's the dr and I'm not. I'm telling you
this not to frighten you but to inform you so you can maybe take care
of it before. You will be on a walker for awhile and it's not hard
to get use to it. You will need a raised toilet seat which I still
use and something you can use to pick things up off the floor ( I
have what they call a golden retriever. My husband bought it at
Walgreens and it was about $30). The raised toilet seat I think was
only about $15 and I have the one that sits on top of your toilet and
can be removed when others need to use it. I also had to use a device
to help put my socks on because you have to keep your hip straight,
no bending. Make sure you have pillows to sit on if your furniture
sits too low. If you don't have grab bars for the shower, and its a
tub shower you will need help getting in and out of the shower. I
have a shower seat that my mother-in-law gave me that has handles on
it and I was eventually able to start using that to assist me in and
out of the tub shower. A therapist will work with you before you come
home ( I was in the hosp. about 3 or 4 days) and then a therapist
came to my home and worked with me on my exercises and make sure
things were set up properly. I was supposed to have someone home with
me at least the first week but we just couldn't afford my husband
taking off work anymore and he just made sure I could heat my lunch
up in the microwave and attached a basket to the front of my walker
so I could carry things in the basket. I didn't tell the dr or
therapist I was going to be alone because I was afraid they would
make me stay in the hosp longer and I wanted to get back home. I made
sure I could do things for myself and I carried the phone in my
housecoat pocket in case I needed to call someone for help. I had
people calling during the day to check on me. I hope I've helped
answer your questions and not confused you or frightened you. It's
my own fault for waiting too long on the last one. I think I was
waiting for a miracle not realizing that the surgery itself was the
miracle. Let me know what kind of medicines you are taking and I'll
list mine the next time I write. I'll say a special prayer for you
tonight and please keep me informed of your condition. I really am
interested and care. God Bless - Katie

I have severe active RA with sudden onset January 17, 1997, a day I
will never forget, and since every day has been one of pain,
sometimes almost unbearable and stiffness. Telling my story and
experiences would take pages & pages. I'm new to the support system,
and beware new to the pc as well. Apologize in advance for any
mistakes I make, not intentional. Reading thru posts I wanted to
respond to the one having problems sleeping when prednisone was
added. I was on 20mg of pred. daily for almost 2 years and very
gradually I'm now on 5mg. I had a difficult time sleeping on the
higher doses of pred would sleep only 2 hours at a time which
according to my rheum. caused my bad muscle pain, not able to get to
a stage 4 of sleep. Also twice I had mega doses by IV over a 3 day
period and was up for days. My rheum. prescribed 20mg of Paxil and
25mg of amitryiptiline, both to be taken before bedtime and after a
while I did start sleeping a lot better and longer and eventually my
muscle pain is not near as bad. I also was found to have a blood
disorder called myelodysplasia at the same time so I don't know if
some of my symptoms could also be from that. It's a pre-leukemia
condition for which I take a chemo drug every 3 days to try and
prevent developing the full blown leukemia. I control my pain with
oxycontin and norco for which I could not function without. I didn't
take them for a long time but finally got so tired of the pain and
now I'm glad I'm taking them. My life is so much better taking them.
They don't take the pain completely away, but eases it enough so that
I can do a little bit to be productive. I'm on metho. injec 25mg
weekly plus a lot more meds, if anyone wants to know I can tell you.
I also started the remicade a little over a year ago with slow
improvement after several increases-no overnite miracle like some
experience but I'm grateful for any kind of improvement I get. I may
not get to the pc everyday but when I do I will see if you have any ?
for me and I'll read the posts to see if I CAN Offer a little advice
for what it's worth. I am now fighting an infection in my eye from
the same virus that causes fever blisters which sounds like another
member may have experienced. I would be interested to know if its
the same. I've also already had both hips replaced if anyone is
thinking about having that done. Sorry this is so long. I hope to
learn from each of you and hope I can add something for you as well.
God bless you all and I find prayer helps me soooo much. - Katie

Hi everyone - I'm new here so I thought I would just say hi. I was
diagnosed by my gp last week with RA - now awaiting some blood test
results.
I've been reading up on this through the internet and it is pretty
scary stuff.
Although I'm hurting, I do work in an office, a lot on the computer.
Do you think this is hurting me more? or will I be able to continue
in this line of work?
Teresa

