Arthritis Foundation Forum / Research News on Arthritis / Health and Arthritis Research News

New England Journal of Medicine

AF Dude — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:47:24 GMT

On Thursday, September 11, 2008, the New England Journal of Medicine published a study on arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee.

[url=http://www.arthritis.org/media/newsroom/Knee%20OA%20FINAL%209-1-08.pdf]http://www.arthritis.org/media/newsroom/Knee%20OA%20FINAL%209-1-08.pdf[/url]

mctd?

rat — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:04:52 GMT

I have mctd, mixed connective tissue disease. this is a combination of ra, lupus, and scleroderma. does anyone else have this? I need someone to talk to. please help

My Feet Cramp

Tammy p — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:23:18 GMT

Hi everyone,

I have had feet cramps for most of my life. I remember when I had to run in PE my feet would hurt. I told my mother and she bought me new shoes but it did not help. My feet would mostley hurt in my arches. It felt like I steped on something and it stabed me. I use to get charlie horses in the calfs of both legs. Now that I'm older (44) my feet still cause me pain. Some days my feet hurt on top and it feels like I fractured my foot. It hurts to wear shoes, or to walk. Some swelling and hurts to be touched. This past winter my feet have started to cramp and get charlie horses. I get charlie horses in the bottom of both feet and in my toes, the charlie horse pulls my toes down like a curle. It hurts like heck. when my feet get cold they will start doing the charlie horse thing. I can't even walk bare footed on my kitchen floor. I wear socks to bed and I still get woke up by charlie horses in my feet. The other day I was riding with my mom in her truck and a charlie horse started in my right foot, I could feel it pulling and I moved my leg and oh my gosh the charlie horse went up into the calf of my leg. I said ouch, in pain. My mom said are you okay? I said i will be in a few min. She started to pull of the road i said no I will be okay, talking out of pain. So it did go away but it was sore. Then this past week end I was swimming and got a charlie horse in the calf of my leg and I could not swim. I was in deep water and I grabed onto the boat and started crying. My daughter of 13, said mom are you okay? I said no. So my husband and mother had to rescue me. I told them I would be okay. So needless to say I did not get back in the water without a life jacket. On top of all this I just found out I have RA and my hands and fore arms have had a flare-up. My hands hurt so bad holding on to the boat. I was in alot of pain. Does anyone know what causes charlie horses or what I should to to ease the pain? Could it be RA? Could I have had RA as a child and not know it? Sorry so long. Thanks for reading, Tammy

RA--foot pain only

Chris73 — Tue, 11 Oct 2005 00:27:25 GMT

I've had pain in the bottom of both feet for over 3 years. I had Tarsal Tunnel surgery last summer and then was diagnosed with RA this past winter. I've been taking methotrexate(2.5mg 3x 12hrs apart 1st a wk), Prednisone(5mg daily)and Celebrex 200mg daily. I can get around better but still am limited. Is it common to have RA only on the bottoms of both feet. Where can I get information on this specific issue and talk with someone who has the same illness? Thanks!!

Limbrel

Laurel1 — Sun, 13 May 2007 14:24:17 GMT

Hi,
A friend recommend this "medication". Anyone take it? Please share experiences.

Women needed for Online Survey about Arthritis and Physical Activity

Karen Glazebrook — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:03:10 GMT

Hello,

I am a research coordinator in the College of Kinesiology at the University of
Saskatchewan. I am working for Dr. Nancy Gyurcsik, who was given a multi-study
research grant by the federal granting agency the Social Sciences and Humanities
Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). The purpose of the grant is to study what
may or may not keep women with arthritis from doing physical activity.

We are currently recruiting North American women, at least 21 years of age,
who have been told by their doctor that they have any type of arthritis.

To participate in this study, these women only need to fill out 2 short online
surveys, which can be done from any computer. The first survey takes about 25
minutes, and the second is a 5-minute follow-up survey 2 weeks later.

All participants and their answers will be anonymous. (The University of
Saskatchewan Research Ethics Board has approved this study: Beh # 05-230.)

