I was just diagnosed with RA, I'm also an RN but I still feel overwhelmed.?

Question

Any advise for what I shlould do now? I suspected this for awhile, as I'm awlays aching and tired. My sister has it bad, she was diagnosed in her 20's, and now she's on Enbrel. Any dietary suggestions? Holistic treatments? I'm 48, my sister is now 52. Thanx for any help.

Answer 1

Hello, I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis.While I have no experience with RA, I do have MS. I remember how overwhelmed I was . I think the feelings for me were a bit like the stages of grief.
Denial (this isn't happening to me!)
Anger (why is this happening to me?)
Bargaining (I promise I'll be a better person if...)
Depression (I don't care anymore)
Acceptance (I'm ready for whatever comes) .
The facts that you have a sister with the disease and are in the medical profession could be a double edge sword.You know both the bad and the really bad of the disease,but you also have access to knowledgeable professionals !I know sometimes it's hard to see the positive in this kind of situation, but look how far the treatments have come in the last 25 years !
In dealing with my MS I do my best to stay active.I LOVE yoga and it does wonders for my balance and flexibility. I think you could benefit from it as well.I eat a good balanced diet and watch my weight, all the things I should be doing anyway.
I did a lot of research on the meds that would be of benefit to slow the progression and make my life easier.Don't be afraid to ask for a mild anti depressant, they can be very very helpful.
good luck

Answer 2

I tried the Atkins diet and it worked real good but I drifted to compromises as I thought there should be some. You can't do it without getting a book and no doubt Doctors supervision or nutritionist because, like any changes like that there are cautions and rules. I just didn't like it somehow, maybe because there's so much money in diets and they all trash each other so you don't know who to believe. All the more reason for a nutritionist. Of course it's not to bad for me and I can toy and I never remember getting an official diagnoses, but all the claims came true for me. I want to go vegetarian and it's contrary. No carbs, almost.

Answer 3

As you know, RA is a progressive disease. Fortunately, you're in the medical field and in touch with doctors. See a specialist and obtain treatment specific to your own case. Keep flexible by exercising and don't give up. Something new is happening every day. Go on Web MD and search rheumatoid arthritis, you'll find lots of info there.

Answer 4

(ok Devinn--you should get 10 pts just for longest answer :)
Sorry to hear you & your sister are suffering. (me, too) Here's what I've found helpful: Exercise--yes its painful but it keeps you from that downward spiral & aerobic exercise sets off those endorphines & other feel good chemicals in the brain. Massage with range of motion & lots of "detail" work around those sore joints. Long soaks in hot baths with epsom salt--a handful or two, add some of your favorate scent, bubbles, soft lighting & music are nice (ooo, now that sounds good after a long nursing shift, doesn't it ) And, don't be brave, take the pain pills when you need to, that's what god made pharmacists for :) Good luck, dear.

Answer 5

Thats sad that you both have it, I have it too, but I keep moving, the more I move the better, but I have more fibromyalgia.

Answer 6

Birch leaf juice acts as a diuretic without irritating the kidney. Take 1 tbsp three times daily.

Blueberries, cherries and hawthorn berries These berries are rich sources of flavonoid molecules, particularly proanthocyanidins. These flavonoids exhibit membrane and collagen stabilizing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory actions as well as many other actions that are very beneficial in the treatment of RA.

Boswellia Boswellia, an Ayurvedic medicine, has been investigated for its effects on arthritis. A double blind study using boswellia found a beneficial effect on pain and stiffness, as well as improved joint function. It showed no negative effects in this study. The herb has a unique anti-inflammatory action, much like the conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). But unlike NSAIDs, long-term use of boswellia is generally considered safe and does not lead to irritation or ulceration of the stomach. Dosage: Take 400-800 mg of extract in capsules or tablets three times per day.

Celery seeds help clear uric acid from the joints of gout and arthritis sufferers. Boil 1 tsp. of seeds in 1 cup of water for fifteen minutes, strain and sip.

Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) Chinese skullcap has confirmed anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory actions, similar in effect to the prescription drugs phenyl- butazone and indomethacin. Unlike these drugs that are associated with toxicity and adverse effects, Chinese skullcap does not appear to have any adverse effects at therapeutic levels. Its therapeutic action appears to be related to its high content of flavonoid molecules. These flavonoids are extremely potent antioxidants and free-radical scavenging compounds.

Chinese thoroughwax (Bupleuri falcatum) Bupleuri root is an important component in various prescriptions in Chinese traditional medicine, particularly in remedies for inflammatory conditions. Bupleuri has been shown to enhance the activity of glucocorticoids.

Dandelion dispels uric acid. Take 3 capsules daily, 1 tbsp. juice or 1 cup tea, twice daily for four to six weeks to reduce the frequency and intensity of pain, and to strengthen the connective tissue.

Devil's claw root is effective in reducing the inflammation of connective tissues, as it dispels uric acid.

Dong quai is good for relieving fleeting muscle and joint pains, especially if they are worse in damp conditions. Take I tbsp. of dried root juice three times daily.

Feverfew Feverfew has a long folk history in the treatment of fever, arthritis and migraine. Extracts of feverfew have shown greater activity in inhibiting inflammation and fever than aspirin in experimental studies. Feverfew extracts inhibit the synthesis of many pro-inflammatory compounds at their initial stage of synthesis. Feverfew also decreases the secretion of inflammatory particles from platelets and white blood cells.

Ginger In one study, Indian researchers gave three to seven grams of ginger a day to 28 people with rheumatoid arthritis. More than 75 percent of those participating in the study reported at least some relief from pain and swelling. Even after more than two years of taking these high doses of ginger, none of the people reported side effects. Many people drink ginger tea for arthritis. A ginger compress is also beneficial for arthritis. Dosage: 6-50 grams of fresh or powdered ginger per day.

Licorice acts in the body like cortisone, without the harmful side-effects. L

Parsley juice is effective in combating and flushing out uric acid from the tissue, which eases painful limbs and joints. Take 1 tsp. of parsley juice three times daily for six weeks. Wait three weeks before taking again.

Sarsaparilla has anti-inflammatory properties that may be helpful for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Turmeric (Curcumin, Curcuma longa) Curcumin, the yellow pigment of turmeric, has significant anti-inflammatory action. Curcumin has been shown to be as effective as cortisone or phenylbutazone in certain models of inflammation. Curcumin also exhibits many beneficial effects on liver functions. The typical dosage of curcumin is 400 to 600 mg 3 times daily. Curcumin is sometimes given in combination with an equal dose of an extract of the pineapple plant called bromelain, which appears to possess anti-inflammatory properties of its own.

Curcumin is thought to be quite safe. Side effects are rare and are generally limited to occasional allergic reactions and mild stomach upset. However, safety in very young children, pregnant or nursing women, and those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.