Hi Everyone!
I am brand new to experiencing Rheumatoid Arthritis (diagnosed in November, 2017) and the absolute horrors of this entire experience.
; however, I have been at my computer for this entire New Years weekend, for days, (other than painfully walking my dog or walking to the store across the street) reading, studying, taking notes, watching the video's...cleaning out the fridge (cupboards are tomorrow night) and purchasing enough food to get started on my NEW CHANCE today!!
I wasn't quite as perfect as I thought in my foodies today--cream with my coffee, cream cheese on my mini-bagel and six wheat thins (oil)..otherwise seltzer water, 2 red potato's no butter, yes to the salsa, thank you very much, and I have no idea (maybe some cold wheat cereal without moisture) for my "sweet" snack--gotta have something sweet because I quit smoking 18 months ago as well...
My RA feels like the flu most days along with the severe pain--and I made the decision NOT to take my methotrexate...I just couldn't--I was depressed, having bad thoughts about this being the end of my life with this horrible diagnosis and medication (I am 54 years young) and I have never been a pill person--not even Tylenol unless I had a bad toothache or something--I saw no way out--my inflammation is bad, even had swelling, massive pain in my knees, left thumb, my neck and deltoids--couldn't sleep--and it's just me--I have to work--some days I cried and cried off and on because I could barely walk, tie my shoes, put on a bra, etc.
The Rheumotologist, when I was first diagnosed a couple months ago, checked me for about an hour as well--and then we had a different meeting with him and the pharmacist--by the end of the meeting with the pharmacist, he (pharm guy) was suggesting I go to counseling (lol) because I was so scared of taking these horrible drugs (methotrexate)...they didn't get it. I am a person with common sense enough to know that taking a drug that destroys my immune system and fills my mouth with blisters and has the probability to destroy my lungs and liver is not a good thing. I have searched the internet only to be more scared with the things I read--even the Arthritis Foundation--
Then I found Dr. McDougall! I watched three testimony's of ladies that also have had RA--even worse than mine--around my age--and they did it! I HAVE to be ok--this HAS to work! For the first time in months, I am happy!
Additionally, even though I am still concerned as I sit here writing at the end of the day and I can feel the RA flu-like soreness creeping back in
and my minimalist 2.5 mg's of steroid tablet and my Tylenol 3 wearing off that I took this morning, I realize I am writing, I am not bloated from my food, I can sit down and get up better than this morning--Please, please, I hope this works--it just has to and I am going to give 500% effort and be a Food Warrior to make sure I am successful!
I really appreciate this website--so much...my boys (25 and 22) both live away from home, have their own households, jobs, girlfriends and are busy. We text during the week to stay in touch, but because of working full-time, finishing grad school (on my thesis class-last one!), and newly diagnosed with RA (and no partner), the support here means a lot--somewhere to engage and be validated and also hopefully, doing better and being able to support others down the road!!
Not sure, but I'm thinking Group Support is next...any advice, questions, sharing, ? Thank you either way. xoxoxoxox
MemphisRain