$Unique_ID{BRK01524}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Mail Order Remedies for Severe Arthritis}
$Subject{arthritis cures cure quackery quack quacks Musculoskeletal System
Connective Tissue tissues Remedies medications medication medicine medicines
remedy folk tonics tonic life-style gold injections injection lifestyle
lifestyles behavior behaviors joint joints rheumatoid rheumatism}
$Volume{M-23,R-17}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Mail Order Remedies for Severe Arthritis


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QUESTION:  Though I suffer with a mild case of arthritis, my brother has a
case that is much more severe.  However, instead of consulting a physician
and listening to good medical advice, he buys every crazy device or buys any
mail order remedy he finds advertised in certain magazines.  There seems to be
nothing I can say to convince him that he is on the wrong track and just can't
understand why he continues to do this.  Can you please discuss this problem
in your column?

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ANSWER:  The biggest obstacle arthritis patients face is the fact that
arthritis is incurable.  The best modern medicine can do is try to alleviate
the symptoms and slow the progress of the disease.  But finding the right
medications can be a costly and discouraging process.  When a person is in
constant pain they desire quick relief.  If their physician can't meet this
need, they turn to anything and anyone for help.
     According to Arthritis Foundation estimates, Americans spend about two
billion dollars a year on unproven "quack" remedies.  These range from
bizarre diets to the application of household lubricants to stiff and
"squeaky" joints.
     For some patients, using folk tonics or alternative methods is a form of
denial.  They hope that a simple remedy or life-style change will be
effective, disproving the seriousness of their disease.  Others act out of
ignorance.  Slick promotional ads explain arthritis in simple terms, while
their doctor seems to speak in Greek.  "Use once and you will be cured" is
more reassuring to them than the prospect of endless gold injections, the
mechanics of which they don't fully understand.
     You may be of great service to your brother by obtaining some of the
wonderfully informative and authoritative educational material from your local
chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, and sharing them with your brother.
Perhaps they will be the "eye-opener" he seems to need.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.