Women can do the survey online by typing in, or copying and pasting, the
following web address:

https://survey.usask.ca/survey.php?sid=14109

We would greatly appreciate your time and help with this important research!
Please feel free to share this link with friends or relatives who are affected by any form of arthritis.
The more participants we can get for this study the better our information will be.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me (arthritis.study@usask.ca)
or contact the lead researcher, Dr. Nancy Gyurcsik, by telephone (1-306-966-1075)
or email (nancy.gyurcsik@usask.ca).

Thank you very much!

Karen Glazebrook, M.Sc.
Research Coordinator
College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan
arthritis.study@usask.ca

Natural relief ...... that actually works!!

Lynne Costelloe — Fri, 22 May 2009 06:24:14 GMT

As a 12-year sufferer of RA, I have to share with you my amazing discovery that has eradicated my joint swelling, restored my mobility and energy, and most importantly eliminated my pain.

On a holiday to Singapore I came across a herbal remedy promoted to provide relief for joint and arthritis pain within 48 hours!! Sceptical but in my 10th year of suffering on a daily diet of ibuprofen that only takes the edge off the pain, I decided to give it a go and bought my first 10 pills. Recommendation was 4 the first day as a “starter boost” and then 2 a day after that.

I did my boost day (4 pills) on the Sunday; 2 pills on Monday; on Tuesday morning I found I could get out of bed without that delayed "stand" while my knees decided if they could bend or not. Wednesday morning I still had no pain getting out of bed, but tucked the ibuprofens in my bag (just in case). Throughout the day I realised that my wrists were flexing when I took change from a cashier. Thursday I walked and stood for 8 hours of the day at the Australian Grand Prix and was still able to get up from the dinner table without using the table as a crutch. My scepticism was starting to fade - but Thursday night I took the last pill of my "trial" pack. Friday and Saturday continued to be pain and ibuprofen-free days – could this stuff be real?? Then, just when I was getting used to my new quality-of-life, Sunday morning I woke up with throbbing wrists, and knees that didn’t want to bend when I finally got out of bed!

So it was back on the ibuprofen for Sunday and Monday, until I headed back to Singapore and stocked up on the full 30-tablet packs, and the details of the company distributing them in the UK and Europe. AND for those of you still suffering …. there is a no-risk money-back guarantee from the UK guys.

So that’s my story and I wanted to share it with every arthritis sufferer - as I know how life-consuming that “pain & drain” can be. You have absolutely nothing to loose by trying these capsules – totally natural, safe for children from the age of 5, and if they don’t work for you in the first 4 days … you can get your money back.

Don’t take my word for it --- try them for yourself:

www.belinecapsules.co.uk

p.s. my 74 year old mother tried them, after seeing the difference in me, and is now free of the pain of bursitis for the first time in 15 years.

Co-occurring disorders

Dianna89 — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:13:37 GMT

I have been on Humira and mtx for the last year and a half. On 02/13 I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma and advised to stop the Humira. I have yet been advised what I can use for the RA, and have appointments with surgeons, rheumy,and GP. Has anyone else been diagnosed with another problem that "interferes" with their RA treatment or vice versa?

Please HELP

Jessica — Sun, 29 Aug 2004 15:49:28 GMT

Hi everyone. My name is Jessica and I am 22 years old and living with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I am also currently working on my Masters in Physician Assistant Studies and I need your help! I am trying to narrow down a topic for my Master's Research Topic and I think I would like to do it on dairy foods and its affects on Rheumatoid Arthritis. I have noticed that certain foods containing dairy products, such as milk and ice cream cause me to have more severe stiffness and inflammation the next morning. I am trying to use this message board as a pilot too see how many people have noticed that certain dairy foods make their Arthritis worse. **Please e-mail me at arthritisresearch@hotmail.com if you have noticed any correlation b/w your RA and dairy foods. If you have noticed no such correlation with dairy, but you are aware of any other food reactions, please e-mail me this information anyways. I greatly appreciate everyone's help and input. I have been living with RA for 4 years now and I am not only determined to take control of my disease, but I hope to contribute to research which might someday change millions of people's lives.

enbrel sureclick auto injector

Joy125 — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 18:52:02 GMT

Has anyone used this? And does it come in a 25 mg/twice a week dose? Because of the arthritis in my fingers, I have to rely on someone else to prepare and give my shots, but I might be able to manage this on my own.

