History of Disease :

In the winter of 1988/1989, while living in Chicago, I began to notice stiffness and numbness in my hands when in cold weather. By spring the stiffness was gone and didn't return again until the next winter. The stiffness spread to my feet, shoulders, neck and to minor degrees my knees and feet. It was bad in the mornings after sleep, but gradually worked it's way out by mid-day. The pain and then swelling continued to get worse. By summer 1990 I had a noticeable limp, -I could not run, and climbing stairs could be difficult. My neck was always stiff and I walked hunched. The pain was constant and I never knew how I was going to feel. Some days I might have good mobility and the next day I would stay in bed all day. I went to a physician and was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). He recommended treatment with Clinoril. I had a severe reaction - severe migraine headaches, open sores in mucous membranes - so I started taking 8 aspirin per day to control the swelling and pain.
By winter 1990, stiffness in my elbows and knees got worse. My hands were very swollen and joints in my fingers started to bend. I had movement problems constantly instead of just mornings. I began to have painful reactions to some foods - dairy, including cheese, rich custard and whipped cream, and processed meats. I began to investigate alternate treatments. By September 1990, I had severe bowing in my elbows, approximately 75 degrees, with weakness in my arms. I can't run or kneel. I can't move my head from side to side. I need help putting on a coat. I have pain in my jaw. I am always in pain. I can't sleep through the night. I take up to 12 aspirin per day.
To date I have tried homeopathy, chiropractic, accupressure, meditation, visualization, and Ayurveda. I investigate or try new supplements or medications. Significant changes have occurred in my diet and lifestyle. In January 1990 I stopped drinking coffee and eating red meat. I followed a loose vegetarian diet until January 1992 when I stopped eating "nightshades" - potato, tomato, peppers and eggplant. I began a strict vegetarian diet including herbal supplements, based on Ayurveda, until spring 1993. I have begun to eat meat regularly, excluding red meat.
I moved to California in December 1991 to try living in a more temperate climate.
I have always believed that I will overcome this disease.

History of treatment with the PAP-IMI :

Current physical condition :
I experience constant pain in my elbows, with a noticeable bowing effect, limited mobility at my knees, hands, shoulders, with occasional pain in my wrists. The muscles in my upper body have significant atrophy, especially my arms above the elbow. I am taking 6 - 9 aspirin per day to ease the pain. (Note that shoulder pain is from a weight lifting accident and not related to RA.) Realistically, I am in constant pain. I have trouble sleeping, although I am in bed between 8 - 12 hours daily. My energy level is low. My physical strength is limited. I am forcing myself to eat more food than I desire to try to gain weight. I am 6' tall and currently weigh 140 lbs. I have researched treatment of RA since my diagnosis in August 1989. I witnessed a steady degeneration of my health from winter 1988 until spring 1993. I have been following the philosophy of Ayurveda, which has had positive effect.

5/19/93

I met Craig Ford. He was working with the IPRI. He said he had a new technology that could help me in the treatment of my rheumatoid arthritis condition. I agreed to investigate.

5/19/93

I went to the clinic and met Bill Lagious and Dr. Pappas. They showed me the machine and briefly stated that it could help my condition. Bill took me into the treatment room for use.
Treatment: Three areas for 5 minutes each, total 15 minutes.
1. Around right elbow
2. Over right elbow
3. Up and down right arm
Result: Immediate reaction was an increase in overall energy. I had difficulty falling asleep. I awoke easily, but had a feeling of nervousness. Extreme hyperactivity is the easiest way to explain how I felt. I experienced radical mood swings combined with intense emotional feelings. My co-workers brought these things to my attention numerous times today. The pain has subsided in my elbows and there is an increase in my range of motion.

5/21/93

I went to the clinic again. Described my results with Dr. Pappas and Bill. I explained that I have had a loss of appetite and have more energy than I have had in months. The overall pain in my arms is reduced, but constant.
Treatment: Four areas for 5 minutes each, total 20 minutes.
1. Around right elbow
2. Left shoulder
3. Left elbow
4. Up and down right arm w/focus on elbow
Result: A greater increase in energy without the hyperactivity. There has been a slight decrease in the swelling of the joints on both elbows. I had an increase in the range of motion with my left shoulder, which did not last. There seems to be a lot of cracking and loosening in the elbows. I also have skipped taking aspirin a few times. I feel better.

5/25/93

I had time for a quick treatment so I stopped in.
Treatment: Two areas for 5 minutes each, total 1O minutes.
1. Around right elbow
2. Up and down right arm
Result to date: I experienced a short-term energy surge that quickly subsided. Overall I have an increase in the range of motion of my elbows. I can now hold the weight of my body on my elbows, feeling the weakness in my arms instead of pain !! This did not last, but was great to feel. I notice more of the weakness in my muscles than the pain I feel. I do not have the need to sleep for long periods. I can sleep for a few hours and take a brief nap and function fine. I experienced an erratic lack of hunger. My body feels more flexible. I find myself stretching more.

