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Q. I have had patches of itchy dermatitis for years. More recently I developed "mildly inflammatory arthritis." Then I came down with carpal tunnel syndrome. In my dealings with doctors, these have always been treated as separate problems.
I was recently prescribed prednisone for a poison ivy attack. My dermatitis is clearing up. My arthritis is much improved too; I can touch my toes. The carpal tunnel pain is also gone. I feel better than I have for years.
I know I cannot continue on the prednisone forever because of its side effects. From this experience, I conclude that all my prior problems are interconnected. I would like an integrated treatment for them. Have others found alternative solutions?
A. Inflammation is the common denominator of your health problems. While prednisone can relieve many symptoms, serious side effects may occur with long-term use.
We are sending you our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis with a discussion of problems with prednisone and a variety of non-drug approaches for inflammatory conditions. If your problems are not caused by an underlying condition (such as psoriatic arthritis) that requires medical treatment, you may find a natural anti-inflammatory product helpful. These include fish oil, cherry or pomegranate juice, boswellia, curcumin and ginger.
I have also had a variety of inflammatory-based ailments over the years. Last December, my physician and I sat down for a discussion of interventions that do not involve more drugs. I already have HBP and Insulin-dependent diabetes. We opted to try the anti-inflammatory diet of gluten-free, dairy-free, and meat-free for 6 months.
I have taken many post-grad courses in nutrition, so this was like a game for me. Stay within my carb recommendations for diabetes, get enough protein, and see what happens. The concentration was on vegetables, fruits (more than I normally am allowed), legumes--beans--and, once a week, cold water fish. Also checking blood sugar many times a day to observe and direct control.
The results: I lost 40 pounds in 6 months. My A1c is about 5.3, down from 7, my blood sugar looks like a normal person, although I still take my meds, my blood pressure is down about 25 points H, 10 points D, and I can climb stairs one foot following the other. Going down is still an issue, but much better. I can walk and work on my feet for much longer, my energy level is better. My irritable bowel syndrome is GONE. But most of all, my attitude is so much better--my husband said this is the happiest he has ever seen me, and I am normally a basically happy and up-beat person.
I have no cravings for breads, starches, or any dairy products, and they have been instrumental in life for 57 years. It is as if the gluten and dairy were like toxins in my body. Like I have been poisoning myself for 50 years.
This has been a revelation in my life. As a teacher of autistic students, I was already familiar with the gluten-free / dairy free diets, so finding sources has been easy. I also have a granddaughter who is totally dairy-free due to anaphylactic reactions to even touching dairy products. It has been a very educational year for me.
I had become very stiff and inflexible in my muscles and joints, and was feeling 80 years old instead of 50. My doctor recommended eliminating wheat from my diet. It has been amazing! Not only am I no longer stiff and achey, I no longer have headaches, and I no longer have stomach issues. My doctor says they think 1 in 3 people have wheat intolerance.
I seem to have inflammatory arthritis, but my doctor told me I am not allowed to take anti-inflammatory drugs or fish oil because I take Warfarin. The bones over my arch in my feet are so painful, it is very painful to walk and even hurts in bed at night. I have had xrays, and nothing is broken. I know premarin would help, but it is not a long-term solution because of side effects. Now what do I do?
Note to E. Rolfe: for the painful feet problem, I suggest you find a podiatrist who deals in orthotics and has had success in doing so. Ask that his/her office contact several patients who have them and ask that they call you. Talk with them of their experience. Might solve most of the problem.