Would you trade athritis for lymphoma??

[SoCalDem]

http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3601519


New Alert over Arthritis Drug
The Scotsman, UK - 3 hours ago
... & Johnson, said it was making the changes after trials showed that rheumatoid arthritis patients taking Remicade had a three-fold increased risk of lymphoma.


First it was VIOXX & heart attacks..now this..

I hope people start paying closer attention to the warning inserts..

[bicentennial_baby]

1. They say it in the commercial!!

I couldn't believe it! I know that Rheumatoid Arthritis is a horrible condition to live with, but I doubt cancer of the lymphatic system is much better, esp. since it's fatal!

[SoCalDem]

2. I "love" the ones for heartburn...

they list about 30 possibles..in the superfasttalk..stuff like diarrhea,headaches,back pain,blood clots, etc..

um.. pass me the rolaids, please :)

[SudieJD]

27. I Also Have I have Rheumatoid Arthritis

I can't imagine anything more painful and depressing than this. I'm tired all of the time (I take about 3 naps a day), depression is always around the corner. I can't walk because it's hit me in my feet and I can barely type on the computer because it's in my hands as well.

Sudie in MN

[SoCalDem]

28. My favorite Aunt had rheumatoid & osteo..

I remember her poor gnarled fingers.. My pinkie finger has started "curling"..:cry:..

She also had osteoporosis.. I have a bad family history :(

[troubleinwinter]

30. Oh, I sure do feel for you.

It's a nasty disease, hitting not only physically, but the mental/phychological challenges as well. Good wishes to you.

[bobbieinok]

41. me too: started in my knees and thought that was bad; now in my hands

too.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease; apparently very little is known about the cause, about why symptoms disappear for a while, etc.

I also have pernicious anemia, also an auto-immune disease. My dr says there's a chance that one auto-immune disease may trigger others.

Prednisone for reducing inflammation (dr speak for swelling) can cause osteoporosis and diabetes.

My dr prescribed a very low dosage of anti-depressant (Lexapro). I think there are risks from it. She said I just had too many things to deal with.

(By the time the specialist officially diagnosed rheumatiod arthritis, the knee x-rays showed cartilege missing in both knees.)

[Eloriel]

42. Synchronicity -- info on an herbal alternative for arthritis

I was just going through some of my old email that needs to be sorted through and just minutes before opening this thread read this from Penn Herb Company (online herb company -- medicinal herbs, cooking herbs and spices, etc.):

Let's Get Those Joints Moving!
As the baby boomer generation ages, the issue of arthritis and other joint related conditions and treatments have become a top priorities. Indeed, the Arthritis Foundation tell us: "Many types of arthritis can affect people in their 20s and 30s; and the most common form- osteoarthritis- often begins as early as age 40."

Pharmaceutical options are fraught with dangerous side effects, and so many informed consumers are seeking safer options. The good news? There are natural, effective alternatives to help you keep up with your active lifestyle.

Cooling The "Fire In The Joints"
Ar·thri·tis (är-thrts), .n- Inflammation of a joint or joints resulting in pain and swelling; literally means "fire in the joints." Indeed, the very meaning of the word is a clear description of the excruciating pain arthritis sufferers experience.

Traditional healing cultures all over the world use a number of healing herbs to soothe and relieve arthritis. There's Cat's Claw from the Peruvian jungle, the Ayurvedic herbs Boswellia and Turmeric; the Native American remedies, Wintergreen, Black Cohosh; and the popular and effective African discovery, Devil's Claw...

A-Z Herbal Remedies: Devil' Claw

Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)

Family: PEDALIACEAE

AKA: Grapple Plant, Wood Spider.

Geographical Source: South Africa, Namibia, Kalahari desert, Madagascar.

Properties: Alterative, Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-rheumatic, Bitter, Cholagogue.

History: Devil's Claw is named for the miniature "grapple-like hooks" that cover its fruit. The root preparations however, feature prominently in the traditional folk medicine of various African tribes for relieving arthritis, labor pains and fevers. Devil's Claw later became a popular arthritis remedy in Europe, when reportedly an army surgeon who used the herb successfully for inflammatory conditions extolled its benefits.

Current Traditional Use: Today, Devil's Claw remains one of the premier herbs for easing joint complaints. It is recognized by the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia for its pain-relieving properties, and is approved by the German Commission E (the German herbal watchdog agency) for rheumatic and digestive complaints with symptoms of discomfort, bloating, loss of appetite, nausea and belching.

Contemporary herbalists suggest the herb for:

Arthritis

Joint inflammation

Joint stiffness and pain

Rheumatism

Gout

Studies suggest that the herb's active compounds tend to reduce pain and inflammation. It was also discovered that Devil's Claw contains natural substances similar to those of other pain-relieving herbs, that stimulate circulation and carry inflammatory chemicals away from affected tissues.

