Re: New Here - Newly Diagnosed

[Guest guest]

Hi Becky,

I'm Lynne, nice to meet you )

I have had RA since I was in my mid 20's. I have been on methotrexate ( & folic acid) for about 6 years now. It has been good for me, I was on sulphasalazine,but my rheumatologist changed me as that wasn't working as it should.

I have just been diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome too, so decided it was time I took myself in hand and looked at my eating habits...... I used to eat a lot of processed foods and junk food.

I gsve up caffeine about months ago, I now drink decaf coffee....and noticed a big difference in my health just from that alone. Three weeks ago I bought a book on eating for arthritis and decided to give that a go too.

I have since cut out as much processed food as I can and eat more fruit and vegetables. I can honestly say it's worth the effort.

Don't get me wrong, I'm no angel and still have the odd treat ... lol

It is worthwhile trying to eat the right things, everyone is different and something that effects me might not affect you,or someone else. I think it's worth trying to find those foods that affect us and cutting them out or right down if it eases the symptoms.

If you want to chat anytime please feel free to mail me on or off list. My address is Lynne@...

IT's always good to be part of a group like this, we can all help each other and have a good moan when we need to....it does help ;o)

Take Care, Lynne

[Guest guest]

Welcome, Becky and I'm sorry you have reason to be here. I'm 76 years old and have had RA for a little over three years. I'm pretty well controlled on Remicade and Methotrexate. I occasionally use Prednisone for special needs but usually don't take it. Don't let the warning information about the medications bother you too much. They list everything people in the clinical trials got during the trials whether or not they were related to the medications. Untreated RA is almost certain to cause permanent joint damage so the possible but unlikely side effects of the medications are preferable to most people. Of course you need to be aware of any reactions to the medicines because some can be severe allergic reactions. Also some may, on prolonged use, cause troubles with kidneys or liver so periodic blood work is necessary to identify potential problems while they can still be corrected. I agree it's the pits and people who do not have RA just don't understand it. Here we do understand so feel free to ask questions or just vent. God bless.

----- Original Message -----

From: Becky

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sent: Saturday, July 17, 2004 8:48 PM

Subject: New Here - Newly Diagnosed

Hello everyone,I just joined today and just found out last week at my second visit to the RA Doc that I have RA.I am 37 years old, have asthma and am a junk food junkie.It is somewhat of a relief to find out why it was getting more and more difficult for me to walk and suddenly, in March of this year, I found myself unable to use (or make a fist whith)either one of my hands.I am taking Predinsone (and folic acid and Naproxen Sodium) until theMethotrexone kicks in and I am really hoping that it works, although the doc tells me it's not going to work as well as the Prednisone.All these years I thought arthritis was *just* pain, but I didn'tknow it's an autoimmune disease, that it disables the joints and robsa person of their strength, not to mention can destroy the joints too.I seriously thought (and am not completely convinced that it's not)that the pain, stiffness and immobility was caused by the chiropractorthat I had started seeing a year ago for a sore left shoulder.I finally quit seeing the chiropractor because I kept getting worse - and he was attempting to adjust all of my joints.Since I started taking the Prednisone, 90% of my symptoms are gone,except for the stiffness in my left hand and I am still having a hard time making a fist.What surprises me the most about RA is how potentially dangerous thedrugs are that are used for treatment.I am still grappling with the fact that the pain and stiffness is not going to go away on it's own. I've always bounced back from things in the past - illnesses and injuries. Since I just joined today, I haven't had a chance to read the messages that you all have posted, but I will start doing that tonight.Take care,Becky

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/19/04 9:40:22 AM, StarsHutch@... writes:

What surprises me the most about RA is how potentially dangerous the

drugs are that are used for treatment.

Oh you can take safer drugs....

they just don't work very well.

Pris

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[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/19/2004 2:02:50 PM Central Standard Time, Lynne@... writes:

Hi Becky,

I'm Lynne, nice to meet you )

Hi Lynne and everyone,

Thanks for making me feel welcome here.

Oooh, I don't think I can give up caffeine, but I do think coffee is not the best choice.

I felt better when I used to drink only tea.

Maybe I should make the switch!!

So far, the Prednisone has taken away 95% of my problems and has given me

my life back. It's a shame I can't stay on the 15 mg that I am taking now.

Becky

[Guest guest]

I started on 40 mg Prednisone and it took me a year and a half to get below 15 mg. Now a year later I'm off Prednisone but I would still be on 15 mg if Remicade hadn't finally kicked in to allow me to get off Prednisone. Prednisone may be bad, but being unable to function is worse in my opinion. God bless.

----- Original Message -----

From: StarsHutch@...

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 5:12 PM

Subject: Re: New Here - Newly Diagnosed

In a message dated 7/19/2004 2:02:50 PM Central Standard Time, Lynne@... writes:

Hi Becky, I'm Lynne, nice to meet you )Hi Lynne and everyone,Thanks for making me feel welcome here.Oooh, I don't think I can give up caffeine, but I do think coffee is not the best choice.I felt better when I used to drink only tea. Maybe I should make the switch!! So far, the Prednisone has taken away 95% of my problems and has given memy life back. It's a shame I can't stay on the 15 mg that I am taking now.Becky