deChristine F. feels relief for the first time in a long time
Rethinking rheumatism therapy: pain, stiffness and inflammation are part of everyday life for many sufferers. Particularly in the case of chronic polyarthritis – a widespread form of rheumatism – conventional medication is often not enough to noticeably improve quality of life. Christine F. has been living with this autoimmune disease for almost 40 years. Now she is experiencing a surprising change for the first time with a new, concomitant rheumatism treatment.
Many years of rheumatism, many years of medication
When Christine first came to us a few weeks ago, her medical history was long: weekly doses of methotrexate, daily cortisone, painkillers and anti-inflammatory preparations. Although these forms of therapy helped her to slow down the progression of the disease, they also caused side effects. Her finger joints were particularly affected – swollen, painful and barely mobile. Christine reported recurring episodes in which even the simplest hand movements became torture.
New hope through apheresis therapy for rheumatism
After her first plasmapheresis – a form of blood purification – Christine already noticed a change. “My fingers felt more flexible, as if something had come loose,” she says, describing her experience. At first, she was skeptical as to whether it was just a short-term effect. But the positive effect lasted: less stiffness, more flexibility, a generally lighter body feeling.
What was particularly remarkable was that the effect remained in the weeks that followed. Not only her hands, but also her arms and legs felt more relaxed. For Christine, this means a great improvement in quality of life – even if the chronic illness remains, of course.
Plasmapheresis as an adjunctive rheumatism therapy
Apheresis therapy can be a useful addition to the treatment of rheumatism. In this medical procedure, substances that promote inflammation are removed from the blood plasma. Especially in autoimmune diseases such as chronic polyarthritis, this can help to relieve the immune system and reduce inflammatory reactions – an approach that is receiving increasing attention in modern rheumatism therapies.
Promising support for rheumatism sufferers?
Whether this form of therapy is suitable for an individual case should always be clarified with a doctor. But Christine’s story shows that an accompanying apheresis therapy can make a difference – as part of a holistic rheumatism treatment with the aim of making everyday life more enjoyable again.
