questions

[Guest guest]

> I have this swelling also. I have a rheumatologist appointment on

Thursday. I'll have to ask about it.

> )

Thank you, , please do let me know the outcome.

[Guest guest]

Regarding swelling of feet... I also have RA and noticed in the past that every time I consumed lots of salt my feet and ankles would swell. I stopped eating foods with lots of salt and the swelling never occurred again. I used to have a craving for pretzel rods which have loads of salt but the next day after eating them I was unable to put on my shoes. Don't know if that is your problem but if you are eating salt you might want to eliminate it and see if that helps. Don

[Guest guest]

Regarding swelling of feet... I also have RA and noticed in the past

that every time I consumed lots of salt my feet and ankles would

swell. I stopped eating foods with lots of salt and the swelling

never occurred again. Don

Hi Don,

I do not eat a lot of salt at all. I appreciate the advice, though as

it makes a lot of sense.

Thanks,

[Guest guest]

Also, if you sit with your feet hanging down, or even just sitting with your feet on the floor for any length of time will cause fluid accumulation. I have a high stool that I use when I"m on the computer, or mine swell right away. I believe some of it is age, too<g>(58)

----- Original Message ----- From: pretty24355

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2004 6:27 PM

Subject: Re: Questions

Regarding swelling of feet... I also have RA and noticed in the past that every time I consumed lots of salt my feet and ankles would swell. I stopped eating foods with lots of salt and the swelling never occurred again. DonHi Don,I do not eat a lot of salt at all. I appreciate the advice, though as it makes a lot of sense.Thanks,

[Guest guest]

> Also, if you sit with your feet hanging down, or even just sitting

with your feet on the floor for any length of time will cause fluid

accumulation. I have a high stool that I use when I " m on the

computer, or mine swell right away. I believe some of it is age,

too<g>(58)

>

, but unfortunately that does not explain what happens tomy

forearms, fingers, and wrists.

Thanks,

[Guest guest]

,

I have had RA for 7 years and decided to do antibiotic therapy. I used

Minocin and think it has done just as good as all other meds that were tried

on me. I think it has been a couple of years now. I had stopped all drugs

for a bit but lately got back on some Minocin. We have had a lot of rain

and shoulders and neck are hurting. I am very careful what I eat and my

diet is very restricted but this avoids joint pain for me. No sugar, no

milk, no red meat or fried food, no wheat or bread. Let me warn you that a

rheumatologist will not help with antibiotic therapy because you do not need

them to get antibiotics. They can't make money off of you anymore if you

are on antibiotics. I went to my family doc. I have become a bit cynical

after so many doctors and so many drugs. An alternative doc helped me get

OFF of prednisone. Glory Hallelujah! I think there are a few docs out

there who truly want to help people but many of them are just making money

handing out prescriptions.

Good luck and God bless,

Kay

----- Original Message -----

From: " pretty24355 " <blackdogshaven@...>

<Rheumatoid Arthritis >

Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2004 9:20 AM

Subject: Questions

> Hi all,

>

> In my intro post, I mentioned I was diagnosed last week. However, I

> have had the same pains in my hands(mostly fingers) and right big toe

> for years--it just did not last as long--even though my RA tests at

> that time were negative until last week.

>

> My questions are:

>

> 1. Has anyone experienced swelling of the forearms, ankles, and lower

> feet? Mine turn reddish (as if I am holding water). My

> Rheumatologist says that it not the RA, yet when my RA is flaring,

> this is when this happens.

>

> 2. Is anyone strictly on antibiotic therapy? If so, please tell me

> how well you have done, what you are on, how long, etc. I have been

> reading about it and think I may want to try this, but do not know

> how my Rhuematologist will react.

>

> 3. Does anyone do Yoga and/or meditation? If so, can you please

> share your thoughts on how it helps (or does not help) your RA?

>

> Thanks so much for your time.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I see a Rheumatologist at Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem NC, and I

have a neighbor that see's a different doctor there. My rheumy says

that my swelling and redness are due to my RA flares, but my

neighbor's rheumy say's hers are not. We've compared what they look

like, the swelling, the redness, the hotness, and we appear to have

the same thing in mostly the same places. Odd that one doc says one

thing, and another says another when they're in the same office. My

doctor is Indian, and her's is American, wonder if they had different

training?

