| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Fiddlehead Farm |
Posted - Sep 07 2010 : 09:47:38 AM
My dearest farmgirl friends,
I have not been as active here for awhile due to some health issues. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis about 8 years ago. RA is an auto-immune disease where the immune system attacks the fluid around all of your joints. It causes pain and fatigue. I have a really great Doctor. It took us awhile to find the right medications, but I was doing great until the last couple of months.
I have to have my liver checked every 3 months to be sure it is handling the meds. The test in August was not good, I went off of all meds except for Methotrexate which is the one that lowers the immune system so it isn't as strong, therefore not attacking me as much. I went last Thursday for another test and the results are still not good. My Doctor took me off of Methotrexate also. I will have another test in October to see if the liver is OK. To make a long story short...I am a little scared. I have had the worst joint pain ever in the last couple months and am afraid it will get worse. I am very discouraged because I can't do things like I used to. I am either too exhausted or in too much pain. If any of you know of something I can do naturally let me know. I heard that blue-green algae could help. I also need some support for quitting smoking. I have cut down over the last year but now I am cold-turkeying it. It is stinky and aggravates RA and costly too. I don't seem to have too much problem so far. It is just a bad habit and I need to STOP!!!! Thanks for your support.
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922
Happy to be a "Raggedy Ann" in a Barbie World! |
| 17 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| violetrose |
Posted - Sep 14 2010 : 5:32:35 PM
Hi Diane, Hope you are feeling better. Have you found anything in particular that helps you?
Just wanted to send you some big "hugs" because I care!
Hugs and prayers,
Ruth
Farmgirl Sister # 1738
God loves each one of us as if there were only one of us!
St. Augustine |
| Fiddlehead Farm |
Posted - Sep 08 2010 : 11:57:09 PM
Thanks for all the suggestions. I am actually feeling better today!
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922
Happy to be a "Raggedy Ann" in a Barbie World! |
| KathyC |
Posted - Sep 08 2010 : 7:57:20 PM
Diane,
I am bothered by OA which I know is different than RA but some things help both. I know that when I eat a good diet and replace the fats with good fats like flax oil and some olive oil I don't hurt as much. I also use zyflamend, its a great natural anti-inflammatory. I read a short article about Dr Kaufman and the work he was doing with RA and OA and vitamin B3. You can read some of his stuff here http://www.doctoryourself.com/kaufman.html. I had a great naturopathic physican that helped me a lot. She used diet, supplements, vitamins, herbs, and homeopathy to help me and my family through several health problems. If your MD would look and some of the natural therapies and help you with them that would be great. Some will but most won't. Hope you find something to help and your feeling better soon.
Hope you and your daughter have a good time in Charleston. We are taking vacation at the end of October and my daughter mentioned Charleston. I really like staying at home when I off but we may go somewhere for a couple of days. I miss the ocean but I also enjoy the mountains and I love the fall weather here.
Kathy |
| solilly |
Posted - Sep 08 2010 : 07:19:17 AM
Hugs and more Hugs for you Diane.
You may want to email my Naturopathic Health Consultant. She is trained in herbs and naturals and is an RN as well she has been doing this over 20 years in all. She has helped me alot.
Her name is Mary Oney. www.mynsp.com/maryoney
cell phone: 757-509-0934 The best to you. Lilly 
learning the life I always wanted. |
| Fiddlehead Farm |
Posted - Sep 08 2010 : 06:58:14 AM
Thank you for all the support. I am actually feeling better. The weather has cooled down and that helps a lot. I just need to stop worrying.
Darlene, my DD is still having blood glucose issues but she is doing well. I am going down for a week in October. I can't wait, I really miss her. This time we are going to Charleston, just the two of us to have a day together without the dogs or the SIL. They are working on their marriage, which I think is great! My DD is not a quitter.
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922
Happy to be a "Raggedy Ann" in a Barbie World! |
| HealingTouch |
Posted - Sep 07 2010 : 8:39:19 PM
Cut me off there...whichever works better. Try a roll on called freeze it. It might give you some relief. The main thing is not to take anything by mouth unless your doctor approves it o you don't have further liver issues. Prayers to you.
How's your daughter?
Blessings and Peace,
Darlene
Sister 1922
God first, everything else after!
DNA doesn't make us sisters, Love does!
The road to a friends house is never to long!
|
| HealingTouch |
Posted - Sep 07 2010 : 8:34:03 PM
Diane...
