I am new to the group also. So happy to have this forum! In early July, 2018, I had acute, bilateral joint pain in all joints except ankles and feet. It became nearly incapacitating until my primary internist diagnosed me with RA. This was based on symptoms, RA factor of 14 and high C reactive protein levels. I was started on Methotrexate and later he added Prednisone, which I was on and off. I was finally referred to a Rheumatologist in mid December. I tried to get into Jax Mayo but was told they weren’t accepting out patients. The Rheumatologist told me I did not have RA as I had had no swelling and the the RA factor was low. He said I have PMR. So he discontinued the Methotrexate and had me follow the following protocol with Prednisone: 10 mg for 4 weeks, 7.5 for 2 weeks, 5 for 2 weeks, 2.5 for 2 weeks, then stop, if all was well. Twice, I made it to 5 mg, but each time as I worked more, I had to fo back to 7.5. This last time the pain returned after 2 hours of intense, hands on CPR training. I am a 68 year old female. I work PRN as a Speech Pathologist in an inpatient rehab hospital. My challenges are transferring patients, pushing wheel chairs and putting the leg rests on wheel chairs. I too have had significant hair loss, much after I stopped Methotrexate, bruising, red splotches and streaks on my arms and loose stools several times a day. I began my journey doing the Plant Paradox Elimination Diet for 5 weeks. I kept a food, exercise meds and pain log. It do think certain foods, especially, night shades exacerbate, my problem. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

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