New Member

[Guest guest]

Hi all, I just joined this group and I wanted to introduce myself. My name is

Jenn. i was diagnosed in July 2001. Currently I am taking Enrel and see

some improvement. In reading the recent posts, I would like to share of my

experiences.

My rheumatoid begin in 1997 but was miss diagnosed becaue only one joint,

my right hip was effected so severely drs just thought it was a strange

occurance from a childhood fever. For over 4 years, I went to many different

doctors and they kept saying, it is not rheumatoid. Then in 2000 my wrists

and hands began to swell and finally a 3rd RA dr. looked at all the results and

agreed it was in fact RA, Isn't great to put your faith in doctors who seem to

be

missing the boat. Oh well, I finally have a dr I respect and listen to since I

am

finally seeing results (little ones but they are there).

So my question for the group is about nutrition. I recently lost 65 pounds on

Weight watchers. Since on the new medications, I have stopped weigh loss

completely. I am currenlty on 4 medications (a new cocktail). Enbrel, bextra,

arava and plaquinal (may have spelled it wrong - sorry ). Since on the

combo, I am very tired nd hungry. In recent weeks I meet with a alternative

medicine doctor and nurse practioned to look into other options to try since I

am having problems with the drugs. Their sugestion was the Zone diet - no

dairy, no carbs and grains (or low) with a goal of " wheat free. " My original

feeling was BS. But now I wonder. I have tried balanced meals for the past 3

days and I seem to have a little bit more energy but now I am dizzy. Has

anyone on the group has success with the balanced diet (protein to carbs to

fats)?

Sorry for the novel. Next time hopefully I will be shorter in my message.

Thanks for letting me ramble.

JennH