Has anyone tried alternative therapies? I'm trying to cut gluten and am taking omega3, Glucosomine, calcium plus D, paracetamol.

[raggedy3]

Sod's law. I decided to go private but have just heard from my chosen consultant that she's away and probably can't see me for severl weeks. She suggests that I see someone else or try to get my GP to say I'm urgent (back to NHS), which I'm probably not as I only have a slightly raised ESR with swollen hands and feet and painful joints. I can still make it to the high street and back. I'm trying to figure it out. Takes 2 weeks to see my GP.

[earthwitch]

In most NHS regions, there is a target for the time from referral to first appointment, and I think its usually 12 weeks, so might be worth trying to get an NHS referral. It doesn't actually matter how bad you are as they are keen to treat RA early, to avoid long term damage.

[nomoreheels]

I'd be inclined to rely pro tem on an over the counter anti inflammatory like ibuprofen & take paracetamol for the pain until you see a Rheumy be him private or NHS. My reason being, with taking supplements however beneficial they are or you feel they may be it's not always easy to know when your body is free of them for when your Rheumy requests his initial blood test, urine test, xrays etc & could give inaccurate results. At least withdrawal a few days before these tests if taking ibuprofen & paracetamol you'll be be assured they're out of your system. I appreciate this doesn't sound nice as your pain & swelling will return but your Rheumy needs to see you at your worst to get an indication of how to treat you & the meds to use & taking these supplements will possibly subdue symptoms.

If you prefer, or feel the need to continue with supplements once on your meds please mention it to your Rheumy, just to be on the safe side.

I do hope you're appointment comes through promptly & you will feel better soon.

[raggedy3]

Thank you. My GP doesn't want me to take ibuprofen for fear of liver damage - just paracetamol 4 times a day. I think it helps. I've never noticed if the supplements do any good. What does the most good is voltarol on the wrists -don't think I could do without it.

[nomoreheels in reply to raggedy3]

I'm sorry about that, you don't want any further complications before you start treatment do you? Just a thought, is your GP aware that you're using voltarol? I don't know if you're aware that it's a non steroidal anti inflammatory in topical form (generic name diclofenac) & will get in your system, less so than if you took it orally, but nevertheless you absorb it. I've been advised I can't use it because I already take an NSAID.

Did you also mention to your GP about taking the supplements?

[raggedy3 in reply to nomoreheels]

Yes, I do know that about voltarol and my GP would probably be against it. I'm hoping that it will be OK for the time being as the only other med I'm on is paracetamol. In any case, you're right to point it out.

[nomoreheels in reply to raggedy3]

That's fine then, it's just not always obvious with it being an over the counter gel. Pharmacists are supposed to ask if you're taking any other drugs that may contraindicate, but know it's sometimes not. I know that's not the case with you but something to consider & maybe there's something else you could use, maybe a more natural product like Perskindol or capsaicin cream. Both are generally available I know Perskindol is quite good at easing pain, although I can't compare to Voltarol as I mentioned before I'm unable to use it. Capsaicin has more so, so, results. Some people say it works, some say it doesn't. One of GP's doesn't believe in it but then she doesn't believe in complementary treatments.

Do bear in mind again though about Voltarol being your system before any tests are carried out as even a little in your body will alter results.

[raggedy3 in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you again, NMW. I do have a scrip for this, prescribed on another occasion when I was suffering from greater trochanteric (sp?) bursitis which, at least, has cleared up. Your point about it being in my system is well taken.

[nomoreheels in reply to raggedy3]

Oh good, just don't want you to compromise getting good (or rather bad!) results.

Hope you get some relief soon. x

[virgolizzy]

Have a look at Sarah Ballyntynes book, The Paleo Approach if you want to look at an alternative route long term. This os where you look at different food groups that may be causing or exacerbating your comdition. I only had the start of mild RA & took this approach. I had already cut out gluten & dairy as I am a coeliac and so was part of the way there in this approach. So far I have identified potatoes as one of the major things causing my joints to ache & swell & there may be other things, I won't know until I reintroduce them. Anyhow, may be worth a try to look at long term.

[raggedy3 in reply to virgolizzy]

i will get this right now. Thanks.

[Jora]

I think your GP should definitely refer your gently. See this:

arthritis.org/why-is-early-...

Good luck

[raggedy3 in reply to Jora]

Thanks, Jo. I will try to push it.

[oldtimer]

The NRAS have some sensible advice on alternative treatments.

With such a fluctuating disease as RA (or Rheumatoid Disease as a preferable name!) it is always very difficult to work out whether things help or harm in any one individual.

[jell]

THe RNHRD at Bath told me that IFdiet helped RA, then it would save the NHS bundles of cash! studies are inconclusive.