Adult Stem Cell Cure

Marykins — Wed, 23 Mar 2005 21:41:18 GMT

I'm guessing that you all know about the cure of the woman last year using adult stem cells from her sibling? Has anyone heard any more about that or how we can try that for ourselves?

Positive results from two Phase III arthritis trials

AF Dude — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:54:56 GMT

[font=Verdana][url=http://www.pharmaceutical-business-review.com/article_news.asp?guid=D9DF2BEE-1BD4-4783-9ED4-D83C091271F1][size=2]UCB reports positive results from two Phase III arthritis trials[/size][/url][/font]

Remicade, JRA & UC

Mabel0 — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 19:23:51 GMT

My name is Mabel and I am a 41 year old female who was diagnosed at age 2 with JRA. I've had several joint replacements and have tried almost every medication for arthtritis that exists. I was on Enbrel for seven years and it worked great for me. Unfortunately, it doesn't protect your colon from the inflammation that having an autoimmune disease causes. (This fact was a total surprise to me.) I started having severe to chronic diarrhea at the end of April of this year and have since then been diagnosed with "inflammatory bowel disease," specifically Ulcerative Colitis. I am not responding to any of the pill treatments and have since been switched from Enbrel to Humira. This new injection has properties that protects the colon but I am still experiencing problems with the colitis. My doctor now wants to start me on Remicade and says all his difficult cases like mine, are doing "Great!." I am afraid to try this new biological agent but feel I have no choice because my colitis isn't under control. Due to the chronic inflammation in the colon other problems could arise if I don't do something about it soon. I am just wondering if there someone who is on Remicade who could share their experience with me. I have very bad veins and this is an added concern. Your responses are very much appreciated. Thanks!

Biogen stops work on experimental arthritis drug

AF Dude — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:05:42 GMT

Biotech drug maker Biogen Idec said Thursday it has abandoned development of an experimental arthritis drug after it missed several goals in a mid-stage study.

[url=http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/apwire/a10357badfb40b8eadb906a3f03e59b5.htm]Read the Full Story Here[/url]

Manufacturers of TNF-Blocker Drugs Must Highlight Risk of Fungal Infections

AF Dude — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:59:09 GMT

[b]FDA News[/b]

In our efforts to provide you with the latest news from Washington DC as it impacts people with arthritis, we are sharing the following press release issued September 4, 2008 from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “FDA: Manufacturers of TNF-Blocker Drugs Must Highlight Risk of Fungal Infections”.

[url=http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01879.html]http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01879.html[/url]

The Arthritis Foundation recommends that adult patients and parents of children being treated with TNF blockers work closely with their physicians to understand the risks, benefits and side effects clearly. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, please consult your physician.

Abs Diet for Women helps RA pain

psychgrad2009 — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:23:51 GMT

I was recently diagnosed w/ RA. I'd had all the classic symptoms, and I was looking for anything to help ease the pain until I could get into my first appt w/ the rheumatologist. So I started looking at everything in my life that could affect my arthritis from exercise and diet to stress. I'm about 20 pounds overweight so I wanted to lose the extra weight. I went to the bookstore and settled on the Abs Diet for Women, which is basically just healthy eating. It includes lots of fiber rich fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. The day after I started the diet I noticed a dramatic difference. I had no morning pain or stiffness, no trouble getting out of bed, and my energy level had increased a bit. And this was BEFORE I started any type of drug treatment. I'm not any type of medical professional, but I just thought I'd share this info and hope it could help someone else. If anyone else tries this and it helps out please post. Good luck!

New to Enbrel

Denise135 — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 23:53:25 GMT

I was just prescribed Enbrel today and I am concerned about injection site reactions. I had read on this site ages ago that if you put either heat or a cold pack on your injection site the pain is lessened. I just don't remember which. I would just like to be prepared. I am waiting for a clear tb test and a clear chest X-ray. Can anyone give any advice? Thanks Denise

microdose therapy

himmehill — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 09:21:36 GMT

I received an email about microdose therapy suggesting they can cure arthritis. Has anyone heard of this or is aware of it?

Lung Disease/Fibrosis

vickwhit — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 12:25:31 GMT

does anyone have or know anyone with chronic lung disease/fibrosis caused by RA? I have been referred for lung transplant and am looing for info.

