Arthritis Foundation Forum / Health and Arthritis Research News / Alternatives / What worked / Latest Posts

RE: What worked

Pip — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:59:20 GMT

Sorry, I don't. What's in it and does it give percentages? Pip

RE: What worked

Jacki DeVaney — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:07:09 GMT

Today I received some information about a product called Joint Advantage Gold. It is formulated by Dr. David G. Williams who publishes ALTERNATIVES newsletter. Does anybody have any experience with this product? Thank you.

Jacki

RE: What worked

Pip — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 01:23:27 GMT

Hey Deb! Not a lot of APers on AF - have you been to www.roadback.org?

Hey Tava - can't help much with OA - have you tried aqua aerobics? They really helped me.

Hey Lauren - I've got some regular epsom salts I was going to try. I'll tell my hubby to get some of the peppermint ones from Kroger when he's back east!

Pip

RE: What worked

Lauren Ellis — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:24:33 GMT

My husband has been suffering with arthritis for over 10 years now and like everyone we have been on a constant search for anything that would ease the pain and discomfort. Recently I was in Kroger and found an enhanced epsom salt product called Pepsom Sports. Epsom salt has been known to relieve aches, pains, sprains, and bruises as well as reduce inflammation. This particular product has spearmint oil added to it which provides additional soothing. My husband tried Pepsom 2 weeks ago and has been hooked ever since. Its easy...just put 2 cups of the salt in a warm bath and soak for 20-30 minutes. He claims that his joints are less stiff and that his level of pain has gone down significantly - all I know is that he has been happier and much more mobile. I just wanted to share this with everyone because it is an easy, inexpensive and natural. Here is their website if you want to find a store that carries it because I know Kroger is not nationwide. http://www.pepsom.com I would be interested to know if this works for anyone else because my husband now swears by it.

RE: What worked

Tava Edwards — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:24:57 GMT

Hi, I was so glad to have found this forum and your post! I stretched something in my hip about three weeks ago and it just never got any better, unable to walk or lift my leg without horrible pain. This past week I went to a sports medicine dr. who x-rayed my hip and said all of the pain was from osteoarthritis and the injury just pointed it out. This seems strange to me as I have had no pain or stiffness in my hips until the injury. Anyway, I could see the worn cartilege on the x-ray but it seems there is nothing I can do except to have hip replacement, or suffer along taking tylenol and nsaids until I can't stand it anymore! The dr. said physical therapy doesn't help arthritis much and that exercise is good except that I can hardly walk or move my leg without pain so I don't see how I can do much exercise. As you know, this is a really depressing diagnosis and of course I don't want hip replacement surgery so any help from anyone would be much appreciated. I don't think a lot of drs. are interested in any kind of alternative treatment! Thanks so much. Maddie Grace

RE: What worked

Deborah Whitfield — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 03:29:57 GMT

Dear Sue 20-

Late night site viewing, and ran across your old post saying you were starting AP in 2/07. How have you been doing???? I just picked up my first script of minocycline today, so I am most interested in your journey since 2/07. Hopefully you visit this site once in while. With no prescription coverage, this 'generic' has an artificially (controlled) cost way beyond any other antibiotic this old. Called around, Walmart was the least expensive @ $66.78 for a one month supply. Gotta love the Big Pharma boys! Ruthless, and that's even too kind of a description of the stranglehold they have on Americans!!

Anyone else having/had success with AP? My treatment has been on hold for six mos. trying to find a rheumatologist that would talk to me about AP, let alone get it going. Only downside is my rheumy says it's imperative to arrest the aggressive track my RA is on in the meantime, which means getting on some heavy hitters. He's 'talking to his pharmaceutical agent' to try to get me free biologics. Can you believe that! I shudder at the thought of biologics and their potential side effects, but hopefully this will work out in conjunction with the minocycline. Can't keep potentially rotting my stomach out with ever-increasing amounts of OTC pain killers just to minimally live, so what does one do?

Too bad it is way to profitable to NOT have a cure for RA and other autoimmune diseases..........:crying:

DC Whitfield

RE: What worked

jessica mattes — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 01:45:00 GMT

Moxxor is a concentrated superfood supplement made primarily from the extract of green-lipped mussels grown in aquaculture farms near the coast of New Zealand. It has been eaten for hundreds of years by the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand who are well known to exhibit a very low incidence of arthritis symptoms such as pain or joint swelling. If you suffer from pain, swelling or other symptoms commonly associated with arthritis, you may benefit from taking Moxxor**.

