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Looking for everyone's suggestions on Non-Traditional therapies

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 8/17/2012 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
Most of us here are on a lot of powerful prescription medications.  I'd like to solicit feedback on what works for people in addition to standard medical treatments for RA or similar conditions.

I'm a huge fan of therapeutic massage.  When my doctor first suggested massage I thought she was CRAZY!  I'm thinking, gee everything hurts all the time, yeah let's get a stranger to poke, prod and squeeze all my tender bits. 

But I found a very good therapist that works with a lot of chronic pain patients.  My first visit was very mild, she listened to me and avoided the worst joints and was very gentle.  I kept seeing her and gradually I was able to handle more assertive/aggressive massage (which is still mild by healthy person standards).   I didn't realize how badly my muscles were compensating for joints that wouldn't do their job and the massage was wonderful.  It detoxifies the muscles and it's an hour of peaceful relaxation that does such good for the mind and body.  I prefer to go in the evenings and I usually sleep better on those nights.

What do you do to keep sane, grounded and feeling as good as you can?

-Kat

Posted 8/17/2012 1:45 AM (GMT 0)
I noticed significant pain reduction with 5000 iu daily of vitamin D
RD said it was too much don't take more than 1000 iu.
Felt better on 5000.
Posted 8/18/2012 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with massage, hot tubs are also great.
Monday I saw my rhuemy and told her I was having trouble sleeping. She told me to try valerian before trying anything prescription. It worked great and I have slept well every night since.

Oh, walnuts really do help the NSAIDS work better-at least for me.
Posted 8/18/2012 2:48 PM (GMT 0)
I am taking vitamin D3, 2,000 units a day with calcium 800mg. Vitamin D is something I'm lacking, even before I was diagnosed with r.a. I bought fish oil vitamins but have yet to take them. I find if I don't have the vitamins out on my counter, I tend to forget about them. lol

Massage sounds like a great idea. I have had them but they are a rare treat. Maybe I should make them part of getting healthy :)
Posted 8/18/2012 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
I have been wondering if massages would help with the RA. How do you find a massage therapist that really helps and not make things worse? I don't know anyone with RA in my area to ask, and I don't see my dr. for another month--but I'm not sure he would know. Are there certain credentials to look for? I'd like them to be experienced with RA patients--not their guinea pig! :) Is there a website to go to for reviews, like the doctor ones? Being a pianist/organist I'm very fussy with who touches my shoulders because if effects my hands. I tried a chiropractor, but I think he did more harm than good. I was in alot of pain playing the piano afterwards...every time. I'd rather not go down that road again. Just wondering...
Posted 8/22/2012 2:03 PM (GMT 0)
Psalm, I've had to steer clear of chiro's as well. They have done more damage than good. As for the massage, I started with a national chain called Massage Envy. I called the nearest location and discussed my condition and they were able to recommend a therapist on staff with experience with delicate individuals like myself. I met her and felt comfortable enough to give it a whirl. Communication is the key. It's been wonderful. Try it!!
Posted 8/22/2012 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
I'm not much for non-traditional therapies, tried all of those initially.  However, we have a hot tub and during the winter months, I find it helps tremendously.  Massage really aggravates my RA, the next day I am very sore and tender, so I have stopped those. Sadly, the most toxic meds are the ones that seem to work the best for me!
Posted 8/31/2012 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
hi momto3 hows life over on the other side of the drainage ditch? Still here, still kicking ass [that poor old donkey] sorry for interupting the thread there. Stay well everybody
The Bear
Posted 9/2/2012 7:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Bear! How are you? Life is okay here, just plugging along. Can't remember the last time I *chatted* with you here. I've got two grown boys now, one in the military and one trying to find himself and hopefully soon. My daughter is 15. Other than that not much, still have RA, still on the med merry-go-round, and still seeing the rheumy. Losing the health insurance, and called to see how much an office visit is, the lady on the phone asked if I was a long time patient....um well...I've been going there since 06, gosh that is forever shakehead She agreed I was a long time patient, sad but true. Looks like I get the lower fee.

I hope this finds you pain free or as close to it as possible. Stay in touch, most of our regulars from the old days have disapeared.

Posted 9/4/2012 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
Kathleenc, Its great to hear that your receiving massage!  It also makes me glad to hear of people wanting to find qualified therapists.  I am a therapist with RA and i wasnt getting any relief when i received massage myself but when i learned i had RA i  realized i was getting massages when i was hurting real bad, which i now know that i was in a bad flare up. thats a  BIG NO NO! never get one while in a flare up.  Being on all these powerful meds makes us toxic so to speak.... the same theory we are what we eat. that can lead to being sore the next day as one person here mentioned.   Another thing to remember is we all have ran into people who dont realize there is a huge difference between osteo arthritis and RA. most dont realise its an auto immune disease.  so just remember that if your looking for a good therapist then feel free to ask them questions to see how much they know. and never feel to shy to speak up during a massage if it hurts.  also drinks alot of water as this can help minimize soreness.   I used to love the real deep massage but with the progression of my RA i find i get more relief from medium work. so i can really relax.  and i too have a hot tub its worth its weight in gold. (better make that silver) lol
Posted 9/4/2012 9:04 PM (GMT 0)
Has anybody ever tried Anatabloc?  I am looking for some feedback.   I started about 3 days ago for joint pain.  Fred Couples the golfer is taking it now and said it works.  It supposedly helps inflammation of all sorts.  Google it for more information. 
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