Conversation of the Week: Complementary, Supplementary, and Alternative Treatment Experiences
Hey Everyone! This week I'd like to open a discussion about your thoughts and experiences with complementary, supplementary, and alternative treatment options.
Once you start looking at alternative and complementary avenues for disease managment, it is easy to find yourself deep in the weeds of separating fact from fiction. By the same token, I also believe in fighting the war on many fronts with as many weapons as I can find.
So, metaphors aside my experience has always been best when I combine pharmaceutical meds, dietary changes, plenty of extra vitamins (especially D and B), PEMF therapy, gentle movements, and stress managment.
All that being said, this week I'd love to open our conversation to experiences, thoughts, and information about using complementary, supplementary, and alternative options to manage your RA/RD. What have you tried that's worked or not? How did you decide if it was worth the effort or cost to continue? Share you thoughts below and let's get this party started! -Leanne
thanks for this forum topic. Important conversation to have. I also treat my RA with a holistic approach. I use western pharmaceutical meds, with alternative therapies and healthy diet. It's the best approach I have found so far. I have used wet cupping, I do acupuncture weekly (it's been a game changer for me). Also, have found relief through craniosacral therapy. Dietary changes and finding which foods increase my inflammation has also been key. I personally believe the cost of alternative therapies and tratments, is worth the relief I experience. Just Keep Swimming...Lynn Marie, "RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member" 
Hi Leanne, I’m considering functional (medicinal) mushrooms, it’s an interesting topic and many swear by it. Still have more research to see how they would work with my numerous issues and meds.
I have several illness beside RA. CKD, OA, OP, Acid Reflux, colon cancer survivor, and the list goes on
Food doesn’t seem to affect my symptoms one way or another, I eat as healthy as possible but don’t restrict myself either.
It’s been a long road since dx with RA in 1993. The last 5 years it seems as tho diseases have just piled on one after the other. I need both TKR and a RTHR.
I’m hoping some relief is in my near future! I’m 69 and not ready to give up so I’ll keep on keeping on….
Wish you and others well, Dolores
You're dealing with a lot. The idea of using mushrooms is an interesting and personal one, if it's legal in your area. There is a small discussion here about the use of it that may be interesting (https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/forums/magic-mushroom) - of course, make sure it's legal in your area and talk with your doctor first to see if it's something right for you. Warmly - Reggie, team member
This is medicinal mushrooms, they are legal, the “magic” mushrooms are moy
not
