Wednesday, November 01, 2006
In the nearly 30 years I have had RA, I have always managed it using the standard treatments: anti-inflammatory drugs, exercise, physical and occupational therapy, and surgery to repair damage. But I have never explored alternative and complementary therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy, reflexo...
I started using Acupuncture even before I was diagnosed with RA last November. At first I went weekly and sometimes twice weekly. I really did not get any benefit - except from the accompanying massage. I kept it up for three months - but finally stopped going.
The cost of $75 per appointment is too great with the benefits minimal. I try to get a massage at least every fortnight and I find this loosens my muscles and joints up - even if only temporarily.
I have also been drinking 15 ml of Fish Oil per day for almost two monthes now. I don't know whether this is working but it can't do any harm.
I am also on 20mg Methotrexate, Plaquenil. Feldene (about to change to Celebrix), Acimax, Megafol and panadeine.
Cheers
Mich