Cautions and Warnings: Not recommended for use by persons with gastric or duodenal ulcers because it stimulates gastric juice secretions. Stomach acids can decrease Devil's Claw benefits. To avoid this problem, take it between meals when stomach acid is at its lowest.

----------

Here's a link to the info about Devil's Claw
http://www.pennherb.com/cgi-bin/herbstore.cgi/go?;10302

Link to newsletters index:
http://www.pennherb.com/newsletters/

I was also fascinated by this, about Penn Herb's Pharmacist:


"Ask The Penn Herb Pharmacist" is a new HerbNews feature, which will endeavor to answer some the questions we receive from many of our customers about herbs, supplements and natural health.

Our pharmacist, Karl C. Ruch is a graduate of the Temple University Pharmacy School. He has been a part of the Penn Herb family since 1966, where he has used his working knowledge of both drugs and herbs to help customers. Over the years, Karl has applied his professional expertise to not only advising customers but also to formulating some of our popular natural remedies.

-----------

Also, I can't speak to the issue of rheumatoid arthritis, but a lot of regular ole arthritis yields nicely to eliminating wheat and/or nightshades from the diet, which seems worth a try to me versus consuming pharmaceuticals which ALL have side effects, even if they're not apparent. (Showing my anti-pharmaceutical bias here.)

[madmax]

7. You're so right.

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and my son (thankfully) is in remission from lymph cancer. However, the chemo has permanently damaged his lungs but, he is alive and home with his 2 kids.

An aside to his situation it took 2 years to be approved for SS Disability and without the help of his Congressman and a lawyer he would still be waiting. Now my Grandaughter needs a Hepatitis B shot to attend school. It's a series of 3 shots at 200.00 a pop and my son has no insurance.

We took out a second mortgage to help they stay afloat while waiting for approval for disablity. Now we'll be paying for the kids medical needs. He doesn't qualify for the state funded kids insurance.

[happynewyear]

11. I wonder if those Hepatitis B "vaccines" are safe?

and furthermore, I wonder if ANYONE ever dared to ask this question. First they close in for the kill and take all of your money first, then THE INJECTION!

HOLY FUCK AGAIN!

:dem: :kick:

P.S. You have my sincere condolences btw ... *sigh*

[madmax]

12. I don't know if they're safe but, I think I better start talking

to my son about it. The school won't let her attend unless she gets the shots.

[lastliberalintexas]

24. My 6 month old had one, too

So far all the studies show that they are as safe as other vaccines. The big problem with vaccines has been the mercury which was used as a preservative in the past. Yes, I said *mercury*. However, that was stopped a couple of years ago, so any of her vaccines today should be mercury free. Just ask the pediatrician to be sure of that.

And certainly check on the other possible side effects of vaccines for yourself. But from everything I've seen, she really would be in more danger without them.


I'm glad your son is in remission and I hope he continues to improve. My mom is in remission from throat and lymph cancer, so I know how hard it is to watch someone you love go through that.


and on edit- Check with your local health department to see if your grandchildren qualify for CHIP. I would assume that with your son being on SSI that they would easily qualify, and it's usually relatively inexpensive for coverage. Good luck!

[madmax]

25. Thanks love

I'll check into your suggestions. Best wishes to your Mom, as well. We just take it one day at a time. For you and your Mom :hug:

[happynewyear]

3. these drugs - what is the TRUTH?

I sure wonder about all of this.

What about these cholesterol drugs? I don't want to take them - ever read the packet inserts? Yikes!

Now this arthritis drug Remicade - I wonder if this is in the packet insert?

If you read these inserts that never come with the drugs (you have to ask for one from the pharmacist or buy a PDR), you might never bother to take them.

:shrug: :wtf: is one to do exactly?

... JUST SAY NO TO LEGALLY RX'D DRUGS! :evilgrin:

:kick:

[troubleinwinter]

14. Remicaide does not come in a "package"

with an "insert".

It is given by intravenous infusion, over a period of a few hours every few weeks. It is NOT something one can get over the counter. It is a serious medication, given after serious consideration. It is known to be a risk. It supresses the immune system. This is not silly cold pills bought at Walgreen's. One must have frequent liver tests.

I wish we could quit the hype over risks. We know it is a very risky course. We don't have much alternative, because the alternative is incapacitation. It has made a huge difference in our lives.

[mzmolly]

4. B, B, B, B But the drug companies have our best interests at heart!

:eyes:

Sad shit.

[happynewyear]

5. it is sad shit

especially once you figure out they are trying to get you hooked on their shit and kill you with the shit as the goal.

Holy fuck.

baldearg

:dem: :kick:

[MaryH]

6. Yea, and so do doctors.

We have been sold such a bill of goods.