Here’s what Moxxor users have to say about it:

“I have been struggling with hip bursitis for over two years. The pain was so bad that it would even wake me up in the night. Since the ibuprofen did not seem to help, my doctor said the next step would be steroid injections. After taking Moxxor for three weeks I am pain free! I have also noticed an immense improvement with my concentration and overall skin health. The product is amazing beyond words!” – Eric, UPS driver, Michigan

“The pain is completely gone!"
“For the past two years I’ve had pain in both my elbows and left rotator cuff. (Due to old injuries) The pain in my shoulder was severe. I’ve tried many different health formulas that were guaranteed to work, nothing helped. I was skeptical when I read about Moxxor on NaturalNews.com, but I know Mike Adams does a thorough investigation before the product is introduced to his readers so I decided to give it a try. I’ve been using Moxxor for almost a month the pain in my elbows is completely gone and my shoulder is at least 90% improved. Moxxor truly is a remarkable product.” – Darla Tatman, Founder of Go-Organic-Now.com, Indiana

“Decreased pain and increased energy”
“The first day I took Moxxor, I noticed less pain and more energy. In less than two weeks, I was able to walk my dog for over an hour, when before I could barely make it 15 minutes. One evening, I twisted my wrist. I planned to go the next morning to get a wrist brace. After taking my Moxxor the next morning, I noticed that the pain had disappeared, so I didn’t need a brace. I have continued to have decreasing pain and increased energy while taking Moxxor.” – Pam Dibbern in Houston, Texas

“Sleep has improved greatly!”
“After taking Moxxor for three days I notice a big difference, I’m real clear headed, I just full so much lighter and my overall wellbeing has improved greatly. I’m able to absorb the data from books and other reading materials. At work it’s easier to resolve solutions to different problems, come up with better ideas. I feel my over all brain function has improved greatly. My sleep has improved greatly; I sleep much sounder and I’m able to wake up more refreshed. My, hair and skin is much healthier and seems to glow. My wife has had pain in her side and after a week of taking Moxxor, the pain is completely gone. ” – John, Cambridge Maryland

“No longer sore from hours of digging!”
“In my spare time I dig and mine gemstones, crystals and minerals in the mountains of Maine. One way that I find crystals is by driving an hour and a half into the mountains, hiking for two hours up a mountain with a bunch of digging tools, dig like a machine for hours on end, hike back down the mountain with a backpack full of Amethyst, and my tools, then drive home for another hour and a half. Needless to say, by the end of the day I have incurred some serious inflammation. Doing this before taking Moxor would leave me sore for at least 2-3 days. Now that I take this product, I do not even get sore and can in fact go multiple days in a row with nothing but positive side effects! ” – Seth Leaf, CEO and Owner of Living Nutz Living Organic Foods

“Pain in my back was gone!”
“I have had ongoing back pain for the last 6 or more years due to sitting many hours at work. The last year or so the pain has gotten really unbearable. My sciatic nerve was affected and I could not sit at the computer or the desk to do my work, so I had to stand all day. Within about 4 days after starting on Moxxor I noticed the pain in my back was gone. I quit taking the Moxxor to see if the pain would return, which it did, so I started taking Moxxor again and the pain subsided totally. I took Moxxor for about a month and then quit to see if the pain in my back would return. It did not return!! Since that time I take Moxxor 3 times a day and I have been completely pain free and feel great! I cannot believe that this product is so awesome.” Deb Batty

Keeps up with the kids’ marching band!
“I have been using Moxxor for about 3 weeks. I have good results, if not superior results, to report in pain and swelling abatement. I’m a 62 year old music teacher. I am required to teach general and instrumental music, lead the 4-8th grade band and march with them in the annual Christmas parade. Some days have been an absolute nightmare, trying to keep up with my K-3 music kids and my band and my private students. My job, my ability as a musician and my self respect all hinge on being physically functional. Recently, the parents started seeing a difference in me. Lately, the parents are calling me to find out what I am on, that has enabled me to be so active with the children. ” – Jo Ellard

"Pain free after cancer treatment ”
I am currently working with a 78 year old woman with metastasized stage 4 cancer of the bone. Her progress has been very good but she has been suffering a lot of pain in spite of everything that we’ve tried. I placed her on 10 (that’s right…ten) MOXXOR capsules per day divided into two doses with meals. For the first time in almost 18 months, she is now COMPLETELY pain-free! We went for a walk today. She’s crying for joy. So am I. Thanks. And please thank the guys at Moxxor for us both.” – Jim (requested name anonymity due to medical practice)

Who may potentially benefit from Moxxor?
• Athletes and active individuals
• Elderly patients currently experiencing inflammation
• Adults wishing to enhance their omega-3 nutrition
• Expectant mothers looking for a mercury-free source of omega-3s
• Individuals wishing to support their heart health
• Anyone suffering from the signs of omega-3 deficiency

Moxxor is an excellent source of high-potency marine omega-3 fatty acids, and it may exhibit beneficial support for neurological health, heart health, healthy moods, skin health and many other areas of human biology.

