by kss

Created on: November 11, 2008   Last Updated: December 12, 2008

Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis is never ending, yet it is unknown how it begins, what causes it or if it is hereditary or environmental. There are many theories which is why there are so many treatments, but no one really knows. Something has caused our body to attack itself, and it is a pain that is indescribable to those who have never felt it. When a constant agonizing pain never goes away, and you are robbed of the freedom to move or even sit still without pain, it is deeply stressful and depressing, so sometimes when treating RA, doctors treat depression too. It is known that Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic (long term) systemic (involves multiple tissues and organs) auto-Immune disease.

Once you hear the words, Rheumatoid Arthritis, your life, and the lives surrounding you will never be the same. As your body continues to destroy itself, you will try anything to rid yourself of the pain with what ever treatment your Rheumatologist offers, while also taking advice from friends and family with natural remidies. Hopefully you were not one of those people who frowned on drugs or on people who use drugs, because you will quickly change your views at least from time to time. From NSAID (n-saids) - pain relievers to Steroids - Prednisone or Cortisone, to DMARDS - methotrexate, intramuscular gold, T-cell blocking agents (like Remicaide, Enbrel, and Humira). With all these treatments come more questions, and yes, side effects. Very dangerous side effects.

Although some of these treatments may help one, it will not help all, so eventually you need to trust your body and accept that you will always have pain. That is a hard one to swallow, but it is true. What type of pain and how severe it becomes will lead you to different treatment options. Chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncture, yoga, herbal treatments, juices and teas, heating pads and how showers, or cold packs and cold showers. Some times in desperation, alcohol and marijuana. What ever helps take some pain away for even a short amount of time. Some alternative treatments are better for us than others, but in comparison to the side effects of nsaids, steroids, DMARDS, and T-cell blocking agents, I for one am still not sure what type of pain and side effects I prefer to endure.

While Humira is currently taking away the inflammation in my body, the pain from stiffness is a little less, but I have been having severe neck and head and shoulder pain, and my body is saying stop. At least part of my body, because the other part knows that I feel better for a few days after the injection, but in the long run, my heart tells me no. I plan to consult with my Doctor on an alternative treatment called antibiotic therapy while continuing to do research on my own. There are many days I wish I were a Doctor or a Scientist because I am interested to know if blood type and blood factor could be a trigger to RA. I have approached this theory with a few doctors and have always been put back by their answers. I have never met or spoke with one Doctor who has RA, or other auto-immune disease. I would be very interested to know their treatment.

The best treatment I have found so far is acceptance. Accept who you are and what you can and can not do anymore. Accept advice and treatment but listen to your body. I believe there has to be a day when there are no more treatments and many more cures.

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