Melinda Winters, author of A Complete Guide to Cooking with Arthritis, is an amazing person. It was 26 years ago that she got sick. She remembers she thought all hope of living a normal life was gone, much less pursuing any of her dreams. She must admits to allowing her disease to define who I was for many years. “I had more pity parties than I care to admit.” confides Melinda. “I gained over 100 pounds.”
Today, she has written two books, won over 50 national recipe contests, cooked off on the food network, worked as an art director in the motion picture industry and was a celebrity interviewer. “I have a wonderful life!” Melinda says.
14 years ago Melinda remembers thinking, “My life was passing me by.” She gathered up her 3 year old and went outside to take a walk.

She then started replacing her breakfast and dinner with a fresh fruit smoothie, but still enjoyed a nice lunch.

At the end of two months, she’d lost over 30 pounds. “The more weight I lost, the better I felt. I joined a support group for arthritis. I began to have dreams and feelings of happiness that had been gone for so long. By the time a year passed, I was 5’9″ tall and 128 pounds of happiness.”

A whopping 100 pounds was gone. “I lost an entire person!”

Minimize stairs; Keep it warm, but not too hot; get a lift chair; drink more water; buy a chlorine filter for your shower; develop a hobby that will keep you moving, but not stress the joints; get outdoors.

Living with arthritis is really a challenge. For the best arthritis health, even mild cases need to take precautions and care. The more you know, the more you do for yourself, the better you will do. Don’t leave it all up to the doctors to keep you comfortable. Do what you can. Together you can affect the effects of arthritis.

• Watch your posture. It is easy to slump, shuffle, and limp. Poor posture only adds to muscle strain, inflammation and stiffness.

• Respect your pain. The body doesn’t hurt for no reason. When there is pain, there is something wrong. Arthritis is wrong. Swelling and inflammation are wrong. Unlike a broken bone or pulled ligament, not moving because of arthritis pain (or discomfort, because there is a difference) is not the answer.

• Learn to use hot or cold packs. Experiment and find what works best for you. Inflammation often responds better to cold, stiffness does best with heat.

• Learn your limits. Slow down your movements. Stretch, walk, take time to extend muscles. Take off unnecessary pressure from joints and back. Yoga and essential oils can work wonders for keeping arthritis from freezing joints.

• CM Complex Cream and/or capsules go a long, long way to relieve stiffness and pain caused from arthritis and reduce the risks of ibuprofen or other NSAIDs.

For more tips of what you can do for arthritis health, The Arthritis Foundation published a very good article on self treatment, “How to Care For Yourself”.  This is a good list with easy, common sense bullet points.  Arthritis is not like other ailments and needs a different approach to management.

Yes, that’s right…a magnetic knee brace, something you can wear 24-7 that can actually help reduce inflammation, relieve discomfort, and strengthen knee muscles and help get you ready for successful surgery, and most importantly, …a successful recovery.

The painful physical therapy treatments after knee joint replacements can be minimized by wearing our energizing magnetic brace which enhances flexibility and decreases discomfort after therapy sessions.

The cost is minimal, and the benefits are priceless.

A noteworthy American double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of static magnets on the treatment of arthritis was recently published in the ®MDBR¯Journal of Rheumatology®MDNM¯ (November 1997, p. 1200). The study confirms the effectiveness of magnets in relieving the pain of arthritis.

This study examined the effects of magnetolaser therapy either itself or in combination with conventional drugs in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Magnetolaser therapy involved the use of an AMLT-01 device and consisted of 6-minute exposures daily over a total of 14 days. Results showed a marked improvement following the first 3 days of magnetolaser therapy, with the strongest positive effects experienced by patients characterized as suffering from mild to moderate levels of the disease. At the end of the magnetolaser therapy course, 90 percent of patients showed improvement.9

9. B.Y. Drozdovski, et al., “Use of Magnetolaser Therapy with an AMLT-01 Apparatus in Complex Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis,”

Fiz Med, 4(1-2), 1994, p. 101-102.

….I just thought that was worth sharing.

Here is their vision and the links to the site.

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Our vision — a world where people with arthritis live the fullest life possible, with the ability to pursue valued life activities with minimal pain.

Our mission — to improve the quality of life of people affected by arthritis.

CDC and its partners are working to implement recommendations in the National Arthritis Action Plan: A Public Health Strategy* (PDF-394K). This landmark public health plan was developed by CDC, the Arthritis Foundation, the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, and more than 90 other organizations. It recommends a variety of activities to reduce pain, disability, and improve the quality of life of persons affected by arthritis.

Our Goals:

Short-Term Goals

Improve and increase self-management attitudes and behaviors among persons with arthritis.

Increase early diagnosis and appropriate pain management.

Long-Term Goals

Decrease pain and disability among persons with arthritis.

