Isn't it interesting how doctors do this? They operate or tell us we have a new disease and they won't tell any details unless we have a list in front of us. Generally, I bring a note with me of all the questions I want to ask my doctor. Before your next visit to your doctor, go armed with a healthy set of notes. Be prepared. It will empower you, really! Perhaps here in the forum, people can help with some good questions. But you've already asked some good questions. Write them down and get ready to ask your doctor. Some medical clinics have a message service where they will leave an answer machine message of yours for your doctor. I hope this gives you some ideas dave and good luck. In the meantime. I know some friends who use a good antioxidant which has some great anti-inflamatory properties. I can't tell you to take a product like this. However, if you were my brother, I would suggest it. I would tell my brother to get the latest in a liquid health/antinflamatory product.