MRA/new study drug

LauraBaudoin — Wed, 12 Jul 2006 16:32:10 GMT

I'm in a study for a new ra drug called MRA. The study is being done at the Baton Rouge Clinic. Is anyone here in the same study? If so can you tell me if it's helping you, side effects you may be having, and what week you might be in.

Thanks
Laura

No Nightshade diet

Daniel3 — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 17:15:35 GMT

Newly diagnosed...is this helpful or not?

Arthritis Focus Group Opportunity in NY, AL, CA and NE

Colleen3 — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:19:33 GMT

We want your opinion on a new advertising campaign that will raise awareness about Arthritis. This is an informal discussion session where we’ll ask you to examine materials about arthritis and give us your honest feedback. Now is your chance to be heard and to make a difference. THIS IS NOT A MEDICAL TEST – YOU WILL NOT BE ASKED TO TAKE ANY MEDICATIONS. This project is being sponsored by the Center for Disease Control, and pays $75 for just 90 minutes of your time. To qualify for the study follow the link below or call us at 1-800-887-0527 for more information.
http://ws4.voxco.com/intweb.dll/online/kelton/KR114008

Groups will be held on the week of February 11th in the Albany, NY area and in the Birmingham, AL area, on the week of February 19th in the Fresno, CA area and on the week of February 25th in the Omaha, NE area.

Talk Talk

Samuel1 — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 18:23:51 GMT

RA affects 1 percent of the U.S. population or 2.1 million Americans. Currently, the cause of RA is unknown, although there are several theories. And while there is no cure, it is easier than ever to control RA through the use of new drugs.
That make us 2.1 million people drug addicts, but legal cause it’s our dependant
That why I call my doctors my drug pushers, Drugs (pain relievers) or Herbal Remedies
It’s our choice, some work and others don’t but we must keep trying forever in search for the relief from pain. Some can live with it and others can’t, no matter what it’s still pain
Sometimes I think what’s next. I’ve gone Herbal and it WORKS so far,
Peace u’all

Anyone live in Boca Raton FL?

Mark0 — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 14:29:31 GMT

You might be interested in this if you live in Boca... Original plans were to open these centers across the country, but they are very expensive to open and operate so they are starting with this one and then we'll see. Hope some of you living in the area will benefit in the spring..

IRVINE, CA--(MARKET WIRE)--Oct 31, 2007 -- HealthSonix, Inc. today announced that it is has selected a prestigious medical center in Boca Raton, Florida, for the first location of its specialty Arthritis Treatment Centers of America [ATCA]. The grand opening is scheduled for the spring of 2008.

The Arthritis Treatment Centers utilize the most advanced, non-invasive medical technologies and combine them with the best of the established therapies to reduce and even eliminate arthritis pain and restore joint mobility. The current treatment programs have exceptional success rates: 4 out of 5 patients report significant pain reduction in addition to greater mobility, more energy, and improved sleep.

ATCA follows the guidelines published by the American College of Rheumatology which recommend the use of nonpharmacologic therapies as a first line of defense. ATCA practices an integrated approach to arthritis care and the Centers are staffed with healthcare professionals from many of the medical disciplines required to address arthritis: Physical and Occupational Therapy; Rheumatology Rehabilitation; Kinesiology; Psychology; and Nutrition.

"In our facilities we promote wellness through a warm and welcoming environment. Our patients have helped us design many of the amenities that make each visit a pleasant and rewarding experience," stated Dieter D. Doederlein, Vice President of Corporate Development at HealthSonix. "With this new state of the art facility we'll be able to effectively service patients in the Palm Beach County. The new center will also double as a showcase facility and a training center for the South East United States. Arthritis is a number one source of pain in the world and population profile in South East Florida fits with the type of demographics we target with our treatments," added Doederlein.

HealthSonix, Inc. is a publicly traded medical technology company, engaged in the development, manufacture, and sale of proprietary medical products and biotechnologies that provide pain relief and muscle stimulation for people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and musculoskeletal conditions related to muscle injuries -- essentially medical conditions where acute and chronic pain, muscle stiffness, poor circulation, and diminishing flexibility are among the underlying symptoms. The company's integrated portfolio of Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") registered products currently in the commercial marketplace includes: enSonix@home; AquaSonix Therapy; enSonixPro; and ZingiberRx pain relieving cream.