Could Moxxor work for you? Try it! Moxxor comes with a 30 day, 100% satisfaction guarantee. Buy Moxxor Now! [url=https://www.mymoxxor.com/ProductListPage.aspx?ID=mattes4421][/url]

Earn affiliate commissions by recommending Moxxor: You may also choose to participate in Moxxor’s multi-tier affiliate program,which earns you affiliate fees on the sale of Moxxor supplements that you introduce to others. enroll as a Moxxor distributor. Buy Moxxor Now!

RE: What worked

ellen smith — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:34:14 GMT

The thing that's worked best for me has been an arthritis glove! see my signature for more info

RE: What worked

Sandy Mang — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 23:18:10 GMT

I've had good success with watching my diet...no potatoes, nightshades, fried foods, less red meat & including more lentils/legumes. I've always eaten heaps of fruit & veg but my arthritis pain was definitely nil when I lived for a few years in the tropics & walked to the markets each day, only ate fresh organic fruit & fish my neighbour caught right from the ocean. It definitely proved to me that we cause a lot of our own problems! But also the good news was that I also realized we had the power to make the changes too. So when I had to move back to the city I have still tried to be careful....harder though when food has been stored, packaged, chemically treated & travelled long distances. I also research natural therapies, I find every small thing counts.

Re:What worked

Kathy10 — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 13:07:00 GMT

Hi Mark....I stand corrected as far as the FDA goes. You are probably correct with the lives they do save.

I'm not saying the doctors get kickbacks but they do get wined and dined and vacations for their families in order to persuade them to prescribe a certain companys drugs verses the competitions. I've heard this from a friend of mine who sells to doctors. I also know that there are some really good doctors out there who really care about their patients. I have one that I hope I never have to live without. I've just seen both ends of the spectrum.
Thanks for at least considering by 30 day offer of free product. The offer will always be out there to you. Believe me when I tell you that my heart is in the right place. I'm not someone who is trying to build a business on people who are desperate for help. When your excited about something as I obviously am about this, it's just hard not to share. Thanks for listening. I wish you health and happiness in all you do.

Re:What worked

Mark0 — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:11:00 GMT

Hi Kathy. Thanks for your feedback. I agree FDA coverage is not perfect, but we have two ends of the spectrum to deal with - the FDA on one side, and totally unregulated, often untested (Vibe et al seems like they are pretty well tested, many are not however) and unproven. So it's hard for all of us. But we never hear about the lives and money that FDA saves by ensuring products are tested well - it would be probably millions of lives and billions of dollars.

Last point I just want to highlight, is doctors do not get kickbacks from drug companies unless they are doing so illegally. The rules are very strict. People are so mislead about these facts. Get to know a doctor and your viewpoint will change dramatically.

One of these days I might take you up on your 30 day offer - I'm pretty happy with supplements I take for now. But thanks for letting us all know about the products because I'm sure they will help!

Re:What worked

Kathy10 — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 09:36:00 GMT

Hi Mark....I respect your opinion. You seem to be well educated in the area of nutrition. I looked at the web site you mentioned and I agree with the clinical studies. It is a great thing to have and depend on but........as far as the FDA goes, I'm not a big advocate. They have approved drugs in the past with clinical studies that have killed people. Vioxx for one and the phyentenol patch. I know the patch was not the drug companys fault; it was the doctor prescribing it to the wrong patients. I have a friend who works for the drug company. I'm tired of hearing about the perks the doctors get for prescribing their drugs. It's a monopoly. I would much rather believe live testimonials from people I know and love. What makes Vibe so different is they found a way to reduce the particle size of the minerals to angstrom size, that's four times smaller than the opening of the red blood cell. This product does not require digestion and can actually be absorbed through the skin, amazing! Within 3 minutes, it's not just absorbed into the blood stream but into the red blood cells where it is needed. A quote from Dr Linus, Nobel Prize winner in 1954, "Every ailmenet, sickness, and disease is traceable to a mineral deficiency". Getting those minerals into the red blood cells has always been a issue until now. I have seen people helped with psoriasis eczema, fibro, extreme fatigue, athritis, hot flashes, depression, migranes, and healing from surgery's. This is not naming all, but I think you get my point. As you can probably see I'm very passionate about this company. I care about the little person who gets bounced around from doctor to doctor with little to no results. I also beleive that there is no one product that works for everyone, but I do believe this product could help 90% of the people out there at a greater level than with drugs, drugs that destroy internal organs or cause very uncomfortable side effects. I have also been one of those people who has tried several different supplements with no help with side effects of medication or deteriorating health. I can appreciate you being skeptic. I see it all the time, a person needs to be these days. Perhaps you should take my offer of free product for 30 days and post your results on this web page. Contact me at kkurth5499@charter.net or (715)579-5499. You seem to be a good person, so I wish you luck with any direction you take. You deserve to be healthy.