[happynewyear]

8. that is like cholesterol drugs

ever read the packet insert on these drugs? And to think, they want to sell them over-the-counter! :think:

and ... like the sad shit previously discussed, you cannot simply stop taking cholesterol drugs once you start. We all saw what happened to PRESIDENT Clinton when he stopped taking them didn't we? Why don't these cholesterol drug companies ADDRESS this FACT?

Holy fuck again.

:dem: :kick:

[mzmolly]

15. Still tryin to figure out what happened to "first do no harm" ??

:shrug:

My husband is on Lipitor now after years of high cholesterol, I wish he'd reconsider. He just refuses to try a "natural" way to lower his cholesterol like ahhh, less T-Bone steaks?

[SoCalDem]

16. The doctor wanted me to take those things. I said no thanks

I also have a liver "problem"..and that's one of the BIG red flags.. Her soultion.. Bloodwork every month, so she could monitor me..:eyes:.. um no thanks :

[mzmolly]

18. Good for you. My MIL takes "metamucil" as recommended by her

pharmacist and she's dramatically lowered her cholesterol. She was over 200, now she's around 140.

[happynewyear]

19. my acupuncturist said ...

that he did not know how they were ever approved by the FDA.

For some the Metamucil thing doesn't work - that is those with the genetic type of high cholesterol which is what I have.

I really don't want to take those pills. I wonder what will actually happen? I can't help but think of Pres. Clinton.

Someone I know recently died of liver cancer - not a pretty sight on any level.

If your liver is screwed up, this is major because if your liver isn't working right, the rest of your body will be messed up. We know these drugs are dangerous but does anyone question the doctor pushing these pills? Seems not! :grr:

:shrug: so ... what to do?

:dem:

[SoCalDem]

20. For me.. I try to eat lots of veggies, and cut down on fat..

and I have a basic philosophy about life.. "Something" is gonna get us all, and a long "impaired" life is not something I aspire to have :(..

I will just have to take my chances..:)

[happynewyear]

21. good philosophy

I think we must all take our chances whatever our decisions may be.

I tried and still am on the low cholesterol diet. My cholesterol has actually gone up thanks to the addition of a drug that causes elevated cholesterol. I'd like to dump this shit ASAP but cannot quite yet.

I don't like living an impaired life - I already live this way. It totally sucks. To become even further impaired is the problem - in what ways exactly and via what reason? Is it the drug or the lack of a drug?

If you have genetic cholesterol there isn't anything you can do to lower it unfortunately. Diet/exercise route is pointless and I am proof. :(

:dem:

[troubleinwinter]

23. I doubt anyone "aspires" to an "impaired" life.

My 53 year old husband certainly doesn't.

But the original subject seemed to be if one would choose Remicade. My husband has, rather than be bedridden.

We knew there were serious risks, the medication is an imunune supressant. I thought he was a gonner 10 months ago, when he had the flu. He went into deep shock.

So, lymphoma chance is 3x? Walk in my shoes. To see that young man able to go out of the house and work each day. Ride a bike, do gardening.

So what really is 3x .01% ? = .03%? I'd rather we have the CHOICE for him to live an enjoyable productive life while he can.

Here is the issue that SHOULD be discussed: He gets an IV infusion each 6 weeks. Cost? $11,000 per each treatment. Yep, it is not a typo. Luckily we have an HMO.

Oh, by the way, he eats lots of vegetables, low fat, too. But has the disease nonetheless.

[Eloriel]

38. mzmolly

Have you thought of the South Beach Diet? Even if he doesn't need to lose weight, the dietary principles are sound. AND he can still have his T-Bone steaks...

I've been on it since June 18 and love it. It's not a low-carb diet, it's a "good carb, good fat" diet, and it's based on some darned good science. If you're interested, maybe you could check the book out of the library and read the first 100 pages for all the principles, etc. You'll see some of the case histories and other information about why it works and how well it works for lowering blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels, etc. Seems to be very effective and, even more important, a lifestyle eating plan that people can actually stick with for the duration.

One last bit of advertisement for SBD: my cravings for the junk foods went away the first day (it can take a little longer for some), I'm never hungry until it's meal or snack time, and I never feel deprived. That alone is awesome, IMO. And I've still lost over 30 pounds in 3-1/2 months!! If someone just wanted to eat healthier and didn't need to lose weight, as I said, it's still a really effective eating plan -- those people could go from a brief Phase 1 (to get rid of cravings and reset the blood chemistry) straight to Phase 3 Maintenance.

[mzmolly]

43. Wow 30 pounds! Good for you Eloriel!

I actually tried the diet and stopped losing after 5 pounds. My bod figured out what I was up too. But, I've been very stressed lately too so? :(

I may try it again and encourage my dh to do the same, thanks for the tip! :hi:

[MaryH]

22. Those drugs cause kidney damage.

I think I might try to live the old fashioned way - until I get sick and then I will make those decisions.

