RA caused by covid infection

[Paulandrew]

Hi all,I have recently suddenly started with RA caused by my autoimmune response to covid 19 (July 22), RA consultant diagnosed last week. It is painful and causes stiffness in both knees, I’m a very active 59 yr old (triathlete), who has been knocked for 6 by this, without drugs I feel like I’m 90, hobbling around with unbending knees and much pain.I just started a 6 week tapering course of prednisone, hoping to put the cat back in the bag.Has anyone else a similar experience, what, how successful and how long was your treatment?

[Niconn]

Hi Paulandrew. My RA started after a viral infection too. I was also v fit at the time but had joined a gym and was eating a lot more red meat and dairy than normally. I didnt make this connection until I had tried methotrexate, Humira and Orencia over 18months, with limited success and lots of side effects. I finally realised all the inflammatory food i was eating had been the problem. There was so much inflammation in my system, the virus had just tipped me over the top. I work in science so researched inflammation, found a paper about an inflammatory sugar in red meat and dairy, avoided both and am 98% symptom free for 2yrs. It is not easy to stick to and everything comes roaring back now if i accidentally eat dairy but i had bad side effects on the medication and was never as well as i am now anyway. Please private message if you want any advice. I use a lot of spirulina ( strong anti inflammatory) and turmeric too. Good luck

[Niconn]

Sorry I should add that its well worth reading Inflamed by Shelly Malone she cured her RA mostly with diet also but it list out all the inflammatory things we should avoid, handy to have

[kevg in reply to Niconn]

thats what I did but my joints still hurt from all the damage but overall I am

[Niconn in reply to kevg]

I was lucky and got the inflammation under control before I had much bone damage. I heard 3 months from start of inflammation was the cut-off to stop bone damage, it doesnt give someone much time

[kevg]

covid does not cause RA. It is primarily stress and genetics . I changed my diet and reduced stress . Prednisone will make you gain weight and feel crappy. Methotrexate is not a long term solution . It is a cancer drug and will affect your liver and kidneys

[kevg]

RA is not caused by Covid . If you have Ra your immune system is compromised . You have a greater chance to get covid . Washing your hands is the best way to prevent Covid. Steroids kill the symptoms not cure the problem. Methotrexate doesn't really help in the long run but shorten your life. I scrapped the drugs changed my lifestyle to reduce stress and stopped eating so much processed food. Your joints will always hurt now based on the triathlete lifestyle and the drugs they have given you . I am not saying I'm fully functional but I work and do what ever I need to . Also not being on drugs I lost the steroid weight