Massage, exercise and food!

[DenverKUK]

I posted a few weeks ago about massage and wanted to share I've since had two, a hot stone and an aromathetapy. Both were great, not too much pressure.

Also, since I've had no input really from my rheumatologist (other than to put me on hydroxychloroquine and to see me end of April!), I've taken things into my own hands.

I was scared to resume my exercise routine because of how much joint pain I have but then I felt crap not doing anything. Gradually over the last month I've increased my exercise by walking on my lunch hour and now I have a treadmill (it pays to have a personal trainer for a neighbour!) So I've been walking a few nights a week. I'm now up to a light jog/walk a few nights a week, which is amazing because I was an avid runner until last July.

I've also done a 2 week clean eating challenge which was gluten free, low carb and low dairy. After only 5 days I could not believe how good I felt, the fatigue is still there but vastlt reduced. Joint pain is still vicious, but not any worse than it was.

Has anyone else made dietary changes with positive effect?

This is the best I've felt in over a year so I just wanted to share 😊

[MandaM]

Im so pleased youre starting to feel a bit more perky in yourself. You are a good example to us not to stay stagnant because we Lupus. I'm hoping to start swim fit/pool aerobics next week. I was in a good diet and eating better, avoiding gluten, but seemed to have slipped for a couple of weeks. I'm getting back on it now I've read your post! X

[DenverKUK in reply to MandaM]

I had slipped as well just after Xmas. I love just had enough and was thinking that tablets have not started working, although now I think they may have but the massive change in diet has maybe optimised it.

I'm still very early on in diagnosis and treatment so now I just need the joint pain to get under control and I'll be alright!

[PMRpro]

Just a small warning: if you decide to go gluten-free do resist the temptation to go down the Free-from aisle! Commercially made cakes and biscuits are NOT healthy - the leaving out of gluten means that they add all sorts of stuff to keep the taste and the texture convincing. They are massively calorie dense! A naturally gluten-free diet is often helpful in joint pain though.

But it is also worth trying wheat-free before going totally gluten-free - often the problem is something to do with the structure of the starch in highly commercialised modern wheat. I can eat rye, spelt and kamut - I can't eat wheat. You would be amazed what wheat sneaks its way into though!

[DenverKUK in reply to PMRpro]

I know ive seen all the extra crap they put in it! Sugar and fats and I've reduced sugar intake too, not that i consumed much anyways. I was already eating pretty good but just tidied it up a bit. I rarely eat anything like bread or pasta anyway so it's making my own sauces etc. I also have been using nut milks or organic soy milk for a while. I've mainly just gone for loads of veggies and lean meat and avoiding anything processed. Just need to sort out making my own crisps and popcorn and I'll be good!

Just surprised how much improvement I feel in the fatigue in a little over a week. It's inspired me to stick to it!

[Joyandsleep in reply to DenverKUK]

do you have any tasty vegetable recipes without broccoli. I can't eat it.

[DenverKUK in reply to PMRpro]

I love Rye bread so might try to find a good recipe. I'm looking for a bread maker so I can try my own wheat/gluten free bread!

[PMRpro in reply to DenverKUK]

Personally I don't think gluten-free bread is worth the effort! You might as well eat cardboard! You can get gluten-free oatcakes which are good, made by Nairns.

The gluten-free Jaffa cakes are better than "real" ones - just sayin'...

[MandaM in reply to PMRpro]

Love a Nairns GF oatcake. Have 4 for my lunch along with carrot sticks.

[Joyandsleep]

yes I changed from cows milk to almond milk. gluten free works on some people;

avoiding pesticides and getting weight off my joins such as swimming helps. I had massages for years and they are great for getting rid of lactic acid, which affect fibermyalja.