RA is attacking me again

[Green_frog]

Morning All,Sharing for some comments as I am worried and anxious.

I had some blood work done yesterday and unfortunately my ESR is going up again.Had a few minor flare ups already and I am very worried. It was so lovely low in August last year. I am on hydroxy and keep taking it. If it is up again does it mean that hydroxy stopped working? Could there be another factor like diet? I was more stricked with my diet before but during Christmas and New Year I allowed occasionally to eat something processed. . Could the diet cause the ESR to change?

Thank you

[sylvi]

Sorry your suffering again darling. sending hugs. xxxx

[Madmusiclover]

I think the short answer is no. If diet were the cause or cure we would all be following the appropriate diet. You need a review. There are many drugs available to control RA.

[Green_frog in reply to Madmusiclover]

Makes sense. Thank you.

[Madmusiclover in reply to Green_frog]

Good luck.

[Green_frog in reply to Madmusiclover]

Thank you

[Bails67]

you need to speak to your nurse. You sometimes need additional medication.They will decide when they check bloods etc.

[Green_frog in reply to Bails67]

Thank you. I was taking hydroxy and the markets were going down in August was lovely below 12 and then in November I changed the hormonal pill to something that suppose to help with RA pain. Not sure if this is coincidental.

[Bails67 in reply to Green_frog]

I am on HRT and it hasn’t made any difference to my RA. I think the hydroxy is normally one of the first drugs they try. It can be trail and error to start with as we all act differently with meds,

[Green_frog in reply to Bails67]

Noted thank you

[Brushwork]

In my humble opinion, maybe controversial, but yes diet can and most likely does, affect inflammatory markers.

Eating foods likely to cause inflammation is going to affect all of your body including your blood. I’m sure we all do to a greater or lesser extent.

I follow the Zoe health study, because it’s not focused on a particular health problem, just overall health.

Returning to your healthier eating will probably see your markers return to normal.

If your joints are not causing a problem changing meds might not be necessary.

I’m not giving advice just offering an opinion based on my own research and experience.

I suffer when I eat inflammatory food, despite effective medication. Eating healthier ( and my diet is what works for me and is likely to be different for others), means I don’t suffer either the RA or sjogrens. For my body, after a lot of trial and error, I know what I can eat. I’m not a saint, I push the boundaries eat processed and sweet stuff, knowing it is likely to make me ill and it almost always does.

Go gently

[Green_frog in reply to Brushwork]

I am also considering maybe change in hormonal therapy could be the culprit. Which I have done it recently. I came across some opinions that it could have an impact. I am 43 so soon be going into menopause.

[LinaM]

I definitely suffer flares when I eat certain foods … such as artificial sweeteners and cakes etc . However , an anti inflammatory diet wasn’t enough to prevent it sadly. But I have absolutely no doubt that what we eat can cause inflammation.

[Brushwork in reply to LinaM]

I forgot to add that I need my meds too… just worse if I don’t eat healthy.

[Green_frog in reply to Brushwork]

Yes I have noticed that inflammation increases. I had some stomach issues during Christmas and New Year as I assume because I let myself to have some processed food. Not a big fan of sweets but more savoury.

[Madmusiclover in reply to Brushwork]

I totally advocate healthy eating btw. I have had IBS for years and know what suits. Also avoid UPF as much as possible. Makes sense regardless of RA.

[Happy5]

Be good if you contacted your RA team, do you have an advice line you can call?

In my experience getting to see/speak to someone sooner is better than leaving it.

[Green_frog in reply to Happy5]

Thank you for your advice. The blood test was done as I see rheumatology following Monday.