Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
Hi All....While I am pretty sure I had symptoms before an acual diagnosis, probably on and off for years, I was officially diagnosed with seuonegative RA last week. Currently being weaned off steroids and on to Plaquenil. The steriods took away 95% of the pain in my hands and that alone was a relief. I am not sure if I am just good with pain or it wasn't that severe but while it was painful and annoying and stressful, it never stopped my ability to work and take care of my family. I have had pains in various places for years - feet and toes, heel, knees and hips. Looking back I am sure this was all the beginning of something but now the blood work matches up...
I am not looking for this disease to define me and I hope it never causes me to miss work and life events. I am not the type to stop chugging along...so what can of advice can you offer me? Tips on diet, exercise and supplmements would be helpful. I don't want my RA to make me crazy, but it's becoming a stressful thought in my head..and I'm not sharing that with hubby because I don't want him to worry or baby me either...
Thanks,
S
BUT...if you have a mild case, it might not be called for. The problem is that whenever you have swelling and/or pain/stiffness you have joint damage occurring. Treating the symptoms helps, but over years joint damage becomes joint destruction and can require joint replacement or simply be permanent, as you can see if you look at my avatar photo of my hand. Both of my hands are permanently deformed because I was dinged before the drugs available today were available.
Exercise is good. Do a much as you can tolerate. Never do what causes pain. No diet has never been proven to help RA, though ginger and some other natural anti-inflammatories can help with very mild symptoms.
I think we are all defined by the illnesses we have. And yes, RA will interfere with your life, if you don't get it under control. I worked the first 2 years I had RA, till I could no longer get out of bed, or dress myself.
I would not like to see that happen to anyone.
I admire your attitude. And you know what? I think you're going to do just fine.
May I give one piece of advice? When you see your rheumatologist, don't be stoic with pain. Many of us tend NOT to complain in the beginning.....and that's wrong. If it hurts, let the doctor know. How else can he gauge how you're coming along [because bloodwork doesn't tell the whole story]?
About exercise: find a balanced exercise regimen. Don't overdo it or you'll likely set up a flare. Find what's right for you....be consistent. That's key. Use it or lose it.
About vitamins and supplements: I suggest you NOT take any unless prescribed by your physician. Too many of them can cause more problems than benefits. Some can even be toxic. You're introducing new drugs to your system [e.g., Plaquenil, cortisone] so why monkey things up with vitamins and supplements - we don't always understand how they interact with Rx drugs. My mantra is: "If the blood test says I'm low in a vitamin or mineral, find out which food I need to eat more of."
Welcome to our group.