Re:What worked

Mark0 — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:44:00 GMT

Hi Kathy - on Eniva. Just to clarify my point. The studies on the Eniva website are about the food safety and uptake of the products - all extremely important (can you tell I have been a supplement follower for years). However, what I learned is that you never know the efficacy in treating a certain symptom with supplements. There is a reason for that - because they are very low efficacy. Let's be honest, they are not covered by FDA and that is a huge benefit to the people selling the products. They can market them in any way they like. For example, Eniva calls them "clinical testing" but does not tell you in any way how you will benefit. It just shows you the product is safe and that the uptake of the nutrients is higher. Again important, but that same work is done by just about every supplement out there. But not being covered by FDA is also bad for the consumer in some ways because companies are not forced to tell you the efficacy in treatment like drug companies are. You want to know whether a certain population with a specific ailment benefits from the use of a product and if so, by how much. For example, go to wwww.healthsonix.com and click on "our science" and then click on "clinical results". You will see in plane language their clinical results, how the tests were performed etc. This is what is generally meant by clinical testing. Example is 75% of the people with Fibro had a 36% reduction in pain after 15 treatments - it is factual. Not marketing. That is what you want to see because it means that if you use the therapy, it is 75% likely that you will have on average a 36% reduction in pain.

With supplements like Eniva, you never get that kind of information. And believe me, I wish you did - because then we could stop spending money on the ones that don't work and focus on the very few that do - which might be Eniva - I'm not knocking it. But the reality is, they don't often do it because the efficacy rate of most supplements is very low. There are thousands of Eniva's out there and as consumers we have to spend a ton of money trying to figure out what works.

I'm only trying to pass along something I learned after exploring so many products and supplements for many different reasons. I finally learned the only way to have a good idea of the results you will receive is if they have done true clinical testing and are willing to share the results (which by the way if it is good they would be screaming it from the top of the mountains - strange how NO supplement companies do that...)

I hope Eniva helps many people, I just want us all to learn about how we can review a product prior to spending our money. Clearly Eniva is high quality and helps some people. But if they did clinical results testing people with Arthritis, they would probably find that supplements are effective for 10% of the population - I'm totally guessing but that is often how effective supplements are - very low. If you are in that 10% then awesome!! But I personally search out products where it is 80% likely I will benefit.

Good luck in selling the product and hope others will try it and benefit.

Re:What worked

Kathy10 — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:53:00 GMT

Just a word about Eniva.....There are several clinical studies on every single product from Eniva. The two products that I have seen make incredible differences in people with Fibro are Vibe and ATP Pro. It is unbelievable the effect these two products combined have on pain and swelling. Vibe is listed in the physicians desk reference. Also go to Eniva.com. Click on USA. From there, there is a web site for professional/physicians with several clininal studies on everyone of these products. Check out Vibe and ATP Pro on this web site and try the product. If there is anyone out there with horrible symptoms of Fibro that can't afford the product, I will send it to you at no cost for your first month. I only ask that you share your results on this web site. It breaks my heart to see all of these messages for people that need help. I will also put you in touch with a friend of mine who has had the worst case of Fibro/ arthritis I have ever seen. Before this product came along she was unable to even wear anything with a zipper or buttons because of the pain in her hands. She has been unable to perform the simplest task without pain for the last 20 years. She literally has her life back. She is not the only person I know that has been helped. This is a really good company with values that have been sorely missed in our world today. Call me or email me and I will set you up with product at no cost. I don't have alot of money so I can only do this with one person right now. I'm very confident that this product will help 90% of the people who try it. I know it because it has been life changing for me. Phone (715)579-5499 or email kkurth5499@charter.net.

Re:What worked

Mark0 — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 10:59:00 GMT

Not to be counter productive here, because quite frankly if a product works to help one person, then it is well worth it for that person.

But I often check out new products mentioned here. And I just want to note a word of caution. Many of these new products have not gone through rigorous clinical trials and are not FDA registered. I have used a lot of supplements/herbal remedies and overall am a believer in many of them that they offer some help. One I have suggested here in the past is a joint and muscle cream called ZingiberRx. Great product -but also not FDA registered with a lot of clinical trials.

