I'm new to the group, but not new to RA

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone. I'm so glad I found this group! I'll try not to whine

too

much, and I promise I'll be as supportive to all of you as possible.

My name is . Since there's a here before me, you can call

me Cin to keep us straight. :-) I'm 54 with 2 grown kids. I started

having pain and stiffness when I was in junior high. I was finally

diagnosed 10 years ago. Gee, it only took 30 years for anyone to

take

me seriously enough to find out I was sick! This still really makes

me

mad, and I'm so frustrated by this stupid disease! We moved to the

Pacific Northwest a few years ago, and I'm finding that the cool,

damp

climate isn't very good for me. We moved from Phoenix and the desert

heat wasn't good either. When we came here, I couldn't find work

(few

jobs that didn't require long-term standing or sitting) so I went

back

to school. I don't have insurance so I have no access to docs or

meds. At this point, I'm having to deal with RA alone. Does anyone

have any suggestions of natural or herbal meds which might help with

the pain and/or stiffness? I'd really appreciate suggestions. Thanks!

[Guest guest]

Welcome Cin. So sorry it took so long to get diagnosed. Your story is

all to common here.

There are several ways for you to get meds for RA when you don't have

insurance.

Clinical trials will provide you with a doctor, lab tests and meds.

You can also get them directly from the manufacturer through programs

that are designed to help people in your situation.

Have you ever been on RA meds?

a

On Mar 29, 2005, at 3:44 AM, delos520 wrote:

>

>

> Hi everyone.  I'm so glad I found this group! I'll try not to whine

> too

> much, and I promise I'll be as supportive to all of you as possible. 

> My name is .  Since there's a here before me, you can call

> me Cin to keep us straight. :-)  I'm 54 with 2 grown kids.  I started

> having pain and stiffness when I was in junior high.  I was finally

> diagnosed 10 years ago.  Gee, it only took 30 years for anyone to

> take

> me seriously enough to find out I was sick! This still really makes

> me

> mad, and I'm so frustrated by this stupid disease!  We moved to the

> Pacific Northwest a few years ago, and I'm finding that the cool,

> damp

> climate isn't very good for me. We moved from Phoenix and the desert

> heat wasn't good either.  When we came here, I couldn't find work

> (few

> jobs that didn't require long-term standing or sitting) so I went

> back

> to school.  I don't have insurance so I have no access to docs or

> meds.  At this point, I'm having to deal with RA alone.  Does anyone

> have any suggestions of natural or herbal meds which might help with

> the pain and/or stiffness?  I'd really appreciate suggestions. Thanks!

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome Cin. So sorry it took so long to get diagnosed. Your story is

all to common here.

There are several ways for you to get meds for RA when you don't have

insurance.

Clinical trials will provide you with a doctor, lab tests and meds.

You can also get them directly from the manufacturer through programs

that are designed to help people in your situation.

Have you ever been on RA meds?

a

On Mar 29, 2005, at 3:44 AM, delos520 wrote:

>

>

> Hi everyone.  I'm so glad I found this group! I'll try not to whine

> too

> much, and I promise I'll be as supportive to all of you as possible. 

> My name is .  Since there's a here before me, you can call

> me Cin to keep us straight. :-)  I'm 54 with 2 grown kids.  I started

> having pain and stiffness when I was in junior high.  I was finally

> diagnosed 10 years ago.  Gee, it only took 30 years for anyone to

> take

> me seriously enough to find out I was sick! This still really makes

> me

> mad, and I'm so frustrated by this stupid disease!  We moved to the

> Pacific Northwest a few years ago, and I'm finding that the cool,

> damp

> climate isn't very good for me. We moved from Phoenix and the desert

> heat wasn't good either.  When we came here, I couldn't find work

> (few

> jobs that didn't require long-term standing or sitting) so I went

> back

> to school.  I don't have insurance so I have no access to docs or

> meds.  At this point, I'm having to deal with RA alone.  Does anyone

> have any suggestions of natural or herbal meds which might help with

> the pain and/or stiffness?  I'd really appreciate suggestions. Thanks!

