Hi Paula,yes, I heard about it around a year ago. I have no idea if it really works, certainly the rheumatologists we see would not recommend it. I did join the road back foiundation to get some info. They even recommend a doctor nearest to you, the one nearest to me (London) was quite a journey away, around 30 miles, and I dont drive, not that I think I would have gone anyway. I didnt feel very convinced of what I read, but dont want to put anyone off from looking into it. Everyone has to make their own mind up

Thanks for replying.

I just hate the thought of having to take these toxic drugs for RA. Just sometimes hope/wish that something could be found to cure it.

I did read somewhere that many years ago two doctors sitting in the hospital having a cup of coffee talking about their patients. One was a oncologist and one was a rheumatologist. Just a passing remark about a patient having treatment for cancer had reported that his RA had got better. The treatment for the cancer was MTX, that according to what I read was when they realised that MTX helped people with RA.

Julia

It's terrible that your telephone helplines gone. I have twice in the last few weeks rung mine up, left a message and got a call back the same day. From what I've read from others on here I am very lucky with my team at the hospital. Have you had this lump for the past 5 months? If I was you I would go and see my GP about it. You shouldn't always think that everything is down to the RA. He should have the results of your MRI scan too.

Paula

Hi Paula,

This thread is really interesting. I have been on prophylactic antibiotics for the pass few months in relation to repeated ecoli, kidney, and urinary tract infections (UTI), and guess what? My RA was fine until I was told to stop the antibiotics, and I'm now back in bed and in pain, and have another UTI, so back on antibiotics again, but have been told it's not a long term solution. I've just started on the antibiotics and will let you know how I get on with the RA pain. I too have heard about the onset of RA following a viral infection of one sort or another, and found the association very interesting.

love,

Barbara
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Hi Paula,

Thanks, over the past few months I have been very lazy with keeping in contact, and have focused on completing my MSc. Now that it is done, I hope to be around a bit more. As for India, I'm not going until February but I am enjoying researching and preparing for the trip. I haven't travelled abroad independently for years on my own, and I am very excited. Chris is supportive and is encouraging me to go. However, he doesn't like the idea of being on his own for a couple of months, but said he'll have to manage somehow without me.

When I'm in India, I'll try and keep a blog so you'll be able to follow what I'm up to! I feel a bit like Thelma and Louise at the moment - who knows what I'll get up to when I'm out there I've even thought about hiring a personal assistant to help me get around as I know it wont be easy, and know that a woman on her own with a walking stick and trolley bag in tow is bound to attract unwanted attention.

love,

Barbara
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