Miami -- More than 2 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory illness.

"This disease to be blunt is a crippling, deforming disorder that is absolutely tragic if not treated properly or early enough," explained Dr. Norman Gaylis, a specialist in rheumatology at Aventura Hospital.

Gaylis has been working with a series of drugs called monoclonal antibodies.

"These provide different mechanisms for blocking inflammation brought on by R.A.," Gaylis said.

Given intravenously, these medications and others have been shown to dramatically improve R.A.

"In the 1990s we had none of these, now we have six or seven choices that are improving the ability to function," Gaylis said.

Sunibel Sanchez is one of those patients. "I've suffered from R.A. since I was 17," she said. "I tried all kinds of oral medications, even gold, and nothing worked," she added.

Sanchez, now in her 20s, is off all medications. "I go in for intravenous treatments every six weeks, and I never have a flare-up," she said.

Gaylis admitted the treatments are expensive, but he qualifies the cost. "There is a price to pay for somebody being out of work, unable to enjoy their family and living in poor health," he said. "Proper treatment can reduce the costs on the individual and society as a whole."

To reach Dr. Norman Gaylis, call 305-652-6676 or visit Web site.