More information regarding HealthSonix, Inc. and its products and services can be found on the World Wide Web at: www.HealthSonix.com or by calling the company at 1-877-622-2121.

Test

gingerbread — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 12:55:30 GMT

Sorry, just sending a test email.

CBS Evening News - Arthritis Series

Eric2 — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 08:46:10 GMT

The CBS Evening News is taking on arthritis next week at 6:30pm EDT/PAC. Can you, a parent, friend, neighbor relate to any of these medical issues below? If so, please share these stories with friends, check out the series and blog or comment on your favorite medical site. The CBS Evening News Medical Unit goes through these sites and message boards to find untold stories everyday.

OCTOBER 8-11: ARTHRITIS SERIES - "Boomer Bodies"

10/8 Women's Knees

Device makers are now creating knees just for women (who are more often than men stricken by arthritis, but until now have been stuck with man-sized joints). Dr. Sanjay Gupta will scrub in on a surgery to replace a woman's knee. Her doctor will explain how women's knees are built vs men's and take a pounding differently. This story airs at 6:30m EDT/PAC on the CBS Television Network.

10/9 Resurfacing Hips

Hip resurfacing is the newest kind of surgery for replacing joints, especially good for younger, active patients. It removes less bone than traditional joint replacement. Pain relief is immediate; and recovery is easier. Hip resurfacing is catching on in the U.S. after much success in the U.K. Several new devices are awaiting FDA approval. Dr. Sanjay Gupta will play racquetball with a man who had his hip resurfaced and is back on the court. This story airs at 6:30m EDT/PAC on the CBS Television Network.

10/10 Deep Nerve Stimulation

There's a new way to treat osteoarthritis through pain therapy using deep nerve stimulation. No surgery necessary. The technique is called, "Biowave," and it works better than any other nerve stimulation because it blocks the transmission of pain signals in a specific body of tissue. A pilot study of biowave pain reduction in patients with knee pain concluded that with nerve stimulation, the patients did not need pain medication. Dr. Jon LaPook Reports. This story airs at 6:30m EDT/PAC on the CBS Television Network.

10/11 Gaming

People over 50 are turning towards the Nintendo Wii and other video games (which has proven to be good for the mind, but now also the body) to do everything from boxing to tennis to yoga. It is a great way to have fun and workout, without getting hurt or bored. A huge hit at the AARP Convention in Boston, Dr. Jon LaPook reports on the new phenomenon and plays some games himself. This story airs at 6:30m EDT/PAC on the CBS Television Network.

Significant Development in the Fight Against Advanced Rheumatoid Arthritis

Mark0 — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:30:09 GMT

Hi - this is the announcement I had mentioned, they are already starting in Canada where Healthsonix has several of their facilities where they do AquaSonix. They are setting up facilities in the U.S. now so hopefully it should be in your area soon as well. All they need are warm water therapy pools so if you live near one give a call to HealthSonix and let them know.

HealthSonix, Inc. announced today that the joint marketing program with Abbott Laboratories has commenced in Southern Ontario, Canada. The program is the first of its kind and offers Rheumatologists the option of prescribing "combination therapy" for patients with advanced rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

"The guidelines published by the American College of Rheumatology [ACR] for rheumatoid arthritis state that 'the ultimate goals in managing RA are to prevent or control joint damage, prevent loss of function, and decrease pain,'" said Dieter D. Doederlein, Vice President Corporate Development of HealthSonix. "To maintain joint function, the guidelines suggest that 'regular participation in dynamic and even aerobic conditioning exercise programs improves joint mobility, muscle strength, aerobic fitness and function, and psychological well being without increasing fatigue or joint symptoms.' That is why the combination therapy now offered by Abbott Laboratories and HealthSonix is a significant new development for both rheumatologists and their patients," said Doederlein.

Abbott's biologic therapy works against the inflammatory process like other TNF blockers and has been shown to be effective in controlling symptoms of the disease. The product is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms and inhibiting the progression of structural damage in adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.

