Hi DSR:
I am sorry to hear about your mother. It can be a very trying time when everybody wants to help in their own way. I have some information that may help you with your mother.
I have been researching a cure for RA/Lupus for the last 8 years. This last summer, I decided to have a number of tests run that my nutritionist suggested. One of them was a Comprehensive Detoxification Profile through Genova Diagnostics (www.gdx.net). The following is a commentary to the patient about this test:
"Our bodies must be able to detoxify, nor neutrialize, toxins from the external environment as well as those produced within our own bodies. This process takes place mostly in the liver, and consists of two phases. In Phase 1, toxins are activated, which means they are altered in such a way that carrrier molecules (Phase 2) are able to transport them out of the body. A handy analogy is the bagging of our trash (Phase 1), so thatt he garbage man can pick it up and cart it away (Phase 2). Phase 1 is accomplished by a family of enzymes called "cytochrome P450," and Phase 2 takes place via a number of important mechanisms, four of which we measure in this test, with the help of the challenge substances, caffeine, acetaminophen and aspirin. Both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of detoxification must function adequately so that toxins are able to be neutralized, and the two phases must be in balance with each other so that the activated compounds from Phase 1 cannot accumulate in the body and cause damage.
This impairment may be due to a genetic enzyme defect or molybdenum insufficiency, and has been observed in some patients iwth RA and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Disease, and Motor Neuron Disease."
I would suggest having this test done to find out if your mother's Phase 1/2 is/are functioning. I had my primary care physician order and run the test, and my Phase 2 is not functioning.
Now, know that most doctors are not taught this in medical school, so if you take this to your mother's primary physician, be prepared to bring some back-up material, especially from the websites below. My primary care physician told me that they don't teach this in medical school, so she didn't know anything about it. The MD will have to order the test as they are the only ones who can do it from Genova Diagnostics. I had her order and run the test, and then I took the information to my nutritionist who advised me on what supplements to take.
My nutritionist suggested supplementing with nutritional supplements for this problem. You can try the following websites:
SUPPLEMENTS TO BALANCE:
1.) BioCleanse by Biogenesis -
http://www.healthegoods.com/content/biocleanse.htm
OR
2.) Brain Sustain -
http://www.brainsustain.com
TEST WEBSITES:
3.) Genova Diagnostics -
http://www.gdx.net (I had my doctor order the test through this website)
4.) Comprehensive Detoxification Profile (more info. on this test is on this website):
http://www.becomehealthynow.com/ebookprint.php?id=1182
I found out what is causing my RA, and it is not the Phase 2 liver sulfoxidation problem. However, it is nice to know that I may have prevented the onset of Alzheimer's or Dementia in 20 years!
I hope this helps!
Good luck!