Re: I'm new to this!

[Guest guest]

Hi Carel,

Im also a new user to this site and same as you really grateful for

any advise re PA ...Im 41 and been firmly diagnosed just over two

years but think have had it realistically since 18yr ... for many

years I was told all my problems where ' just in my mind' until I

had a doc who said No its in your body....I have a preferance to

natural alternatives but am alos on methotrexate....

I agree with editors note:) Im also in Australia , If your in QLD I

can give you name of a well in my books wonderful caring Rhuema

Doc ..if your near and dont have one if this helps

Cheers

~Noisy

>

> Hi,

> I am a new user to this site and would be really grateful for any

> useful advice or information concerning psoriatic arthritis.

> I live in Australia, I'm now 51 years old and have had PA for the

past

> 20 years or so.

> I have seen many alternative therapists and tried many different

diets

> etc but have still got PA and if anything it is getting worse!

> I'm happy to share any advice I can give about any of the

treatments I

> have tried over the years.

> So is there anyone out there who can offer some unbiast advice on

the

> subject?

> regards

> Carel

>

>

> [Editor's Note: Carel, I'm sorry to hear that you are having such

a rough go of it. You have confirmed what many of us already know -

alternative treatments rob your wallet of money but in other ways do

nothing to lessen your load. There is no cure for PA. None.

Period. Anyone who tells you they know of one is lying to you.

There are, however, many medications available today that do two

critically important things: they help ease the symptoms AND they

help stem the spread of PA in your body. Although you speak of

trying many alternative therapies and diets, you don't mention

trying any of the " real " treatment options available to us. Some

people are " afraid " of real medications because in a few people they

cause side effects. However, most of us have come to realize that

the definite pain and destruction from the disease is far scarier

than the REMOTE possibility that we will experience side effects

from the medication. I urge you to see the best rheumatologist in

your area and to be open to trying medications that work for many

people. These meds include methotrexate, Enbrel, Humira, Arava,

Remicade. I'm not sure about all, but at least some of these are

available in Australia. Please stop chasing false promises of

treatments and cures. If it were as simple as drinking a magic

potion, none of us would still have PA. Please, please, please get

yourself under the care of a caring and competent rheumatologist as

soon as possible and if you have any misgivings about taking " real "

medications, think of how much damage you are allowing to happen to

your body by refusing to get proper treatment. Tough talk, I know,

but the sweet talkers who offered you promises of cures have been

lying to you. Kathy F.]

>