My father was on gold shots for years and it helped him tremendously. It is very important to treat your liver with care. Alot of meds and herbals can be toxic to your liver. That is the reason for the bloodwork. Were you on any of the new injectables? I had some patients that did very well with them.They would have bloodwork done and if it was out of range they would not get any meds until their bloodwork was back to normal. Nothing is without risk though. Even to much aspirin or ibuprofen can be toxic.Are you affected in some joint more than others? Try some topical things like heat or cold which
Blessings and Peace,
Darlene
Sister 1922
God first, everything else after!
DNA doesn't make us sisters, Love does!
The road to a friends house is never to long!
|
| natesgirl |
Posted - Sep 07 2010 : 8:02:27 PM
I have heard that white willow bark helps with the pain. I'm not sure if it would clash with your meds though. There are also several kinds of tea that help the liver, but agian I'm unsure of the meds. Maybe check with a health food store about what's in the teas and take the list to your doctor.
Farmgirl Sister #1438
God - Gardening - Family - Is anything else important? |
| tea_lady_tammy |
Posted - Sep 07 2010 : 7:44:31 PM
Diane,
I understand as my brother inlaw has it also. It is hard some days to watch him as I know he is in pain. My dear sister I am praying for you. I can't imagine your pain but I would sure give you a gentle hug if we were closer.
blessings and hugs
Tammy
Tea is like being in the stars with God.
http://breathsoffaith.blogspot.com
Farm Sister #1889 |
| Montrose Girl |
Posted - Sep 07 2010 : 6:15:55 PM
****HUGS**** there's a little virtual hug for you. Hope you feel better. SOmething to consider that was discussed when I went to a gluten free seminar is that they are finding links from gluten intolerance to RA. If there is a nutritionist is your area to talk to. As with everything concerning gluten many folks are not very savy in the medical field so you may want to try some of your own research. I don't know if it will make a difference, but thought I would mention it since it came up. Best of luck. Laurie
Best Growing |
| texdane |
Posted - Sep 07 2010 : 5:58:09 PM
Oh Diane, You are such a sweet farmgirl on here. I am so sorry to hear about your arthritis. Sending prayers and big hugs your way!
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Sep 07 2010 : 5:43:15 PM
Diane, I am so sorry. I wish I could help. But I know nothing about this. Can you be taking something to help keep your immune system healthy? I don't even know anyone with this to ask them. I will be praying for you. And that is great that you have quit smoking!!!!! Good for you. That should help alot. Plus save tons of money. I will keep checkin gin on you to see how you are doing. WIll you please email me your address?
Hugs, Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| gypsy goat |
Posted - Sep 07 2010 : 3:26:39 PM
diane i am so sorry you are not doing well! our health is such an important thing for us to have! i have never battled either-sorry but i was thinking as far as smoking maybe if you keep your hands busy with knitting or some kind of needlework maybe that would help-it might even keep your mind off the pain. i taught my friend to knit after she had some surgery it helped quite a bit. hugs to you
farmgirl#1362 whatever you are be a good one-abe lincoln |
| Fiddlehead Farm |
Posted - Sep 07 2010 : 3:11:38 PM
Lilly, Carol and Sharon...thanks for the support! I need all I can get. I am feeling pretty good today. It is so nice to have sisters that I can vent to and lean on. My DH doesn't do so well in the empathy department.
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922
Happy to be a "Raggedy Ann" in a Barbie World! |
| Calicogirl |
Posted - Sep 07 2010 : 12:30:19 PM
Diane,
I am so sorry! My Mom has Rheumatoid Arthritis so I've seen a glimpse of how very painful it can be. She is on Methotrexate also and has to stop on occasion for a liver profile. She is also in extreme pain while off. Years ago it was really bad (and she was only in her early 50's), I had to dress her, etc. She had Gold Injections (that was about 20+ years ago) and that helped alot as well as moving to AZ (we were from Massachusetts) The warmer and drier climate has helped her since.
I am praying for the Lord to bring you comfort and healing and also to bring you strength. I am praying for Him to give you self control and strengthen you as you quit smoking. My Mom was a smoker for a LONG time and was able to quit at 65 years old. You can do it girl!!!!
~Sharon
By His Grace, For His Glory
http://merryheartjournal.blogspot.com/ |
| foreverbooks |
Posted - Sep 07 2010 : 11:40:45 AM
It can be really get rough. If anything, the fatigue is the worst part. If you are interested, I have some Arthritis magazines that you might find interesting. If so, send me your address via email and I'll get the magazines mailed off to you. Don't worry about the mailing cost.
Carole
In light, love, and friendship! |
| solilly |
Posted - Sep 07 2010 : 11:29:53 AM
My love and prayers are with you Diane. It must be hard. With all your swapping and emailing I thought you were better. Is this going to put a damper in your house buying as well. I know what you mean about pain. It can stop you from doing everything. Holding you up. Lilly
learning the life I always wanted. |
