Hi,

My name is Robert Byerley, and I have been dealing with RA for about 19 years from the age of 26. The first time I realized I had RA is when I was working with my parents in a convenient store they had owned. My fingers started to swell and eventually worked its way into my hand and wrist. I thought I must had done something for this pain to come upon me. My brother dropped by one day and I asked him to take me to the emergency room because I couldn't stand the pain any longer. Once I was able to speak to a doctor he informed me he was unable to find anything wrong. So he gave me a splint along with some anti inflammatory medicine and sent me on my way. I did not have another flare up until a few years later. I continued to treat the pain myself with Motrin for at least 4 to 5 years.

My wife and I got married when I was 31 years of age. I continued to suffer with the pain for awhile longer until my wife finally convinced me to go back to the doctor. This time I went to my personal physician where I was told he thought it might be carpal tunnel. He referred me to a rheumatologist where I had some x-rays and blood work done. The doctor informed me that I had RA but explained to me that it did not show in my blood work. He also explained in detail what RA is, along with it's symptoms. At this point I was in denial and did not believe him. I had been put on different medications from Water pills, Methotrexate, and Prednisone. After taking these medications for some time I started to get some abnormal readings in my blood work,(mainly my liver). I realized then that I need to find something natural, so I would not get these side affects.

I have done so much research on different natural cures and dealing with the pain. I have actually come up with something that works for me and possibly might work for you. Now keep in mind these are only suggestions and it always best to consult with your doctor before taking anything. If you have done as much research as I have, you know that exercise and a good diet are extremely important when it comes to having rheumatoid arthritis. Unfortunately, I myself don't always eat as well as I should. What I have found to work for me is by taking an Omega 3 800mg 2 to 3 times a daily, 400 IU of a true vitamin E 1 time daily, 100mg of vitamin B-6 1 time daily, 400mg Boswellia 2 to 3 times daily, 1500mg MSM 2 to 3 times daily, 750mg Glucosamine with Chondroitin 2 times daily. When taking the MSM you can actually take more of this, but never more than the directions say on the bottle, this acts as a pain reliever. The Glucosamine with Chondroitin is to help with your bone structure, and really helps as you get older.

I still from time to time get flare ups, but not like I used to. If it gets really bad I will use hot and cold water to help the pain or I will still take motrin from time to time. Well I hope these suggestions helps you as well as they have helped me.

Here is a perfect example of what can happen from RA.