The benefits of AquaSonix Therapy for the patient with immunological disorders include provision of a reduced weight-bearing environment in which to exercise; improvement in Range Of Motion; reduction in joint and muscle stiffness; improvement in the willingness to move; improvement in functional strength and functional mobility; improvement in social and psychological factors.

"This new program represents a significant development in the fight against arthritis because the ACR guidelines stress that the combination of medications and non-pharmacological therapies is the optimal way to treat the patients," said Doederlein.

Words of Wisdom?

dirtydesertgirl — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:08:02 GMT

I'm struggling to find the right words to express to friends and family how what I feel is not just a few aches here and there, and I'm wondering if anyone has advice on this. I'm 31 and have had arthritis for 11 years. I still work fulltime and dance (ballet) and play soccer as my body allows, though every day is incredibly hard between the pain and fatigue. Overwhelmed is a good way to describe how I feel much of the time, but I need to work and play in order to feel like I'm still human. Maybe that's why I appear to have not much wrong with me to those around me. My mom still thinks I'll get better if I take the right vitamins. My friend who has a precious two-year old doesn't understand how I can't drop in to visit her whenever she wants company. The way she sees it, if she can overcome her fatigue at running around after a 2-year old, surely I can overcome mine. I don't know what the right words are to help the people around me understand, but I find that it's easier to just avoid people and that's not what I want for me life either. Has anyone successfully navigated these waters?

article on yahoo

tryin_to_live_life — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 01:33:07 GMT

saw this on yahoo, though it's not really big news or anything I though i'd share....

Depression more damaging than some chronic illnesses
By Michael Kahn Fri Sep 7, 1:53 PM ET
LONDON (Reuters) - Depression is more damaging to everyday health than chronic diseases such as angina, arthritis, asthma and diabetes, researchers said on Friday.

And if people are ill with other conditions, depression makes them worse, the researchers found.

"We report the largest population-based worldwide study to our knowledge that explores the effect of depression in comparison with four other chronic diseases on health state," the researchers wrote in the Lancet medical journal.

Somnath Chatterji of the World Health Organisation, who led the study, said researchers calculated the impact of different conditions by asking people questions about their capacities to function in everyday situations -- such as moving around, seeing things at a distance and remembering information.

The researchers assigned a number between 0 and 100 reflecting a person's relative health score.

"Our main findings show that depression impairs health state to a substantially greater degree than the other diseases," the researchers wrote.

The team used World Health Organisation data collected from 60 countries and more than 240,000 people to show on average between 9 percent and 23 percent had depression in addition to one or more of four other chronic diseases -- asthma, angina, arthritis and diabetes.

The most disabling combination was diabetes and depression, the researchers said.

"If you live for one year with diabetes and depression together you are living the equivalent of 60 percent of full health," Chatterji said in a telephone interview.

The findings show the need to provide better treatment for depression because it has such a big impact on people with chronic illnesses, Chatterji added.

"What tends to happen is a health provider doesn't look for anything else but the chronic illness," he said.

"What we are saying is, these people will also be depressed and if you don't manage the depression you can't improve a person's health because depression is actually worsening it."

Re - new combination Therapy out soon

Mark0 — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 13:38:47 GMT

Hi everyone.. Since I had posted the original info about this, I wanted to keep you updated. The company, HealthSonix, is on track to reveal this combination therapy and in another week they will release which drug company they have teamed up with and more details overall. Here is an excerpt from an article yesterday about the company...

The in the field joint marketing program with a pharmaceutical
company is scheduled to commence mid September, at which time the
name of the company will be in the public domain;

As I have mentioned in the past, this will be a combined drug/non-drug therapy that is supposed to work better than either alone. Hope this helps and will help in the future.

Take our survey

AFChick — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 12:12:29 GMT

Please take this survey so we can know how you feel about this site and we can make improvements to better help you.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=47E8ol_2fgwCPT_2bYREtEh_2b3g_3d_3d

Thanks.
Sara

Insomnia and Osteoarthritis Study

Stephen14 — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 14:27:43 GMT

Individuals age 18-65 who have sleeping trouble and osteoarthritis of the knee may qualify for a clinical research study at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Please call 410-614-3396 for more information.

How Good is Methotrexate?