Improve physical, psychosocial, and work function among persons with arthritis.

The first-ever National Objectives for Arthritis (PDF–1.3Mb) are available in the Healthy People 2010 report. More information is available on Healthy People 2010.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that may be alleviated by knee joint replacement. This chronic inflammation of the joint lining causes pain, stiffness, and swelling. The inflamed lining can invade and damage bone and cartilage. It is not just adults that get rheumatoid arthritis, although it generally starts in middle age, but RA can also affect children and young adults.

Take this little quiz from the Mayo Clinic to see if you are a candidate for a knee joint replacement:

Arthritis pain quiz: Are you controlling your arthritis symptoms?

The decision to have the operation is a highly personal matter, and only you can make that decision. If you are confined to a wheelchair and in constant pain, it is a decision that will be quite easy for you to make, even though the operation (any operation) involves taking a certain amount of risk.

If your disability is great enough, the potential benefits are worth the risk. If your arthritis is responding to conservative measures, and you can still walk long distances without a cane, you don’t need a knee replacement.

The main arguments against waiting too long are:

The longer your arthritis forces you to “sit around” the softer your bones become, and the weaker your muscles.

BUT Think Complimentary not Alternative Treatment For RA
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most serious of the arthritis-es. Chronic inflammation of the joints that can affect other organs as well. The result is permanent joint deformity and disability.
Why does it have to be either / or ? Maybe working treatments, supplements, diet, and medications together is the real answer… the whole answer.

Like 10,000 others, my mother-in-law just died from a perforated intestine.  I’m sure it was from the NSAIDs she has taken over the past 15 years. It was not a fun way to go.  Bless her heart.

My heart breaks because I did not push her to change treatment from ibuprofen for her arthritis.  Everything seemed to be fine.  She felt good as long as she took two in the morning and two at night.  There seemed to be no reason to change.  She was happy with her regiment and was less than enthusiastic when I brought up changing.

Have any of the rest of you had any experience with a loved on on NSAIDs?

 I have been reviewing my blog, and I realize I sound more like an article than a person.  And this is partly true.  I am a little shy to divulge too much about myself or my feeling, because the internet can be a dangerous place.  But I think the information I pass on is worthy of consideration and of help to some.  Here is more from the studies I have been quoting.

What About Using Cetyl Myristoleate Along With Other RA Medications?   

The participants of the study reported in Cetylated Fatty Acids Improve Knee Function in Patients with Osteoarthritis, continued with their prescribed medication while doing the test.  It was concluded that “The CFA provided relief even for those individuals also receiving traditional medications.…In summary, the use of a cetylated fatty acid complex improved knee range of motion and function in patients with OA of the knee of 5 to 6 years’ duration.”1 And there were no adverse reactions in any of the test studies.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is nothing to joke about.  It makes no difference that 1% of the population in the US have RA.  Company does not lesson the severity of it.  It is a real disease that takes a real toll. 

Please be prepared.  Learn all you can.  And know there are people who care and are not just after your money as you seek for relief.  Make sure the company you subscribe to is reputable, and offers pharmaceutical grade products.

Please take charge of your own arthritis by researching everything new out there.  Take it to your doctor, rheumetolodist, physical therapist, nutritionalist, emotional health professional, friends and family.  The more you know, the less of a victim you will become.

Please don’t discount this recent research study, done on Nikken’s Bio-Directed Joint formula by independent research groups outside of Nikken. It showed that the Joint product was effective on 96% of the people who took it. A randomized double blind Phase III placebo study was done on 93 sufferers of Osteo-Arthritis, who have been diagnosed with OA for an average of 6 years. 52 men and 41 women, aged 37-77 over a period of 60 day treatment period where 96% of them found relief after two months.

For more information on Ceryl Myisteroliate and Arthritis go to:

http://crj84634.googlepages.com/osteoarthritis  

And if you want to know more about me go to:

http://medicaladvancements.googlepages.com/aboutme

1 Effect of Cetylated Fatty Acid Topical Cream on Functional Mobility and Quality of Life of Patients with Osteoarthritis, by William J. Kraemer, Nicholas A. Ratamess, Jeffrey M. Anderson, Carl M. Maresh, David P. Piberio, Michael E. Joyce, Barry N. Messinger, Duncan N. French, Matthew J. Sharman, Martyn R. Rubin, Ana L. Gomez, Jeff s. Volek and Robert L. Hesslink Jr.  Submitted April 11, 2003; revision accepted August 5, 2003.

