Re: arthritis - both OA and RA?

[Guest guest]

a,I wonder if it is gout - a very common side effect of orthodox diuretics.

Also, lansoprazol used long term will lead to very poor digestion (no acid) and

probably a lot of allergens in the gut or being absorbed, which in turn will

effect joints. But on the other hand you could send him back to GP for

Rheumatoid Factor test, I have come across both conditions coexisting in a

couple of acquaintances (not patients).Cheers

Subject: arthritis - both OA and RA?

To: ukherbal-list

Date: Thursday, 24 March, 2011, 8:19

 

I have a male client in his late 60s that I have been treating for a year

for osteoarthritis in his knee. In his youth he was an international sportsman

and the knee damage apparently stemmed from that time, however he also

complained of arthritic pains in other joints, especially hips and fingers that

came and went.

My initial prescription of Filipendula, symphytum, petroselinum, rosmarinus &

cimicifuga was very successful and having had to take taxi to initial

appointment he enjoyed to walking a mile or so to subsequent appointments.

Although it took a long time for swelling on knee to subside, the pain was

greatly reduced and the other moving arthritic problems did not recur. He did

try stopping the tincture for a couple of weeks last autumn and although knee

remained fine, other joint pain started to recur so he recommenced the tincture

- by this time I had replaced the symphytum, which I only use short term, by

Harpagophytum & a small amount of Hydrocotyl. Again he had almost complete

relief. However about a month ago he started to get a lot of pain in his hands -

worst being middle joint of middle finger of both hands. Both are swollen and

hot, with nodules more like rheumatoid than osteo arthritis and I am wondering

if fellow herbalists have found it common to

suffer both? I am thinking of slanting the prescription to more alteratives

such as arctium/urtica/smilax but would be grateful for any insight from this

most helpful group.

Other points of note is that he is very tall (6ft 5 " ), suffers ankle oedema

(medicated by bendroflumethiazide only partially successful), asthma (pulmacort

- soon to be changed as this drug is being withdrawn apparently) and takes

lansaprazole and lactulose for digestive problems (I have tried to wean him off

these but had no success). He lives alone and is on a low income so prefers to

stick to GP prescribed (and therefore free) medicines when they work so I am

really only treating the arthritis - not very holistic but sometimes we have to

be pragmatic.

a

[Guest guest]

Thanks .

Interesting to hear about gout caused by diuretics - will look into that

some more.

I do know the problems with Lansaprazole long term but patients find it

very difficult to come off after a long time since the symptoms of

reflux come back straight away and I haven't yet found a herbal combo

that sorts that out in less than 3 weeks or more - Acorus being the most

successful in my (somewhat limited) experience).

a