What can help my mom’s rheumatoid arthritis pain?
Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 at
11:38 pm
*Kaley [mom of 1 girl]* asked:
my mom has had rheumatoid arthritis for about 9 years now, and she had a knee replacement about 6 years ago… lately her arthritis has been causing her a lot of pain that she loses sleep over… medications that her doc gives her do not help. Are there any natural remedies or vitamins she can take to help ease the pain?
my mom has had rheumatoid arthritis for about 9 years now, and she had a knee replacement about 6 years ago… lately her arthritis has been causing her a lot of pain that she loses sleep over… medications that her doc gives her do not help. Are there any natural remedies or vitamins she can take to help ease the pain?
Tagged with: 6 Years • rheumatoid arthritis • Sleep
Filed under: Arthritis
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My sympathies to your mother (and you). I know all too well the pain of RA…
At the moment, I am in the same predicament. Lots of pain, loss of sleep. The pain makes sleeping impossible, and the loss of sleep makes the pain greater. It’s a vicious cycle.
All I can suggest is that your mother speak with her rheumatologist and/or family practitioner and tell them everything that is going on. They may be able to prescribe a sleep aid along with the pain meds.
Vitamins and supplements? I don’t know of anything that eliminates pain, although I *do* notice some lessening of pain when I eat fresh or frozen pineapple, or tart cherries. The bromelian in pineapple is an anti-inflammatory, and can be obtained as an OTC supplement. Ditto the cherry supplements. Both of these seem to be perfectly safe.
Some people swear by melatonin as a sleep aid, but I’ve heard also that it shouldn’t be taken with certain meds and for lengthy periods of time, so I hesitate to recommend this. Your mom should probably speak with her doctor about this. Perhaps a glass of warm milk?
Deep breathing, relaxation, prayer, meditation, white noise (a fan in the background) and sounds of nature (cd’s of waves crashing and waterfalls) can also contribute to a relaxed state and a restful sleep environment. It’s important that your mom be able to relax, as pain causes stress and stress increases pain … I know, it’s so hard, and my heart aches for her.
If your mom is able, a good long soak in a hot bath would do wonders, but 9 years into her disease this may no longer be a possibility. I know I can’t sink into a tub, and oh, how I wish.
Maybe your mother would appreciate a gentle massage from her very caring daughter. That or a hug would do wonders.
Hope I was able to help in some small way, and only the best to both of you.