New significance to RA, medicine, and laughter

If you’ve been on the blog more than five minutes, you know I love to laugh.  When I was a kid, I remember Dick Van Dyke singing that with Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins. When they laughed, a funny thing happened: they floated “higher than air.”  

Maybe you’ve heard it said: Laughter is good medicine. Did you know that actually comes from the Bible? I can hardly believe the second part! “A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones,” Proverbs 17:22. Gives new meaning to “funny bone.”

“Lol” found to be Rheumatoid Arthritis medicine

Last week, I was doing this pain in the neck pain threshold research. I saw this “mirthful laughter” study. I think “mirthful” means you have to “lol” / laugh out loud. Apparently laughing really hard is even better for you – just like Dick and Julie said!

Inflammatory cytokines were measured in the blood of RA’ers before and after watching Rakugo. Rakugo is a type of Japanese standup comedy in which the person sits. But is still funny.  As long as you speak Japanese.

Anyway, there was a measurable effect to the laughter on the cytokines of the RA patients tested. It is interesting that they divided the patients into two groups: those with easier to control RA and those they called the “difficult-to-control” (recalcitrant Rheumatoid Arthritis). The way in which laughter affected RA patients’ inflammatory chemistry was dependent upon their RA disease activity. “The difficult-to-control RA group is under more stress than the easily controlled RA group and mirthful laughter can be used as a means to improve mental condition.”

It was not all good though. Seems those with tough to control RA have it tough all the way around. Certain pro-inflammatory cytokines were increased with mirthful laughter. Still, I feel like my four year old watching Blue’s Clues shouting “A clue. A clue. I found a clue.” Why would this tough-type RA respond differently to laughter?  Would that help us know why recalcitrant RA responds differently to treatment?

Bonus: We spent about an hour watching Rakugo videos looking for a funny one to post here. All of the ones in English were painfully unfunny. However, this baby (below) will make you laugh out loud. The little guy gives the “evil eye” whenever his parents ask. I need this kid.

Note: You can view the Mary Poppins “I love to laugh,” on YouTube here. To view the RA / mirthful laughter study here, click “download” and the pdf file will open. See every laughter post on RA Warrior here.

Recommended reading:

• Laughter as a Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Dear Bridget Duffy from a Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient
• E-patients’ role in Healthcare Social Media: Do Doctors Hate Blogs?
• 20 Things Not to Say to a Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient

We were talking about featherbeds the other day and I recalled the fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea. My imagination wandered…

A woman was traveling across the country to visit her son for a holiday. It was a long drive, so she planned to stop for the night. She made reservations at a nice hotel where she had stayed in the past.

It was dinnertime when she approached the front desk. The crowded lobby was dominated by a talk show on a loud wall television. She fumbled for her credit card, getting herself organized while she waited in line.

Queen bed, check.  Non-smoking, yes.  Coffee pot, of course.  Ironing board – are they crazy? Room 212, Here’s your door key.

Off she shuffled around the corner, pulling her bag into the elevator, then across the hall. The door was heavy.

Sore from the car ride, the woman hoped to go to bed early. She clicked on the TV, changed her clothes, and gathered the extra pillows from the closet.  A good night’s rest will make tomorrow’s drive much easier.

Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis – like things that go bump in the night

An hour passed. The movie ended. The woman cried out in pain. She sat up and called the front desk, “Hello. I’ve stayed here before. What is wrong with this mattress? It feels like it has nails inside of it!”

“Really? We’ll send someone up right away,” the night clerk utter robotically. The housekeeping woman checked the mattress thoroughly as she spread out fresh sheets and blankets. Everything looked good.

The weary traveler got back on the bed. A half-hour later, she was on the phone again. “I am sure there must be something wrong with this mattress. I feel like I’m being bruised just lying here.” When the clerk told the night manager about the call, they had an idea. Let’s put a feather bed from the executive suite onto her mattress. That will certainly make her happy.

Twenty minutes later, the woman got in bed once more. It did feel softer so maybe now she could get some sleep. An hour passed.  

The night manager rolled his eyes when his phone rang again. They devised a plan to deal with her once and for all. “We’ll tell her that we found the sharp object inside the mattress and removed it once and for all. Then we’ll put another feather bed over top of the first one. She’s probably just a nut – thinks this is the Princess and the Pea or something.”

