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I'm only newly diagnosed - NJMT

Posted: Sep 20th, 2019 - 11:57 pm In Reply to: I have been struggling with this for years. I wanted - to compare symptoms to

For a long time (years), I can remember sometimes waking up and feeling like I had been hit by a car. I don't know for sure if that was the RA or not.

A few months ago, I could not pick up a gallon of milk because of pain in my elbows. I also HAD to take a nap every single day that week of initial presentation, and that is highly unusual for me.

After being diagnosed, I was put on hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) 200 mg twice a day in July. The rheumatologist said it could take 3 months to kick in. A few weeks ago, I was having significant pain in my feet to the point that I could not walk without crutches. That lasted for about 5 days. Now the foot pain is not as severe and does not last for days at a time.

I've had brain fog for a few years, so I don't know if it is from the RA.

There are some tips that others with RA have shared with me, and I've started to implement some of these:
- I try to limit any grains, sugars, and nightshade plants in my diet.
- I have started taking 1500 mg of turmeric each day.
- I use the NSAID diclofenac for bad flares.
- On occasion, I have used CBD ointment topically. It seemed to help, but I had to use it a few times before it started to become effective.
- I make sure I get enough rest.
- I force myself to get whatever exercise I am able to do: biking, hiking, light weight training. The rheumatologist said exercise will make us feel better. I know a woman in her late 70s with RA, and she swims an hour 3 times a week, and she is going strong.

One thing I keep hearing from everyone is that stress is one of the biggest aggravating factors. Obviously, we cannot control certain external factors, but whatever you can do (sleep, laugh, exercise, participate socially, PRAY) to manage the stress can help.

God bless you, and I hope you get relief QUICKLY.

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