I am a firm believer that RA was already "brewing" under the surface for years and years prior to actual diagnosis. I personally can look back for sure 6 years prior to diagnosis and see a pattern of potential RA "flares" or "predessors". I remember a foot hurting, then the other foot a few weeks later...or when I was pregnant, having my loose joints hurt from "doing too much" or "moving the wrong way".

What I'm saying is that your glucose and blood pressure could actually have been from initial inflammation loosely related to your RA. I have had the same battle with bp and glucose. I remember being diagnosed with "Metabolic Syndrome"...and really, all those things result from poor processing and inflammation. Our bodies were not efficient. How is it that others just have no issues while they are heavier than we are, eat worse than we do, care less? I think our bodies had a natural tendency to be inflammed.

I'm trying to look at it as not the "other foot dropping" but as the explanation to a long list of ailments. It's inflamation and a crossed signal within our immune system.

Finally treating our RA (including eating whole NON processed foods) may actually help address those other things. The exercise is so hard though. That is where I struggle the most.

I wish you all the best.

You are so right bcatz . I also remember for years the sudden pains. Just thought I over did things. Also I'm realitivly small for the medical problems I face. I too was told that I had metabolic sys. Have always had anemia . Go figure I have probably had RA since I was around 30. It only took 23 years to discover it. Life is funny sometimes.

Not to go all Pollyanna on you, 'cause that's not my style at all, but think how much worse off you would be if you HADN"T been taking care of yourself. It is frustrating and impossible to understand though, isn't it? And then there's the temptation to chuck all the carefully cultivated good habits and just live on chocolate and cigarettes!

You forgot the vodka. But crap would you believe I'm allergic to alcohol. Pot too for that matter. I tried that when I was a teen and blew up like a balloon. Never told my parents what I did. They might have throttled me. Guess it kept me straight.

Wow didyann, I think with many of us stress was the initial trigger to RA coming to us.I know for myself it was a factor and probably some hereditary factors as well.Though my mom was diagnosed with it after I was same with blood pressure diagnosis. I just try to take one day at a time. I have been feeling pretty good since I have been on Rituxan IV. I still have some days that are tough. I just take my Tramadol and keep it moving when I can.I have good support systems in place. Lots of friends that keep me busy and occupied. I also try to maintain a positive attitude throughout the day. At work and at home and not sweat the small stuff. Not worth it. Hang in there.

Try not to feel so bad....sometimes I feel the same way, and venting on here has been my relief. I, too struggle with the same issues - blood pressure, triglyercies, and blood sugar. Still not sure if mine is RA or CREST syndrome or Scleroderma, but still a struggle. I try to smile to keep a smile on my face for my family, but it's hard. Just like you said, it's walking with the Lord that has gotten me this far. I know He will never leave me nor forsake me; and He will never give me anything that I can not make it through. I'm with you - you ARE NOT alone. Bless you, please feel free to msg me any time you need anything, or any one to talk to.

I also believe i had RA at least 8 yrs before it came to be DX'd, when my husband passed from cancer , about a yr later, i had some numbness in toes and fingers with digets turning blue and black at times, was dx'd as Raynauds then , but now about 2 yrs ago RA showed it ugly head and here i am. it is good to talk with people that truly understand.