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

----- Original Message -----

From: delos520

> I don't have insurance so I have no access to docs or

meds. At this point, I'm having to deal with RA alone. Does anyone

have any suggestions of natural or herbal meds which might help with

the pain and/or stiffness?

If you can afford a doctor's visit, you can probably qualify to get your meds

through the companies that produce them.

Nina

[Guest guest]

--- In , " Nina " <ncampbell@t...>

wrote:

>

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: delos520

>

> > I don't have insurance so I have no access to docs or

> meds. At this point, I'm having to deal with RA alone. Does

anyone

> have any suggestions of natural or herbal meds which might help

with

> the pain and/or stiffness?

>

> If you can afford a doctor's visit, you can probably qualify to get

your meds through the companies that produce them.

>

> Nina

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

>

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: delos520

>

> > I don't have insurance so I have no access to docs or

> meds. At this point, I'm having to deal with RA alone. Does

anyone

> have any suggestions of natural or herbal meds which might help

with

> the pain and/or stiffness?

>

> If you can afford a doctor's visit, you can probably qualify to get

your meds through the companies that produce them.

>

> Nina

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, a. I tried Relafin briefly when I was first diagnosed,

but within 3 wks I had an ulcer. I went on plain aspirin after that

with no problems. (Aspirin isn't helping any more, though. I try to

alternate between aspirin and Tylenol in an attempt to protect my

stomach and my liver.) It was a worker's comp doc who actually

diagnosed me - a nice old fellow who really seemed to care.

Unfortunately, since he wasn't available to be my regular doctor, I

couldn't see him after the diagnosis. So that was it. The company I

worked for didn't provide insurance, and I made slightly over the

limit to get any public assistance. So I have pretty much continued

on my own ever since.

I did participate in a research study in Seattle about 5 yrs ago, and

I felt that the medication was beginning to help. The pharmaceutical

company didn't get the results they wanted, so they discontinued the

study. We moved away, then moved back, but I haven't been in any

more studies. I know they occasionally do others for which I may

qualify, but it's a two hour drive to Seattle (on a good day).

Parking is horrendous, and I'm in so much pain after being in the car

that long, I can't walk the 4-6 blocks to get to the hospital. They

don't exactly make it easy. That's a good call, though. I should see

if I can do that again.

As I told Nina, I didn't know the manufacturers would help people

like me. Thanks for the info. I'll check it out a.s.a.p.

>

> >

> >

> > Hi everyone.  I'm so glad I found this group! I'll try not to

whine

> > too

> > much, and I promise I'll be as supportive to all of you as

possible. 

> > My name is .  Since there's a here before me, you can

call

> > me Cin to keep us straight. :-)  I'm 54 with 2 grown kids.  I

started

> > having pain and stiffness when I was in junior high.  I was

finally

> > diagnosed 10 years ago.  Gee, it only took 30 years for anyone to

> > take

> > me seriously enough to find out I was sick! This still really

makes

> > me

> > mad, and I'm so frustrated by this stupid disease!  We moved to

the

> > Pacific Northwest a few years ago, and I'm finding that the cool,

> > damp

> > climate isn't very good for me. We moved from Phoenix and the

desert

> > heat wasn't good either.  When we came here, I couldn't find work

> > (few

> > jobs that didn't require long-term standing or sitting) so I went

> > back

> > to school.  I don't have insurance so I have no access to docs or

> > meds.  At this point, I'm having to deal with RA alone.  Does

anyone

> > have any suggestions of natural or herbal meds which might help

with

> > the pain and/or stiffness?  I'd really appreciate suggestions.

Thanks!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thanks, a. I tried Relafin briefly when I was first diagnosed,

but within 3 wks I had an ulcer. I went on plain aspirin after that

with no problems. (Aspirin isn't helping any more, though. I try to

alternate between aspirin and Tylenol in an attempt to protect my

stomach and my liver.) It was a worker's comp doc who actually

diagnosed me - a nice old fellow who really seemed to care.

