RE: Another newbie!

[Guest guest]

Hi ! and Welcome! Boy, reading your story I could almost swear

that I wrote it two years ago! When I was first diagnosed (almost

seven years ago now) I had been on antibiotics for what I thought was

a sinus infection. I finished the course of anitbiotics and started

to get swelling in my knuckles and knees. Two weeks later, I could

hardly walk. The only thing that helped at this point was

prednisone. It was such a relief and I was so afraid and so in shock

at the diagnosis, that I didn't question taking it at all. I can

understand your reluctance to take it, but even Dr. Brown used it

when necessary. There is no need to suffer needlessly and you need

to be able to function.

In answer to your questions:

1. You might consider adding cod liver oil or fish body oils in

addition to your borage oil. I take 2 Tbls. of cod liver oil a day.

I'm not sure about the dosages of the other things you're taking or

the purpose of the feverfew so I'll let someone more knowledgable

address those.

2. Again, a low dose of prednisone might be necessary for a while.

It's extremely important to prevent damage to your joints. After

years of taking methotrexate and prednisone and all sorts of NSAIDs,

none of which were able to get rid of the swelling in my knees, I'm

now facing knee replacement surgery. Do what you have to do to keep

the swelling down.

3. Yes, RA does hit some of us like a speeding freight train.

4. Stress is definitely a factor! Try to incorporate some kind of

relaxation into your daily routine that will get you in an alpha

brain wave state. I use the Silva Method but any kind of meditation

or breathing that will relax you for a quick 10 or 15 minute break

will help.

And finally, for the one thing you didn't mention, DIET! You need to

a least try making some dietary changes. Try it for two weeks. Make

one change and stick with it for two weeks. You can do it for two

weeks! If you don't notice any difference, the item you eliminated

might not be a problem for you and it may be safe to add it back to

your diet. If you do notice a difference, you'll probably willingly

give it up for the joy of feeling less pain - a win-win situation.

Oh and one last thing, I think there is something on the web site for

pain control. Might be in Dr. 's stuff. Good luck to

you and hope that you're feeling better soon.

Criss RA 6 1/2 yrs. AP 2 1/2 yrs.

P.S. I'm a software developer too. Talk about stress!