A Flare to Remember: Managing RA During the Holidays

I understand the fear, concern, and dislike of taking medication.  But for people with RA medication is the #1 way to prevent joint damage and manage pain.  It seems on a daily basis pain management is the main concern but please know joint damage is irreversable and will lead to much more daily pain than you have now. 

From everything I have read, researched and talked to others about, the best known treatment to prevent or slow joint damage is a combination of methotrexate and one of the biologics (Enbrel, Remicade, Humira, Orencia).  I urge you to discuss the options with your doctor again and try one of the biologics to see if that helps.  Don't give up until you find a combination of things that work, they can include natural supplements and good nutrician, but those are not proven to prevent joint damage in RA patients. 

I know, my mom was diagnosed when these treatments were not available and her hands and feet are horribly disfigured today and it is incredibly painful for her, even though she is on Enbrel and has been since it was in the trial phases.  When I was diagnosed I did not hesitate to take RA medications because I have seen first hand what happens without them - even though I previously would not even take a pill for a terrible headache.

Jennie ~ http://www.arthritismom.com