Q & A archive—Rheumatoid Arthritis

Question: I have a question about Rheumatoid arthritis which I have had for 23 years. Recently I was put on methotrexate (7 weeks) and last weekend had a severe bout of swelling of the throat and severe neck and cranial pressure (back of my head) and wound up in the emergency room. I tend to think it was the methotrexate because the week prior to this incident I had a severe headache which could not be stopped with Tylenol and wound up taking Excedrin which caused me to bruise very easily. I do not feel comfortable taking this medicine. I felt as if I were about to have a stroke. The Dr.’s at the emergency room ordered a cat scan, spinal tap and blood work and cultures. All have come back fine except I do not have the results on the cultures yet. I feel this drug methotrexate is not agreeing with me however the rheumatologist thinks it is a necessary evil to cope with the RA beast. What do you think?

Answer: I do not use Methotrexate at all. It is a very toxic drug and should not be taken with many other medications including several of the common over-the-counter pain tablets. The Physicians Desk Reference Manual list about twenty adverse reactions to almost every system of the body but particularly the liver, kidneys, nervous system, skin, digestive system and depression of the bone marrow which is the blood forming system of the body. Some of the problems can be fatal. I think the doctor might be hesitant to take the drug himself. In my estimation, a far better way to attack this difficult disease is as follows:

Of paramount importance is the diet. All sugar and refined flour products should be eliminated. There goes the candy, pie, cake, ice cream and ALL soft drinks (regular or diet) and the so called “enriched flour” products. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, mixed nuts, farm eggs and moderate amounts of meat are to be eaten.

Cod Liver Oil. One tablespoon daily.

Flaxseed Oil. One tablespoon daily.

Vitamin C. 1000 mg. three to five times a day.

Vitamin E Complex 800 to 1000 units daily taken with a meal that contains some fat.

B5 (pantothenic acid) 500 to 1000 mg./day.

Coconut Oil which is pressed from fresh coconuts and not refined.

A Multiple Vitamin and Mineral tablet with at least 50 mg. of all the B vitamins.

Magnesium capsules. 400 mg to 1200 mg. a day. (If you can’t take the maximum without getting diarrhea, reduce the dose.

Zinc. 50 mg. a day for males and 30 mg. a day for females.

Certo (Pectin). Two teaspoons daily.

Ginger. An important anti-inflammatory herb. Contains phenolic compounds responsible for inhibiting enzymes responsible for mediating pain. Take two 550 mg. capsules three times a day ON AN EMPTY STOMACH. Also good for nausea and motion sickness. Also a digestive aid which soothes and relaxes the intestine when taken with meals.

Bromelain. 500 mg caps. Take two three times a day on empty stomach.

Turmeric:Curcumin is the active component.. Reduces histamine levels and hence relieves inflammation. 250 mg. twice daily.

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