Has anyone gone without medication for any length of time?
I've gone without meds since diagnosis in 2004 and am trying to tough it through for my daughters (3yrs and 7 months). I'm hoping to have one more child without medication but have certain concerns about my wrist and elbow mobility. I currently only experience flares in these areas but cope with the occasional tylenol. I'm slowly ending my breastfeeding experience and am a little nervous that I'll be experiencing more severe symptoms.
It can be very dangerous to go without medication for rheumatoid arthritis for any period of time. What a lot of people don't know is that rheumatoid arthritis continues to damage your joints even when you are in pain. Many people believe that if you are not in pain, then the disease is not active. That is not the case. I understand your want to have another child. I actually stopped taking my medication when I was first diagnosed for the same reason. I ended up in the hospital on high dose steroid treatment. Make sure you talk to you rheumatologist about your concerns and wanting to have another baby. There are medications you can take while you are pregnant that will not affect your baby. You may even be able to go the "all natural" approach with only natural supplements and a diet high in Omega 3 fatty acids (which naturally combat inflammation). Going without medication can cause damage. I was at the point to where I couldn't even hold my own baby, not even to breast feed. You can raise your concerns to your rheumatologist and he should be able to voice his confirms for you. Keep your head up! You and you rheumatologist should be able to work out a treatment plan that will still allow you to have the other baby you have been wanting. Good luck and best wishes!
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