My Rheumatoid Arthritis Success Story...

Hi! I'm Erin, a married, work-at-home mom. My youngest child was about two when I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at age 33. I was actually a bit relieved to have a diagnosis at that point because I had been experiencing symptoms for nearly a year when I finally went to a Rheumatologist who was able to properly diagnose me.

I wasn't presented with multiple treatment options for my RA when I was diagnosed. I was just prescribed prednisone, hydroxychloroquine, and methotrexate, which I gladly took. I felt I couldn’t afford not to - I had four small kids and was at the point where I was in excruciating pain. There were days I couldn’t pick them up, button their shirts, zip their zippers, or open up a peanut butter jar to make them lunch. They needed me to get better fast.

As I did start to feel better, I tried to discuss with my rheumatologist less toxic treatment options. I asked for suggestions regarding "alternative treatments" like supplements or dietary changes. I thought surely he had come across some promising studies or talked to some of his patients who had had successes, even if moderate. But he flatly stated that my course of treatment was the open viable option.

Not satisfied, I knew I had to take charge of my own health. So I started doing research. I'm a big believer in "alternative medicine." Before I was diagnosed with RA, I went to an acupuncturist for the pain in my joints (which wasn't helpful, by the way - but in all fairness, with the proper diagnosis, I might have been treated differently). Now, I'm not one of those people who shuns all medicine (yes, all of my kids are immunized). But, personally I would much rather try something natural than take medication - especially the potent toxins traditionally used to treat RA. Since being diagnosed, I have tried various herbal supplements, massage therapy, polarity therapy, meditation, and dietary changes, all of which will be discussed in this website.

Until this past year, I used “alternative therapies” as complementary medicine for my RA (not to totally replace my meds), and I did notice moderate improvements. However, since implementing Dr Joel Fuhrman's plan for those suffering from autoimmune diseases (which entails a pretty strict vegan diet-style plus herbal supplements) I have made a complete recovery - well remission - and I have never looked or felt better.

I highly recommend reading the books and newsletter I listed to the right. They will help you better understand what is going on in your body and how you can affect change, simply by changing what you eat. I know, it sounds too easy - too good to be true. It's true, there are no magic bullets and not every plan will work for every body, but it may be worth a try. Consult with your your Medical Doctor (M.D.) or Naturopathic Doctor (N.D.). If you can't find a doctor who will support your desire to treat your RA naturally, Dr. Fuhrman does offer Phone Consults and Office Visits (he's in New Jersey, USA).

I am living proof that there are natural, alternative RA treatments that really work.

Best of luck on your journey!

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