individualized treatment plan has to be developed because in arthritis it’s very important not only to treat the joint inflammation and the symptoms (especially the pain) but also to treat the cause of the inflammation (for example, to get the gout under control, or to treat the psoriasis with specific treatments for that condition, etc), and most important, to also deal with the individual’s unique situation (how can we help that person so they can open a jar, for example, or what kind of weight-bearing exercises can we devise for them so that they don’t develop osteoporosis quickly?)
.....In other words, the most important point to make about arthritis is this: even though you’re sure you  have exactly the same symptoms as your Aunt Sally had, you have to realize and accept that what worked so well for your Aunt Sally may not do you very much good at all.
.....If you have arthritis, then, remember this advice above all: be sure to stay - as much as you can stay - on top of your own treatment management and because arthritis is a condition that nearly always involves some kind of drug treatment (even if it’s only over-the-counter Tylenol to allow you to walk to the store more easily), learn all you can about the various therapies that are used for your particular variant of arthritis, and as always, a great way to do that is to ask frequent questions of your pharmacist.
.....Finally, I have to admit that this wasn’t as painful as I thought it would be, although perhaps, I suppose, it was painful for you to have to read it.
.....If it was, take 2 Tylenol.
.....And don’t call me in the morning.
.....Or any time.
Dr. Art Hister can be heard on CKNW and other Corus Radio Network stations on House Calls on Saturdays at 10 AM, as well as seen on Global TV news on Saturday mornings at 9:20. |
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