I was "diagnosed" with RA on Tuesday. I refuse to go on all those drugs the specialist wants me to take. I have been doing a lot of research and found that wheat, corn, rye, basically all the grains, have been linked to RA. I had been eating low carb but with a little bit of grains still. No more. I stopped all grains on Wednesday and I'll see how this progresses.
Does anyone else have information on this or experience with this?
thank you!
Ann

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"The future of life on earth depends on seeing the sacred where others see only the common."
- John Denver, 1991

sorry about the diagnosis, ann.
my mother has RA and fibromyalgia (sp?) ...
EXERCISE has been her saving grace! she added biking, power walking and weight lifting to her routine - and she never suffers from pain or stiffness anymore.

does she take drugs for it? that's what I'm trying to avoid.

thank you for replying!

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"The future of life on earth depends on seeing the sacred where others see only the common."
- John Denver, 1991

Hi Ann,
I have RA and have been diagnosed formally for 7 years, but have had the illness for more than 15 years. I think you're heading in the right direction, research everything you can get your hands on.

You will come to learn what your "triggers" are, what helps more, etc. I am VERY sensitive to wheat and I avoid it as much as possible. Stay active but exercise for an RA patient should be different than what is advised for say patients with osteoarthritis.

Are you seeing a rheumatologist? I have always felt that the docs should focus in more on patient diet. But, you have to keep in mind that in the past nutrition was never a required subject in medical school. It's only now that the opinion about that has begun to change, slightly.

Low carb, if done with natural foods and processed food kept to a minimum, is one of THE best ways of eating for an arthritis patient. Make sure the fats you consume are healthy ones. I try to eat more chicken and fish, just because my body responds better. I do occasionaly have good beef, I love a great steak.

Rest is essential. Did I mention how important rest is? Make sure you get lots of rest. Avoid emotional upset and stress, it can cause you to flare and make it more difficult to go into remission.

I'm glad you found LCE and the LC WOE. I think you will reap much benefit from choosing to eat very fresh and healthy. Drink lots of water and I do avoid aspartame, just don't like it.

Look me up if I can help in any way.

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Ozzie's Place

Kumus, thank you for your post! Do you take medicines?

I am eating chicken, vegetables and some fruits. I did have some guacamole today (cringe) but it was soooo good! I made it myself so I know what was in it.

What kind of exercises do you do?

I've had one appt. with the rheumatologist. My next appt is the end of March. He will reassess everything to see what meds "he" wants me on (not sure if I will go on them....) For this month I'm to get the inflammation down as much as possible. He gave me prednisone for it, I am not taking it. I am using diet and prayer, lots of prayer!

Ann

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"The future of life on earth depends on seeing the sacred where others see only the common."
- John Denver, 1991

Ann, the very low impact exercises are best like walking, water aerobics, Curves if doctor approved. I didn't take much medication in the beginning of my diagnosis, but with time it has gotten worse.

Please keep in mind that each case is very different and that you cannot really compare yourself to anyone else. I am taking several medications to keep the RA from having such a negative effect on my joints. RA runs in the maternal side of my family, with my mother having severe advanced RA. Actually, that is how the rheumatologist has classified mine. They once thought to withhold stronger medications for later on, but have now changed their approach. Those meds are used earlier to control inflammation which causes destruction to joints and synovial (connective) tissue. Many RA patients take a small daily maintenance dose of prednisone. Your decision about your medications- which ones to take or not to take are up to you and your doctor. I would advise you to share with your doctor if you choose not to take something he has prescribed. Everything is documented in your chart and treating RA is like working a very complex puzzle.

Continue researching and reading. I can tell you Ann, that a positive attitude works wonders! And most important of all, prayer is wonderful and can change things.

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Ozzie's Place

thank you Kumus. I saw a homeopathic specialist yesterday and took a first "treatment". She said it might take a little time to see effects. I feel better about that than about all the pharmaceuticals. I am praying a lot, believe me. The positive attitude towards this has been really difficult for me.
Ann

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"The future of life on earth depends on seeing the sacred where others see only the common."
- John Denver, 1991