“I have Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis, plus diabetes… I developed the osteo in my knees in 1990 and suffered a lot until I started using Nikken [magnetic products], in Jan of ’96. I got instant relief and was pain free. I am a firm believer that one can never have too many magnets around them. I believe what Nikken promotes. We are magnetically deficient. I know the longer I use these products the healthier I am. I have been a Med Tech for 25 years and because I hadn’t heard of magnetic therapy I figured it was snake oil. I didn’t even believe my own father. He sent me products and they collected dust for 17 months in my garage. Now I’m a firm believer that magnetism is a fantastic easy way towards prevention. Magnetic therapy does work, but one has to use the products and realize that will take time. But the longer you use magnets the better you will feel.”

Good luck on your journey to your own good health. Keep an active mind and keep looking for YOUR answers.

            96% Effective?                      

       Can anything be 96% effective? The Journal of Rheumatology published it. 96% of a randomized double blind Phase III placebo study of 93 Osteo-Arthritis sufferers, age 39-77 found significant relief from stiffness and discomfort after 60 days.

Another study, published in the Journal of Rheumatology concluded application of Cetylated Fatty Acid cream was an effective treatment for improving knee ROM(range of motion), ability to ascend/decend stairs, ability to rais from sitting, walk and sit down, and unilateral balance. (J Rheumatology 2004;31:767-74)<!–[if !supportFootnotes]–>[1]<!–[endif]–> And this within 30 minutes.

Another study, published in the Journal of Rheumatology of a pill form of Cetylated Fatty Acids, printed “Conclusion. Compared to placebo, CFA provides an improvement in knee range of motion and overall function in patients with OA of the knee. CFA may be an alternative to the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of OA.” (italic added) (J Rheumatology 2002;29:1708-12)<!–[if !supportFootnotes]–>[2]<!–[endif]–>

CLINIAL TRIAL SUMMARY:

A recent research study was done on Nikken’s Bio-Directed Joint formula by independent research groups outside of Nikken. It showed that the joint product was effective on 96% of the people who took it. A randomized double blind Phase III placebo study was done on 93 sufferers of Osteo-Arthritis, who have been diagnosed with OA for an average of 6 years. 52 men and 41 women, aged 37-77 over a period of 60 day treatment period where 96% of them found relief after two months.

Dr Charles Cochran, who created the Bio-Directed Joint, has worked extensively with cetyl myristoleate, (for best results, use in conjunction with Nikken Liver Support formula). This formula was worked on for 4 years and has the highest maximum concentration of cetyl myristoleate (30%). CM is an oil – an essential fatty acid, that your body needs and doesn’t make. Use of this product has shown noticeable improvement in joints for many people within 1 week

With a 96% success rate, What have you got to lose? Maybe some discomfort? Some stiffness? Some unsteadiness?

But….What about interaction with your RA meds?

“The DFA provided relief even for those individuals also receiving traditional medications.

…In summary, the use of a cetylated fatty acid complex improved knee range of motion and function in patients with OA of the knee of 5 to 6 years’ duration.” Cetylated Fatty Acids Improve Knee Function in Patients with Osteoarthritis by Robert Hesslink Jr. David Armstrong III, M.V. Nagendran, Srinan Sreevatsan, and Raj Barathur. Published in the Journal of Rheumatology J Rheumatol 2002:29:1708-12.

These double blind studies were conducted while the participants were still taking their prescribed treatments! But of course, if you have concerns, talk to your RA doctors and have them evaluate the ingredients of the Bio-Directed Joint for any known interactions with your prescriptions.

<!–[if !supportFootnotes]–>[1]<!–[endif]–> “The DFA provided relief even for those individuals also receiving traditional medications.

…In summary, the use of a cetylated fatty acid complex improved knee range of motion and function in patients with OA of the knee of 5 to 6 years’ duration.” Cetylated Fatty Acids Improve Knee Function in Patients with Osteoarthritis by Robert Hesslink Jr. David Armstrong III, M.V. Nagendran, Srinan Sreevatsan, and Raj Barathur. Published in the Journal of Rheumatology J Rheumatol 2002:29:1708-12.

<!–[if !supportFootnotes]–>[2]<!–[endif]–> “Topical treatment with cetylated fatty acids significantly increased physical performance (e.g., balance, stair climbing ability, ability to rise from a chair, and walking) in patients with knee OA. A unique finding was an immediate effect of this treatment 30 min after initial cream application. The results of this study provide support for the use of cetylated fatty acids as part of a pain relief treatment in patients with knee OA.” Effect of Cetylated Fatty Acid Topical Cream on Functional Mobility and Quality of Life of Patients with Osteoarthritis, by William J. Kraemer, Nicholas A. Ratamess, Jeffrey M. Anderson, Carl M. Maresh, David P. Piberio, Michael E. Joyce, Barry N. Messinger, Duncan N. French, Matthew J. Sharman, Martyn R. Rubin, Ana L. Gomez, Jeff s. Volek and Robert L. Hesslink Jr. Submitted April 11, 2003; revision accepted August 5, 2003.