Self Help

[kirstycakes]

Hi, I'm currently taking methotrexate, which generally keeps the joint pain under control but I am currently going through a bad flare up with my right knee. I'm interested to hear of things that you can do to help yourself and if anyone has experience of these methods working? I'm thinking along the lines of apple cider vinegar and ultrasound therapy etc. Thanks!

[stbernhard]

The only tip I know from personal experience may sound strange, but it works for me. I sit on the edge of a table and swing my lower legs for about five minutes. Sometimes twice a day. There is no load on the knees. I believe that this encourages synovial fluid into the joints and it's also goo for the muscles.

[kirstycakes in reply to stbernhard]

that's interesting, I may have to give that a go. I can't go to the cinema because it's too painful to be sitting cramped for that length of time, but will have to give that movement a go. thank you!

[Hidden in reply to stbernhard]

Morning I've passed this tip onto my hubby. Worth a try and i think you're right too. Best wishes. Sue

[miss-otis]

Hi Kirstycakes.

I was diagnosed with RA a year ago. I couldn't tolerate methotrexate so I'm now on sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquinine. I exercise every day which really helps me, and I have ginger tea with honey, cider vinegar and turmeric powder daily. I also take a turmeric capsule daily, a good multi vitamin, and Omega 3 in capsule form as some research suggests too much omega 6 can have an inflammatory effect and it's important to get the 3 to 6 ratio right. I've always been vegetarian, but over the last 3 months I've also been dairy free as again, some research suggests dairy can affect the gut and have an inflammatory effect. Overall, I feel pretty good. I still get some pain and stiffness in my right hand and wrist and the balls of my feet play up, but I haven't needed to take Naproxen since about February. Is it the meds (I've been on them since December last year), or the complementary stuff? I'm unsure, but the fatigue has lifted- (unless I overdo it!), and to be honest, even if it's the placebo effect, I'm going to carry on doing the stuff I do. I don't want to risk going back to how I was this time last year! There is no magic cure, but you have nothing to lose by trying these things.....

Best of Luck x

[kirstycakes in reply to miss-otis]

thank you, I did things the opposite way round and started of sulfasalazine but had to switch. Have been toying with the idea of going dairy free for a while so it may be worth giving it a go. thank you for all the advice!

[miss-otis in reply to kirstycakes]

You're welcome. Coconut milk is nice, as is almond milk, and I also like the coconut milk yogurt. Many dark chocolates (including Cadbury's Bournville ) are also dairy free, and I make a mean vegan brownie which everyone can enjoy. It's not a s daunting as it sounds, if you can forgive yourself a bit of sugar now and again! x

[Simba1992]

You could try taking dairy, gluten and sugar out of your diet😊

[kirstycakes in reply to Simba1992]

dairy free I can probably cope with, sugar not so much haha!

[Simba1992 in reply to kirstycakes]

Sugar the worst inflammatory😞

[Bandido in reply to Simba1992]

I found it beats aspartame