THis old guy needs some feedback...

[Stratetalker]

Folks, I am an RA sufferer. I was diagnosed about 10 years ago when my fingers and wrists became so painful that driving and other activities became difficult. I am managing ok right now with a noninflammatory diet, as much exercise as I can muster, and dosage of meloxicam.
I am considering other therapies in a more holistic sense.....like kava kava or white willow bark. My doc, even though she is a very nice woman, doesn't seem to put much truck up by my questions about these natural meds. Does anyone out there have any insight as to what benefit/side effect these two products hold? Any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks....Stratetalker

[HappyMe]

1. I think that maybe the best thing for you

to do is to speak again with your current doctor. This time, ask her if she can recommend anyone who practices in the holistic/alternative field. I went to a gp that praticed both regular medicine & alternative.

[LiberalEsto]

2. This belongs in the health or ASAH forum

but I'd be VERY hesitant about taking any herbal medicine without consulting your main doctor.

Kava kava carries serious health risks. This is from the U. of Maryland Medical Center.
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/kava-kava-000259.htm

"there is serious concern that kava may cause liver damage. More than 30 cases of liver damage have been reported in Europe. It's not clear whether kava itself causes liver damage or whether it was taking kava in combination with other drugs or herbs is responsible. It's also not clear whether kava is dangerous at previously recommended doses, or only at higher doses. Some countries have taken kava off the market. It remains available in the United States, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a consumer advisory in March of 2002 regarding the "rare" but potential risk of liver failure associated with kava containing products. (See "Precautions" section.)

Because it is impossible to say what -- if any -- dose of kava might be safe, you should not take kava unless you are under a doctor's close supervision."

White willow bark is also very risky. Link: http://www.livestrong.com/article/164590-white-willow-bark-safety/

"Like aspirin, white willow bark may pose some potentially dangerous health risks. White willow bark can cause Reye’s syndrome, a serious disease in children, so you shouldn’t give the herb to a child, warns the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. If you have kidney problems, gastritis or stomach ulcers, white willow bark can worsen these conditions and cause kidney inflammation or stomach bleeding. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you shouldn’t take white willow bark due to its content of salicylates, cautions the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Drug Interactions

White willow bark could interfere with certain medications, so you should talk with your doctor about these potential interactions before taking the herbal remedy. White willow bark can increase the effects of blood-thinning medications like aspirin, heparin and Coumadin, posing potential bleeding risks. White willow bark might also increase the effects of methotrexate and Dilantin, medications used to treat diabetes, as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, like Aleve, Advil and Motrin. The herb could decrease the effects of diuretics, or “water pills,” and beta blockers, as well as interfere with sulfonamide drugs."

[bemildred]

3. General considerations:

Keep weight down, plenty of Vit-D/Calcium/Vit-K, not too much protein, plenty of fruits and veggies, etc.

[snagglepuss]

4. Get your vitamin d level checked and read the following study

— Women living in the northeastern United States are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis (RA), suggesting a link between the autoimmune disease and vitamin D deficiency, says a new study led by a Boston University School of Public Health researcher.


http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100407121227.htm

Sunshine is not a good source of VIt D as one ages because body doesn't process it as well so if you live somewhere sunny don't assume you have enough D. Tests costs about $50 dollars. LOts of solid info online about RA and Vitamin D. I wouldn't take too much calcium however google is your best friend and stick to credible websites.