I'm probably addicted to ibuprofen, it does help chronic pain I deal with...but it also keeps inflammation going. Just hearing an MD on the radio talk about the anti inflammatory drugs and they work against "healing"...he says better to take tylenol but then the liver concerns.

I take 2 ibuprofen two times per day and Pain RX herbal in between but I'm not doing myself any great help ....

I take MSM powder three times per day to help calm pain...but dealing with OA, FM and a mess from hip replacement. grrrrrrrrrrrr

I don't want to work with opiads etc....so that is out.

It's a vicious cycle.

Have you looked into Low level laser, IF stim, far infrared or infrared saunas or lights?
Acupuncture hypnosis, EFT?

I've done acupuncture on and off for years...not actively now. It's just pushing myself out to the clinic and do it, but it's got to be done on-going to be effective... I have a chiro on my new list of chiros who does laser work and again dragging my feet to go to her, initial visit is $150 and then she bills medicare for subsequent visits. No hypnosis.

If money were no object in my life I'd be doing PRP injections for my knee and foot....at $850 a session and one could need 2-4 sessions, that gets tough for me. Low income senior status. I didn't water my money tree well enough over my life. C

Hi Caroline,

I am sorry you deal with chronic pain.

Have you ever looked into proteolytic enzymes as a substitute for OTC NSAIDs?

The most recently announced studies on NSAIDs and their relationship to increased risk of heart attack and stroke are frightening. It's worse than was thought.

I used to take proteolytic enzymes. I had even convinced our vet to use them with dogs in her practice. I have many painful conditions. Just one is very painful Psoriatic Arthritis. The pain is so extreme, my Rheumatologist wants to try methotrexate. I have been working hard, for years, to never have to take that drug or any "biologics." I think I am going back to proteolytic enzymes again, and soon!

Of course, supplements are also often expensive, as you know.

Many people I know are having good luck with EFT.

Tonight, I was reading up in an "H-Wave" machine, mentioned by Diandra in a different thread. Any chance Medicare would help to pay for an H-Wave machine? The site offers a 30 day money back trial. (H-wave.com)
I am asking my doctor about this machine tomorrow.

To Our Healing,
DejaVu

I just started with 120,000 SPU's Serrapeptase...1 per day right now EMPTY stomach...take it in middle of night so I know stomach is empty. We shall see. The price is right if they help. They are not harmful.

I take Nattokinaise daily too, to reduce Fibrinogen....so with the 2 time will tell.

Hi Caroline,

Oh yes! A friend of mine is a physical therapist, a craniosacral therapist and a homeopath. She lives in a different state. She has often mentioned serrapeptase, Nattokinase, as well.

I think I'll talk with her soon.

Thanks for mentioning these today.

Warmly,
DejaVu

There are tons of reviews on both on amazon and online supp companies, and some other health friends take them and have pretty good results....it all depends I guess on how chronic issues are...the more chronic, may take longer. Natto is helping to reduce Fibrogin so I know it's helping. I've been taking it for over a year. Serra... just started a couple days ago.

After two weeks on Serrapeptase, at 120,000 units per day, I found my knee stiffening up more...I had nice results into the first week and stayed with it, then realized it was doing worse for my knee. Mentioned this on another health group I'm on and another member said she had the same results. So I'm off Serrapeptase. Still work with Natto to continue to reduce Fibrogin, so thought I'd mention this.

DejaVu, wonder what your PT friend would say about my results.