Question about rheumatoid arthritis and how it affects general health

[TheProvincialLady]

I am currently being investigated for RA due to various swollen joints I keep getting (mainly in my right hand but also in my toes). I also have a patch of vitiligo under my eye.

The whole family has had a cold this week - runny nose and sore throat being the main symptoms. Everyone else has felt fine after a coupe of days and their symptoms were mild. Whereas I had a very sore throat and felt very unwell, and now I am totally wiped out with no energy at all. I barely have the energy to type this. Yesterday on the school run I had to sit down for five minutes before I could contemplate the return journey.

I'm just wondering whether this could be related to RA, or whether I have just been unlucky this time? Any thoughts?

Are you being investigated by a gp or a rheumatologist? I find that with psoriatic arthritis (which has many similarities to RA) that any virus leads to a big flare which includes utter exhaustion, body aches etc - colds often feel like flu. Well worth talking to who ever you are being investigated by and letting them know how it has affected you next time you see them. Hope you feel better soon.

I also find that infections and viruses trigger the arthritis, the fatigue in my case would be an arthritic flare up even when the cold has been and gone. Anti-inflammatories can help, even if they are what you would not normally take for a cold. You probably need to be kinder to yourself than other people would be and rest as much as possible.

The good news is that once I had the arthritis under control, and the immunosuppressants at a good level, I seemed to be very healthy and fought things off really well - without my medical notes it would be hard for someone to tell I had ever had any health problems or notice anything untoward about my general health. It is tiring and hard getting to this point, but it sounds like you have started the process, hope you feel better soon.

It's just the GP at the moment. I will mention it the next time I see him. Just looking at the list of symptoms of PA, I have the joint swellings and also plantar fasciitis (I am seeing a chiropodist about this and assumed it was due to running) but I haven't any psoriasis. Oh it's so depressing. I don't want any of these bloody horrible diseases.

Sorry runner, I justsaw your post too. Interestingly I have been finding that ibuprofen makes me feel better than Day Nurse etc. It's good to know that it can be brought under control so well. I'll be glad when I know what on earth is going on. Thanks so much for your replies.

That's interesting SM - what alternative means do you use to control the RA?

SM - how strict do you have to be when cutting it out?

shitmagnet I too would be interested to know what alternative things you use.

I am newly diagnosed and have an appt.with a Rheumatologist coming up, but i too have been told that i won't be able to try many of the meds for various health reasons too.

I'm in agony at the mo and can't take any over the counter pain killers... Have you tried Glucosamine with Chondroitin at all, did it make any difference? What about Fish oils?
(Had previously thought there might be a link between Gluten and how i am feeling - so was interested to read what you said)

:) Thank you SM , I'll read through carefully theres a lot to digest (groan at the pun) in what you've said

Brilliant, shitmagnet Thank you so much!

I have a book called 'Nutritional Healing' by Phyllis Bach, which is 'my bible' and some of what you are using is in there.. i.e Bromelain. So its interesting to see it's working for you.

I also have Raynauds - Turmeric and Ginger are helpful for that too, that's handy, and cannot drink coffee or Alcohol anyway, as i also have something called Gilberts Syndrome which means my Liver kills if i drink them. So that's already sorted too.

Vit B12 i already get on prescription so thats good.. but i need Probiotics so badly as Candida (also linked to RA according to Phyllis) is an ongoing problem for me. I can have live yoghurt, but every highly concentrated probiotic capsule/ powder i have taken gives me problems- which it can in some people apparently.. Bugger! - So am currently investigating Prebiotic containing foods.

I went on a strict anti- Candida diet many years ago, and it was sooo hard but it did involve no wheat,or sugars (including fruit sugars) amongst other things.. Hmm i can see i may have to go back on it., And i used to use Organic Sesame seed oil as a massage oil, so will go back to that too!

Interesting you mention Rosehip, my Step Dad takes Glucosamine with Rosehip, as he has chronic Spondylitus and it's really helped him..

Vit E is mentioned in the book too.. I can see finding the right combination of things is a long long process as you say, but as my DC are as hypermobile as i am, and as there is a link between that and Arthritus i need to do as much investigating as i can for them too, just in case!

Thanks again and Good luck!

Thank you sm, i'll commit the sin of googleing it , and have a look!