Question
My mother was diagnosed by her doctor as having polymyalgia (which I understand is arthritis based). She was put on steroids but was taken off them by the specialist and put on strong pain killers as he didn't seem to believe it was polymyalgia although everything I have read semems to point to that.  She has recently started physio but now lives her life in constant pain and it is terrible to see a once active woman barely able to get up in the morning and certainly unable to move her arms above her head or do more than ten steps at a time.  She has numerous blood tests etc. but nothing seems to be done to move her forward.  She doesn't want to go back on the steroids because of the side effects but what is the alternative?  Any info. you may have would be welcome.  Is diet a big part? It seems crazy that nothing can be done. Thank you.

Answer
Susan,

I am sorry to hear about your mother. I am sure that it is very difficult to watch your mother's health fade.

Unfortunately there maybe no alternative that will work as well as steroids but there are other alternatives and many times that do work as good. There are newer types of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories that are much safer than over the counter anti-inflammatories and steroids. The most popular are Cox 2 inhibitors such as Celebrex and Vioxx.

Omega 3 fatty acid and Cetyl Myristoleate are supplements that help many people. Both are fatty acids and have been shown to be good for many things besides controlling inflammation such as strengthening the cardio-vascular system.

I wish you Mom improved health,

Rusty
http://arthritis-symptom.com