Doctor Recommendation

[FTL_Ian]

I believe I may have the early stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis in my fingers.  Symptoms have been present for weeks now.  They aren't really getting worse or better.  Anyone know a good doctor in the Keene area?

[KBCraig]

You're a bit young for RA symptoms. RA is an autoimmune disease, with family links.

Definite diagnosis is hard. My mother is confirmed, and my older sister is diagnosed, but not confirmed. At 43, I have occasional symptoms (one day this finger won't work; the next, the opposite big toe won't work). To this point, I haven't sought any treatment. Some joints hurt one day; others hurt the next. *feh* Getting old sucks; I've got bigger fish to fry.

Wish I could give you some advice about a local doctor.

Kevin

[Caleb]

My doctor is dr. stern.  He's on emerald st.  He's a bit weird, but he will treat you like a person.

Don't listen to kb.  You're not too young for RA.  It will start manifesting itself at your age.   I have a similar condition, and I found that it worsened when I moved to NH.

My rheumatologist is dr. bartenhagen, but he won't see you unless you have a referral from a general practitioner.  It might be good to see him, because he will take precise measurements of all your joints, with their range of motion. He also will do x-rays, etc.  But in the initial stages, nothing will show on x-rays, and it might not have spread to any joints outside your affected fingers.  So you can always go to a specialist later.

The doctor will pretty much prescribe you NSAID's.  Maybe a cox inhibitor.  I found that the cox inhibitors are not as effective as the general purpose NSAID's, though they are supposedly gentler on the stomach.  You can try different ones, and Dr. Stern will work with you to find one that works best.  Everybody's body is different, so different folks respond better to different medications.

I would also highly recommend the fatty oils:  Omega 3, 6, and especially 9.  Flaxseed oil is good.  So is evening primrose oil.  Olive oil is a great source for your Omega 9's.  They *do* make a difference.

Caleb

[Otosan]

I have OA, but I control it through diet.

The following foods inflames my Arthritis:  Night shade vegetables (Potato(e)s, tomatoes, eggplants, some peppers), and process red meats and simple carbohydrates such as white flour and refined sugar are eaten in moderation.  Coffee also but not as bad as the other items.  I have found to to my dismay ham and BBQ does also.

The way to figure out what items inflames your arthritis, keep a dairy of the things you eat, and the day your arthritis hurts the most, see what you ate the day before.

Tomatoes cooked does not bother me as much as raw tomatoes.
Potato(e) chips .... well the next day can not use my hands.

Take vitamins E, B comples, A and and C

For RA I am told to increase intake of wholefoods, vegetables and fiber.  Reduce intake of meat, refined carbohydrates and saturated fats.  and check for food allegies or intolerance.

Take vitamins C, E, and B complex along with calcium pantothenate, selenium and zinc.


This was taken from a book titled:
The complete family guide to Alternative Medicine
consultant editor  C. Norman Shealy M.D. Ph.D

[dawn]

We all go to Dr. Helen Heneghan on Island Street (next to Masiello) at 354-6700. I think she's wonderful and highly recommend her.

If you're into natural healing, I have a friend who is very into all kinds of natural things and could be of service to you. Let me know if you're interested - she's in Gilsum and I know if/when I have any issues I'm going to use her. She's not a doctor, just a very knowledable person trying to help people be healthier with powerful info about nutrition, etc. I have no interest in being on prescription meds, if there's anyway to possibly avoid it!

[Kat Kanning]

I have OA, but I control it through diet.

The following foods inflames my Arthritis:  Night shade vegetables (Potato(e)s, tomatoes, eggplants, some peppers), and process red meats and simple carbohydrates such as white flour and refined sugar are eaten in moderation.  Coffee also but not as bad as the other items.  I have found to to my dismay ham and BBQ does also.

The way to figure out what items inflames your arthritis, keep a dairy of the things you eat, and the day your arthritis hurts the most, see what you ate the day before.

Tomatoes cooked does not bother me as much as raw tomatoes.
Potato(e) chips .... well the next day can not use my hands.

Take vitamins E, B comples, A and and C

For RA I am told to increase intake of wholefoods, vegetables and fiber.  Reduce intake of meat, refined carbohydrates and saturated fats.  and check for food allegies or intolerance.

Take vitamins C, E, and B complex along with calcium pantothenate, selenium and zinc.


This was taken from a book titled:
The complete family guide to Alternative Medicine
consultant editor  C. Norman Shealy M.D. Ph.D

This is certainly good advice.  Taking pain medication for extended periods will damage your liver and destroy your stomach.