Hello everyone. I am new to this board. My name is Kim and I have RA. I was diagnosed early 2004 and have been steadily going downhill since. I am already with my 2nd rheumy and am looking for #3. I am trying to find someone that is open minded enough to consider that there may be other methods of treating this disease (diet, etc.) other than continually prescribing different drugs. Not to mention, someone who will be (almost) as passionate about helping me feel better as I am.
I live in the mid-atlantic area and will travel distances for a great doctor. If anyone has any suggestions for great docs (traditional or otherwise) I would be most grateful. Thanks!
Hi Kim.
I tried alternative methods and ended up with permanent joint damage. I adore my Rheumy, but she knows that only those drugs (as much as I do not like some of them) are going to lessen the pain, swelling, joint destruction and progression. My hands are pretty useless now and I'm in a wheelchair as can only walk a few painful steps with a walker. Nothing left in my knees, except mush and bone. My first RA symptoms was in 2001. Very agressive mine is. Yet I sure wish I'd gone to Dr. and started the drugs....any of them then to have ended up like this.
I sure wish you well. But please be careful and don't ignore the traditional treatments. I'd hate for you or anyone to end up like me.
Aloha
Most people who try alterenative methods seem to also use traditional medicine as well.
it is well known that diet, nutrition, exercise, and such things as meditation can have a positive effect on health, and for the most part you can engage in all those things withouot totally eliminating conventional therapies.