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[Guest guest]

Hello to all, I am a newby to your group. My rheumatic story/symptoms started

about so long ago. I am still not sure what all I have.Although I now have a

concrete dx of psoriatic arthritis, also have autoimmune hepatitis and tentative

dx of lupus. The bottom line for me is, my immune system ain't what it oughta

be. I stumbled onto your web site and decided this is something I'd like to

try. I have had it " up to here " with prednisone, mtx, and the like. I've had

several people with AI diseases tell me that if you stay on pred, more than 6

months, your AI system is totally ruined. If that is the case I guess mine was

gone about 27 years ago. I have terrible side effects from them as I think

everyone does, and I've made up my mind that I am going on this therapy.

The web site says to become very familiar with the physician's protocol BEFORE

you approach your doctor. That thing is so long, did you all really do that? I'm

not a big one for patience, especially after this long of fighting with ignorant

drs. Should I just print the whole thing? Looking for tips here..... Have no

idea where my labs are at the moment, but they've been up and down over the

years, just as I read a lot of yours are. The arthritis comes with all of my

dxs, so I don't really care what I have, I have to put up with RA.

I am a 48 year old grandmother who finally had to quit work, so the frustration

level just about tripled.

I can see there's a lot to learn. Every time I get a new dx, its the same thing,

I'm so tired of it all.

Do all of you get depressed? The last doc I had told me that depression was not

part of this disease, and he did not prescribe pain meds for any of his

patients. He was a rheumy. Needless to say, I found another one, but first appt

isn't until Feb 6. then its start all over again, transfer records, blood and

urine tests, all the forms, blah blah blah. Ready to scream.

So, heres the questions, 1. should i print out the physicians protocol? 2. Does

anyone take the " poison drugs " at the same time as the " protocol " drugs? 3. Do

you have problems with depression, or is it just me? 4. Does anyone have

multiple problems with drs in general? 5. What questions do you ask " up front "

in order to find an agreeable dr?

When i made my next appt, I asked the receptionist if she thought he'd be open

to this therapy, she said she only knew he used all the regulars. So in all

likelihood, this will be just another waste of time. I'd really appreciate any

help. thanx, cherie.