TinaRay — Fri, 07 May 2004 08:48:00 GMT

I'm 41 yrs old and have just tested positive for the RA factor in my blood. I have trouble with the fingers and toes on my left side. Also my birth father had RA. Three weeks ago the dr put me on methotrexate. My hair is coming out and I've developed a 'cough'. I'm also not so sure that I like the idea that it can cause cirosis of the liver. The dr said it 'may' help prevent deformities in the future. Is there research or stories that document that methotrexate actually helps? I am somewhat of a vain woman and I'd like to keep my long hair (& cuturally Native Indians like our hair long); I'd also like to keep my immune system and my liver strong. Any help? Tina

Research on Adjustment to Arthritis

Fuschia1 — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 14:24:33 GMT

Has living with arthritis changed how you view yourself? If so you may be interested in participating in an online study about how your present, past, and future self-perceptions influence your well-being and adjustment to arthritis.

The survey takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, and you can complete it online or have the survey mailed to you. As someone who also has arthritis, I have tried to make the content of the survey as meaningful as possible and I hope that by completing it you will learn something about yourself. By participating you will also be given the chance to win one of several gift certificates from a major bookseller.

If you are interested in participating or for more information please visit the study website at:

http://www.uwindsor.ca/Arthritis_study
The study is open to anyone with any form of arthritis.

Thank you!

family hx autoimmune disorders

Shannon5 — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 12:14:41 GMT

Hi, I am really new to posting messages so keep this in mind, please! I am a 40 year old female, mother of 3, with severe RA that was diagnosed 11 years ago. I showed a positive rheumatoid factor approx. 7 years ago and have been on permanent social security disability for the past 6 years. Prior to going on disability I worked as a registered nurse and unfortunately I took really high doses of prednisone just so I could continue to work. As of now, I am still on prednisone 10mg daily. Although lately I am having to bump it up to 20mg when I just can't stand the pain anymore and even that is only giving me minimal relief! I have been on just about everything out there including numerous nsaids, methotrexate, gold, humira, enbrel, kineret, remicade, etc..These meds would work for a few months, although I have never been able to get any lower than 10mg of prednisone daily, and then my rheumatoid would come back in full fury. During my last pregnancy 8 years ago, I did not go into remission at all even on prednisone during the pregnancy.
Basically if it wasn't for the dreaded prednisone, I would be unable to function daily. My last bone scan showed minimal bone loss in my hips, thank God, but I know it is going to catch up with me eventually.
The reason I am posting this message is I am desperately seeking any info on genetic links to rheumatoid within family members. My family hx has a grandmother with RA, a brother with psoriatic arthritis, a sister recently diagnosed with interstitial cystitis and now having symptoms of RA, my son was diagnosed with polymyocitis when he was 3 (he is 17 now and is starting to have symptoms again), and of course myself with RA. Has anyone ever heard of a family history with so much autoimmune diseases? Also, one interesting fact that may not have anything to do with this but my mother used to work as an x-ray technician back in the mid 60's to early 70's. I know back then they didn't know all of the dangers of radiation exposure and she said that she is now getting questionnaires in the mail (from whomever she receives her license from?) asking if she has had any children or herself with autoimmune disorders, cancers, etc.. Forgot to mention that I had a brother who died at the age of 6 in 1980 with a really rare soft tissue cancer, he was the 6th male in the united states at the time to have that form of cancer. Is it possible that my family has so many autoimmune diseases due to radiation exposure? Another interesting fact is that when she was pregnant with me and was working as an xray tech, she had a very large exposure to a radioactive isotope. She had it accidentally poured all over her while performing some sort of scan. She was sent home from work and when she came back the next day, she was unable to perform xrays on patients because she was so "hot" that the xray machines were reading her instead of the patient.
I apologize for this being so lengthy but I really would like to find out anything I can on my unusual family history and my diagnosis with RA. Sometimes getting answers just seems to help I guess! Shannon J

osteoarthritis

Frankie0 — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 02:22:24 GMT

My mother has osteoarthritis and it is degenerative. A friend told me about a drug used for malaria that has done miracles for her husband. But my doctor said it is only for rheumatoid, not osteo. But my friend said her husband does not have rheumatoid but has osteo and has no pain with this medication. Has anyone heard of this medication?