But I mention all this because the one product that has incredible clinical results that I have also used is the enSonix@home by HealthSonix. I have mentioned it many times and mention it here again because I know there are so many new product offerings. And the reality is, enSonix is one of the only ones that has clinical results that are published on their website and it is FDA registered.

Whenever you are thinking of paying for the newest product out there. Demand that you do so only if it has been put through clinical trials and see what the efficacy is. Most supplements and natural remedies are not - for the simple reason that if they were, the clinical results for efficacy would be fairly low like 20% efficacy for example. there are some products out there like enSonix that have 80% efficacy rates. Spend your money on those becuase it means it is 80% likely you will receive the benefit noted.

So Eniva for example.. I have heard of it before, but you notice there are no clinical results published on their website. that means you have absolutely no guarantee of what it will do for you. Not picking on it, but it is more frustrating. Because we have to go through a lot of money trying out all these new products. Would you take a drug if you had no idea how it would work for you? You would not - and doctors would not prescribe it. So we spend a lot of money on new products (myself included by the way) without any support. You can always find people who the product works for to write testimonials. But it is meaningless unless it is supported by clinical trials.

Re:What worked

Kathy10 — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:25:00 GMT

To all of you suffering with Fibro and other arthritic diseases. There is help and I'm so excited to share my story and other people’s stories who have been helped. There is a product called Vibe created by the Eniva Corporation. It has done wonders for me. I've suffered from Arthritis, panic disorder, seizures, hot flashes and chronic fatigue. This product has literally changed my life. The fatigue is gone, mental clarity is amazing, aches and pains are 90% gone. I also have a friend who had lymes disease misdiagnosed for a year. By the time it was correctly diagnosed she was left permantly disabled and has had to live with her mother for the past 20 years. She has Fibro, three kinds of arthritis and unending pain and fatigue. I brought her samples of this product and after 3 weeks she felt an improvement in her pain and after 6 weeks she is nearly pain free, able to do things she hasn't been able to do in years. I'm from Eau Claire, Wi. A bunch of us are currently putting together a support group promoting this company. It's a good Christian company created by twin brother. One of the brothers is a physician. Dr Baechler received his medical training at the University Of Minnesota Medical School with a focus on Family and Community Medicine. He received his degree in Immunology and Medical Microbiology with honors, from the University Wisconsin-Madison. a leading research institution. He has too many accomplishments to list here. Check out www.vibeforme.com/376308. Call me 715-579-5499 or email me at kkurth5499@charter.net. I'm so excited for those of you willing to take a whole new direction with help. I can mail you samples and informational packets, no matter where you are at. Try it and post your results on this web page. It will be a great way to touch as many lives as possible.

Re:What worked

Jennifer84 — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 14:27:00 GMT

Hi BreezyBrenda, I noticed your testimonial about the gluten-free diet. I just started about 3 1/2 weeks ago, because I am desperate to get better & want to get off Prednisone. How long did it take before you noticed a difference? I am also thinking about cutting out dairy as well. Do you know why dairy would be an irritant?

Re:What worked

starzshine — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 00:49:00 GMT

Hi, Sue

I tried searching for this book with my library and it is not found in the search. Is it brand new? Thank you. May I ask where you purchased it? I would really like to read it.

Re:What worked

starzshine — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 22:15:00 GMT

Hi, Michael

Just last week I was researching this website and read through the testimonials. I am buying it! Do I have to purchase it online or can I purchase through a local store such as a health food store or Super Supplments? I have arthritis in both of my ankles and can barely walk at times because of the pain and inflammation. I am so glad to hear that it worked for you! I can't wait to start taking it. Doyou take one ounce in the morning and one ounce before bed daily for two ounces total daily? How long does one bottle last? Thank you

Re:What worked

starzshine — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 22:06:00 GMT

Hi, Brenda

I would love to try the no gluten, no dairy and low acid diet. Can you forward it to me at alisrus@msn.com? Thank you so much

Re:What worked

starzshine — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 21:55:00 GMT

Hi, Andrea

I would love to try the elimnation diet, can you forward it to alisrus@msn.com? Thank you so much

Re:What worked

christy8 — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 16:57:00 GMT

Laura, I'm so sorry for the pain you've had to endure in your life.
I'm 24 and was diagnosed w/ RA when I was 18.
I now see a Chinese Herbalist that has made the most difference. I just always felt there was another way and now, with change in my diet, I think I've found it.
Please don't give up.
You'll find your way.
Please let me know if you want any info on my diet, or if you'd like me to recommend some books that helped me get started on my path.
Christy

Re:What worked

christy8 — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 16:48:00 GMT

What has worked for me, and made me the best that I've felt since diagnosed 7 years ago, is a strict diet as prescribed by a Chinese herbalist. I have been other avenues and it's taken me a while to find her through reserch and pressing on to find what worked for me. Everyone is different, and everyone's treatment is different. Please keep searching for your answer and your path.
The diet I do is no dairy (or casein), no gluten, nightshades, sugar, or alcohol, to name a few :) At this point, I've been pain and inflammation free for almost two months. And I'm so thankful!!!!!

