One suggests that the cocktail of drugs could be causing autoimmune reactions that could be presenting as arthritis-like symptoms. The symptoms could be magnified if the woman is eating processed foods, drinking alcohol or is under emotional stress. The root cause could be leaky gut syndrome or parasites, and blood pressure pills can exacerbate this. It’s a bit like driving when the oil-pressure light goes on. The drugs are no better than putting a tape over the light so it’s no longer visible. Instead, the woman needs to check out her lifestyle, diet and emotions.

Another reader suggests supplementing with fish oils and a multivitamin such as selenium. One reader suggests the lady should look to aspartame, the artificial sweetener, as this can cause arthritis symptoms. One reader, an osteopath, says it’s worth checking the small print in the drug information sheets to see if any one of the drugs could cause arthralgia, or pain in the joints. Another suggests going on an anti-Candida diet.

In a recent randomized, placebo controlled trial, 30 per cent of women given the rubella vaccine developed acute, short term joint problems, as opposed to 20 per cent given a placebo.

The groups were followed up at one, three, six, nine and 12 months after immunizations.

Although the gap between the two groups in terms of severity of symptoms did narrow over time, the authors still conclude that some women are more susceptible and may experience arthritic symptoms after rubella immunization (Lancet, 1997; 349: 1277-81).

For more information on rubella see WDDTY vol 7 no 3, vol 5 no 6, vol 1 no 1 and the Vaccination Bible.