6/7/93

I met Dr. Pappas at IPRI.
Treatment: Two areas for a total of 15 minutes.
1. Left elbow
2. Right elbow
Result to date: I didn't notice any rush of energy this time.
My range of motion seems to have been boosted, but I feel pain in both elbows, the left is worse. It feels like a slight, nagging ache. I am exhausted from little sleep lately. I have been getting about 4 hours of sleep per night - my sex life is great. When I do sleep is it soundly, a nice change from the tossing and turning I usually call sleep. I wake up easily, but tired. My right knee is alternating swelling and reducing. I am walking more, which feels good. I noticed that my hands are rubbing the sides of my legs at times. Little things are easier to do: putting on socks, buttoning my collar, washing my face, crossing my legs.

6/24/93

I met Dr. Pappas at IPRI
Treatment: Four areas for five minutes each, total 20 minutes.
1. Right elbow
2. Left elbow
3. Left shoulder
4. Right knee
Result: I am fatigued from little sleep and preparing for a week's trip to Chicago. I feel good overall. Taking 2 ibuprofen in the morning, occasionally one or two late a night before bed. I think I'm abusing the way I feel right now. I had a big set back earlier this week. All the pain returned in my elbows and the subsided to the usual ache I feel. My feet were also very painful, accompanying difficulty in walking. I am on edge and grumpy - that great sex life suddenly stopped. I feel nervous about seeing my family and am very stressed from work. I think my emotional state has more to do with the way I'm feeling than anything else.

7/4/93 UPDATE

During the trip to Chicago, I was having an intense conversation with a friend about dealing with some emotional issues and suddenly I felt this great, relaxing feeling overcome me. Like I let something go. My shoulders relaxed, my elbows relaxed - the sensation was instant. During my stay, I noticed a steady headache. Sleeping was not easy or comfortable. I didn't loose any range of motion or feel a decrease in energy, although a few days my elbows were aching. Coming back to LA today, I feel great. The weather is wonderful and I am relaxed. I feel better than I have since...I can't remember. People say how good I look. Walking isn't even a consideration anymore. I don't have strength in my arms. I can't lift heavy items like luggage. But, it's great to feel the weakness instead of pain!

7/9/93

I met Bill at his apartment at 2:30 p.m. for a treatment
Treatment: Five areas for 5 minutes each, total 25 minutes.
1. Left shoulder
2. Right elbow
3. Left elbow
4. Right knee
5. Left shoulder
Result to date: I feel better than I have felt for a long time. My energy level is up and constant. My level of pain has been reduced so significantly, that I’m taking 2 ibuprofen in the morning just in case, but not in need. I am working out on the rowing machine up to 20 minutes, plus leg lifts and sit-ups. The range of motion in my arms has increased and the swelling in my elbows reduced significantly. I can't remember when they looked like this !

7/11/93

My energy level is still very high. I am moody and a little emotional. I am having trouble falling asleep and sleeping. I wake up full of energy. When I take caffeine or sugar the result is hyperactivity. I feel stiff from my workout. For the first time in two years, I feel no arthritis pain in my body !

7/13/93

Today seems to be more balanced. I don't feel the hyperactivity. I did not take any pain medication and don't seem to need it. This is the first time in over 6 months I have not taken some type of NSAID. I worked out on the rowing machine twice yesterday, 20 minutes each. I'm beginning to notice development in my body. Toning of the arms, stomach, legs and butt. This is very exciting. I tried to stretch my hands over my head, but my left shoulder is not capable of that movement yet.
Lifting is getting easier. I can easily take out the water bottle from the fridge with one arm (still pouring with two, open the car windows, shift gears. My leg strength is getting better, too. I can do 50 sit-ups and uncounted leg lifts. I notice back stiffness, which I think is due to using those muscles. I stretch often. I am constantly noticing how great I feel.

7/20/93

I went three day from 7/13 - 7/15 without pain medication. I have begun to work myself harder and have felt the pain of overdoing it and muscle soreness. (I forgot how good that could feel.) I have been putting in more hours at LACRA in the office primarily. I have done many physical activities. On 7/16 I went swimming in Craig's pool for 15 minutes. I noticed how much my range of motion had improved, with no pain. I then rode a motorcycle with a few breaks with no knee soreness. On 7/17 I worked out on the rowing machine, then went riding on the Honda MB5 for about four hours - everything from road driving to obstacle course. My arms and elbows were tired and my hands and inner thighs were sore. No real arthritis pain. On 7/18 I worked from 10 - 7 in the garden and redoing my deck. Although I am not strong, I did put in a full day of lifting, stretching, digging, pulling - a lot of arm work. I was sore the next morning and decided against a workout. On 7/19 I rode the MB5 for about 2 hours and then rode with Craig again for 1/2 hour. I felt tired with a little pain in the elbows, but not bad.
Today, my elbows have minor pain. I'm thinking that a brief treatment on my elbows - only - would be a good test in a few days if I'm not better. I have been taking one or two ibuprofen a day since 7/16. Mornings have been stiff for my arms, but I think more from work than pain.

7/23/93

The past two days I've felt the need to sleep more than usual. I have slept comfortably for 10-11 hours each night. I haven't taken any pain medication since 7/21. I feel a little stiff and sore, but I think that's from exercising and riding my new motorcycle. (I just bought it Monday and seem to be able to handle up to one hour per day riding so far. I'm going out again right now.) I feel a slight swelling in my elbows and thinking about getting a treatment to see what happens.

M.L
7/24/93