One more thing, mine is always much much worse right before and

during that time of the month also. It's amazing what we can learn

from each other that the docs don't seem to know!

In Rheumatoid Arthritis , " pretty24355 "

<blackdogshaven@e...> wrote:

> > I have this swelling also. I have a rheumatologist appointment

on

> Thursday. I'll have to ask about it.

> > )

>

>

> Thank you, , please do let me know the outcome.

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/19/04 10:04:02 AM, blackdogshaven@... writes:

I am glad to hear that.  I guess I am very lucky in that I talked to

my Rheumatologist this morning when I saw her and she agreed that it

if I am more comfortable taking the Minocycline, she will prescribe

it.  So, I start today.

Please let us know how you do on antibiotic therapy.

My rheumy has several patients on it but isn't convinced.

The theory has been around forever, but apparently it only works on some...

Pris

Teach tricks the EASY way!

Beginning, medium difficulty, and advanced.

"Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training" book

www.valentinesperformingpigs.com

[Guest guest]

Hi Kay,

< I have had RA for 7 years and decided to do antibiotic therapy. I

used Minocin and think it has done just as good as all other meds

that were tried on me. >

I am glad to hear that. I guess I am very lucky in that I talked to

my Rheumatologist this morning when I saw her and she agreed that it

if I am more comfortable taking the Minocycline, she will prescribe

it. So, I start today.

<I have become a bit cynical after so many doctors and so many

drugs. An alternative doc helped me get OFF of prednisone.>

I hear you and agree that we need to be cynical and we need to retain

control. While there are many caring doctors and I have one of them,

it is still my body.

My next step is trying, hoping, to get off the pred. I fear long-

term use, even at lower doses.

I am very lucky in that my RA is not severe. Having read what some

of you have gone through and are continuing to go through, makes me

sad.

[Guest guest]

> Please let us know how you do on antibiotic therapy.

> My rheumy has several patients on it but isn't convinced.

> The theory has been around forever, but apparently it only works

on some...

> Pris

Hi Pris,

Sure. My rheumy (like that word , also told me it only works for

some, but is hopeful.

She told me I will see results in 1-2 months. From what I have read,

it can take a lot longer than that. I am keeping a very posituve

attutide, though.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/19/04 7:53:11 PM, Siwelyak@... writes:

I am happy you have an open-minded doc who was okay with antibiiotic

therapy.  Be sure to also take acidophilus to replace good bacteria in your

body.  I had to fight systemic yeast after loading up on antibiotic but I

got thru it.  Yes, I want to be in control of things for sure.   First few

months were rough but after 6 months I felt better.

     Good luck and best wishes for improvement,

Are you still on antibiotic treatment?

If not why?

Pris (very snoopy)!

Teach tricks the EASY way!

Beginning, medium difficulty, and advanced.

"Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training" book

www.valentinesperformingpigs.com

[Guest guest]

,

I am happy you have an open-minded doc who was okay with antibiiotic

therapy. Be sure to also take acidophilus to replace good bacteria in your

body. I had to fight systemic yeast after loading up on antibiotic but I

got thru it. Yes, I want to be in control of things for sure. First few

months were rough but after 6 months I felt better.

Good luck and best wishes for improvement,

Kay

----- Original Message -----

From: " pretty24355 " <blackdogshaven@...>

<Rheumatoid Arthritis >

Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2004 12:02 PM

Subject: Re: Questions

> Hi Kay,

>

> < I have had RA for 7 years and decided to do antibiotic therapy. I

> used Minocin and think it has done just as good as all other meds

> that were tried on me. >

>

> I am glad to hear that. I guess I am very lucky in that I talked to

> my Rheumatologist this morning when I saw her and she agreed that it

> if I am more comfortable taking the Minocycline, she will prescribe

> it. So, I start today.

>

> <I have become a bit cynical after so many doctors and so many

> drugs. An alternative doc helped me get OFF of prednisone.>

>

> I hear you and agree that we need to be cynical and we need to retain

> control. While there are many caring doctors and I have one of them,

> it is still my body.

>

> My next step is trying, hoping, to get off the pred. I fear long-

> term use, even at lower doses.

