Perry, you've prolly seen quite a few new RA members arriving here. I'm another one. Sometimes I feel like I was caught up in a fish net with scores of others and then released to sink or swim ...at this site. LOL

Anyway, I printed out this info you'd posted to Connie awhile back. I'm seeing I'm going to be forced to make decisions soon as to my own health care.

I felt positive about your personal decision to get off the power meds and seek alternatives. I'm going to give your notions a chance. I may add something to your 'recipe' like fish oil, lots of omega 3 and acupunture but that's what good cooks do, we add a pinch here or there or even decrease the ingredients to our own tastes.

I'm going to add something that may be interesting to you and others.

I had my first child (mind you) on my 18th birthday (long time ago now) but what I want to relate is this:

 I requested absolutely no drugs while in labor, period~! MY OBGYN was dubious about my request at the last moment, then astounded that I continued chatting, laughing and actually enjoying this event. He even told me maybe it would be a good idea to lay back down since I was in full labor. Really. 

 When asked if I felt no pain I said, yes some but it was insignificant because I was so anxious and happy to be about to give birth. *sounds like b.s., I know; it wasn't, it isn't. I felt the contractions but I tuned everything out but bringing this child of mine into the world. At that point a request was made. I quickly was asked by my doctor if I'd object to having staff and residents witness this birth and would I sign a release for a taped film to be kept in the hospital library! Of course, I agreed and signed. Gee, I was a star ..lol.

 Upon the arrival of baby Lana I raised up from the table to kiss Dr. Durkin on the cheek and to thank him for everything. He said "Hey, Wait a minute here, I'm not responsible for this baby here, I just delivered her!" That got a big laugh from everyone in the room.

*The point I wish to make is that I was told by this physician he knew of only one explanation for my total ease during childbirth; a rather rare thing called Self-Hypnosis. Doctor said he'd heard of it but that he was glad to actually witness this.

The power of the mind, yes, maybe sometimes it truly works for us.

The day I had my H-A in April of 03 while in Lowes with my hubby, I went down hard but even though the pain was certainly rough, while concerned people began gathering all around me I wasn't thinking I was dying. I was thinking that this must be a goofy scene to be laid out on the carpet-roller with a bunch of faces staring down on me with my underwear probably exposed. I could just imagine this scene on the 6:00 news. The arrival of the paramedics was only allowed to check my vitals, I decided. Asked what I felt my pain level was I told them it certainly felt more than a two. I refused to go by ambulance to the hospital, it would cost six-hundred dollars to go five blocks~!! Nah, baloney. I rode a wheelchair out to our truck, (free ride)  thanked the people for their good wishes, waved byebye and off we went to the ER.

I experienced three actual brought back to life heart-attacks within that 24 hr. period of time ..and, TA DA, I'm here yet nearly six years later.

*Go figure? I wanted to make a difference, to really contribute before I checked out, just wasn't ready yet. The Power of he Mind?

Please don't misunderstand my post thinking I'm tooting my horn, not at all.

I would just hope to let others know there maybe more control possible than we ever realize while we're still alive here on earth. I don't recall making a conscientous decision to tune out certain things in a crisis but I surely must have.

I want also to say I sure as hell have times I'm a lot weaker and I don't think I can even get out of bed. But, maybe my post will help others have hope through the strength of their mind.  God Bless us all. 

                                                                There!!! I'm finally DUN.