Rheumatoid Arthritis Compiled by Darreck My Healing Oils notes
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks normal joint tissues, causing inflammation of the joint lining.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis This inflammation of the joint lining (called the synovium) can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, and redness. The affected joint may also lose its shape, resulting in loss of normal movement. RA is an ongoing disease, with active periods of pain and inflammation, known as flares, alternating with periods of remission, when pain and inflammation disappear. RA can affect many different joints. In some people, it can even affect parts of the body other than the joints, including the eyes, blood, the lungs, and the heart.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis If you experience some of these symptoms, you may want to talk to your doctor: Pain and stiffness lasting for more than 1 hour in the morning or after a long rest Joint inflammation in the joints closest to the hand, such as wrist and fingers, although the neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles, and feet can also be affected Symmetrical pattern of inflammation, meaning both sides of the body are usually affected at the same time Fatigue, an occasional fever, and a general sense of not feeling well (called malaise)
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis As RA progresses, about 25% of people with the disease develop small lumps of tissue under the skin, calledrheumatoid nodules, which can vary in size. Usually, they are not painful.
What causes rheumatoid arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system attacks the synovium the lining of the membranes that surround your joints. The resulting inflammation thickens the synovium, which can eventually destroy the cartilage and bone within the joint. The tendons and ligaments that hold the joint together weaken and stretch. Gradually, the joint loses its shape and alignment. Doctors don't know what starts this process, although a genetic component appears likely. While your genes don't actually cause rheumatoid arthritis, they can make you more susceptible to environmental factors such as infection with certain viruses and bacteria that may trigger the disease.
Effects of rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint inflammation, which can affect the ability to go about your daily activities. If left untreated, RA can worsen and destroy joints. After the onset of the disease, some of the effects of RA are as follows: Tendons become inflamed and may rupture (tear apart). Swelling can severely damage or destroy ligaments that hold joints together. It can also damage joint cartilage and bone. Erosion of the bones of the joint can occur, causing pain and deformity.
Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis If you have persistent discomfort and swelling in multiple joints on both sides of your body, make an appointment to see your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow disease progression. When you see your doctor about your symptoms, he or she may ask questions about your medical history and examine the joints that are bothering you. Your doctor will also decide if you need other tests to help confirm the diagnosis of RA and determine the extent and severity of joint damage. These may include: Blood Tests One of the tests looks for an antibody called rheumatoid factor. About 70% to 90% of people with RA have this antibody. However, it is also possible to have the rheumatoid factor in your blood and not have RA. Another test measures your erythrocyte sedimentation rate (or sed rate), which will indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in your body. People with RA tend to have abnormally high sed rates. X-rays X-rays of all your joints can determine the extent of damage in the joints that are affected. A sequence of X-rays obtained over time can show the progression of RA. If you have joint pain, stiffness, and/or swelling that won't go away, you may have arthritis. Talk with your doctor about your symptoms.
Arthritis Symptoms Checklist Do you have pain in one or more of your joints? Do you have swelling in one or more joints? Do you have stiffness in your joints, especially after not moving for an extended period of time (e.g., moving in the morning)? Do you have pain or discomfort in a joint that has a history of injury?
Medications NSAIDs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Stronger NSAIDs are available by prescription. Side effects may include ringing in your ears, stomach irritation, heart problems, and liver and kidney damage. Steroids. Corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone, reduce inflammation and pain and slow joint damage. Side effects may include thinning of bones, cataracts, weight gain and diabetes. Doctors often prescribe a corticosteroid to relieve acute symptoms, with the goal of gradually tapering off the medication.
Medications Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These drugs can slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and save the joints and other tissues from permanent damage. Common DMARDs include methotrexate (Trexall), leflunomide (Arava), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine). Side effects vary but may include liver damage, bone marrow suppression and severe lung infections. Immunosuppressants. These medications act to tame your immune system, which is out of control in rheumatoid arthritis. Examples include azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan) and cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf). These medications can increase your susceptibility to infection.
Medications TNF-alpha inhibitors. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is an inflammatory substance produced by your body. TNF-alpha inhibitors can help reduce pain, morning stiffness, and tender or swollen joints. Examples include etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), golimumab (Simponi) and certolizumab (Cimzia). Potential side effects include nausea, diarrhea, hair loss and an increased risk of serious infections. Other drugs. Several other rheumatoid arthritis drugs target a variety of processes involved with inflammation in your body. These drugs include anakinra (Kineret), abatacept (Orencia), rituximab (Rituxan), tocilizumab (Actemra) and tofacitinib (Xeljanz). Side effects vary but may include itching, abdominal pain, headache, runny nose or sore throat.