Re:What worked

brandon2184 — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 17:34:00 GMT

Laura, please don't give up you're on the right track. By switching to the organic diet you've already eliminated a lot of the toxins/metals that are going into your body. But theres a good chance that your diet itself is playing a key role in your flare ups. A good diet that i've seen produce results is the "Eat right 4 your blood type" diet. You can find the book at books-a-million it was written by Peter D'Adamo. It's based on years of study that indicated that people who shared a common blood type also had common food allergies/intolerances. I was CRIPPLED. And by using that diet, and some of the dietary guidelines that Dr. Bernard Jensen suggests. I've cured myself. Not only my arthritis, but my acne, acid reflux, stomach problems, energy level. Everything has gotten better. A website that I recommend looking at would be http://www.naturalhealthtechniques.com some of the therapies are kinda out there, but I've tried them all and most of them work to an extent. There is a lot of good free information on that website. I hope you get to feeling better and good luck. If you need anything email me at bmcd@otelco.net

Re:What worked

Sherrelyn19 — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 20:38:00 GMT

I would like to try your diet. I am looking for some type of alternitive to more medication. Thank you.

Re:What worked

karin68 — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 23:27:00 GMT

Hi, Laura. I, like Pretz, also take generic antibiotics. I am doing very well-- almost in remission! Glad you are doing so well, Pretz. Hooray!! ~Karin

Re:What worked

Pretz — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 03:03:00 GMT

Hi Laura. Like you, I didn't have an insurance to pay for the biologics which my rheumy wants me to take. I can afford the other generic medicines he prescribed but while it helps, I'm still in so much pain and fatigued all the time. Unfortunately, my rheumy said there's really nothing more he can do for me that my PCP can't do if I don't take the biologic. So, after reading the book by Henry Scammel on Antibiotic Protocol, I talked to my PCP and asked if I can be on it. I was given doxycycline (generic) and been taking it in the last 3 months along with methotrexate, plaquenil and sulfasalazine (all generic as well) and it's been very very helpful to me. AS of now, I no longer have any pain in my jaws, neck, shoulder, hips and knees. My hands and my feet are still a bit swollen and painful but the pain is getting less and less. But this is not the whole of the story. You see, I promised that I'll take care of myself better so as not to complicate RA more. So, I make sure that I also exercise (even if I'm in pain), adopted a strictly healthy diet (low fat, low sugar, low salt, more fiber, no red meat, more veggies and fruits), sleep well and drink more water.

AP is very controversial right now and for sure there will be some (including doctors) who will discourage you. In fact, maybe someone reading this may not believe that I have RA and I'm just promoting this protocol for financial gain(although, for the life of me, I don't know how I will earn from this considering that I'm using all generic medication, but, well, you'll never know how the mind of others work). Given your situation, though, that you have no insurance and very little options (but in so much pain), I think you may want to consider this as an alternative, or at least try it and see if it will work for you. I can't guarantee you that you will respond to this treatment but I think it's worth a try.

I hope this helps.

Pretz

Re:What worked

Sue20 — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 16:57:00 GMT

LAura, You certainly deserve a pity party once in awhile, we all do but ultimately you have to keep fighting. I too get so discouraged and then I'll read something and get hopeful only to be crushed again. But we must fight on, my new hope is in a book called The New Arthritis Breakthrough by Henry Scammel, please get a copy from the library, it is so interesting. Anyway I have an appointment to start this ap treatment 2/22/07 and I am so hopeful, I hope not to get let down again. Please read it and see what you think.

Sue

Re:What worked

Laura8 — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 01:09:00 GMT

I am 28 years old and was diagnosed with RA when I was 7. For most of the 21 years my RA was managable with various drugs and exercise but over the past year my health has gone into a down hill spiral.

I do not have health insurance which makes it impossible for me to receive care (when did Rheumatalogist stop caring about their patients condition and started being money hungry-$400 for a visit-that includes magic fairy dust, right)Im so angry because my situation didnt have to end up like this but thanks to one of the worst health care systems in the world, I am now 28, crippled, and applying for disability bennefits to surrvive on the rest of my painful life. Sorry for the pitty party, just needed to vent for a minute.