>

> I am very lucky in that my RA is not severe. Having read what some

> of you have gone through and are continuing to go through, makes me

> sad.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am glad to hear that some docs are finally using antibiotic therapy for

RA. I got tired of giving myself shots and side effects from all the other

stuff. I do believe that being careful with diet goes together with the

antibiotic therapy. Yes, the studies have been around a long time. I also

believe one must have their mind set properly going into antibiotic therapy

cause it can be a bit rough at first while the antibiotics are fighting the

" bug " . You can have flu-like symptoms.

Kay

----- Original Message -----

From: " pretty24355 " <blackdogshaven@...>

<Rheumatoid Arthritis >

Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2004 1:32 PM

Subject: Re: Questions

> > Please let us know how you do on antibiotic therapy.

> > My rheumy has several patients on it but isn't convinced.

> > The theory has been around forever, but apparently it only works

> on some...

> > Pris

>

> Hi Pris,

>

> Sure. My rheumy (like that word , also told me it only works for

> some, but is hopeful.

>

> She told me I will see results in 1-2 months. From what I have read,

> it can take a lot longer than that. I am keeping a very posituve

> attutide, though.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I also believe one must have their mind set properly going into

antibiotic therapy cause it can be a bit rough at first while the

antibiotics are fighting the " bug " . You can have flu-like symptoms.

Kay>

Hi Kay,

I have had these flu-like symptoms on and off for years, low-grade

fever, but never a temp, and basically feeling like the flu, but it

went away. Is this a symptom of RA too?

Thanks,

, who is going on a probiotic today

[Guest guest]

Pris,

Yes, I still take Minocin but not all the time.

Kay

----- Original Message -----

From: NELLIESTAR@...

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2004 9:55 PM

Subject: Re: Re: Questions

In a message dated 5/19/04 7:53:11 PM, Siwelyak@... writes:

I am happy you have an open-minded doc who was okay with antibiiotictherapy. Be sure to also take acidophilus to replace good bacteria in yourbody. I had to fight systemic yeast after loading up on antibiotic but Igot thru it. Yes, I want to be in control of things for sure. First fewmonths were rough but after 6 months I felt better. Good luck and best wishes for improvement,Are you still on antibiotic treatment?If not why?Pris (very snoopy)!Teach tricks the EASY way!Beginning, medium difficulty, and advanced."Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training" bookwww.valentinesperformingpigs.com

[Guest guest]

,

I assume the low-grade fever is a symptom of RA. I still feel like I

have infection in my body with a bit of fever that comes and goes. That is

why I always feel better when I take antibiotics it seems.

Kay

----- Original Message -----

From: " pretty24355 " <blackdogshaven@...>

<Rheumatoid Arthritis >

Sent: Thursday, May 20, 2004 9:10 AM

Subject: Re: Questions

> I also believe one must have their mind set properly going into

> antibiotic therapy cause it can be a bit rough at first while the

> antibiotics are fighting the " bug " . You can have flu-like symptoms.

> Kay>

>

> Hi Kay,

>

> I have had these flu-like symptoms on and off for years, low-grade

> fever, but never a temp, and basically feeling like the flu, but it

> went away. Is this a symptom of RA too?

>

> Thanks,

> , who is going on a probiotic today

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Oh my, I have one million and one questions now. I had fresh farm grown (instead of from the grocery store) corn on the cob, red bell pepper, baby carrots, boiled egg (cage free, brown) and onion. All raw except the egg and corn. Water of course, however not while eating. Now, I was going to put the other corn away for tomorrow and went to get a baggie (different brand name). I remember hearing that certain plastics (is that the right word?) are ok and certain are not. I bought these baggie-type-bags at the dollar store. They are totally different texture of the "baggies". Which bags are ok to use and which are the toxic ones? I cannot remember and thought I had written it down somewhere. Even the doggies liked (my) dinner tonight! Deborah

[Guest guest]

Hello J,

My RA is in my knuckles, wrists, and ankles. I was diagnosed with

juvinille RA which when I stopped having problems with we all promptly

forgot about until it re-emerged. I am only 35 and am also surprised by

the limitations I feel when I am having a bad day. I used to go for runs

and walks and had a lot of stamina but now I have changed to yoga

occasional short, slow walks and try to listen if I am too tired. It

doesn't do any good to try and push.