[INLINE]
God Bless You,
Love, Barbara

Patients who are currently and have been taking at least 10mg of
corticoosteriods like prednisone and deltasone and have been
experiencing mood swings are needed for a study at UT Southwestern.
Eligible volunteers are needed to test the effectiveness of FDA-
approved psychotropic medication. Participants will be seen once a
week for simple mood tests for five weeks and will receive $60 after
the study is completed.
For more information, call 214-648-4976

thanks to veryone for the advice. i had a painfree xmas and am now
hoping for a pain free new year. i hope everyone has a great new year
thanks again audrey

Hi, I'm writing on behalf of my mother, who has had severe rheumatoid
arthritis for 20 years, and has been on all the standard medications at
one time or another. She's been on Arava for two years, and suspects it
is the cause of, or at least contributing to, her increasing weakness
and heart palpitations. She is virtualy incapacitated some days. Her
doctor doubts these could be side effects of the drug.
Has anyone had a similar experience with these symptoms while taking
Arava? Has anyone tried stopping the Arava and found an improvement in
weakness or palpitations?
Grant B in Ottawa, for Mom in Montreal

The key is short term use of Predizone.. to bring something under control..
but it's long term use is incredibly dangerous... and documented as
such.....
Sorry if I sounded like a professional... everyone should always refer to
their Doctors' and also look into it themselves.. since Doctors have the
habit of not telling us everything... (like long term side effects)..
Ellen Cuffari
Levittown, Pa.
immunewellness@...
http://www.WavoftheFuture.com
SHARE THE VISION....THE IMMUNE HEALTH PRODUCT OF TOMORROW, HERE TODAY!

A New Year's Prayer bell

Dear Lord, please give me...
A few friends who understand me
and yet remain my friends.
A work to do which has real value,
without which the world
would feel the poorer...
A mind unafraid to travel,
even though the trail be not blazed.
An understanding heart...
A sense of humor.
Time for quiet, silent meditation.
A feeling of the presence of God.
And the patience to wait
for the coming of these things,
with the wisdom to know them
when they come.

~W.R. Hunt~

Thank you for being my friend!

You may have read this one before, but it speaks to me every time:
A BABY'S HUG
We were the only family with children in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly eating and talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, "Hi there." He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were
crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he
wriggled and giggled with merriment.
I looked around and saw the source of his merriment. It was a man whose
pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes poked out of
would-be shoes. His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed.
His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so varicose it looked like a road map. We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands waved and flapped on loose wrists. "Hi there, baby; Hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster," the man said to Erik.
My husband and I exchanged looks,"What do we do?" Erik continued to laugh and answer, "Hi, hi there."
Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man.
The old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby. Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, "Do you know patty cake ?
Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek-a-boo."
Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk. My husband and I were embarrassed. We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his repertoire for the admiring skidrow bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his cute comments.
We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went
to pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot. The old man sat poised between me and the door. "Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik," I prayed. As I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching with both arms in a baby's "pick-me-up" position. Before I could stop him, Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man's.
Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their
love relationship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw tears hover beneath his lashes. His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a time. I stood awestruck.
The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his eyes opened and
set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice, "You take care of
this baby." Somehow I managed, "I will," from a throat that contained a stone.
He pried Erik from his chest unwillingly, longingly,as though he were in pain. I received my baby, and the man said, "God bless you, ma'am, you've given me my Christmas gift." I said nothing more than a muttered thanks.
With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husbandwas wondering why I
was crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, "My God, my God, forgive me."
I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul, and a mother who saw a suit of clothes.
I was a Christian who was blind, holding a child who was not. I felt it was God asking, "Are you willing to share your son for a moment?" when He shared His for all eternity.
The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me, "To enter the Kingdom of God, we must become as little children."
If this has blessed you, please bless others by sharing it.

God Bless You,
Love, Barbara

Barbara, that was really lovely....
Angel,
I would tell your Doctor about the sleep problems, sounds like a reaction to
one of your medications..
I wouldn't advise use of Predizone for any long term use.. Its dangerous and
progresses the disease.
Ellen
http://www.theherbspecialist.com/naturalherbs/lifestyle.html
Make your health Priority#1....Free Health Quiz Here!
GIVE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM A GIFT...
http://www.immunewellness.com

hi there everyone, i have just been diagnosed with ra on monday. i am
35years old and i was very distressed with the diagnosis. my mum has
ra very bad and is now on embrel which seems to help her. my doctor
has put me on steriods to ease the pain over christmas and
selexpyrine (sorry about spelling) which is now starting to kick in
but i am having magor problems sleeping. i am so tired but cant
sleep. any ideas? i am going to try some chamomile tea tonight and
see if that works lets hope so. anyhow thanks for listening
audrey

Hello

Here is your Holiday card!

Click here: Happy Holidays Greeting Card

Ellen

http://www.immunewellness.co