New to this community. Have had RA for 48 years.

[Ecsnut]

Hi there. Lol hope my picture actually sits up right. I am glad to have a new community.  Been on Methotrexate for over 20 years. Have been doing well. As I get older I have a lot of digestive issues and sciatic pain. But I stay active and in positive spirits. I am a registered dietitian which helps in the eating department. Lol. Nice to meet everyone. 

[Gagy]

Hi. Wow 20 years.   Still works.  That's great

[MViles]

Hi ESCNUT,

I am trying to learn how to eat correctly. I know it is important for both FMS and RA. It is hard to get my husband to understand how I need to eat and he does the cooking. It is getting better, but there is never enough fresh fruit in the house.

I am on Methotrexate and I don't think it is working. I have a flare every couple of weeks.

I have had digestive issues forever, no one has found anything to treat that. Last year I began have problems with my sciatica nerve.

This spring I was in the hospital for five days because it was determined I had diverticulitis.

I am unable to work and can't receive disability. Such is life.

Melissa

[TeneyaCanyon in reply to MViles]

Hi, Melissa, may I ask your blood type?

[Ecsnut in reply to MViles]

Sorry to hear...I have IBS-D type...which is really annoying. My metho works...but I have a particularly mild RA...I have tried to get off  of it but the longest time was 12 weeks and then I had a bad flare and ended up in bed in  fetal position.

I also have sciatic pain...the walking helps...its been much better since starting the walking...I have tried accupuncture  and salan pas patches...they are over the counter....

I  eat "healthy" but not a fanatic...I do not eat organic or gluten free etc. I dont believe in fad  diets or staying away  from anything...but I do  not eat alot of crap...I have a glass of wine occasionally...I tried all kinds of fad diet stuff but nothing made it better...so  I might as well enjoy my life.

My weight is good...I try to keep it in a good range and have been able to do so this far...only gained when I was on 60 mgs of Prednisone...years agao. Why cant you get disability...I have a disability plackard for the car...but I work only two  days a week in a treatment center for Eating Disorders....so not too much of  a strain...

Check out my website on Facebook...might give you some inspiration in the eating department....Healing Nutrition Therapy. hugs. E

[TeneyaCanyon]

LOL about the pic, Ecsnut!  If you have an iPhone, pick up the free app, InstaEditor.  It's an easy-to-use tool for "playing with digital pics ... and makes it really easy to rotate that pic.

Interesting to hear that you're a dietician and dealing with RA for 20 years.  Encouraging too!

Have you worked in the nutrition field all that time?  

[Ecsnut in reply to TeneyaCanyon]

I have  been an RD since 86...have had RA since I was  5 which is 50 years....although I do not have any extensive damage...I received goldshots back in the 60's....did not go on Metho till 2000. I have been extremely lucky. I eat what I want within reason...have a glass  of wine at times...walk 2.5 miles 4x a week...laugh...dance....curse...I live...lol

[TeneyaCanyon in reply to Ecsnut]

You are indeed fortunate and living life to its fullest.  I'm a big believer in that.  You go, Girl!

[Rosie258]

Would like to know what you think about diet and RA.  Been told no meat or dairy products- any truth to that?

Linda

[Rosie258]

Any info about Diet & RA?  Been told no meat or dairy products- any truth to that?

[martharn]

I am also a newbie and glad you are here.  I am a retired pediatric nurse.  I am on Enbrel and methotrexate...thank goodness no more prednisone.  I am curious on your point of view regarding nutrition and RA.  I have eliminated added sugars from my diet.  I know there are 'reports' of improvement when nightshades are removed.  However, having eliminated sugar, caffeine, wine :(, and adding lots of cinnamon, garlic and a number of other touted anti inflammatory spices to my cooking...I just can't bring myself to eliminate tomatoes and peppers from my cooking.  Do you have any thoughts on this?

It was also comforting to learn you have been on MTX for 20 years.  I am 63 and only diagnosed 5 years ago.  However, the unknown side effects that can occur are concerning.  I have watched so many patients be blind sided by the truth of living with a side effect that they 'heard' about but really can't comprehend until they begin living with that side effect.  

Again welcome!