It is good that you found this group - there is a lot of advice and

support here! Welcome to the group.

chafarm123 wrote:

>

>

> Dear All,

> I was diagnosed with RA last week, although I have been

> complaining about some related concerns for almost 4 years. (NOW

> they decide that " it would be malpractice NOT to send me to a

> rheumatologist " )

> I have read some of your messages and I wanted to ask you how

> many of you have problems principally with your hands and feet ? My

> chief areas of concern are primarily my hands, my toes, the bones in

> my feet, and to a lesser degree right now, my shoulders. It is

> amazing to me that the onset of this illness can be so slow and so

> insidious. I am a relatively young person and am shocked at how

> slowly but how steadily my ability to do certain things has become

> impaired.

> Thanks for being here,

> J

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> *

[Guest guest]

Hi J,

When I was a between 12 and 25 my main problems were my hips, knees and ankles.

Then I had a long, blessed remission. Now it is mainly my hands and a bit in my knees and hips. My toes are starting to bother me some too, but right now it is more uncomfortable than really painful. And my RA is mild to moderate.

Hugs, Jacy

~I don't approve of political jokes: I've seen too many get elected.

jacymail@...www.geocities.com/mtn_rose

Want a signature like this?

----- Original Message -----

From: chafarm123

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sent: Saturday, October 09, 2004 17:30

Subject: Questions

Dear All, I was diagnosed with RA last week, although I have been complaining about some related concerns for almost 4 years. (NOW they decide that "it would be malpractice NOT to send me to a rheumatologist") I have read some of your messages and I wanted to ask you how many of you have problems principally with your hands and feet ? My chief areas of concern are primarily my hands, my toes, the bones in my feet, and to a lesser degree right now, my shoulders. It is amazing to me that the onset of this illness can be so slow and so insidious. I am a relatively young person and am shocked at how slowly but how steadily my ability to do certain things has become impaired. Thanks for being here, J

[Guest guest]

Thankyou for the welcome ! I am glad to have found this group. Gosh

I have never been so tired in my life and I'm only in my early

forties !

Does it seem to you that a lot more people are being diagnosed

with this lately ? All of a sudden I know several....all fair

skinned brunettes.

J

>

> >

> >

> > Dear All,

> > I was diagnosed with RA last week, although I have been

> > complaining about some related concerns for almost 4 years. (NOW

> > they decide that " it would be malpractice NOT to send me to a

> > rheumatologist " )

> > I have read some of your messages and I wanted to ask you how

> > many of you have problems principally with your hands and feet ?

My

> > chief areas of concern are primarily my hands, my toes, the bones

in

> > my feet, and to a lesser degree right now, my shoulders. It is

> > amazing to me that the onset of this illness can be so slow and so

> > insidious. I am a relatively young person and am shocked at how

> > slowly but how steadily my ability to do certain things has become

> > impaired.

> > Thanks for being here,

> > J

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > *

[Guest guest]

I am fair skinned - fluorescent almost, LOL - and I have auburn hair.

Hugs, Jacy

~I don't approve of political jokes: I've seen too many get elected.

jacymail@...www.geocities.com/mtn_rose

Want a signature like this?

----- Original Message -----

From: chafarm123

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sent: Monday, October 11, 2004 12:23

Subject: Re: Questions

Thankyou for the welcome ! I am glad to have found this group. Gosh I have never been so tired in my life and I'm only in my early forties ! Does it seem to you that a lot more people are being diagnosed with this lately ? All of a sudden I know several....all fair skinned brunettes. J> > >> >> > Dear All,> > I was diagnosed with RA last week, although I have been> > complaining about some related concerns for almost 4 years. (NOW> > they decide that "it would be malpractice NOT to send me to a> > rheumatologist")> > I have read some of your messages and I wanted to ask you how> > many of you have problems principally with your hands and feet ? My> > chief areas of concern are primarily my hands, my toes, the bones in> > my feet, and to a lesser degree right now, my shoulders. It is> > amazing to me that the onset of this illness can be so slow and so> > insidious. I am a relatively young person and am shocked at how> > slowly but how steadily my ability to do certain things has become> > impaired.> > Thanks for being here,> > J> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > *

[Guest guest]

I am fair-skinned (my Mom always called it Translucent - that always

sounded so romantic) and have strawberry-blonde hair.

