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a letter to the healthcare professional. now don't take this the wrong way but this is going to get ugly. we have tried the 'productive' method of talking with you but it was not received. so we are just going to spell it out here, what so many of us need when we come to see you in all your forms, be you doctor, nurse, therapist that deal with matters of the body to matters of the head, case managers/social workers, really any form of 'care' provider, to just name a few. now we the patient, the client, the self, hereby resolve to do our part, we will even do more if it means we can find a middle ground. but you have to do your end. somehow despite your desire to do so, the ability to give the patient what she needs has oft been lost in the process. it is also acknowledged that some of you far exceed expectations and we are grateful beyond words. we sing your praises to our peers. but to the rest of you, what keeps you from even meeting our expectations. and you cannot say it's just insurance company demands, although we do see you struggling under that heft, but together we can make the most of those 5, 10, 15 and rare 30-45 minutes. so here are some points you might want to consider.

We’re trying to get a leg-up on osteoarthritis

Call 866.PAIN.006 (1.866.724.6006) or visit our website: www.arthritisoftheknee.com

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of taking two doses of the investigational agent 8 weeks apart at one of four different doses or placebo. 

There is a 4 out of 5 chance of getting the investigational agent. 

Except for emergencies, neither you nor your doctor will know if you are taking the investigational agent or the placebo.

Qualified participants will receive study-related medical exams and study infusions at no charge.  Approximately 10 visits are scheduled over the entire 6 month study.  There are approximately 35 centers in the US expecting to enroll up to 375 participants in this research study.

You may qualify if:

§         You are between the ages of 40 and 75 years old

§         You have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee

§         You are willing to discontinue all relevant medications except rescue medication during the trial

§         You are willing to attend all clinic visits during this up-to six (6) month study

If you would like to learn more about this study, or are interested in finding out if you may pre-qualify, please call 866.PAIN.006 (1.866.724.6006) or visit our website: www.arthritisoftheknee.com.

bluesfan77

MONDAY, March 6 (HealthDay News) -- U.S. researchers are seeking volunteers to take part in a study of a mail-based, self-management arthritis care program.

People aged 18 and older with arthritis, fibromyalgia or joint pain are invited to take part in the yearlong study of the "Arthritis Yes I Can!" program, being conducted by researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

Volunteers must by willing to spend eight to 12 hours in self-study over four to six weeks. The program is designed to enhance regular medical treatment by providing patients with the knowledge and skills they need to lead healthy lives. It does not conflict with existing treatments or programs.

The program toolkit includes: tips sheets on topics such as pain, exercise and fatigue; relaxation and exercise CDs; and a new edition of The Arthritis Handbook, which is also available in Spanish. The tool kit and study questionnaires will be mailed directly to study participants at no cost to them.

The "Arthritis Yes I Can!" program addresses the following areas:

• Techniques to deal with problems such as pain, fatigue, frustration and isolation;
• Exercises for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility and endurance;
• Appropriate use of medications;
• Effective communication with family, friends and health professionals;
• Healthy eating;
• Planning to take action.

More information

To learn more about the study or to enroll, call 1-877-668-0682 or send an email to selfmanagement@stanford.edu.

(SOURCE: Stanford University, news release, Feb. 23, 2006)