I'm new here | Arthritis Information

Hello everyone, I'm new here but not new to RA. I was diagnosed 2 years ago and have struggled on and off since then. I've been on a variety of medications, I'm currently on the Orencia Infusions once a month along with Daypro daily and the occasional Hydrocodone when the pain is simply too much to bear. I think the Orencia is really starting to work, after 11 long months. I still have days where I'm very limited as to what I can do, but overall I'm pretty happy with the progress.

I'd like to add some supplements to my regimen, a little something to boost my overall health as well as joint health. A friend of mine suggested I join a few support forums to find out what other people to do to help themselves as well as get some support when I need it. So here I am.

I look forward to getting to know all of you. I'm off to read now.

Welcome to the forum. Welcome!

Are you on an oral DMARDS beside the Orencia?

I'm only on the Orencia and Daypro. Upon diagnosis I was given Methotrexate but I couldn't tolerate it at all, had some serious adverse reactions to it. So I tried several other medications between and settled on the Orencia. It took a good 6 months before I noticed any improvement but it did finally come. I have morning stiffness and the occasional aches & pains and if I do too much in a day I'll pay for it the next day otherwise I'm good.

I've been reading a lot on here about fish oil and am thinking of trying it. Has anyone noticed a change when they take it?

I think it's important to mention that sometimes people try alternative medicine and symptoms magically disappear.....for a while. Anyone with RA or other inflammatory disease knows that flares come and go on their own, without the help of OTC products, so often it's unfair to credit the alternative treatment.

Welcome, Dachie's Mom.

Thanks everyone.

So fish oil causes GI problems? I have always suffered with Heartburn and reflux and am currently on Prilosec for that. The Daypro really agitates it as well so if fish oil does the same thing then maybe it's not such a good idea. :(

If it isn't one thing, it's another. I wish there was a magic pill.

Hi Dachie, welcome. I use fish oil and it works for me as a good alternative to conventional NSAIDs which I can't take because they were too hard on my stomach. I am also on Humira and sulfasalizine with the occasional med for pain on rough days as well as low dose Naltrexone for fibromyalgia. I can't take MTX either, so, with the help of my conventional RD, alternatives were found!

I wouldn't take anything without first discussing it with my doctor, as even supposedly harmless supplements can have dire consequences. Fish oil, for example can increase bleeding, so it is recommended to stop using several weeks prior to surgery (I had a heart cath and had to stop also) and it is very important that all your doctors know you are taking supplements and just what they are!

I also take a b complex vitamin, calcium, additional vitamin D, (my levels are low) a good multi-vitamin and probably a few others I have forgotten! Maybe I should toss something in for memory? Welcome Dachie Mom!

I really don't take a lot of supplements. I take a multi-vitamin as well as probiotics. I take the probiotics to get rid of a side effect from my NSAID. My GP wants me to take calcium with D, but for some reason I can't seem to remember to take it. I guess I'm like Waddie and should take something for my memory too!

Welcome Dachie Mom, I'm so happy to read the Orencia is helping you. Did it actually take 11 infusions before it kicked in?

Re: supplements - with the caveat of course that you discuss all with your RD - there was an Arthritis Today on the table in my RD's office at my last visit that discussed several supplements. Of the ones that were actually studied, Devil's Claw had been found to give some relief. I intend to check that one out. There might be some info on arthritistoday.com; it was an older issue.

Turmeric has been recommended to me by both my RD and GP. Yogi Tea makes a turmeric tea called Joint Comfort which helps take the edge off for me. As for fish oil, I started taking that under doctor's orders because of homocysteine levels through the roof, and am noticing some relief in the RA department. Previously, I took a mixed Omega 3 supplement here and there, but the dosage on the fish oil bottle is higher than that - 1 to 2 pills with each meal. The first few weeks it gave me terrible heartburn on the full dosage.

After finishing this bottle, which cost me almost , I plan to switch to krill oil which supposedly does not give heartburn and you only have to take one small pill daily.

Best wishes to you.
Actually it took about 6 months for me to notice any difference, I think it was very gradual, so much so that you have to really be paying attention. It wasn't an overnight improvement...just slowly over time. But after the 6 month mark I looked back and realized that I was significantly better off than when I started it.

I really hate having to go to the Dr. office once a month and I hate, hate, hate IV's but if it works it's worth it.

So does the krill oil work the same as the fish oil? Does it offer the same benefits?

I love the Arthritis Today magazines, I've even subscribed but haven't got my 1st copy yet.

Hi Dachie Mom.....welcome to the board. Glad to hear the Orencia is starting to kick in, hope it keeps getting beter and better. Hi Dachie Mom!!

Welcome......sorry you have "what ails ya" and a need to come here..... but glad to meet you.

I've nothing to add to the info added above.. just wanted to say hello!!
Thanks everyone for the warm welcome!That's wonderful the Orencia has helped! May it get better and better.

Snow, I "trained up" by only taking one fish oil with a meal. The brand is Vital Nutrients, it has lemon and rosemary in it which help a little. I was experiencing what felt like a sore throat from the heartburn the first week or so and got some throat soothing herb tea that helped, and peppermint tea helped. I'm either used to it by now or it stopped bothering me.

I'll definitely report on the krill! When I went to GNC to load up on B-vitamins for the homocysteine issue and complained about the heartburn and repeating, the clerk recommended the krill - I think it's called Super Red? Here's some info on a doctor's blog that sounds promising: http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/uncategorized/why-krill-oil/

Fish oil is fantastic source of Omega oils. Not only does it have anti-inflammatory benefits but it also has other benefits.

It will lubricate the lining between joints. But I agree with some other members, that one cannot fully rely on self-treatment...

You need to bring these things up on your next appointment especially if you're taking other medications because they could have some interactions.

Other good supplements:

Vitamin D, glucosamine, magnesium, acidophillus (regulates the inflammatory process in the gut as well).