My husband is thinking about re-enlisting in the Army. We have a 13 year old large dog with minor arthritis and an otherwise clean bill of health. If we are assigned overseas or to Alaska or Hawaii, how will she take to the plane ride? I know she has to be drugged, how will that affect her? She is very clingy, and has bad eyesight and hearing. Will she be hurt physically by the flight? How have your older pets done on long airplane flights?

Need to reduce inflammation and deal with pain. This will be a long term thing.

My grandfather noticed this supplement, Instaflex Joint Support, and asked me to purchase it for my Grandmother, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and often has intense joint pain in her shoulder, hands, as well as other joints. She started taking this all natural supplement and was noticing fantastic results! She normally has to take arthritic tylenol daily, but after a couple weeks of taking this supplement she was taking NONE!! It was working great for her and we really like the idea that it was all natural!
But recently she quit taking it as it started to cause her to have indigestion, to a point where it was bothersome.
My Question is, Is there anything she can do to ease the indigestion from this so she can continue to take it? I believe she was eating a little something prior to taking them, as she does this with her regular prescription meds, anything you can suggest would be much appreciated as she would love to continue to take this and reap the benefits, but would like to overcome the side effect of the indigestion…I’ve included the supplement information below to see if perhaps one of the ingredients is perhaps the culprit?
Thanx much!
Instaflex Joint Support
As a dietary supplement, take 3 capsules daily with water. For best results, light exercise and sensible diet are recommended.

Supplement Facts
Serving Size 3 Capsules
Servings Per Container 30
Amount Per Serving % DV
Glucosamine Sulfate 1250.00 mg **
Methylsufonlylmethane (MSM) 500.00 mg **
White Willow Bark Extract (standardized to 15% Salicin) 250.00 mg **
Ginger Root Concentrate 4:1 250.00 mg **
Boswella Serrata Extract (Standardized to 65% boswellic acid) 125.00 mg **
Turmeric Root Extract 50.00 mg **
Cayenne 40m H.U. 50.00 mg **
Hyaluronic Acid 4.00 mg **

My MD means well, but every time my RA flares up they wish to prescribe some antinflammatories.. or better yet.. oral chemo to treat this progressing disease.

I have noted early deformity in my left hand #2 digit… I currently take a slew of mutlivitamins but also omega3 fish oils, and oil of primerose.

Any other suggestions?

The doctor I went and saw told me I have “Blackberry thumb.” How does it go away, I don’t understand? So I am basically screwed?

Is this the reason I am dizzy when I wake up? I even find it difficult to walk without hanging on to something in the morning. This has been going on for 3 weeks.

My apologies if this gets lengthy.

I’ve had rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and palindromic rheumatism (a very painful form of inflammatory arthritis) for 4 years now, along with overwhelming fatigue (I am chronically anemic), occasional gout, and sciatica. I take Methotrexate, Prednisone, and Ibuprofen to help control my diseases and relieve my symptoms. Other than Ibuprofen, I take no pain relievers, preferring to deal with the pain as it comes.

I have a very good reason for my refusal. I am in my mid-40’s and will have these conditions for the rest of my life. That’s 30-40 more years, barring accident or terminal illness. I prefer to save the pain meds for when I *really* need them, as my conditions will only become worse.

My mother has been using pain relievers for 7 years due to severe osteoarthritis, and she has developed such a high level of tolerance that she no longer receives adequate relief. I’ve got a lifetime of disease and various surgeries ahead of me, and am hoping that, by avoiding pain relievers now, I will be able to obtain adequate relief in the future. In short, I am afraid of developing a dependency. I want to wait.

I *am* obviously able to function, but as with any chronic illness, there are limits to my abilities. Many things I can no longer do, and those things which can be accomplished are done so as I am able. I require modifications to my routines, tire easily, and encounter all of the normal obstacles that come with chronic illness.

Also, my feet are in serious need of surgery, but I have only recently received medical assistance. I see my Rheumatologist in April, and at that time, I will ask his advice concerning my feet.

Anyway, after applying for disability, I was given an appointment with one of their physicians. I see him next week, and I was wondering:

What can I expect from this physical?

Can my refusal to take pain medications keep me from receiving disability?

I *do* realize that my physical condition may not meet the requirements for disability, and I am prepared for that. Although, with my feet as twisted as they are, the difficulty I have in walking, and my inability to wear shoes (I can wear only men’s slippers) I feel confident that my feet will be considered a disability.

My main concern is refusal of pain meds. Can I be forced to take them?

Also, my rheumy has never discussed treatment with biologics such as Humira or Remicade. Can they insist that I try more aggressive treatments?

My apologies for the length, all the questions, and the general disorder of this question. I’m just really worried about all of this. I’m not well educated on this entire process, and I’m hoping someone here can help me.

Thanks so much for your time. It’s appreciated.
((( gentle hugs, Sondra )))
((((( Angels )))))

Thank you.
((((( ELJ )))))

I so admire your ability to cope. Love you bunches.

((((( Pirate )))))

When I was first diagnosed, I was prescribed Naproxen. It gave me heart arrythmias (sp?) and was discontinued.

Yes, surgery on my feet *would* make a difference. However, that would not change my ability (or inability) to reach (my elbows are gnarled, and my arms are permanently bent.)

Neither would that change the fact that I cannot grasp, lift, carry, squat, get on or off the floor without help, climb stairs without great difficulty, (my knees are no better than my feet), walk distances, etc.

It’s good to know that I cannot be *forced* to use pain meds, and that my refusal will not be held against me.

I don’t have an aversion to biologics. It’s just never been discussed.
The palindromic rheumatism is such an extremely painful form of arthritis that I have not found a pain reliever that works, with the exception of Dilaudid. Not even morphine will touch the pain. I have been hospitalized for this in the past — it’s that bad.

When I am hit with a PR attack, I just go to bed. Doctors are very reluctant to prescribe Dilaudid due to it’s addictive nature, aside from the fact that it puts me into a stupor. It’s like being on a major drunk.

They *will* prescribe Vicodin, but if I were to take it for PR, I’d get as much relief with a baby aspirin (which is no relief at all).

The normal aches and pains of RA and Fibro I can deal with. And so, I am reluctant to use pain meds. I know that in the future I will not be able to cope with the daily aches. At that point, I’ll be glad to have these medications available. I just fear becoming tolerant or dependent, because I see what this has done to my mother.

Thanks to all for the advice.
((((( Blue Chaos )))))
(((((( UP ))))))
I can’t choose a best answer. I’m sorry, but you’ve all been so kind, helpful, and sincere…

I appreciate everything you have done to help. Thank you.

((((((( group hug )))))))