Hi All.
Where to start. I guess first and foremost thanks for the nice comments and well wishes! It certainly helps me, having this blog to turn to when the going gets rough! It also keeps me honest and while I've been avoiding a post (you'll soon know why....) I know it's important for me to document my progess and what's going on.
January & most of Feb have SUCKED ASS. Haha. Everyone says to me "you're so positive, it's great" and really I am... I swear...but I've had a rough go! Lots and lots of tears and frustrations. Lots of feeling sorry for myself. I got so bad that I needed L to dress me every morning, do up my bra... my pants.. and even pull up my Lulu pants- couldn't even grasp the waist to lift them. That was when I knew I was in trouble.
A lot of people are commenting and asking why I don't just go on a Biologic again. I can understand why you are asking.. it seems like the easy thing to do. I've decided to try to manage my RA naturally. I have already done lots of testing (via elimination diet) and I know that what I eat plays a HUGE role in my RA and Inflammation. Is it only food? I don't know. Does weather come into play? I don't know. My supplements and Naturopathic rememdies? I don't know. I think they all play a factor but I'm not really sure and I am not organized enough to test all the theories.
With that being said..... (here's the BAD part....) I'm on prednsione and celebrex at the moment. When my doc saw my hands (and tears) she also gave my percacet. A lot of them too! I was desperate for some relief. I needed to feel better and I needed it fast. Well, the cocktail of prednisone/celebrex and a perc sure fixed me up! I went from not being able to pull my pants on into a fast talkling, high as a kite, mega house cleaning superwoman! And in a matter of 20 min!!
That was a few weeks ago. Today, I have tapered down to 20mg of prednsisone. No celebrex, no percacets.
My special diet (clean / paleo like) got off track.
Now- I am on a mission to get back to where I was. Clean diet of just veg and meat. No sugar, grains, dairy, even removing eggs and nuts for a while...)
I am off for a holiday to Florida so I will get lots of rest and take care of me. I will come back in good shape!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Guest Post from Jenna Walters
Hi All,
Still dealing with my flare up. I have had some small improvements, but unfortunately they seem to be followed with a huge step back. I am eating very clean and getting lots of rest. I think the weather here in Ottawa plays a factor. I know a lot of people that have had a challenging January.
An online friend, Jenna Walters has been kind enough to offer this article she wrote with regards to Arthritis and alternative methods. Thank you Jenna for taking the time ;)
An Alternative for Arthritis
Arthritis is a general term for a number of conditions involving symptoms such as chills, pain, joint stiffness, swelling and fever among others depending on condition. The impact of this disease can be so debilitating, it is important to research ways in which to best relieve your ailments.
Arthritis can be treated in several different ways but finding the right treatment can be exhausting. Alternative methods used in conjunction with conventional treatments have been found to improve health in individuals with illnesses ranging from peritoneal mesothelioma to arthritis. The benefits of trying alternative and natural therapy methods include easier access, cheaper medical bills, and a healthier body and lifestyle.
In ancient times, it was believed throughout the world that the root cause of ailments was the body's buildup of toxins. This accumulation of toxins and incomplete processes of food in the gastrointestinal tract can be thought to be a source of decreased immunity. This concept of toxicity, food allergens and environmental toxic sources lead to a creation of immune complications, which in turn creates the many symptoms in patients suffering from arthritis. Natural therapy, including taking supplements and herbs, and taking care of your intestinal tract, can increase your chances of becoming symptom free. It's important to understand that taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents(NSAIDS) make the lining of your intestinal tract weaker, thus, giving you "leaky gut" which leads to worsening of disease. The intestinal tract's position and processes are integral in keeping your body healthy because it is the body's first line of defense. Keeping awareness of what can induce GI inflammation will be an essential way of managing your arthritis. Supplements with antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and gluthathione can decrease inflammatory response. Supplements containing sulphur can help enable the liver to process the onslaught of toxins.
Using alternative treatment with traditional medicine can help make arthritis much more manageable and safer. Supplements such as white willow bark, kava-kava, and Jamaican dogwood can help with pain management. Wintergreen, cloves and Boswellia are also very helpful in improving arthritic symptoms. Please make an effort to educate yourself on these safer and healthier treatment practices. There is ample research for your review.
Still dealing with my flare up. I have had some small improvements, but unfortunately they seem to be followed with a huge step back. I am eating very clean and getting lots of rest. I think the weather here in Ottawa plays a factor. I know a lot of people that have had a challenging January.
An online friend, Jenna Walters has been kind enough to offer this article she wrote with regards to Arthritis and alternative methods. Thank you Jenna for taking the time ;)
An Alternative for Arthritis
Arthritis is a general term for a number of conditions involving symptoms such as chills, pain, joint stiffness, swelling and fever among others depending on condition. The impact of this disease can be so debilitating, it is important to research ways in which to best relieve your ailments.
Arthritis can be treated in several different ways but finding the right treatment can be exhausting. Alternative methods used in conjunction with conventional treatments have been found to improve health in individuals with illnesses ranging from peritoneal mesothelioma to arthritis. The benefits of trying alternative and natural therapy methods include easier access, cheaper medical bills, and a healthier body and lifestyle.
In ancient times, it was believed throughout the world that the root cause of ailments was the body's buildup of toxins. This accumulation of toxins and incomplete processes of food in the gastrointestinal tract can be thought to be a source of decreased immunity. This concept of toxicity, food allergens and environmental toxic sources lead to a creation of immune complications, which in turn creates the many symptoms in patients suffering from arthritis. Natural therapy, including taking supplements and herbs, and taking care of your intestinal tract, can increase your chances of becoming symptom free. It's important to understand that taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents(NSAIDS) make the lining of your intestinal tract weaker, thus, giving you "leaky gut" which leads to worsening of disease. The intestinal tract's position and processes are integral in keeping your body healthy because it is the body's first line of defense. Keeping awareness of what can induce GI inflammation will be an essential way of managing your arthritis. Supplements with antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and gluthathione can decrease inflammatory response. Supplements containing sulphur can help enable the liver to process the onslaught of toxins.
Using alternative treatment with traditional medicine can help make arthritis much more manageable and safer. Supplements such as white willow bark, kava-kava, and Jamaican dogwood can help with pain management. Wintergreen, cloves and Boswellia are also very helpful in improving arthritic symptoms. Please make an effort to educate yourself on these safer and healthier treatment practices. There is ample research for your review.
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