Unfortunately, since he wasn't available to be my regular doctor, I

couldn't see him after the diagnosis. So that was it. The company I

worked for didn't provide insurance, and I made slightly over the

limit to get any public assistance. So I have pretty much continued

on my own ever since.

I did participate in a research study in Seattle about 5 yrs ago, and

I felt that the medication was beginning to help. The pharmaceutical

company didn't get the results they wanted, so they discontinued the

study. We moved away, then moved back, but I haven't been in any

more studies. I know they occasionally do others for which I may

qualify, but it's a two hour drive to Seattle (on a good day).

Parking is horrendous, and I'm in so much pain after being in the car

that long, I can't walk the 4-6 blocks to get to the hospital. They

don't exactly make it easy. That's a good call, though. I should see

if I can do that again.

As I told Nina, I didn't know the manufacturers would help people

like me. Thanks for the info. I'll check it out a.s.a.p.

>

> >

> >

> > Hi everyone.  I'm so glad I found this group! I'll try not to

whine

> > too

> > much, and I promise I'll be as supportive to all of you as

possible. 

> > My name is .  Since there's a here before me, you can

call

> > me Cin to keep us straight. :-)  I'm 54 with 2 grown kids.  I

started

> > having pain and stiffness when I was in junior high.  I was

finally

> > diagnosed 10 years ago.  Gee, it only took 30 years for anyone to

> > take

> > me seriously enough to find out I was sick! This still really

makes

> > me

> > mad, and I'm so frustrated by this stupid disease!  We moved to

the

> > Pacific Northwest a few years ago, and I'm finding that the cool,

> > damp

> > climate isn't very good for me. We moved from Phoenix and the

desert

> > heat wasn't good either.  When we came here, I couldn't find work

> > (few

> > jobs that didn't require long-term standing or sitting) so I went

> > back

> > to school.  I don't have insurance so I have no access to docs or

> > meds.  At this point, I'm having to deal with RA alone.  Does

anyone

> > have any suggestions of natural or herbal meds which might help

with

> > the pain and/or stiffness?  I'd really appreciate suggestions.

Thanks!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

,

Where about in Washington state are you? I am mostly a lurker on this site

but I live in Washington state also and my Rheumatologist is in Seattle. Of

course if you don't want to answer it is perfectly fine. Just so many

similarities in our geographical location.

Terri

[ ] Re: I'm new to the group, but not new to RA

Thanks, a. I tried Relafin briefly when I was first diagnosed,

but within 3 wks I had an ulcer. I went on plain aspirin after that

with no problems. (Aspirin isn't helping any more, though. I try to

alternate between aspirin and Tylenol in an attempt to protect my

stomach and my liver.) It was a worker's comp doc who actually

diagnosed me - a nice old fellow who really seemed to care.

Unfortunately, since he wasn't available to be my regular doctor, I

couldn't see him after the diagnosis. So that was it. The company I

worked for didn't provide insurance, and I made slightly over the

limit to get any public assistance. So I have pretty much continued

on my own ever since.

I did participate in a research study in Seattle about 5 yrs ago, and

I felt that the medication was beginning to help. The pharmaceutical

company didn't get the results they wanted, so they discontinued the

study. We moved away, then moved back, but I haven't been in any

more studies. I know they occasionally do others for which I may

qualify, but it's a two hour drive to Seattle (on a good day).

Parking is horrendous, and I'm in so much pain after being in the car

that long, I can't walk the 4-6 blocks to get to the hospital. They

don't exactly make it easy. That's a good call, though. I should see

if I can do that again.

As I told Nina, I didn't know the manufacturers would help people

like me. Thanks for the info. I'll check it out a.s.a.p.

>

> >

> >

> > Hi everyone. I'm so glad I found this group! I'll try not to

whine

> > too

> > much, and I promise I'll be as supportive to all of you as

possible.

