Just wondering if anyone has tried any alternative therapies such as Naturopathy or Traditional Chinese Medicine or anything else? Was it helpful?

Yes! One of the docs on my "team" is a naturopath that works with many autoimmune disorders. She has helped me a great deal with nutrition and using various supplements to help combat all the side effects from immune suppressing treatments. I tried acupuncture for a while when dealing with neuropathy and that also brought relief.

Thanks Kellyb. This probably sounds crazy but I saw a lady who does Reiki recently (she is also a Medium - with some pretty scary predictions!) and she has suggested seeing either a Naturopath or a Chinese Herbalist. Obviously diet etc plays a huge role in general health & well being but I wasn't sure whether to see one yet or wait til after I've seen my Rheumatologist again in May (I'm not currently on any medication).

Reiki is also fabulous! I love that and craniosacral massage therapy. Glad you said that as I haven't been in a while (I got so tired of appointments that even scheduling one for massage seemed unbearable.) See if you can find a naturopath that is both comfortable working with western medicine docs and has a gentle gradual approach when working autoimmune patients. It has been very helpful to me to balance all the types of treatments. I don't know much about Chinese medicine but I bet it would be helpful too. I hope you find the right fit for you!

Thank you Kellyb.

Hi Girls, I am wanting to try acupuncture so that sounds like it would be good. As to Chinese medicine I'm not sure as I know one time I took a bottle of Vital Greens to my specialist and asked him if I could take it and he said no. He was concerned because my immune system was so low that I could get herbal induced meningitis I think he said, or it could have been hepatitis just not sure which one. But he said you just need to be cautious of herbs. Good luck girls.

I took Evening primrose oil for Fibrocystic breast disease they played havoc with my bloods. My liver function went through the roof. My Rheumotologist phoned me to ask if I was ok and stop whatever I was doing. After stopping my bloods went back to normal. I don't think it's the Evening primrose alone but that combined with my other meds. Don't forget our bodies already have enough to deal with xxx

I have recently read of a 2000 year old Chinese herb which comes from the 'Blue Evergreen Plant' that scientist are raving about in the world of inflammatory diseases that claim to knock out the rogue cell causing the disease. Might give it a shot when I get through this initial treatment and things start to settle down. Might be a good kicker at the end of all this BS.

My specialist has advised to steer clear of any supplements. I know I need to be careful of some things that react with my medications such as St Johns Wort and grapefruit.

Barbie I totally agree my Aunt gave me a jar of Vital Greens and my specialist said "absolutely not". Apparently, he said that some of the ingredients could give me herbal induced hepatitis. So beware of any herbal supplements ;-)

Hi all. I also agree. Be very careful of those herbal supplements. I was concerned about all my meds and getting diabetes. I started drinking soda sweetened with Stevia. Supposed to be better then sugar, and ok for diabetics. Even though I only drank small amounts (a can every couple of days) I had a bad reaction. Was dizzy, light-headed, darn near passing out. After some research, and a lucky article, I discovered that stevia can react with many medications, and also can lower a persons blood pressure. Just because it is herbal does not make it safe. I discuss everything with my doctor, and do not try it unless approved by him. The way I see it, he has kept me alive and going well this long, so why start doubting him now... Wayne

I do take various supplements that have been recommended by my primary care doc, pulmonary doc or naturopath. They have changed over time but I consistently take NAC (an amino acid that helps lung function), VSL3 (a medical grade probiotic), DHEA (to reduce prednisone side effects), calcium, high dose vit D3, B vitamins and potassium (to help with muscle strength), omega 3s and borage for gla, etc. I find the things I have to be most careful about are supplements that are raw or unpasteurized as my a suppressed immune system leaves me vulnerable. I once had a series of kale smoothies from a well meaning relative who was "juicing for life" that left me with rather distressed bowels for four weeks and required a course of antibiotics. I wash my produce very thoroughly now! Do your research, talk to your medical team and then decide for yourself. You know your body best - even in it's new form struggling with this disease.

Point taken. Will keep searching.