letters Letters Get in tou ch! Send your letters to: Inspire, C PL, 275 Newmark Cambridg et Road, e CB5 8JE or email in arthritisca spire@ re.org.uk Youve been busy writing in to us, Tweeting and posting on our forum this month heres a selection of your thoughts GET WITH THE PROGRAMME FEATURE APP BOXOUT HEAD 4 XXXXXXXXXX As someone who suffered from severe diagnosed OA hip pain, perhaps your magazine readers may be interested in learning how I have reduced the pain down to almost nothing over the past few years. I am a therapist and have produced my own self-help programme, which is based on gymnasium exercises, stretching, use of an electronic massager, Manuka honey balm with bee venom, and extensive lifestyle changes including better diet, correct walking style and better balance. I gave evidence to the NICE committee, which revised its guidance on treating osteoarthritis, and it would be good to have my programme publicised and hopefully trialled. Andrew Sceats, Shropshire Eds response: For readers who want to find out more about the self-help programme, contact Andrew via his website www.prehabandrehab.co.uk What youre tweeting @arthritis_care Would you like to share your#exercise#ideas for 2015 for#managing your#arthritis? @arthritis_care Ever been told that cider vinegar can relieve pain or that avoiding citrus will help your #arthritis? #foodmyths @ImpactSports9 Popular books claiming 2 cure arthritis promote food exclusion. Once again the advice is not based on evidence #foodmyths @ImpactSports9 Another #myth is to avoid red meat if you have #RA. Not evid based and can b counterproductive! #arthritischat @hamrowannie I dont alter my diet, life is too short! Warmth, pain relief and an amazing physio is my ongoing treatment @arthritis_care Sounds like a good plan Annie. Everything in moderation! #arthritischat @hamrowannie OA hurts, joints have other issues, too. I know I need to rest and am stuck with it for life. So I just do whats needed Right time @RuthRosselson I was told that giving up gluten would cure mine. It hasnt, but it has massively improved fatigue & flares #arthritischat Id just like to say thank you for the article on fibromyalgia in the last edition (Spring 2015). I found it helpful and reassuring. I have fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis, as well as other conditions, and knowing I am not alone means so much to me. I am struggling with my health at the moment and this article just came at the right time. Thank you again, Judi Vilkauskas, via email @RuthRosselson So I dont really care about any evidence. Flares are shorter lived, fatigue less, and Im healthier @arthritis_care Pleased youve found a plan that works for you - always the priority when it comes to managing #arthritis! @RuthRosselson Yes, definitely. Its a lot of hard work to make sure I eat WELL but its worth it Follow us on Twitter! "