Date: 31.12.2015
From: Sean
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Subject: Re: Arthritis attacks
Hi Emma, Do your attacks come and go? Are you on medication? I don't suffer to the same level as some but get the odd attack in my lower back and hip. Was pretty bad for 2 days over Christmas, sore / stabbing but not too painful. The lack of understanding and sympathy is normal even when I try and explain what I think has caused my flare up :) I've had a few worse flares over the last 5 years where I have struggled but generally got it under control. I tackle my Ankylosing Spondylitis using diet and am 100% sure that any attacks I get start in my gut. This 2015 lecture by a highly respected professor Alessio Fasano explains autoimmune diseases perhaps better than anyone else - it's long but entertaining and quite light https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wha30RSxE6w So I manage with diet because Autoimmune disease is not just a runaway train it can be limited by controlling environmental factors. Autoimmune Disease is Predisposing Genes + Initiating Environmental Trigger + On Going Environmental Factors I believe that flare up / remission are changes in environmental factors. I truly hope you find some relief soon - like others on here I'm happy to share what else I know and do!
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Date: 04.01.2016
From: Abbe Gallacher
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Subject: Re: Arthritis attacks
Hi Emma I'm Abbe, I'm 21 and have struggled with arthritis for a number of years now. Like Sean, I don't think I suffer as badly as you. My ankle, elbow, jaw and a couple of fingers are affected. My elbow is my main concern and I often feel depressed because of it. I take a lot of hot baths, my mum adds a cocktail of himalayan salts and blend of natural oils. I found they really relaxed my joints and the heat helps so much. I try and bath every morning, or shower, which eases my joints. If I don't I find I'm too stiff to begin the day properly. My mum has also bought me a lot of creams, devils claw and blue ease are a couple of my favourites. If you live with anyone who can massage these into your joints they work wonders! Hope you reply soon, would love to hear how you're getting on and hope you are well x
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Date: 17.01.2016
From: Barry
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Subject: Re: Arthritis attacks
Emma, you mentioned having to grin and bear it, I remember the pain of arthritis in the first few years, an in competent doctor then putting me on a medication that not only didn't help it led to a head full of insanity with unbelievably loud tinnitus I still have, the misery that followed, the doors that closed in my face, being told I'd just have to grin and bear the whole lot of it, the lack of support from anybody around, the depths I sank too, the vulnerability of my existance at that time, well, I came to realise that only I could change things, it took time, I'm still working on it, may take the rest of my life, I realise now my limitations, work within my ' comfort zone', write things down, plan them out, don't clog up my mind trying to remember it all, realise you are important, we're all special, take those painkillers as and when, give yourself, hopefully, a pain free break, recharge your energy. So many people out there, healthy people, are not in control of their lives, I've learnt to exercise far greater control of mine, pain has at least helped me in that direction, I'm not dependant on others, I'll get there just the same, keep at these doctors, find out what you need too, don't be disheartened by any negativity, pain thrives on that, realise your ailments, I've found all sorts of movements, exercises, to ease, relieve things, I've learnt so much about me, what makes me tick, when it all gets to much, lay back, relax, let it all go, I find when I do that I listen to my body, I learn to work round pain, strengthen muscle groups around painful areas, eat healthily, think positive, it'll come, give it time, barry
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