Interesting...

Jacy wrote:

> I am fair skinned - fluorescent almost, LOL - and I have auburn hair.

> Hugs, Jacy <weightogo/> ~I don't

> approve of political jokes: I've seen too many get elected.

> <http:////group/the-haha-files/>

>

>

>

>

> jacymail@... <mailto:jacymail@...>

> www.geocities.com/mtn_rose <http://www.geocities.com/mtn_rose>

>

>

>

>

>

> /Want a signature like this?/ <http://www.plaxo.com/signature>

>

> ----- Original Message -----

> *From:* chafarm123 <mailto:chafarm@...>

> *To:* Rheumatoid Arthritis

> <mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis >

> *Sent:* Monday, October 11, 2004 12:23

> *Subject:* Re: Questions

>

>

> Thankyou for the welcome ! I am glad to have found this group. Gosh

> I have never been so tired in my life and I'm only in my early

> forties !

> Does it seem to you that a lot more people are being diagnosed

> with this lately ? All of a sudden I know several....all fair

> skinned brunettes.

> J

>

[Guest guest]

J,

I also am mostly effected in hands and feet. I have crooked toes and

right hand needs surgery on middle finger after 7 years of RA. Folks

probably get tired of me harping on diet, but for me changing my diet has

helped me get off of meds. I take vitamins and careful what I eat. I keep

putting off surgery on hand and feet....

Kay

----- Original Message -----

From: " chafarm123 " <chafarm@...>

<Rheumatoid Arthritis >

Sent: Saturday, October 09, 2004 6:30 PM

Subject: Questions

>

>

>

> Dear All,

> I was diagnosed with RA last week, although I have been

> complaining about some related concerns for almost 4 years. (NOW

> they decide that " it would be malpractice NOT to send me to a

> rheumatologist " )

> I have read some of your messages and I wanted to ask you how

> many of you have problems principally with your hands and feet ? My

> chief areas of concern are primarily my hands, my toes, the bones in

> my feet, and to a lesser degree right now, my shoulders. It is

> amazing to me that the onset of this illness can be so slow and so

> insidious. I am a relatively young person and am shocked at how

> slowly but how steadily my ability to do certain things has become

> impaired.

> Thanks for being here,

> J

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

J,

I am fair-skinned with red hair and very sensitive body!!! I could not

handle all the strong meds.....

Kay

----- Original Message -----

From: " chafarm123 " <chafarm@...>

<Rheumatoid Arthritis >

Sent: Monday, October 11, 2004 1:23 PM

Subject: Re: Questions

>

>

> Thankyou for the welcome ! I am glad to have found this group. Gosh

> I have never been so tired in my life and I'm only in my early

> forties !

> Does it seem to you that a lot more people are being diagnosed

> with this lately ? All of a sudden I know several....all fair

> skinned brunettes.

> J

>

>

> >

> > >

> > >

> > > Dear All,

> > > I was diagnosed with RA last week, although I have been

> > > complaining about some related concerns for almost 4 years. (NOW

> > > they decide that " it would be malpractice NOT to send me to a

> > > rheumatologist " )

> > > I have read some of your messages and I wanted to ask you how

> > > many of you have problems principally with your hands and feet ?

> My

> > > chief areas of concern are primarily my hands, my toes, the bones

> in

> > > my feet, and to a lesser degree right now, my shoulders. It is

> > > amazing to me that the onset of this illness can be so slow and so

> > > insidious. I am a relatively young person and am shocked at how

> > > slowly but how steadily my ability to do certain things has become

> > > impaired.

> > > Thanks for being here,

> > > J

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > *

[Guest guest]

Hi J:

My RA came on very slowly. At first it acted like plantar fascitis (I was a runner), then a Morton's neuroma. I had a crick in my neck that lasted about 6 months. After seeing a podiatrist and an orthopedist, I began to realize that there was a pattern to this pain and I began to suspect that it was something systemic and not specific to my feet.

It's been about 4 years since I was diagnosed. I've been through the whole round of drugs and my condition has gone from okay to bad to worse to much better. Through it all, my feet have been the focal point of my pain. But even under tons of medication, it still comes through in that spot. Sometimes my fingers are affected, but only for a couple of days at a time.

Hang in there and good luck to you.

gloria