The woman did not make any more phone calls until she was in her car. Waiting in line to buy breakfast from a drive up window, she called her son. “I finally slept, but I’m sore from head to toe. I feel like I was run over by a freight train. I wonder what the problem is with that bed.”

Postblog: Many people suffer signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis for years without knowing why they have so much pain. Soreness and stiffness upon waking is just one little sign of RA that can emerge before RA is diagnosed. Stay tuned next time for a more serious treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis sleep issues.

More posts you might like:

• Goldilocks post: A Fairy Tale for Rheumatoid Arthritis Warriors
• A true-to-life list: What Is the First symptom of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
• An official RA diagnosis: American College of Rheumatology Redefines Rheumatoid Arthritis
• RA is complicated enough: 3 Reasons to Stop Saying “Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis”

  Laughter may not be a Rheumatoid Arthritis cure, but it seems like humor can help us as much as vitamins do thanks to endorphins.  Laugh yourself silly with this true story about a church, a fish, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. We had so much fun making this picture.

My son really had no appreciation of my attempts to laugh at chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis. Disease is a serious matter, I know. But you can learn to laugh in almost any situation, even if you have to cry first. This post is about how my son learned that it’s okay to laugh at RA.

Another time, my son lost a tooth and we imagined that the RA fairy comes like the tooth fairy in the middle of the night. It’s a silly way to look at a serious truth about Rheumatoid Arthritis. Pain and disability can bring so many changes that eventually bring a discussion about how much the disease defines you.

One day, I let myself do one of those online quizzes about Rheumatoid Arthritis. The goal was to help me see whether my RA is “under control.” I failed the quiz miserably, but it was good for a laugh.

One of my mom’s alpacas plays the part of a push-me-pull-you in a Dr. Dolittle story that’s a little different. We wonder why some doctors seem to “do very little” for RA.

I hope at least one of these will bring you a laugh. Rereading them this morning made me smile. I need as much help as I can get, so bring on the endorphins, the most natural treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis pain.

Another kind of Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment: how people treat RA

Imagine treating a broken arm with a band-aid. How would it be if a heart attack were treated like the flu? What about telling someone with breast cancer to just go on a diet? Crazy.

However, people often minimize Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms. When they do this to folks living with Rheumatoid Arthritis, they act like RA is a not a big deal. That would really be fine – if only it were true.

Recently, I asked RA’ers to tell me the most inappropriate things people say to them. I thought it might be funny if we looked at them all here at once. Of course, it might be a learning opportunity besides.

I’ve compiled a list of the top 20 answers I received via Facebook, Twitter, e-mail, and direct message.

1. Aren’t you feeling better yet?
2. You’re not old enough to have arthritis.
3. Oh, I know; me too.
4. Exercise would really help you feel better.
5. You don’t look swollen, sick, or ______
6. Have you tried counseling? Maybe you’re depressed.
7. Why do you walk so funny?
8. No, it’s not heavy. Here, hold this.
9. Have you tried the blue stuff?
10. You’re feeling achy. / The aches & pains of arthritis.
11. Why didn’t you try glucosamine (or Omega3 or gluten-free…) before you tried that medication?
12. Just drink this juice. (Or eat blueberries…)
13. Is that your handicapped parking tag?
14. You just need to lose some weight. (Or gain weight!)
15. I’m glad you’re better now.
16. At least it’s not cancer. It’s not like it will kill you.
17. I read about a woman who cured hers with…vitamin supplements, antibiotics…
18. You just have a low tolerance to pain.
19. My Grandmother had that.
20. I used Tylenol arthritis and mine went away.

How about you? Did I miss your favorite one? What do people say to you?

Note: A special treat coming up on the blog: an interview with a young lady who will inspire you.

Recommended reading:

• One more thing not to say: 3 Reasons to Stop Saying “Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Send someone this video! Working and Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Finding a good doctor: 21 Things to Know About Finding a New Rheumatologist
• I’m out to destroy the mythical RA! To Tell the Truth: Will the Real Rheumatoid Arthritis Please Stand Up?

Osteoarthritis and the little big business: Some arthritis facts on Synflex

Today, I’m happy to bring you a guest post by Lothar M. Kirsch, M.D. Dr. Kirsch practices rheumatology in Germany. In addition to treating Rheumatoid Arthritis, his pursuits include nutrition, travelling, Zen meditation, and dispelling medical myths. He speaks several languages, including Chinese.

