Living with RA

[Black2]

Hi everyone!

I’m 38 and was diagonsed with RA in May 2018 after suffering from a 4 month flare up which the Dr initially put down to vitamin D deficiency! I was diagnosed pretty quickly and immediately given a steroid injection to help alleviate the pain and out on Methotrexate 10mg. I am now pain free except for slight joint pain here and there; only when I overdo my household chores. It has been a rollercoaster ride for me as I was suffering from my first major flare up( and I didn’t know I had RA), whilst my husband was abroad caring for his terminally ill sister. I was diagnosed by my Rheaumatologist after my sister in law’s funeral but had to deal with it on my own as my other half was still with his family grieving for thier loss. The pressure of losing a family member and still having to go to work ( employer wouldn’t give time off) looking after the kids, driving with the stiff and painful hands definitely put more pressure on my body- it was the worst time of my life. The Steroid injection and Methotrexate was a god send and couldnt come any sooner. I still can’t believe I have RA and wish there was something I could eat or do to make it go away. Any thoughts on healthy living, I’m all ears...x

[Frankiefocus]

Hi Black2 sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with RA. Im in the same boat and was diadnosed just last June. I find cutting down on processed food and dairy products have helped me with flare ups. I love chinese food and have cut down on that also. Swimming and eating foods with the likes of ginger and turmeric is also good for RA but then everyone is different. Hope this helps.

[Black2 in reply to Frankiefocus]

Thankyou Frankiefocus. Alot of people have suggested Turmeric and ginger and I have tried using 1 tspn of both powders in a small cup of water and drinking- yuck! But I’m sure, if i carry on and make it a daily routine, it might do my joints some good!

[Frankiefocus in reply to Black2]

Try the capsules from Nu-U, you can get them on amazon and there cheap.

[rab1874]

Hi I find eating a lot off plant based food helps me and lots off 🥬 plus cutting out a lot off prosessed foods plus exercising and keep moving is important xxx

[Black2 in reply to rab1874]

Thankyou rab1874.

I generally avoid processed foods and not a big fan of junk food either. Definately, exercise is ia a must, just got to find time to incorporate it in my life. I’m experiencing hair loss too, dont know if it’s related?

[helixhelix]

That's great that a low dose of MTX has worked well for you. Long may it last!

My personal approach is to do everything I can to keep a healthy body both to keep the disease as calm as possible and so I can tolerate the drugs well.

So sleep is hugely important, as is reducing stress. And if you can't avoid stress then look for ways to manage it - mindfullness, meditation, writing poetry - what ever works for you. Then daily exercise also very important. Even if you're rushing about all day you're not using all your muscle groups so even 15 minutes stretching exercises can help.

And then diet. Say goodbye to processed foods, and focus on as natural a diet as possible. Variety and moderation are important. There are many specific diets people recommend none of which have done anything for me, but it's very individual. And I prefer to spend money on good food rather than supplements.

For the moment I'd aim for making the RA a small and routine part of your life, that doesn't get in the way of anything you want to do.

[Black2 in reply to helixhelix]

Thankyou helixhelix. Very helpful advice. I will definately incorporate exercise into my daily routine.

[oldtimer]

As well as the other suggestions you have had, I noticed you suggest that you are having problems at work with an employer? There is a useful booklet from NRAS about the responsibilities of an employer to make adjustments for people with disabilities - worth a look to get some idea yourself, even if you are not in the UK.

[Black2 in reply to oldtimer]

Will definitely look into it. Thanks

[Rheumagal]

Hi Black2. Glad to hear your finding some relief. That’s a lot to deal with 😞

I’m sorry it’s been so tough.

Like others, eating as clean and as nutritiously as you can will help keep you as healthy as possible. I like to include omega-3 oils. Anything that fights inflammation. But find what works for you. We are all different.

I also found Pilates to be the best exercise for me. It’s low impact and focuses on a lot of stretching and controlled movements that don’t put any strain on joints. I found some awesome YouTube videos.

I’ve also had to learn my own personal limits so I don’t overdo it and learning to say no.

I hope you find what works for you.

All the best

[Black2 in reply to Rheumagal]

Thankyou Rheumagal. I do find pilates helpful and it doesn’t put too much pressure on my joints. I think clean eating and exercise in moderation will be my goal, everything else will eventually fall into place. Fingers crossed the MTX keeps on working...