Rheumatoid Arthritis

[teankerbell]

Last summer I was diagnosed with RA - RA factor came back positive and inflammation levels slightly high. The usual RA symptoms - pain, stiffness in the joints, extreme fatigue, can't get out of bed. So, I have had 2 blood tests since then and the levels have come down, but I still felt crappy in general. Along with some minor intestinal problems - extremely gassy, back and chest burning.

After reading dangerous grains I read about the RA connection to gluten. So, I did Enterolab - and tested positive for Gluten sensitivity, celiac gene and casein sensitivity. I have been off gluten for about 3 weeks now. And the gastoral problems have improved.

Anyway, I was wondering about other people with RA and how you figured out that gluten may be the problem and how long did it take for your RA symptoms to improve or did they improve?

[jnifred]

my Ra has improved, but when I eat gluten on accident, it flares up. I am dealing with it now actually....still figuring out the gluten-free stuff and ate some Snickers Popables at the theater last week. All Snickers products are NOT gluten-free......spent 3 days wondering what in the world I ate and didn't even think of that. OH WELL.......

So, yes, my RA did get better, but it was better anyway after the birth of my #4 son, my doc said that could happen. I have noticed though, that since I went gluten-free in early November last year my flares have been few and far between and a little prednisone has knocked them down right away. I am really fighting it this week though, still on Prednisone and etc. It has been a bad few weeks though, so I think the stress and the gluten combined are hitting me hard.

I know that when I really take care of myself, drink lots of water (avoid caffeine, easier said than done!), exercise (which I know is that last thing you think you can do, but it makes a HUGE difference!!), eat fresh fruits, veggies, lean meats..etc...my arthritis is better. I ahve been fighting that for over 10 years. The gluten stuff came about kind of accidentally, but it has really helped...plus I was having all the GI problems, but so do my mom and grandma and I just htought that was how it was going to be......and those are better too.

Hang in there, it might take a while, but it really should help TONS!!!

[Ann1231]

I've got RA and gluten definitely bothers me, so do meat products. Basically I eat a very strict vegetarian diet with some fish..fish doesn't bother me. In Dec. my rheumy said I would be on biologics in March. Well, yesterday was my appt. and with my strict diet, not only am I not going on biologics but I also get to cut back my other meds! I'm feeling much, much better but I must be very diligent in my diet and gentle exercise. The more inactive I am, the worse the RA is. It's a hassle to be this diligent, but it's so worth it. There really is no substitute for feeling good.

Hang in there. It isn't easy but like I said, it is worth it.

Ann