> > My name is . Since there's a here before me, you can

call

> > me Cin to keep us straight. :-) I'm 54 with 2 grown kids. I

started

> > having pain and stiffness when I was in junior high. I was

finally

> > diagnosed 10 years ago. Gee, it only took 30 years for anyone to

> > take

> > me seriously enough to find out I was sick! This still really

makes

> > me

> > mad, and I'm so frustrated by this stupid disease! We moved to

the

> > Pacific Northwest a few years ago, and I'm finding that the cool,

> > damp

> > climate isn't very good for me. We moved from Phoenix and the

desert

> > heat wasn't good either. When we came here, I couldn't find work

> > (few

> > jobs that didn't require long-term standing or sitting) so I went

> > back

> > to school. I don't have insurance so I have no access to docs or

> > meds. At this point, I'm having to deal with RA alone. Does

anyone

> > have any suggestions of natural or herbal meds which might help

with

> > the pain and/or stiffness? I'd really appreciate suggestions.

Thanks!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

,

Where about in Washington state are you? I am mostly a lurker on this site

but I live in Washington state also and my Rheumatologist is in Seattle. Of

course if you don't want to answer it is perfectly fine. Just so many

similarities in our geographical location.

Terri

[ ] Re: I'm new to the group, but not new to RA

Thanks, a. I tried Relafin briefly when I was first diagnosed,

but within 3 wks I had an ulcer. I went on plain aspirin after that

with no problems. (Aspirin isn't helping any more, though. I try to

alternate between aspirin and Tylenol in an attempt to protect my

stomach and my liver.) It was a worker's comp doc who actually

diagnosed me - a nice old fellow who really seemed to care.

Unfortunately, since he wasn't available to be my regular doctor, I

couldn't see him after the diagnosis. So that was it. The company I

worked for didn't provide insurance, and I made slightly over the

limit to get any public assistance. So I have pretty much continued

on my own ever since.

I did participate in a research study in Seattle about 5 yrs ago, and

I felt that the medication was beginning to help. The pharmaceutical

company didn't get the results they wanted, so they discontinued the

study. We moved away, then moved back, but I haven't been in any

more studies. I know they occasionally do others for which I may

qualify, but it's a two hour drive to Seattle (on a good day).

Parking is horrendous, and I'm in so much pain after being in the car

that long, I can't walk the 4-6 blocks to get to the hospital. They

don't exactly make it easy. That's a good call, though. I should see

if I can do that again.

As I told Nina, I didn't know the manufacturers would help people

like me. Thanks for the info. I'll check it out a.s.a.p.

>

> >

> >

> > Hi everyone. I'm so glad I found this group! I'll try not to

whine

> > too

> > much, and I promise I'll be as supportive to all of you as

possible.

> > My name is . Since there's a here before me, you can

call

> > me Cin to keep us straight. :-) I'm 54 with 2 grown kids. I

started

> > having pain and stiffness when I was in junior high. I was

finally

> > diagnosed 10 years ago. Gee, it only took 30 years for anyone to

> > take

> > me seriously enough to find out I was sick! This still really

makes

> > me

> > mad, and I'm so frustrated by this stupid disease! We moved to

the

> > Pacific Northwest a few years ago, and I'm finding that the cool,

> > damp

> > climate isn't very good for me. We moved from Phoenix and the

desert

> > heat wasn't good either. When we came here, I couldn't find work

> > (few

> > jobs that didn't require long-term standing or sitting) so I went

> > back

> > to school. I don't have insurance so I have no access to docs or

> > meds. At this point, I'm having to deal with RA alone. Does

anyone

> > have any suggestions of natural or herbal meds which might help

with

> > the pain and/or stiffness? I'd really appreciate suggestions.

Thanks!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

----- Original Message -----

From: delos520

> Thanks, Nina. I didn't know that the companies might actually help.

I have a healthy skepticism about pharmaceutical companies in

general. Who would I ask about this? I would like to check into

this option.

I see someone else has already answered your question. Hope you are able to get

some help from the companies.

Nina

[Guest guest]

----- Original Message -----

From: delos520

> Thanks, Nina. I didn't know that the companies might actually help.

I have a healthy skepticism about pharmaceutical companies in

general. Who would I ask about this? I would like to check into

this option.

I see someone else has already answered your question. Hope you are able to get

some help from the companies.

Nina