New Combination Therapy out soon

Mark0 — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 16:45:45 GMT

Article just pusblished thought it might be of interest..

HealthSonix, Inc. announced today that it will commence joint marketing programs with its proprietary AquaSonix Therapy and a biologic therapy medication used in adults to reduce the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis

From the beginning, we have stressed that combination therapy is the future for treating the pain associated with arthritis, and we are indeed pleased that a major pharmaceutical company is partnering with us in an effort to develop the 'treatment of choice' for patients suffering with rheumatoid Arthritis," said Dieter D. Doederlein, Vice President Corporate Development.

The joint marketing programs will commence in September of 2007.

The biologic therapy works against the inflammatory process like other TNF blockers and has been shown to be effective in controlling symptoms of the disease. The product is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms and inhibiting the progression of structural damage in adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.

It is widely accepted that one of the most effective treatments for the long-term management of the symptoms of immunological disorders is physical exercise. However, it has been suggested that weight-bearing exercises -- even exercise considered 'normal' -- can aggravate pain and further promote degeneration in patients with abnormal joints. This is particularly true if the joints have incongruous articular surfaces, poor alignment, ligamentous instability, or altered muscle or joint innervation, as is often the case in patients with immunological conditions.

Unfortunately this diminishes the options for the patient with joint degeneration, which often results in a discontinuation of exercise altogether. Ironically, the ensuing immobility and lack of dynamic joint loading further damage joint surfaces leading to a spiral of immobility and degeneration.

The benefits of AquaSonix Therapy for the patient with immunological disorders include provision of a reduced weight-bearing environment in which to exercise; improvement in Range Of Motion; reduction in joint and muscle stiffness; improvement in the willingness to move; improvement in functional strength and functional mobility; improvement in social and psychological factors.

"This new partnership represents a significant development in the fight against arthritis because the guidelines published by the American College of Rheumatology [ACR] for both rheumatoid and osteo arthritis stress that the combination of medications and non pharmacological therapies is the optimal way to treat the patients," said Doederlein.

New medical shoe for joint pain - Need feedback

Deb4 — Thu, 03 May 2007 15:34:16 GMT

Hello, my name is Bo Zhao, and I am a graduate student at Northwestern University. I am part of a student group that is working with physicians at Rush University Medical Center to develop a special medical shoe. This shoe acts to reduce stress at the knee and hip joins to alleviate pain and promote a more mobile lifestyle. The shoe is aimed to provide the most benefit to those with knee osteoarthritis, but would be helpful to anyone prone to knee/hip pain. The physicians at Rush are starting with clinical trials.

My goal is to gain an understanding of how best to market and get this product out to consumers. I've included a link to a short survey (16 multiple choice questions). It should take less than 10-15 minutes to complete. The purpose of this survey is to learn about your needs and shoe preferences. We need your feedback to help us.

Please copy and paste this link into your browser:

http://FreeOnlineSurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=pepgiuxbift6l7m297665

Thank you for filling out our survey!

need help

Breana's mom — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 16:59:07 GMT

Hello, I am mom to breana who is 6. She is in a protocol at a great place and has been doing really well on her new med(Kineret). BUT I am posting here because of a new movemenet just gathering. We want to help create new federal laws covering kids in protocals all over the country. If a child is responding that child should be able to receive that med in his/her community! This federal law would be for children whom are in the 'rare disease catorgory....many kids are using meds that are not FDA approved but are changing their quality of life!
If you think you might be able to be a 'voice' please contatc me! I am looking to gather voices from MA. I have been in contact with Sen. Kennedy already!
Tracy

Constant Pain

patricia304 — Sun, 09 Apr 2006 00:04:09 GMT

Hi, I'm new to this forum, so please bear with me. I was dx at age 2 with Junvenile Rheum Arthritis and I am now 39. I am in constant pain now, and have gone through pretty much all the meds. I just failed Remicade, and have failed Enbrel after it worked for me for 2 years. Anyway, I have just started Humera and am writhing in pain. taking pain meds, but still not helping. I often run postive/negative blood work, so there was a question iwth my new rheumy if I even had RA. Does anyone else run into this much pain and what do you do for it?