Cateepoo is Making a Comeback!

It has been over four years ago now that I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and almost six months ago since I went off medication completely. I wouldn't say one time period has been easier than the other, but since July 11Th when Sophia started charting how I feel each day, life has been pretty good to me. I am even back to being the primary dog walker! I have had a few days here and there with swelling and stiffness in the joints, but overall, I am starting to feel like Cateepoo again. This journey to wellness has taken longer than I had hoped and more work, but as every alternative person I have seen has reminded me, "It took you years to get to this point, so don't expect it to disappear overnight." Along this journey of healing, I have met wonderful people and tried methods I never even knew existed.

Naturopathic Medicine: With the help of my naturopath I have been on a gluten/dairy free diet for almost four years. My first experiences with vitamins, herbs and homeopathy were with my naturopath. She encourages me to have control over my RA which is very empowering. Every time I leave her office I feel ready to take on the world. With her help I was able to reduce all my medications, get my inflammation rates to a normal level and, until I went off my medications, to live a life pretty much in remission.
Acupuncture: I have used this method to help relieve some of the pain during flare-ups.
Chiropractor: My chiropractor uses meridian stress assessment to find weaknesses in my body and then muscle testing to figure out the best herbs and homeopathy to use.
Orthobionomy: http://www.ortho-bionomy.org/ A friend performed this on me once before moving away. I would definitely try it again.
Diffusion (a form of kinesiology):This is a powerful way of dealing with stress in your life without having to talk in detail about it. The most important thing I learned from this practitioner, is that once I own the illness, I have a responsibility to it and the pain. Wow! Easy to say, difficult to let go of after four years.
NST: http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HPD/neurostructural-integration-technique-(nst).html I am working on this right now with great results. This practitioner is balancing out the nerves and muscles to reduce the pain in my body.
Metaphysics: I am reading a lot of Louise Hay books and LOVE how she gives you the control over your illnesses and other events that occur in your life. I recommend her books to everyone!

I don't know that I can say that any one of these methods has worked better for me than another one. I know that I have made connections with some of the practitioners that encourage me more so than others to take an active part in my healing and I would say that is probably the most helpful. But overall, I believe it is a combination of methods that has brought me to where I am today. I know I still have work to do, but it feels good to feel like I can start planning my life again without worrying about not being able to get out of bed. And, best of all, I am doing it totally medication free! This has been a huge goal of mine and it feels wonderful to see the work paying off.

I appreciate all the prayers, healthy thoughts, and phone calls/emails to check on me. I have never felt so cared for and loved. This is one thing I can say has helped motivate me to continue on this journey.