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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others

Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: Sep 24 3:33pm | Replies (878)
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@apacemn1

Hi, my name is Ashley. I have recently been tentatively diagnosed with early RA and my doctor has prescribed me methotrexate. I'm really scared to take this drug or really any DMARD because of the side effects. Luckily, they have caught it early and I don't have any joint damage yet. Just pain and inflammation in several joints, mostly small ones in my body. I am thinking of what I can do naturally to try and help before taking the drugs or if I should just start taking them because it could help my prognosis. Has anyone else found that diet and exercise has made it possible for them to avoid the drugs? I am willing to try anything to avoid having to go on serious medication.

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Replies to "Hi, my name is Ashley. I have recently been tentatively diagnosed with early RA and my..."
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Feb 23, 2022

Welcome Ashley @apacemn1, I think it's really great to be looking for options and learning what will help you manage your RA .
I think diet and exercise both play a major part in most autoimmune condtions. Here's some tips you might find helpful if you have not already seen them --- Your Guide to Living Well With Rheumatoid Arthritis: https://www.verywellhealth.com/rheumatoid-arthritis-living-well-5076921

There is another discussion you might find helpful.
-- Glucosamine or other supplements for RA: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/glucosamine-or-other-supplements-for-ra/

Did your doctor offer any suggestions for things you can do to help manage RA?

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jilliemo12345 | @jilliemo12345 | Feb 25, 2022

You are very fortunate to have an early diagnosis. My RA wasn’t diagnosed early, I’d had symptoms for years but my labs didn’t pick up or the correct labs were not indicated. I have lung damage which after 7 years on Cellcept and Plaquinil has not progressed. I also have Afib.
The joint pain is present but the damage has been greatly slowed. I’ve not experienced any side effects from these meds.
I cannot speak about using diet only, but can offer that sugar is something that increases symptoms and I avoid it and other carbohydrates as much as possible.
I’m grateful for these drugs and only wish I’d been diagnosed much earlier.
Wishing you the best with your decision about treatment.

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