much more than the physical

I have to agree with you.  I am 28 and have apparently had RA for 14 years now.  It is so frusterating to know that people know so little about this disease that there hasn't been significant changes in the treatment as of yet.  Of course, that doesn't mean that there won't be any or that there aren't wonderful medications out there.  That being said it sounds like you are one of the many, like me, who hasn't experienced any relief yet.  Yes exercise is wonderful for RA, but how can you exercise if you are experiencing intolerable pain or dealing with severe joint damage?  Nobody can tell us exactly why we have this disease, so all we can do is ban together and help each other live as well with this disease as we can.  Dream big!  I always tell people that RA can't take your dreams away unless you let it.  I agree with you and thanks for the positive attitude.  Keep us updated!  Good luck, and best wishes!

Hi Everyone,

I have Still's Disease, adult onset juvenile RA.  I was diagnosed shortly after the internal inflamation about killed me in October of '03.  I was 41 at the time and very active, ate right but was always on the go.  I spent a year on mega doses of prednisone, then methotrexate.  In '06 I was put in indomethacine as needed for flares. I had a flare at the first of every month that year.  After a visit to a major northwest rheumatology center I was faced with a life of the injections of my preference.  I politely refused and went looking for a better way.  I was not a fan of alternative medecine before that day.  I am now!  It's not perfect as I have had 2 flairs this year but I feel I have regained some control over the disease.  I have a different feeling some nights when I'm lying in a pool of night sweat with my body in lock up mode.  I have a very supportive wife who gets me through the tough times.  It will pass and we're still alive.  When I feel down, I think of the unfortunate people with something untreatable or terminal and I feel lucky in a way.  I think Lance Armstrong said:

"remember, we're the lucky ones".  Red his first book,  stay active and limit your stress.  Talk to a counselor.  I think stress is something we create by responding to a situation in the wrong way.  Keep looking for a cure.  If your first rheumatolagist didn't try something that worked, try something else.  Suck up your preconceived notions about homeopathic care and try it.  We're all a little different.  My PCP did not approve of my messing around with "that stuff" (alternative medicine).   I had immediate results from a major diet change, and supplements...No gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, peanuts.  I started adrenal supports, digestive aids, krill oil,  dhea, vitamin D and few other things.  I can eat most proteins but shy away from pork.  The diet is nowhere near as bad as arthritis.  I'm not allergic to any foods but am "sensitive" to a number of them.  A western medicine alergy test won't show me anything but a sensitivity panel will.  When I have a flair coming on I take "marcozyme" and "isocourt"  which seem to make my indocin more effective.  That's what I know, sorry it's so long.  Be positive and keep trying.  Overcome!

Jim.