Over the last 2 years I have looked for other alternatives. After researching several natural alternatives, all the books were saying the same thing, that arthritis can be caused by metal poisening or mercury fillings in your mouth. Many books suggested (insisted) that a person with arthritis should have all metal removed from their mouth and then proceed with metal detoxification cleanses. After 2 decades of being a lab rat to conventional medicine I was ready to try something different, so I went all natural. I cut several things out of my diet and consumed only organic foods. Over an 8 week process I had my teeth re-done, taking out all metal fillingsand then detoxing. I had prepared myself for no change at all so I wouldnt be dissapointed, but what I didnt expect was for the whole process to send my body into an uncontrolable flare up that has and is still at war with my body. In the last 8 months I have become crippled in my legs, and the disease has rappidly spread to other parts of my body not previously effected. I had heard soooooo many positive stories of people who had very successful results with this process but not one like my experience. I was just wondering if there was anyone else out there who had a bad (life changing 4ever) experience surronding mercury fillings.

I am now at a loss and ready to throw in the towel, I just dont have the energy to fight with this disease anymore. It would just be nice to be able to know a life without this disease.

Re:What worked

Andrea70 — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 19:00:00 GMT

My grandmother had pretty bad arthritis for years and tried an elimination diet suggested by a doctor friend I believe. This dr. was really into "food" therapy I guess I would call it. Anyway after doing this elimination diet, she found out that her "triggers" were beans and poultry and some different nuts. And as long as she stayed away from those foods, she was pain free.
I tried the diet a few years ago (I have had RA for about 13 years) but did not have much luck.
You have to do like 5 days of water and lemon only (lemons have carbs, believe it or not, and that sustains you)until you are pain free because you are free of the toxins and then you do like 5 days of just fruits, then 5 days of just vegetables. I was hungriest on the fruits more than even the water and lemons! Supposedly throughout this you are supposed to be pain free because you have been detoxed of the toxins in your body causing the pain and inflammation, and then little by little you start adding proteins and see which ones affect you adversely.

I was never pain free, so it was really hard to find out what I was "allergic" to.

But she swears by it. I have the exact instructions for the diet somewhere if anybody is interested.

An interesting side note though, several people in my family did the diet (for grins, I guess, because they did not have RA)and they all lost a little weight and several found that some foods caused their headaches and upset stomachs. Some had had those problems for years. So this isn't just for arthritis.

Just recently my husband found out he was allergic to milk. His allergist suggested cutting it out because of severe allergies, upset stomach, sinus infections, etc. After cutting out dairy for a month now, he noticed a HUGE change. No more migraines, upset stomach, allergy symptoms, etc.

So it is amazing how much diet is a culprit in so many things.

I think I will retry that elimination diet that I tried many years ago.

Thanks guys for making me re-analyze what might be right under my nose!

Re:What worked

Andrew0 — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 15:24:00 GMT

Are there any other diets people have tried that have helped with RA pain? I have heard that low protein diets can also help, but I wondered if anyone had any success with any other dietary changes?

Re:What worked

Kim610 — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 16:45:00 GMT

Hi Brenda,

Thank you for your post. I am 26 years old and was just diagnosed with RA. I too have heard about the correlation between RA and food intolerance. I was curious if you ever had any tests done to confirm that you were intolerant to gluten or dairy? I would like to approach my RA in the least invasive way possible. I have not started treatment yet and I thought that maybe I would start with this diet first.

Do you still take any medication for your RA?

Thanks,

Kim

Re:What worked

breezybrenda — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 22:48:00 GMT

I've had rheumatoid arthritis since 1989 and am on humira (for 18 months ) and placquenel (for 13 years.) Humira was great for a few months and then I went downhill quickly. Doctors wanted to put me on many more drugs. I got desperate and started changing my diet.

I have found being on a no gluten diet helps. After having done some research into allergies and arthritis I decided to try a non dairy diet too. My son convinced me to try the no dairy because he claims the casein in milk affects a lot of people badly including him. It gives him migraines. I also was having some hoarseness problems last winter and a top throat specialist said it was due to acid reflux and put me on a low acid diet. I also read about supplements in the magazine from the Arthritis Foundation and decided to take some fish oil, eveing primrose oil, ginger as well as the glucosamine chointroiten that I have taken for years

After being on the no gluten, no dairy and low acid diet for a month, I started feeling much better. The humira started lasting 2 weeks again (after only working for 4 days) and I am able to work out at the gym 5 to 6 days a week. I don't take any pain killers. When I cheat and eat some bread or a little dairy, I start feeling pain within a couple of days. I also lost the 20 pounds I haven't been able to lose for years. This diet sounds hard to do but it isn't so bad once you figure out what you can replace the missing foods with.