I feel like I am being scared into taking things and having tests that I don't need.

[troubleinwinter]

9. Oh, swell.

My husband has Rheumatoid Arthritis. He is on Remicaid. He is working, functioning. Were it not for this drug (he tried everything else), he'd be home in a wheelchair/bed in dire pain. That's where he was before the drug.

I guess we may have to make a choice:

1)Immidiate incapacitation and constant pain

or

2)A functional life and a chance of dying some time

I wonder if we will be given the chance to choose.

[mzmolly]

17. So sorry, sometimes the choices we have to make don't seem right.

I wish the RX companies would focus on safe drugs (not just those that allow one to live through the day) but long term safety before monkeying around with people.

My Great Grandmother, who lived to 100 years said here "secret" was staying away from Doctors.

Nothing against Doctors, I use them myself ;) and they are nobel people who really do save lives, but ...

[ulysses]

40. !

A functional life and a chance of dying some time

Not to knock arthritis or its effects, but I'm not sure you really get what's at stake with lymphoma. It's cancer, not the common cold.

[NV Whino]

10. Only if Kerry loses

[troubleinwinter]

13. Vioxx vs Remicade

Vioxx is for OSTEO Arthritis... we all get some when we get old. A sore knee, etc.

Remicaide is for RHEUMATOID Arthritis, a debilitating, disfiguring disease. It is a SYSTEMIC disease... It affects the organs, sleep, appetite, causes fatigue and depression, disfiguremnent and inability to function.

A chance of lymphoma is not real thrilling. I tell ya, I am IN this story, living it with my husband. There are already so many dire risks with the drug. Withoout it, he would have been bedridden 2 years ago. Today he is working and sometimes can ride his bike.

Our choice. Sure, they should advise of the risks so we can make our choice.

CHOICE, ya know.

[Individualist]

26. Choices

I have RA and have been on Humira (in the same group of drugs as Remicade) for seven months. There is also a risk of lymphoma with Humira, but like many RA patients, I've decided the benefits I get from the drug outweigh the risks.

[troubleinwinter]

29. Best wishes to you.

I hope the meds are helping!

[Individualist]

31. Thank you

I'm glad Remicade has helped your husband. I was in continuous pain for 10 years, and after almost 3 months on Humira I was pain free and have remained pain free. I still have fatigue and progressive joint damage (doc says I have subtotal remission), but thank heaven the pain is gone!!

[troubleinwinter]

34. Wonderful to hear you have gotten some relief.

Ten years... eee! Yes, the fatigue is a real challenge, too. I hope you have medical insurance. I cannot imagine how anyone could get anywhere without it. Tough enough if you do have it.

[SudieJD]

32. I Take Steroids and Mobic

For my RA. Blood work is weekly to check for liver and kidney failure. RA isn't just a bone problem...it's an immune system disease. Mine was diagnosed after a lung infection and my immune system went crazy.

To make matters worse, I also have Severe Osteoporosis. Double whammy!

Sudie in MN

[vixengrl]

33. Or you could just get TB, instead--

Seriously. My father is only 54 and other than having RA and high blood pressure is strong and fit. But over the last two years, he's been like a canary in the mine shaft of arthritis meds. Remicade, I think, was the one that made him susceptible to TB. Others:

Gave him IBS symptoms.
Heartburn.
Localized swellings from injections which become generalized swellings.
And of course, aggravated the high blood pressure. And his cholesterol wasn't so so good, so--

Somebody had him on Crestor for that--

Which has as a side effect: May cause bone and joint ailments." (oh...my....gosh....well, he already had *that*...)

I can appreciate the aggressive approach the doctors are taking with him to keep him on his feet and relatively comfortable, but it's frustrating how many of the meds had to be discontinued before they even really gave him any comfort--because they looked like they just might kill him. That kind of help a person doesn't need. And I wonder how the doctors and pharmaceutical companies decide just how much risk is acceptable when weighed against the therapeutic value.

[SudieJD]

35. BTW...No Insurance..

To pay for the meds. One of the many. I'm also on meds for Reflux problem. The doctors suggested surgery...but can't afford it.

Sudie in MN

[SoCalDem]

36. Sounds like my husband.. I am going with him next time he goes

to his doctor..

His health was fine, until they diagnosed his diabetes.. Now he takes:

Glucophage
Avandia
Crestor
Plavix
Glipizide
Altace
Prevacid
Aspirin
One-a-day vitamins..

He has NO ENERGY...is skinny as a rail..

I take..Nada.. of course I am NOT skinny as a rail..dammit..

[ulysses]

37. that'd be "no".

Lived through lymphoma already. No thanks.

[porphyrian]

39. What's a little significant risk of cancer...

...when it comes to the profit margins of pharmaceuticals? Some republicans have summer homes to pay for, you know.