A Young Wife’s Tale

RA Warrior is hosting the Rheum Blog Carnival #3. The official subject is:

Are rheum patients pressured not to take medical treatment? Have you ever read an article that sounds like it discourages medical treatment for rheumatologic conditions? Whether the alternative offered is Eastern medicine, non-prescription medicines, or dietary changes, or spiritual advice, what would you like to say to anyone who would tell patients to forgo medical treatment?

My answer? It’s not just rheumatology patients. David and I have a relative who has been diagnosed with a type of hereditary stage IV cancer. We have prayed for this person and their spouse often over the past year. I’ve been very concerned, of course, but I literally had this thought: Well, at least no one is going to bother them about the medication. No one would tell a cancer patient that organic food or acupuncture will cure them.

I was wrong. They have had people tell them that an all natural approach will cure cancer.

We shouldn’t judge someone for taking prescribed medication or changing to an all natural, organic diet. We should just be thankful when people with chronic illness are able to get relief.

I know there are people out there who think we’re crazy for buying organic, grass fed beef raised without antibiotics or hormones, even though I drink Diet Coke, and David takes some of the strongest medications available. Don’t judge too harshly. We’re doing what works for us.