In today’s blog, Dr. Kirsch examines the claims of the so-called arthritis treatment Synflex. I hope you’ll enjoy the way he confronts arthritis cure claims as much as I enjoy it. It’s great to see that RA doctors can be funny, too.

A doctor asks whether Synflex can treat arthritis symptoms

Is Osteoarthritis (OA) a topic for patients suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)? Of course, as we age, most of us have arthritis symptoms (OA). Some people get it more easily than others, but Rheumatoid Arthritis patients have even more Osteoarthritis in addition to their Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms. This is often referred to as “Post Arthritic OA.”

What are the causes of arthritis (OA)?

What happens is the chaotic breakdown of processes that once were meant to maintain the health of the cartilage. As the outer appearance of the joint changes and movement is hampered, less nutrients and oxygen reach the cartilage and more waste is accumulated. This even increases the speed of changes in the joint. And this is the point where industry steps in. There are lots of manufacturers for glucosamine, but recently I came across Synflex.

Are arthritis treatments worth the money?

Someone wants to make money selling a product. Nothing wrong with this! But you have to pay for it. The claim of their arthritis treatment: “Not only does it help alleviate pain, it can also aid in greater flexibility and in the repair of damaged cartilege.” The words help and aid aren’t defined here – so the manufacturer is only giving some catch words, some magical words, but keeping any evidence out of sight.

Looking closer at amazing arthritis treatment claims

“Liquid glucosamine is an effective alternative to expensive injections to relieve joint pains. Synflex, thus, offers faster absorption …” There is no study which can prove the claim of “effective alternative” (whatever that means!) Faster absorption than an injection? That isn’t possible.

And how much glucosamine actually reaches the joint? I pondered very long about the following words: “One tried and tested way of supplementing joint cartilege thinning …” I finally concluded that it’s better to not speculate on what might have been the idea behind these obscure words.

“Synflex doesn’t just contain glucosamine. It also has many other powerful ingredients that can benefit you. These include: Vitamin C, E, and A. Synflex also has Omega-3 fatty acids. Synflex also contains Shark Cartilage which has 20 percent Chondroitin Sulfate. You will also find Yucca Powder, Boswellin, and Bromelain in the formula.” Vitamin supplementation doesn’t change OA arthritis symptoms [ACR 2009 Philadelphia]. However, it is true that eating foods rich in Vitamin C, E, and beta-carotenes may help avoid it [Framingham Study].

“Synflex also has no serious side effects, unlike Vioxx, Celebrex or Cox-II inhibitors.” Vioxx was taken off the market not because of actual side effects, but because of legal concerns of the manufacturer, who had been paid, used up nearly all time of product protection, and didn’t want to be sued for alleged side effects.

What might persuade someone to use a product like Synflex for arthritis symptoms – or any other glucosamine product? It isn’t science; it’s the magic of words like: “Synflex,” “help,” “aid,” “joint pain relief,” “no serious side effects”. I don’t think that glucosamine will harm your body; I think it will harm your purse.

Dr. Kirsch has been a member of the RA Warrior blog from its early days on Blogger. His investigative mind and humorous spirit have been encouraging me. I hope you’ll check out his RA blog from time to time, although much of it is in German! Thank you, doctor!

Recommended reading:

• How well do Biologic medications help Rheumatoid Arthritis?
• Do You Take Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
• Medical Records Tip for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Read the Doctors’ notes
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Requires Disease Treatment and Symptom Treatment

You have rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in your hand?

I went for an MRI on my hand the other day – for the third time. For the two previous weeks, I showed up to discover that the MR (Magnetic Resonance) machine had broken. Of course, the third time’s a charm. I did not say charming, though.

The MRI / radiology technicians are unfamiliar with Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms. They say the strangest things – and give the most disparaging looks. If I were not laughing, I might have cried.

A hand MRI can’t be any big deal for someone living with severe RA symptoms, right?

It took about half an hour of wrangling to get my hand exactly the way they wanted it inside the MRI machine. I was completely docile, but it was painful to lay with my right shoulder hanging off the metal edge of the table so that they could center my left hand inside the machine. And I loved having my left arm way above my head with my arm in the shape of a question mark, strapped down with Velcro. Why don’t I do this more often?