I just want to tell people that this diet seems to have helped me greatly. I feel so much better, I can hardly believe it. No one I know with rheumatoid arthritis would even consider trying this diet for a month because they say they can't live without bread and dairy. No one likes bread and dairy more than I do but I am now having no trouble doing it. You can supplement the calcium with other foods and pills. Not eating gluten and dairy makes it so much easier to lose weight I just wish someone else with try it for about 6 weeks and see if they feel better. Even if they don't feel better, at least they'll be a little thinner.

So if anyone is getting desperate to feel better without taking even more drugs and wants to try the diet, let me know and I'll help you anyway I can. Maybe my remission after being on the diet for about a month is a coincidence. But maybe not. I'm not suggesting anyone stop taking any medicines for their arthritis.The medicines definitely help. I'm not saying diet is a cure. Most doctors though, just throw more and more medicine at us, no matter how tough it is on bodies since that is what the read about in materials written by the drug companies. There is no money for research into treating arthritis in other ways such as diet. Just look up what research has been done, and it is incredibly scarce. I think a combination of drugs, diet, supplements and exercise is healthiest compared to just piling up more and more toxicity.

Brenda

Re:What worked

michael0 — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 08:51:00 GMT

Recently I had begun to experience pain in my ankles and knees. The pain was keeping me from sleeping and as a result I never had enough energy. My neighbor across the street suggested I try MonaVie. He said that it had helped him and that he had never felt better. I started taking the MonaVie and after 10 days of only 2 ounces twice a day they pain started to minimalize. By the end of the of the second week it was completely gone. I was so excited by what the MonsVie did that I decided to become a distributor, so that I could help others as my neighbor helped me. you can go to www.mymonavie.com/mb137115 for more info. God Bless, Michael

Re:What worked

Barbara62 — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 15:15:00 GMT

I love the idea of sharing what's worked versus complaining about what doesn't.

I've done pretty much what others have done, I'd guess: pain meds, PT, OT, various doctors.

What's working best for me is one piece of advice that an OT (after 3 years of seeing various ones) gave me recently: sleep on your back on a shaped neck pillow. Since I have OA in my cervical spine, this was a Godsend. From the very next morning, my pain was at least 75% less.

I've been able to stop NSAIDS and muscle relaxants and I'd say the pain is at least 80% less--and I'm not groggy now.

I also go to water aerobics at a local PT pool. I feel confident there because I know the staff are PTs and PT aides who know what they are doing. The warm water lets me get a good workout. I am feeling stronger and more confident.

Also, I've learned to use tools. Seriously, I now use jar openers, an electric can opener, various lever-like instruments when my fingers hurt. I use a chopstick to press the buttons on my microwave, for example. So I'm taking care not to increase my pain by overuse.

I do take glucosamine/chondroitin with MSM for my knee. I have seen a definite improvement. I am now careful not to extend my knees past my toes--and I stop when anything hurts.

Forget "no pain, no gain." My gain comes from having no pain.

I have also consulted an ergonomics specialist about my computer use, since I am a part-time writer. We're still working on that.

My next endeavor will be to learn to pace myself better. I tend to overdo on "good" days and then pay for it later.

All in all, life is looking up.

Re:What worked

Eileen169 — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 10:40:00 GMT

That's so great! I am taking some glucosamine, vit e, flax seed oil and physical therapy which I have shown a significant improvement. I hope I continue, however my frustration is with the insurance and the perception of what arthritis is as for me I think phsycial therapy has greatly helped me and my insurance company seems to be more willing to advice me to have surgery then to continue with Physical therapy.

What worked

Deme210 — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 01:22:40 GMT

Let's start a thread for those of us who have found solutions! I am back to 99% of a normal life, from being at about 20% due to moderate to severe osteoarthrits in one hip. My limp is gone, the severe pain is gone, and my range of motion is almost back to normal. What worked for me is the following:
-treatment by a homeopathic doctor (not holistic; this is a very specific form of treatment, inexpensive, and usually involves only a few visits, in my case only one.)
-glucosamine, chondroitin, + MSM
-hyaluronic acid (enteric coated to make it to the bloodstream).
-fish oil capsule
-regular excercise
I had been told I would continue to get worse until I got a hip replacement. Instead, I have steadily improved. Wanted to pass on the information; hope it helps someone.