Arthritis Relief

I need help, what are some resources for people with rheumatoid arthritis

The arthritis foundation- you can google the #. There also was the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA) that I found very helpful, not sure if they’re still around.

I’m doing research for a novelist who’s writing about a character with rheumatoid arthritis. How does the pain, the sensations felt, differ from that of osteo arthritis? For example, in an old man or woman, how would such pain feel, in terms of, for example, spasmed muscles, gravelly joints, general achiness, and so on.

If anyone has personal experience, either first- or second-hand, please say so. Thank you.

The degree to which rheumatoid arthritis affects your daily activities depends in part on how well you cope with the disease. Talk to your doctor or nurse about strategies for coping. With time you’ll find what strategies work best for you. In the meantime, try to:

Keep a positive attitude. With your doctor, make a plan for managing your arthritis. This will help you feel in charge of your disease. Studies show that people who take control of their treatment and actively manage their arthritis experience less pain and make fewer visits to the doctor.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/DS00020/DSECTION=coping-and-support

I have rheumatoid arthritis for the past 30 years and have taken so many medications but am very tired and need something that will help without the risk of other illnesses as a side effect

antarctic krill oil. i swear to god. its like taking fish oil. not a drug. i take it every day and would not go without it. i had a very bad car accident 6 years ago and my knee was destroyed. but i am doing ok, you know, just a bit of trouble now and again, but lots better now. anyhow, try the krill oil. you will feel a difference in one week. it is good for any type of inflammation. just a thought!

info article

http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/?p=605#comments

and where we bought it.

http://www.vitacost.com/Source-Naturals-NKO-Neptune-Krill-Oil

My husband has rheumatoid arthritis and we would like to
buy a hot tub for exercise and relief for his joints? Anyone
recommend a particular type or brand? What should we look for?
Thanks.

dry saunas work best for me.

most gyms have those.

I am only in my late 40’s, I like to work a little bit more, thought not as much as before. I fell ill for rheumatoid arthritis for 4 years, and taking predisone for it. I went through hell dealing with the pains. Now, the spring water seems to work. However, I must move to a new place where I can find a job. Does anyone know of a non-desert place with weather that don’t inflict arthritis pains?

I only know that the reason I am here in ‘hotter than hell’ Arizona is because of my rheumatoid arthritis. I’ve had it since age 3 and I’m 40 now. My heart goes out to you, though, living without it and then being struck with it suddenly. I think I’m blessed to not know what it would be like to not have the disease. Anyhow, I don’t know where to tell you because everywhere is either humid, rainy, damp, cold, or you have dry heat. Dry heat is best for us. Maybe New Mexico. Texas or Oklahoma. I’d love to live up north where it snows and maybe someday I’ll JUST DO IT! Cold hurts a bit, rain hurts more. Humidity is painful so look for any place with low humidity year round. I know you don’t want to hear it but…the desert, my dear, is your friend! Sorry to hear it! Take care of yourself!

Are you having Embrol for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis? I am very interested in hearing from anyone on this treatment, and how it affects them.
I have been on the treatment for 4 weeks now, and feel that itis not working for me.
I look forword to hearing from others on this treatment.

Hi i don’t suffer with this but my mum does and she had injections only twice she had it done she said it was good but after a Day it would were off and she would be back to square one now they have told here to try well i cant spell it the treatment when they stick pins in you acupuncher i think that’s how you spell i couldn’t tell you if it help cause here appointment hasn’t come yet but if your question is still here wen she does all let you now if it help her

She has had rheumatoid arthritis for 10 years now, and the pain has gotten so bad that the meds her doctor gives her do not help. Are there any natural remedies or vitamins that she can take to help?

Fish Oil Capsules! Take 3 a day. The arthritis should be mostly gone in a week.