Here are a few questions about the MRI.

Some I asked aloud. Some I wished I had. Some the MRI techs asked me.

1. That’s a machine gun right? Can I shoot back?
2. If there are foam cushions packed around me, why am I so uncomfortable?
3. Are you sure that this is the loudest camera you can find?
4. Why does my daughter have to remove her tiny plastic earrings with metal hooks, but can sit right next to me with jeans that have a zipper and rivets all over them?  
5. Why would you need an MRI for RA?
6. So, you have no pain or anything in your hand, right?
7. No, why would you think I’m stiff at all after being frozen in place for one hour? Gimme another hour and I’ll get up.
8. If I let you suck that mint, promise you won’t choke so I have to do CPR on you?
9. Does MRI stand for Most Radioactive Interrogator? Are they trying to get the truth out of my hand?
10. Since it’s so cold in here that last year my shivering made the MRI results difficult to read, can I please get a blanket for Meaningless Result Insurance?

Seriously, as we’ve discussed here on the blog, there is a need for better tests for Rheumatoid Arthritis – not just for diagnosis, but to measure disease progression. MRI’s have some value, as do x-rays, and there is some promise in the specialized use of ultrasound which we’ll discuss in an upcoming post. However, patients who tell me they have a desire to see the disease activity with their own eyes will usually be disappointed even if they do.

Recommended reading:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis and Medication: Are Natural Medicines Better?
• What kind of Arthritis Did Christopher Columbus Have?
• Rheumatoid Arthritis and Football Season

History of Rheumatoid Arthritis “Warrior”?

My name rhymes with lots of things. None of them pretty. Enjoy imagining… I am not putting it here. I hated that name as a kid.

When I got older, those bookmarks with names became popular. Everyone was glad to see his name in print with the etymology of the name proudly displayed. Not me.

My name has a meaning that was not so cool or cute to a girl. The derivation is an Old Irish (Celtic) word “ceallach” meaning “war.” So, literally, it is “warrior.” Why would we call a girl that?

Accordingly, most of the little wall signs and bookmarks put a genteel spin on it. I had ones that said “bold,” “sustainer of virtue,” and “warrioress.” I had various versions from well-meaning friends.

I tried to like it. But it was a far cry from the connotation of my friends’ names – “beautiful,” or “graceful,” “soft,” and “kind.”

The day that I decided that my undertaking on the net would be called Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior, I realized the “co-incidence” in the name “warrior.” I knew I was doing the right thing. I knew it was my role to fight.

Today, I am proud of my name. I don’t think I would change it if I could. “Soft” does not fulfill the qualifications for certain jobs.

Research notes:

If you enjoyed the name history of RA Warrior, maybe you’ll want to look up your own using the same sites.

According to yeah baby, names can have multiple origins which create various meanings. Amusingly, a list of origins follows. Every Kelly entry is “warrior.”

More of the same results:

more than you’d ever hope to know

etymonline

Read more Warrior:

The Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior’s RA

The Me Before Rheumatoid Arthritis

Pyramid Approach to Rheumatoid Arthritis Trashed

Back to School with Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are so many things that RA teaches us. We wish the whole world could be educated the way that we have been. That is why many of us write blogs about Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Imagine others could receive that same education directly. Imagine you could loan out your Rheumatoid Arthritis the way you loan out your lawn mower to the neighbor. Nothing as cruel as a permanent trade. Just a loan.

Whom do you think could benefit the most from your generosity?

To whom would you most like to give your Rheumatoid Arthritis for one day? Who needs it the most?

It doesn’t take me very long to think of someone. However, choosing only one person would make it harder. That is my proposition though. You only get to pick one person.

At first this might sound perverse. Quite to the contrary. This is not malicious at all.

Everyone learns best by experience. And there is even a biblical principal at work here. 2 Corinthians 1:4 says that it is God “who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” It is while you are suffering that you receive comfort and that is the way that you are able to help others.

If you had not ever suffered, you would be of no use to others. You would not be able to grasp their anguish. We all need to learn the lessons that pain teaches.

Enough suspense. So who would I pick? You guessed it!

If I could loan out Rheumatoid Arthritis for one day, I would to bestow this honor upon all physicians everywhere. However, if I were forced to choose one person only, it would be whichever doctor who is the current top doc at the ACR (American College of Rheumatology) since that would do the most good.