Thursday, October 30, 2008

John's Story - ' I Will Fight Till I Can't Fight Anymore'










This recent email from a dear friend who suffers with Rheumatoid Arthritis* was so touching I felt I needed to share it with my readers.

John's emotional and painful journey is one similarly expressed by friends who have submitted to drug therapies as the first line of defense for auto-immune diseases.*

Most drug therapies used to suppress the Immune System* have debilitating side effects to the Adrenal Glands and Immune System.
Flares become unbearably painful with a 'boom-a-rang’ effect when tapering off these drugs.

John's email:

Sandy,

I tried going the natural way and no matter what I did obtained only minimal relief.
I did have better luck by watching my diet but the first five or six years after being diagnosed were a living hell.
The only thing that did anything for me unfortunately was methyl prednisone, and only that. Not even regular prednisone would work.

To date I have every single 'bad side effect' from drug therapies' including Cushingoid syndrome.

Every time I try to get off the drugs I have terrible flares and other complications have resulted.
I have come close to dying at least five different times.
I am not obsessing on that thought. I have a positive attitude that some find amazing, but not me. How else are you supposed to feel?

The disease is bad enough without letting it destroy the rest of your life.

Thank you for letting me vent, rant, and rage here... It helps to be able to talk to someone who knows where of I speak.

You're right about sleep, rest and diet playing a part in this. Stress is really a big part too.
Let any one of these get out of whack and it guarantees a flare.
I'm still working out the diet, but for me a big trigger is red meat.
Also, like you say MSG and other things added to food at restaurants do the same.
There are still some others I have not been able to figure out...haven't given up hope yet!

I have a good attitude and am not about to give up.....I will fight till I can't anymore!

Thank you listening and being my friend.

John


* 'The Autoimmune Epidemic: Bodies Gone Haywire In A World Out Of Balance'

http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/80129

Scientists worldwide are puzzled at the alarming and unexplained rise in the rates of autoimmune disease.

© Copyright 2010 Sandy Guerriere. All Rights Reserved.

5 comments:

Sandy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

John;

Your story needs to be heard, 'thank you' for sharing it with me and allowing it to be shared with my readers.

Maybe publishing this story will help others
with Chronic Disease reach out in their pain and bewilderment too.

Please stay in touch and yes....
'We will fight until we can't fight anymore'...

We have a war to win!

Sandy

'Good Health To You'

Anonymous said...

Hi Sandy!

Just got done reading the article you told me to read about auto-immune diseases...
Very very interesting Sandy and informative. I am headed to my local Borders book store today to see if I can get this book or order it. To me it is a must read. I like you feel you can never stop learning about what we are afflicted with.
The more Knowledge you find the better equipped you are to fight it. Knowledge is power and I want all the power I can get when dealing with this...How to fight it, and knowledge to make the right decisions for treatment.

Thank you so much Sis for pointing me in this direction!

Your friend,
John

Unknown said...

John is NOT on his own. I tried nutritional aspects pertaining to diet. Tried to follow the natural route. My employment did not help either. My work was very stressful, the boss wasn't helping, and with sexual harassment too. This situation was NOT GOOD. At the time my bodily systems where spirally 'out of control'. The only road left was the road to A&E. I have put my care into the hands of my Rheumy Unit. Medication is about trial & error. Some work, some don't, some have side effects with which I have to supplement. My (former) boss doesn't understand & wants me back at work with allegations of unfinished projects. This not NOT TRUE. They belonged to the harrasser who left then returned. I do not do C++. He's putting PROFITS before people. I say LOOK IN HIS LOFT. When Health & Safety go in they do not see the loft. Re-used insulation & assett hiding from the Tax Man.
My incapacity has stopped. My bank foreclosed. I have hidden bank accts. Thank goodness for DLA.
I repeat, I have put my hands in the care of my Rheumy Unit. When I am back on my feet I will support them the best way I can.

azuankota said...

CLICK HERE >>Blog Medication for Arthritis
Arthritis-your complete exercise guide. You can fight back against Arthritis. This blog provides you with a safe and sensible exercise programs that will help you reduce the adverse effects of arthritis and improve your overall fitness. Arthritis patient will find this blog to be invaluable. This blog target flexibility, strength, and aerobic activities most beneficial to people with arthritis.

CLICK HERE >>Blog Medication for Arthritis
http://medications-for-arthritis.blogspot.com