New to RA

[Adamc1987]

Hi, im in the process of being diagnosed with RA. My bloods have come back positive for anti ccp and RF. I currently have two small swellings, one on my wrist and one on my ankle, but I’m not in any pain with it. Does this mean that it’s an early?

I’m a 31 year old male working in construction, im pretty sure it’s going to stop me working.

Any advice would be appreciated on what I’m to expect next. Thanks.

Me

[helixhelix]

It's most likely v early. Look after yourself and it may well not progress, or progress v slowly. So healthy lifestyle will help.

Many people carry on working without problem, so don't think the worst just yet.

[Adamc1987 in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks for the reply :-). I did have problems with my feet about 6 months ago, then it went away. Recently I got cold/flu and it seem to flare up in my ankles and wrists but the pain has since eased off itself. So I’m pretty sure I do have it, but hopefully you’re right and I can keep it at bay.

[Simba1992]

Are you on any meds? You have many things working in your favor, you are young and you are male and your RA at the moment doesn't seem very aggressive. Had I known what I know today I would have looked at my diet more closely when I started to have symptoms. Eliminating gluten for three weeks to see if any change would have been my first change as well as eliminating processed foods. I can see that construction work is quite hard on your body. No chance in downgrading physical strain in your work?

[Adamc1987 in reply to Simba1992]

Hi, no I’m not on any meds yet, I see the rheumatologist on Wednesday for the first time. I’ve always been carful with my diet as well, just added in some supplements since symptoms have come up. I’m hoping that be been lucky and caught it really early before any damage has been done.

In regards to work, I work for myself. So only way I could cut down is by hiring people. So maybe something to look at in the future.

[Adamc1987 in reply to Simba1992]

Also, you mention being male is being in my favour, why is that?

[Simba1992 in reply to Adamc1987]

It has been shown that men react better to the meds and remission is seen more often. I personally believe after what I have researched that Estrogen plays a role. Estrogen is usually low in young men. If you eat food that is estrogenic, stress your body physically an psychologically your estrogen levels rise in men as well. When you age as a male your estrogen levels rise as well, seen in fat around waist. Estrogen is very inflammatory if not balanced by progesterone.

[Adamc1987 in reply to Simba1992]

Ok thanks for the information.

[PinkLamb]

Hi Adamc1987

Sorry to hear that you are in process of diagnosis for RA, if this is any consolation, I have had RA for the last 15 years, and In that time, I tried to remain positive, by telling myself (that I will not let this horrible desease beat me!!)

I am on Benepali, & Inject Methotrexate as the tablet form used to make me feel sick, I also take Naproxen and folic Acid too, make sure you get the drugs to control your RA.

I work in a factory, doing heavy lifting and repetitive work, I have done this job for 7 years, it's only just this year that I have struggled and had some very bad flares, although my employer are trying to make 'reasonable adjustments'

Try not to worry too much!!

Good luck 🤞

Xxx

[Adamc1987]

Thanks that gives me some hope that I can carry on working. At the minute it’s the only thing I know, so would be hard for me to start a new career.