So sorry, Maritza! Twenty five years ago I was told about minocycline being a good drug for RA. (This was before biologics and some of the DMARDS.) I told my rheumatologist I wanted to use that. It seemed more "natural". I felt better in many ways but in 12 months all of the bones in my wrists were eroded. It didn't slow down the permanent damage RA was doing. It ultimately led to ulnar deviation. RA meds slow the damage. Fortunately there are many drugs now. Research and clinical trials are continuing on new ones.
It seems that every RA medicine needs time to work so that slows down how long it takes to feel better. Folic acid and Vitamin D are to help your body when you take methotrexate. They are vitamins There is one thing that is very natural - check your diet. Many of us find that red meat and dairy products increase inflammation. After 45 days of zero dairy products I was markedly better. Usually it takes 90 days to see if you react to it. Another natural thing is gentle exercise like moving your body. Even in pain it helps. Also use cold or warm packs on your body (everyone is different as to which feels better.) You may be doing all of these things. I know a person who became a vegetarian (adding fish) and her pain went away. She finds she still needs the RA drug but she feels fine. We are in the dark being our own detective to find what our bodies react to if anything. Good luck and I will be praying for you.

I'm not sure what you mean by the "natural route." RA has different levels of inflammation and pain. I was diagnosed 16 years ago and was put on Enbrel within one year. Throughout the years I've been in complete remission to a total flare up. It comes and goes. I personally know 2 other friends who have RA and it has mainly stayed in their hands. Neither one of them have been to a rheumatologist for it. What I'm trying to say is, RA comes in many forms. If you get bad and think the "natural route" will conquer your battles, I would have to say you're fooling yourself. Eating healthy is good for all of us, with or without RA. Be wary of the "snake oil."

Hey Nancy. Thanks for responding. Actually. I've been dealing with Autoimmune issues for 40 years. It's a connective tissue disorder that causes skin sensitivities, miscarriages, low platelets. Intermittent kidney issues and joint pain with fatigue. I managed pretty well, addressing each issue as it came along. Often long periods of remission. But about 18 yrs ago new symptoms presented along with GI complaints. I saw a Rheumatologist who diagnosed RA. He explained that my other A.I. triggered it and likely the GI issues. It was all happening at a very stressful time in my life(both personal and professional). Being a RN helped me find all the right people and support and was able to get it all under control and manageable.
I've been doing well for years...had a bit of a set back for about 2-3 years but got back on track.
I watch my diet, hydrate well, manage stress with intention. No sugar, no alcohol, no sodium. Stretch and move every day and work on keeping joy in my life. I'm now retired. Had to get out of the way of Covid to protect myself. I've started traveling again and am grateful for a loving family and supportive medical care.

Listen...RA is an Autoimmune disease that has no cure. And everyone is different when it comes to what helps and what doesn't help. And if you have 1 Autoimmune issue, you likely have another. They kind of go hand in hand.
I will tell you my experience. After several years of relying on medication to treat my RA, I was feeling so good I decided I'd test the waters and go off everything. I continued some supplements and watched my diet BUT after about 8 months I started feeling worse and worse. And NY 14 months on nothing I was right back to where I started 15 years ago!! Had to start all over again which took another 10 months to feel functional. Its been 2 years and im finally back!! Needless to say, I'll never do that again.

I'm so sorry to hear how bad you are doing, Maritza. I've been there. We will try anything to feel better. I read about so many "cures" for RA. There was one that even said to drink Clorox water to kill whatever is in us! Why don't we just bleed ourselves like in the olden times so the poison leaves us?? I know I'm being extreme, but please be careful what you decide to do. That's all I'm saying. As far as the drugs go, you don't have to keep taking them if they aren't working, especially they if they make you feel worse. Sometimes we have to keep trying before we find the right one or mix. What have you tried? You also have other issues that aren't helping you to feel better. None of us want to take drugs, but we have to in order to live a somewhat normal life. Does your state allow medical marijuana? It helped me when I was in a bad way and living in NY. I'm in SC now and I can't get it or else I would be using it. That's about as "natural" as I will go. Take care.