Stubborn! | Arthritis Information

My mother was diagnosed with RA almost 20 years ago. She was reluctant to take ANY medications, but her doctor finally convinced her that if she took nothing, she'd be in a wheelchair by the time i was 15. Since then, she's been taking Methotrexate (oral) - and that is the ONLY medication she will take. Her diet isn't great (she's a chocolaholic) and isn't incredibly active. She's an editor so she does a lot of writing and typing. Lately, her flare-ups have been coming on more and more. She can hardly bend her thumb any more and her hands are causing her more pain. The only medicine she'll take for that is Bayer Aspirin. She's so stubborn and won't change her ways!

Any suggestions on how I can help her? Or suggestions I can make to her to help make her feel better?
Thanks!
It's pretty hard to convince someone if they are not open to listen to your views.
Aspirin seems to me to be a fairly week pain reliever.
I honestly don't know what to say other than when the pain gets to a point where it is unbearable then she might start to take notice of you.
Bodak2011-04-21 17:55:15 lilcampy,Lorrie, That's good advice to try a third person... I am so sorry your mom won't listen -- she's wasting precious time .. you can not treat a nutritional disease with drugs alone. Diet must be the focus.[QUOTE=lilcampy3110]My mother was diagnosed with RA almost 20 years ago. She was reluctant to take ANY medications, but her doctor finally convinced her that if she took nothing, she'd be in a wheelchair by the time i was 15. Since then, she's been taking Methotrexate (oral) - and that is the ONLY medication she will take. Her diet isn't great (she's a chocolaholic) and isn't incredibly active. She's an editor so she does a lot of writing and typing. Lately, her flare-ups have been coming on more and more. She can hardly bend her thumb any more and her hands are causing her more pain. The only medicine she'll take for that is Bayer Aspirin. She's so stubborn and won't change her ways!

Any suggestions on how I can help her? Or suggestions I can make to her to help make her feel better?
Thanks!
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Rheumatoid Arthritis - Other Treatment

Other types of treatment that may help you control some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:

Physical therapy, to improve joint function. Physical therapy includes exercise, hot and cold therapy, and massage.
Occupational therapy, to learn how to maintain movement in the joints while carrying out the activities of daily living. Therapists can teach techniques to avoid excessive force being applied on non–weight-bearing joints and to avoid unnecessary impact on weight-bearing joints. A review of studies reported that instruction on joint protection and comprehensive occupational therapy can help people with rheumatoid arthritis overcome problems in performing daily activities.¹⁵
Products that reduce stress on joints and aid with daily activities. This wide range of products includes foot supports, wrist or finger splints, assistive devices such as household aids (for example, specialized kitchen tools), or mobility aids (such as canes and walkers). For more information and a catalog, contact the Arthritis Foundation, listed in the Other Places to Get Help section of this topic.
Behavioral modification techniques to reduce pain and stress, such as biofeedback and relaxation therapy, which may include breathing exercises and muscle relaxation.
Counseling, to help you cope with long-term pain and disability.

http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/tc/rheumatoid-arthritis-other-treatment