Any 30-something RA sufferers - what do you do?

[DisneyWalle]

RA runs in my family and I have recently been diagnosed with arthritis - my doctor has referred me over to a RA specialist for next week. My symptoms are becoming more and pronounced actually causing limitations to daily activities. I'm only 35 with an active family - this is causing me to have to ask for more and more help. I feel depressed and older than I am - I don't like the way I'm feeling and how its impacting my family.

I started a thread yesterday on here asking about the Raw Food Diet. I have seen information stating that it might help alleviate or control symptoms. Does anyone else with RA eat differently?

What else do you do that helps: exercises, diet, or anything? I'm looking for others that understand how I feel and can share anything that has worked for them.

(I should note that in the other thread - I did indicate that my job is a sedentary 3rd shift position - so the only activity I get is when I'm off and my family is ready to do things. We love to travel and visit Orlando quite frequently. However, my family life is very active - I homeschool my son, take him to piano and co-op plus we live on a 20 acre farm with pigs. So I guess, what I meant by that I was inactive was that I don't exercise on a daily basis.)

 

[auntfrannie]

I have two other forms of arthritis and have had them since I turned 40. The biggest factor for me is exercise. Especially weight strengthening ones that focus on your core. If I slack off on the weights within a few weeks I start feeling pain in my back, neck & shoulders. That's led me physical therapy so now I make sure I stick with the weight training!

My rheumatologist told me to stick with biking as it's easiest on the knees and back. I thought rowing would be good but he said that wouldn't be at the top of the list of exercises he would recommend. I think the order he gave was biking, ellipticals, walking, then rowing.

From a diet perspective I haven't found anything that seems to change how I feel but maybe RA is different than my types of arthritis. Good luck!

 

[Fyrefly]

I can't speak for RA, but my mom has had chronic lower back pain for years. They put her on the really bad, super addictive drugs whenever we went on a trip somewhere and she still hurt. We're talking days she couldn't even get up off the couch except to answer the call of nature bad.

She's been doing acupuncture for about a year and I swear she's a new person. She's on no prescription pain drugs anymore and never has those crippling pain days.

I'm not saying it works for everyone but if you're looking into diet changes and other things to save money, alternative medicines may be an option as well. RA is nasty and you should be beating the crap out of it with every option you can find! Just make sure you go to someone with actual medical credentials and you should be fine.

 

[ski_mom]

One of my good friends has this. She is now 42, but has had it for quite a few years. I know she exercises a lot to help control it. She is a 3rd grade teacher, so stays pretty active during the day with her job, but she also bikes and walks quite a bit. She says it helps her a lot.

 

[Swimalie]

My dad has ankylosing spondilitis and has since he was in his 20s. It affects the spine and jaw area. He was told to keep moving as much as possible. He was also put on some meds that he's still on to this day (indocen). He is now 71, still plays golf, still runs, still does triathlons. My biggest piece of advice is to keep active. Swimming is a great form or exercise for any person with any form of arthritis. I believe I'm getting it a bit in my thumb and toes. I have noticed less pain on the days when I swim.

 

[Our 2 Princesses]

My dad has ankylosing spondilitis and has since he was in his 20s. It affects the spine and jaw area. He was told to keep moving as much as possible. He was also put on some meds that he's still on to this day (indocen). He is now 71, still plays golf, still runs, still does triathlons. My biggest piece of advice is to keep active. Swimming is a great form or exercise for any person with any form of arthritis. I believe I'm getting it a bit in my thumb and toes. I have noticed less pain on the days when I swim.

My sister, who just turned 33, has a severe form of AS. She got it when she was 25. She is on Remicaide but also uses accupuncture and eats very little to no carbs.

 

[Swimalie]

My sister, who just turned 33, has a severe form of AS. She got it when she was 25. She is on Remicaide but also uses accupuncture and eats very little to no carbs.

My dad's is pretty severe, too. One day without his meds and he can barely move. Please let your sister know if she stays active and takes her meds, she can lead a very active life. My dad inspires mine.

 

[floridascgirl]

I'm 44 years old and I've been seeing a rheumatologist for 3 1/2 years now and they still can't settle on a diagnosis...maybe RA or lupus.

Anyway, I take Plaquenil 200mg. for my joint stiffness and swelling. I hate taking it 'cause I feel like I'm poisoning myself, but I have to. I also take fish oil supplements, Calcium with Vit. D and Bromelain supplements (or fresh pineapple).

However, the best thing that I ever did for myself was to start going to yoga 2 or 3 times a week. Not only did it really help my stiffness, aching, and fatique but it helped with my stress level which ties right in to the whole disease.

Good luck and feel free to PM me if you want.