Here’s an explanation:

http://arthritis-alternative.com/detail/Fish%20Oil%20Caps.cfm

Someone I know says she’s on morphine for rheumatoid arthritis. I think she’s lying and just has a drug problem. She does physical labour, which doesn’t make sense if the pain was that bad. She does miss a lot of work days. She says she’s trying to quit the morphine but hasn’t seen a doctor about this. I would like to hear opinions especially from doctors and nurses. Thanks.
I meant she’s not getting a doctor’s help about quitting. She claims the morphine was prescribed.

I have had RA for 23 years and I have NEVER heard of moriphine being give for that. The only time I have been given that is when I went under for a double hip and double knee replacement and even then they only allowed me on it for 2 days because of possible addiction. If she hasnt seen a doctor then how is she getting it? Usually people with RA take anti-inflammatories to control their diesease and occasionally be given motrin 800 or something like that if they need something more. I think it sounds like your friend may have a drug habit.

my mom has had rheumatoid arthritis for about 9 years now, and she had a knee replacement about 6 years ago… lately her arthritis has been causing her a lot of pain that she loses sleep over… medications that her doc gives her do not help. Are there any natural remedies or vitamins she can take to help ease the pain?

My sympathies to your mother (and you). I know all too well the pain of RA…

At the moment, I am in the same predicament. Lots of pain, loss of sleep. The pain makes sleeping impossible, and the loss of sleep makes the pain greater. It’s a vicious cycle.

All I can suggest is that your mother speak with her rheumatologist and/or family practitioner and tell them everything that is going on. They may be able to prescribe a sleep aid along with the pain meds.

Vitamins and supplements? I don’t know of anything that eliminates pain, although I *do* notice some lessening of pain when I eat fresh or frozen pineapple, or tart cherries. The bromelian in pineapple is an anti-inflammatory, and can be obtained as an OTC supplement. Ditto the cherry supplements. Both of these seem to be perfectly safe.

Some people swear by melatonin as a sleep aid, but I’ve heard also that it shouldn’t be taken with certain meds and for lengthy periods of time, so I hesitate to recommend this. Your mom should probably speak with her doctor about this. Perhaps a glass of warm milk?

Deep breathing, relaxation, prayer, meditation, white noise (a fan in the background) and sounds of nature (cd’s of waves crashing and waterfalls) can also contribute to a relaxed state and a restful sleep environment. It’s important that your mom be able to relax, as pain causes stress and stress increases pain … I know, it’s so hard, and my heart aches for her.

If your mom is able, a good long soak in a hot bath would do wonders, but 9 years into her disease this may no longer be a possibility. I know I can’t sink into a tub, and oh, how I wish.

Maybe your mother would appreciate a gentle massage from her very caring daughter. That or a hug would do wonders.

Hope I was able to help in some small way, and only the best to both of you.

Need some advice here. I ‘ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when i was still a 16 year old and from then I’ve been on a long term treatment with Plaquenil and Delta-Cortef (Prednisolone) for 4 years now and I’m wondering what should I do before thinking of trying to conceive… I’m really confused as I don’t know anyone my age that has the same condition. Is there anyone that is facing the same situation? Thanks for any advise and sharing of experience Baby dust to all!

I was diagnosed with RA when I was 28. I am now 37 and 12 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child. The best advice I can give you is to stop taking all your medications, as it will be very hard to conceive whilst on it. Like you, I took plaquenil and prednisolone daily. It was a bit of a shock when I went off all meds, the aches and pains weren’t very pleasant. This time around it took me 6 months to conceive, so it was definitely a long 6 months with no meds. I would advise to speak with your doctor, so he/she can monitor you. After coming off the meds, I felt extremely sick for a week (I was told it was withdrawal symptoms). Since I have been pregnant, I have not had RA at all (my doctor told me that the pregnancy hormone will probably kick in and I should be pain free for my entire pregnancy!). I also made sure I started taking a pre-natal vitamin with everything that my body would need to make me (and my baby) healthy on the inside.

For me, it was a huge decision to come off my meds. It wasn’t an easy decision, but both prednisolone and plaquenil can be harmful to an unborn baby, so it wasn’t like I had a real choice if I wanted to have another baby. Please talk to your doctor before quiting your meds.

I wish you good luck!