Hello everyone! Newly Diagnosed with RA

SherillVC

Hello! I am Sherill. I am 42 years old. I was recently diagnosed with RA. I am referred to a specialist and just waiting for that appointment. I am not taking any medication yet.

I would like to start changing my diet. For those who have RAs, how has it been for you?

What were the things that you started to do and to change from when you were diagnosed? I will be happy to know your journey. Thank you so much!

Sharon_K

Hi @SherillVC

welcome to the community. Being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis is huge, and waiting for your appointment can be frustrating. You are doing the right thing by learning as much as possible right now so that when you get to your appointment you can have a list of questions.

In relation to diet, there is lots of information and what works for some doesn't work for others. We have a good amount of information you can read

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/diet-and-nutritional-supplements/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/diet/

Also I thought it might be interesting to read up a little bit about rheumatoid arthritis

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/

Let us know how you get on

Best Wishes

Sharon

SherillVC

Thank you so much, @Sharon_K . I am still in the stage of processing this news and exploring ways of how to work around with this. I also reached out any kind of support for my mental health as I feel alone sometimes having to think about this whole thing. I am truly grateful for these resources. So, thank you so much!

Woofy

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/59354/hello-everyone-newly-diagnosed-with-ra

Hi SherillVC.

I was diagnosed with RA last year. It’s been a rollercoaster since then. I have been to the hospital three times since my diagnosis to see my Rheumatologist, who has been really supportive. Along side trying to manage the pain, I have had to learn that having Arthritis doesn’t mean you can’t do stuff, you just need to find a different way of doing it if that makes sense.

mentally I have found it overwhelming, and have got quite frustrated at times. Shedding many tears, and a few swear words along the way lol. Feelings of being useless and reliant on others, has been the worst.

i think things are getting there now though. I am still at the stage of taking new meds, which take a good while to work, but I am not in the pain that I was when all this started, so that’s a bonus. Now each day I take it as it comes. I walk my dog, which is a priority for me. Do the other stuff like housework etc, but pace myself. Do a bit then rest, bit more then rest. I only work p/t and will be retiring next year. ( officially) lol. I have tried to cut back on sweet things biscuits and stuff, as I have read somewhere that sugary foods can make Arthritis worse, so trying to be more healthy. I am Pescatarian so don’t eat meat, which is something they tell you to cut back on if you eat a lot of red meat. I do all the usual things like keep warm as I can, hot wheat bags water bottles on my joints. I also keep a little journal. It helps writing things down I think. Little triumphs, as well as when I’m feeling a bit fed up.

generally I’m less frightened than when I started my journey with Arthritis. Just remember to be kind to yourself, and don’t struggle if the pain gets too bad. Ask for help. Keep updating us won’t you.

MichelleW

Hi - I have been diagnosed recently and finding it a real struggle both physically and mentally - I need to get my head around it as it’s all so new and alien to me and has been a big shock!

I have been on steroids and Sulfasalazine for the last couple of months - I find that the steroids did help a lot but now reducing the dosage and finding that I am experiencing more pain and discomfort. I believe the Sulfasalazine takes a while to kick in and have any real affect.

I eat a very healthy, meat free diet and luckily do not have a sweet tooth. I also no longer drink alcohol and used to enjoy a glass of red wine. I’m hoping that I will be able to have the occasional glass again once I am off the steroids and if things improve but will have to wait and see.

I try to walk every day for at least half an hour, and pray gentle yoga and stretching although some days are easier than others, and I do get very tired even if I don’t have too much discomfort. I didn’t expect the fatigue to be such a major obstacle :(

I do believe that diet and exercise plays an important part in everyone’s lives, so fingers crossed it’s worth continuing with.

it’s all still very new to me and the unpredictability is something I will have to learn to deal with.