Surgery If medications fail to prevent or slow joint damage, you and your doctor may consider surgery to repair damaged joints. Surgery may help restore your ability to use your joint. It can also reduce pain and correct deformities. Rheumatoid arthritis surgery may involve one or more of the following procedures: Total joint replacement. During joint replacement surgery, your surgeon removes the damaged parts of your joint and inserts a prosthesis made of metal and plastic. Tendon repair. Inflammation and joint damage may cause tendons around your joint to loosen or rupture. Your surgeon may be able to repair the tendons around your joint. Joint fusion. Surgically fusing a joint may be recommended to stabilize or realign a joint and for pain relief when a joint replacement isn't an option.
Home Remedies / Alternate Therapies Relieve Pain, Nerve Regeneration, Reduce inflammation Raindrop Oils 2-3 times weekly.
Home Remedies / Alternate Therapies Vitamins, Minerals and Fish Oils Each packet for Morning, Noon and Evening
Home Remedies / Alternate Therapies MSM Remedies for Arthritis SULFURZYME begin with 2 capsules 3 times a day and work up to 4 capsules 3 times a day
SULFURZYME
SULFURZYME What is in Sulfurzyme Supplement? There are several natural ingredients in Sulfurzyme Supplement including: MSM Sulfur which is known to restore flexibility to the cell membranes and can slow down the breakdown of cartilage. Supports hair, skin, liver and immune functions. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) FOS are natural nutrients that support the growth of good bacteria including lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Studies have also shown that FOS can lower blood glucose, increase magnesium and calcium; and reduce cholesterol levels. It also has a sweet taste! Ningxia Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) This fruit contains coenzymes and minerals that support sulfur metabolism. Sterioside (Stevia rebaudiana) Natural sweetener Gelatin (capsules only)
Home Remedies / Alternate Therapies Reduce Acidity & imflammation Alkalime 1 teaspoon (5ml) in small glass of water 3 times a day
Home Remedies / Alternate Therapies Ningxia Red, Antioxidant, Vitality 6 ounces (180ml) daily.this can be separated into two or three doses if desired.
Home Remedies / Alternate Therapies Summary 1. Raindrops Oils 2-3 times weekly. Use Valor, Peppermint, Copaiba, Balsam Fir, Deep Relief, Stress Away blend for pain relief 2. Core Supplements- Each packet for Morning, Noon and Evening 3. SULFURZYME begin with 2 capsules 3 times a day and work up to 4 capsules 3 times a day 4. Alkalime 1 teaspoon (5ml) in small glass of water 3 times a day 5. NingXia Red 6 ounces (180ml) daily. This can be separated into two or three doses if desired.
Dr. Lawrence spoke about Sulfurzyme and how James Coburn, the actor,has had such excruciating rheumatoid arthritis for many years and how it kept him from the type of physical acting activities that he was known for. His hand and fingers show how badly he's had it. He spoke about how MSM gave him back his life. He gives MSM a great deal of credit for relieving his pain, however, he mentioned that in addition to the MSM he did a 15 day fast and had colonics daily. He also mentioned using deep tissue massage every day for 10 months. He mentions hiking 3 miles every other day and trying not to eat the same food more than twice every eight days. I think it is important to mention that it appears that Mr. Coburn had a complete life style change along with the use of the MSM. I personally think that MSM is a wonderful product. It has helped our family immensely. We also started using the oils shortly after starting to use the MSM so it is difficult to say where the credit goes for the health improvements.
Auto Accident Neck and Back Injuries I have been using the Sulfurzyme for over a year now with great results. I was in an automobile accident and suffered neck and low back injuries. I used a cane any time I was out of the house and sometime when home as well. Some days were so bad that I used a walker. I have been brought to my knees in extreme pain and put in a wheel chair to get to the dr. Since I have been on the Sulfurzyme I have not used even the cane except for very occasionally. I believe the Sulfurzyme is doing the trick! I have much less pain, my nails are stronger and my hair is thick and full! I love this stuff! - Pam
Low Back Pain I whole heartedly agree with the Sulfurzyme testimonials. I used to sleep with pillows under my knee because of extreme discomfort. My low back was also in agony. Both as a result of 10 years in the Hardwood Flooring Business. TWO WEEKS on Sulfurzyme and the discomfort was history. I dosed heavy for the first two weeks, and then went to a maintenance dose,and have remained discomfort free. I prefer the powder as I like to take it with plenty of water. - Lars
METAPHYSICALLY UNDERSTANDING ARTHRITIS ARTHRITIS is a dis-ease that comes from a constant pattern of criticism. First of all, criticism of the self, and then criticism of other people. Arthritic people often attract a lot of criticism because it is their pattern to criticize. They are cursed with perfectionism, the need to be perfect at all times in every situation. YOU CAN HEAL YOUR LIFE ~ Louise Hay