Natural treatments for inflammation

[DebbiK]

Hi everyone,

I'm just wondering if anyone out there uses any natural treatments for their Sjogrens? I'm finding that I can't handle the medications. The last one, Imuran, made me violently ill while at a conference. I have decided to be even more proactive and research the natural stuff. I would appreciate any input on what you use/take for the inflammation.

Deb

[Jellyb]

Hi Debbik,
I take tumeric twice a day. It took about twi weeks till I niticed the oain in my hands and feet had improved. Also going gluten free snd having my diet be mainly fruits, vegetables snd lean meats with very few carbs has helped my energy level.  I was not able to tolerate  plaquinel, so I take only supplements and an occational pain med if I need it.

[Sleepy In Seattle]

I agree with Jellyb - all those changes helped me, too...but I also have to take plaquenil and methotrexate to keep things in check (I also have Lupus, APS, and Raynaud's).

Whatever you decide, please do it under a good Rheumatologist's care. These autoimmune diseases can kill you if they go unchecked. Sometimes natural/lifestyle changes are enough, and sometimes they aren't.

[DebbiK]

Hi Sleepy in Seattle

I do have a rheumy that is really good. The problem I'm having is an intolerance to the meds. I've been on plaquenil, it didn't do anything, sulfasalazine hurt my stomach, methotrexate made me extremely tired. My rheumy put me on Arava and I developed tinnitus in one ear so she changed me to Imuran. The Imuran started out really great until my dose size increased, 3 days after increasing my dose I started vomiting severely. I see her on the 27th and will talk to her about the natural medication. Since I'm turning out to be very sensitive to these medications I have to find something else. So far nothing has worked to bring my inflammation numbers down. Thanks for your input.

Deb

[Sleepy In Seattle]

Oh that sucks - I'm sorry none of those meds worked for you!!!! 

It really feels sometimes like they are just shooting in the dark with this stuff, doesn't it? And WE're the ones catching all the bullets....

I think the biggest help to me, lifestyle-wise, was getting off wheat and dairy. A few times now I have had dairy, and it causes a HUGE flare in symptoms - anytime within the next 24 hours. I feel lousy for at least a day, and then it gradually fades, but I don't feel "myself" again for almost a week. And it only takes a little bit - like cream in coffee, or milk in tea.

I seem to be okay with goat's milk, and small amounts of super-aged hard cheese, like parmesan or romano.

I am less sensitive to wheat, although it also definitely sets things off - just not as violently as dairy.

I KILLS me, because I am the ultimate cheese-hound!!!!!

Anyway - I have tried various supplements, etc - and some definitely help - but for me the biggest difference has been diet. Not everyone is sensitive to the same things, of course, but wheat and dairy are a good place to start because they are very common immune-activators.

There are some good, informative discussions on this forum if you search terms like "gluten free" or "celiac" (and you can be very sensitive to gluten without having celiac - it's just that reading about celiac can help anybody trying to avoid gluten) you will find a bunch of good stuff.

I hope you keep posting on the forums and let us know how things go. I am always looking for ways to help my body get through all this.....

[gold55]

Hi DebbiK,
I've found success in taking BioTears Gelcaps by BioSntryx.  They were suggested by my rheumie and they have helped others in the area of moisture in eyes, mouth and vagina.  They provide studies for you to read.  They contain all necessary vitamins, black currant seed oil, cod liver oil, aloe Vera leaf oil, Tumeric and green tea leaf.  I feel they have definitely improved my dry areas and I don't take the max amount.  I only take 1-2 daily, usually only one per day.....120 come in a bottle and you can get them on Amazon through this site   That is the ONLY natural medicine my rheumie has allowed because it's been studied.