Pain Discomfort Fear Sadness is My Life

Hi Doreen. I wish I knew what to say to make it easier. I'm sorry that you have hit this low. It's a difficult illness. I've come through a very rough flare up and two lots of surgery this year and I know how important it is to have a great team of docs and family support.

I hope you are able to reach out to someone for help. There are lots of people who understand how you feel. You've obviously been through a lot.

Be brave and put your foot down with unresponsive docs or find someone else who will listen. Reach out to your friends and family.

I really hope you feel better soon. Good wishes. Deborah

Here is a pretty good start.   If you search f***b**k for rheumatoid arthritis there are a number of support groups.   All seem extremely supportive.

Look up ANtibiotic protocol for RA.

Doreen, have you ever tried antibiotic protocol? I'm starting it tomorrow. Many successful treatments from this, it's just difficult to find a Doc that will treat. Let me know, I can tell you where to find resources for Doctors in your area.

Hi Doreen,

obviously not all doctors suck , it would be the same that to say that everyone sucks. RA is not easy but can be dealt with - if you are not happy with your doctor you need to change him/her,  as it is crucial to have a good relationship  with someone that is so importan to your life as a chronic patient. Maybe too you are depressed - what is perfectly normal and that can de also dealt with.

If you let us know what are your treatment I am sure we can help giving suggestions - antibiotic treatment is not easily found because it is not suppor

Dear Doreen, and optimist100

irradiated lymphocyte therapy was used in the 70s and 80s but proved to have no result besides the usual placebo effect. Not only that, but it can be dangerous as it kills white blood cells quite randomly. That's the reason why is it so difficult to find.

Biological therapies are by far the more effective treatment for RA  so if you are serious about becoming better they are your best bet.

If you want to spend huge amounts of money in therapies that do not work I would strongly recommend homeopathy, which  is cheaper and at least do not put you in risk.

I do understand that is difficult to live with RA, I have it myself , but the less logical you are approaching the disease, and the more you see doctors as your enemy the worst you will be at the end.

And dear Optimist100  you should not keep giving advice that is not proved , you can be putting people in danger as well as yourself . Like I said I understand that is difficult to live with it but you are not helping yourselve or the other patients by doing that.

I hope you feel better Doreen

Cata, your comments are insensitive and insulting, you don't know what the OPs situation is other than they have suffered this idisease for close on 50 years.  Perhaps you should look to your own advice!