How are you doing with the RA? I deal with bodywide OA, but have 2 friends dx'd with RA..one friend took the drugs for about a year and now off them...too many side effects so she is working with diet and takes Aleve. I use Advil for OA and Fibro.

Getting off gluten is suggested all over the web. Omega 3's and flaxseed are important.

Getting off inflammatory foods, like wheats/grains. Let me know how you are....

I'm new here and looking around the health conditions I know something about.


I take all supps for Fibro and OA but the Advil. Acupuncture can help. Meditation works if you work it. So much to work with to manage things.

Thank you, caroline2.

I had actually been gluten-free for a few years prior to my fibro diagnosis. Though, I recently introduced grains back into my diet to make a point to the nurse in my PCP's office. I have iron defiency anemia and she cut me off and told me I needed enriched grains and there was no reason for me to be on a gluten free diet. I return in early July for blood work, so I will make my point then.

I also have hypothyroidism, now. Just diagnosed in early April. I have Dysmetabolic Syndrome X. My PCP suggested that my Rheumy will put me on medication for RA when I return to see him the end of June. On top of it all, I am having a hysterectomy on the 19th of June due to complex hyperplasia with atypia...precancer, possible cancer of the uterus.

It seems I live in a major flare all the time, but I will survive. I don't know if I will allow my Rheumy to put me on medication if he deems I have RA. I react strangely to most meds.

Angels be with you
me

Thank you Eva,

At this point, my rheumy will try Keppra next when I am ready to try another drug for the RLS or the nerve pain or whatever he is treating. I am currently 14 days post op from my total hysterectomy, so he is letting me set the pace. He did give me a script for Tramadol as a rescue medication.

My neuro is really concerned that my body builds a tolerance to the migraine preventives so quickly. In a year and a half, I have been increased to 300mg Topamax and now 90mg Cymbalta. He is really interested in the next brain MRI this coming February/March. This last one was a waste, the gabapentin the rheumy had me on had my body jerking and was could not be read. He is still monitoring me for MS.

Sometimes, I find it hard to accept my reality and wish for my old self.

Gentle hugs to everone.