My ankles are swollen right now and the right one very painful and hard to walk. Two weeks ago I was taken off MTX because I was very sick and I believe it was from MTX. Due to a severe pain in my back that went to my stomach, my gastroenterologist was going to do an endoscopy. In the meantime, I was put on a no dairy, no caffeine diet and I added no processed foods as well. I improved so much, he cancelled the endoscopy. I had ice cream a few days ago and the diarrhea came back. So no ice cream. Last night I had pizza and loved it, but with my painful swollen ankles it looks like no more pizza either. I’m back on the no dairy and I actually found coffee that’s decaf but I like it. I found Earth’s Balance vegan butter and I like that as well and I love my butter. There are things out there to replace what we enjoy, we just have to search to find them. I’m taking a water pill for the next couple of days hoping that will bring the swelling down. Hope this helps some of you with food and diet questions.
For those of you with diet questions!: My ankles are... - NRAS
For those of you with diet questions!
Hi, there are plenty of non dairy ice creams in the supermarkets these days so no need to go without 😊 hope your ankles are better soon. I was taken off MTX too three weeks ago, starting to feel a little stiffer and creaky 🙄
Hello have PN plus RA. Under 2years ago I had a endoscopy.found out I have Divatic sorry can't spell it. This condition can be very painful but manageable. Just a thought.
Hope things calm down for you.
Thank you. I’m to call him immediately if pain returns. Then they will do endoscopy.
Diverticulitis?
Have you had your kidneys checked?
Blood tests show liver problems and I have blood tests regularly, ultrasound showed a couple of kidney stones. I’ve had some bad ones in the past. This pain was nothing like that. And it was higher up as well.
Yes thank you...I’ve gotten over my telephone strop of yesterday......although when I phoned about this morning .....the irritating message had gone but was replaced by one to say the system will be closed down next Saturday and Sunday !
Thanks for sharing BonnieT. I have been gluten, dairy free. No red meat more fish. I am now so under weight my Hemetogist has said I must eat anything and everything! I am going back on bread 🍞.
I use ghee now so may try the vegan butter. Also, never heard of water tablets 🤔. Thanks going to give this a try. Today like you sore left foot and hand - had lots of fruit dried and fresh yesterday.
Do you use cooking oils ?
Water tablets usually means diuretics, makes you pee more 😬
I only use extra virgin olive oil. I found a place that uses fruits, herbs, and spices in olive oil to create great flavors. Expensive, but I’m going to try some. Have to order online unless I find a place closer.
The water pills are a prescription from my doctor to take as needed. They are called hydroclorothiazide. They help sometimes but a nurse told me I should take it at least three days in a row to get relief. I was only doing one day. I also make sure I get enough potassium when I take them as running to the bathroom all the time can deplete your body’s supply. Orange juice, bananas, or Gatorade help with that.
I’m thinking you’re in the UK. I’m in the US. There is something here called Ensure. It’s a drink to help make sure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs. Take that in addition to eating more. Yes, go back to bread. I love bread. Tried gluten free but I need my bread. God bless that you feel better.
Hiya Bonnie. Following your temporarily eliminating dairy with positive results did your Gastroenterologist suggest you're tested for lactose intolerance at all? If not it might be worth following up & having the appropriate tests (see if you're producing too much lactase by having a lactose/milk tolerance test(s) plus hydrogen breath test, commonly used tests). As you appear to suggest we're often quick to blame our meds for tricky stomachs... some times they are to blame, other times not. If it was me once your tum is settled or after you have the tests I'd try MTX again, with your Rheumy's say so of course. It would be a shame to need to go to a different med with less successful results if you don't give MTX another chance (if it works well for you of course) & trial it again. Your current inflammation does seem to suggest that you are missing the MTX, two weeks can be enough to determine if it was working.
I hope you don't mind me suggesting this given your post was specifically to help others!
I am lactose intolerant and haven’t drank milk since I was four years old. I can eat some ice creams (but not all) and I need butter but have now substituted with Earth Balance a vegan spread. It’s ok. My downfall is cheese. And it creates a lot of problems for me. So that has been eliminated. Thank you for your good thoughts. Have a wonderful day.
I’ve been off my mtx and biologic Amgevita for 3 weeks now due to being on antibiotics for a chest infection,thank god today was my last day on them as my hands, right ankle have swollen up plus terrible fatigue xxx
I too feel so much better when I eat fish, vegetables, fruit, quinoa, and nuts and seeds, and when I avoid dairy, pizza, salt, sugar, bread, cake, cookies, candy, etc.
I strayed the other day and suffered for it. Better to eat healthy. For many many reasons. Have a wonderful day. Thanks for your input. 
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