"The cause of most disease is in the poisonous drugs physicians superstitiously give in order to effect a cure."
~ Charles E. Page, M.D

"Every educated physician knows that most diseases are not appreciably helped by medicine."
~ Richard C. Cabot, M.D. (Mass. Gen. Hospital)

"Why would a patient swallow a poison because he is ill, or take that which would make a well man sick?"
~ L.F. Kebler, M.D.

I think the common thread of these quotes is that modern medications are not helpful but are actually harmful.

It is my belief that the only benefit is derived from the persons belief that they are going to get an improvement from taking them. Its an improvement due to a mindset only, with no physical benifit from the medication.

Possibly with the right mindset you could successfully wean off the meds and get on to something beneficial.

You mentioned that the traditional answer is "Ask your doctor", - the traditional answer now is slowing becoming - "Be your own doctor".

Mu husband also has rheumatoid arthtritis and used to take high doses of prednisone and Methotrexate.

When he came down with a severe infection from a cut, he had to get off the meds and be put on something very, very light. So I started him on something called Juice Plus (google), because his raw veggi intake was so poor and because he likes good old-fashioned country cooking. His RA is now in remission and his med intake is minimal. Unfortunately I could never keep in something like the MC....that would push it too far. Despite his remarks about my obsession with good food, he, like a good boy, swallows everything I put in front of his nose.

Even though Juice Plus is sold via distributors, I would not worry. I get it delivered every quarter and charged to my c-card. I made it clear from the get-go that I wasn't interested in doing it as a business. The product rocks, though.

Just like #1277 wrote, I would also start with something less dramatic, if I were yo, like juicing and raw foods.