Flares and dares!

Good Grief! It seems that there are forces in the universe that don't want this experiment or this blog to go forward. Since the first part of April/ last part of March, I have experienced 2 RA flares after going for more than a year with none.

I know they were brought on by changes in schedule and positions at work, both limiting my ability to rest and tiring me out more. It amazes me that people in supervisory positions don't educate themselves more about the ailments of the regular joes and josephines! They just blunder forward, not knowing or caring what they may be asking of someone. That's the end of my rant about uncaring, uneducated employers!

No matter what instigated the flares, they are very hard to deal with and very discouraging to the ambition of finding a new path. So much so that when my Doctor requested that I return to the rheumatologist, I did so.

Much to my surprise I was greeted by a rheumy with a different attitude, still the same person though. She was actually waiting for me in the exam room when I arrived. In 50+ years of going to the doctor I have never had that happen! She actually sat and talked about how I wanted to go forward with my treatment. We decided that we would run the full battery of tests before we took any steps. I explained to her what I had been doing and why I quit coming to see her to begin with. Still, I didn't feel any better.

I was so discouraged I actually considered taking the Mobic the doctor prescribed for me in April, knowing that stuff is so, so bad for you. While I was researching a natural alternative to NSAIDs I read that over 16,000 people die yearly fromf their extreme side effects.. That's right up there with heart attack and above some cancers! Ibuprofen (Motrin & Advil) is an OTC NSAID people (don't you just love all the initials, abbreviations, and acronyms)! Know what you are putting in your body.

Tylenol is not a safe alternative either. It is responsible for numerous deaths from sudden-onset liver failure. Don't expect your doctors to volunteer this information. These drugs are all they have for treatment of so many diseases they would quickly put themselves out of business.

Anyway, getting back to me! I was in a lot of pain and very frustrated. I couldn't get in to see my regular doctor when the flare was at it's peak and only after a cancellation was I able to get in this week! I think they would be easier to see if they actually worked 5 days a week, like the rest of us. I'm beginning to equate doctors with politicians! Surprisingly she was able to get me into the rheumy's office the next day. I guess it helps that they double book appointments there. Causes a lot of waiting when you get there, but you can at least get in when you need to.

To make a long story short (I know, it's too late for that) I am still taking my natural supplements only. In my research I found that curcumin is the most highly cited natural alternative ro NSAIDs, surprise, surprise! I'm already taking that, but only for about a month and a half. Like any good herb (or NSAID) it takes a while for the full effect to be felt in your body, so I will happily continue this herb. I also found that ginger root and to a lesser extent, rosemary, have anti-inflammatory properties also. Guess what I did this morning?! I set some ginger root and rosemary mascerating together, with vodka, in my kitchen/pharmacy. Got to get back to the liquor store!

You should see the stuff sitting, laying, and hanging around in my kitchen! Looks like a witchy kitchen or a mad scientist's lab. Minus the cauldron though. I can't use it on my glass-top stove! I'll take a picture soon and post it on the blog. Right now my old mind is too foggy from the flare to figure out the camera.

If I fail to post for a while know that more than likely something physical is going on with me. It's proving difficult to write a blog about RA while actually having RA. For everyone's sake, I promise not to give up! I dare not rely on a broken system to fix me! That's how I see it, anyway.  Just bear with me, please.

In love and healing light, I remain dedicated to us, to we, to you and me!

Pain meds

Good Saturday Morning!

I apologize for not posting recently. My hubby has been having some health issues of his own and I've been having job issues. But anyway, I'm back!

Today I am going to post the formula for my RA pain medicine. Keeping in mind that with most herbs it takes time to get their full benefit, I have to say that even from the first dose it seems to be toning down the aches and pains. Also, it is getting better day by day. So here it is:

Equal parts
Valerian
Jamaican Dogwood
Passionflower.
I mascerated this in vodka for 21 days. The taste is not quite as harsh as the tinctures mascerated in the 190 proof grain alcohol, but it's still not good (add a little honey if you just can't stand the taste). You SHOULD NOT water this down. Let it mascerate for 21 days, at least, shaking it once a day. By the end of 3 weeks the herbs should look pale and spent. I strain mine through a regular mesh strainer first then through a coffee filter, which can sometimes take a while, but you will see what it filters out when it's done. You can also use cheesecloth, if you prefer. I have found that a coffee filter traps more than cheesecloth. Like a good wine or fine liquor, it gets better with age!

I made my doctor's visit Tuesday and we discussed my blood tests. I have always been a seronegative RA patient and that hasn't changed. As I understand the prognosis for seronegatives, they will either (1 remain seronegative and have a greater chance of escaping the deformity of seropositive RA patients or (2 over time the seronegative will become seropositive. As I believe I've had this disease for a decade, maybe longer, I am hoping that I will remain seronegative. I know at some point in 2009 it showed up in my blood work, it hasn't since then and I know it didn't in 2002 when I was first tested for RA. So, I am saying my prognosis is better than most.

However, my GP wants me to go back to a rheumatologist. She believes I should be on NSAIDs, if not DMARDs. I agreed to go visit a new rheumatologist, if they would set it up and make sure the new rheumy has all the medical records she needs. If she is like the other rheumatologists I've seen one visit will be all she gets!

I'll bet you can guess now what my GP thought of my natural idea. She really does go along with some natural cures (or improvements), mostly a healthier diet. She is also the one who took me off the cholesterol lowering drug and told me to take fish oil. When it comes to RA or my other problem rapid heart rate/high blood pressure she believes in taking the drugs. For the bp/heart rate problem I will continue to take the meds she prescribed until I see that the new EFA/DHA oil from the naturopath and/or my homemade heart tincture is controlling the problem. Actually, I have seen some lowering of the blood pressure without the drugs, but not the heart rate.

My overall cholesterol is back in the 'good' range, but my bad cholesterol is still a little high (118). They want it under 100. It is on it's way down though. Last blood work it was 154, so she was happy and I know that one of the natural remedies is working!  :-)

I found another group on Facebook that claims to be for the RA patient. The link is below if anyone would like to visit them. I did and they seem to stick to their point and have some volunteer opportunities, too.
https://www.facebook.com/rheumatoidpatientfoundation?ref=stream

I would love to hear from some other seronegative RA people. Please respond in the comments section and we can compare our challenges.

Next time I will post my formula for peripheral neuropathy, nerve pain in hands and feet caused by the irritation and inflammation of RA or diabetes. My son will also be taking some of this for the nerve pain in his leg caused by deteriorating discs in his back. We'll prayerfully see if it helps him.

Until then, Peace, Love, and ((((Gentle Hugs)))) to you.