Newly diagnosed---looking for pointers.

[Martiroam]

Hi-

After years of not being sure why I had recurrent carpal tunnel, I have finally been diagnosed with a mild case of RA. I also have Raynaud's, and have dealt with Lichen Planus intermittently.  Now I am taking prednisone and have also started to take methotrexate. I am 69 and hope to hit my mid-90's one day! I am a lap swimmer and I think this helps me a great deal. I would also like some nutritional pointers to help fight the symptoms of this constellation of problems.  Also, any suggestions about how strictly I should follow the doctor's admonitions against alcohol. An occasional social drink would certainly be appreciated, but I am unsure of the consequences.

[Ksjohnson]

I wouldn't think an occasional drink would hurt unless down the road you get on pain meds. As far as nutrition, I am so not the person to respond to that. Lol

[Clevergirl33]

I find eating an anti-inflammatory diet helps me. I have RA and Crohn's Disease. I was just recently diagnosed as well. My doc had mentioned that by me eating gluten free, may have been helpful in treating RA without knowing it. He says he didn't have scientific knowledge as to why it seems to help, but he said he has seen it help lessen symptoms of patients he sees that have multiple autoimmune disorders.

[Clevergirl33]

Also, new, and wondering if methotrexate turns anyone else zombie like for a minimum of 12 hours after taking it?

I go to bed right after taking it and wake up groggy and loopy until after 12 hours passes.