Anyone dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis?

**snapt** · 09-01-2022, 09:59 AM

After a month of feeling not right, and at times downright terrible, I went to the doc for a physical, blood work etc. Rheumatoid factor came back positive, along with painful achy joints and some random rashes, they're calling it Rheumatoid Arthritis.

I'm having a hell of a time getting a rheumatologist to call me back and basically just have an RX for meloxicam which isn't doing a ton. I elk hunted the last 2 days and bailed as the pain was getting intolerable. Any mags gone through this? Any success stories from meds, diet changes, supplements etc? Will I ski this winter? Any knowledge is appreciated as I'm fairly in the dark besides the googles and my rudimentary health care background.

**Dantheman** · 09-01-2022, 02:44 PM

A friend's wife had it. They had her on some pretty heavy immunosuppressants. Due to her compromised immune system she contracted a minor upper respiratory infection that turned into bacterial sepsis and she died. So, try to avoid the serious drugs if you can. Other than that I don't have much. Eating a lot of anti-inflammatory foods (dark leafy greens, berries, green tea, etc.) and avoiding pro-inflammatory foods (fried foods, vegetable oils, sugar, etc) can't hurt, but I'm not sure how much it really helps. It probably varies by individual. Good luck, that's a shitty situation.

**cat in january** · 09-01-2022, 03:13 PM

I have had a couple of friends who have had it with varying levels of impact. My mom had lupus which is related. When ibuprofen first became available people thought it was the miracle drug. Sure you know to take with food to protect the tummy. Sun really kicked up her lupus so extra protection there until you know more. Hope you find a rheumatologist soon

**babybear** · 09-01-2022, 06:55 PM

My mom has RA and we have to drive to Rigby to see a rheumatologist for her.
She used to see Dr Scoville in IF but not sure if he’s retiring etc but we had to shift to Rigby.
I’ll ask her Dr’s name

PB · 09-01-2022, 07:01 PM

Seems like there's some pretty good symptomatic treatments out there for RA: https://www.healthline.com/health/rh...RoC4eIQAvD_BwE

**snapt** · 09-01-2022, 11:30 PM

Originally Posted by babybear

My mom has RA and we have to drive to Rigby to see a rheumatologist for her.
She used to see Dr Scoville in IF but not sure if he’s retiring etc but we had to shift to Rigby.
I’ll ask her Dr’s name

I talked to Scovilles office today and they’re months out from seeing new patients. They said the Rigby doc was sending folks their way. The U is 4-6 months out from getting an appointment. My insurance hopefully found me a provider in Logan that isn’t too crazy of a wait. Appreciate the responses.

**shroom** · 09-01-2022, 11:54 PM

have two close relatives that claim AHCC has had a positive affect. i’m ignorant on the topic otherwise

**stuckathuntermtn** · 09-02-2022, 12:35 PM

I have something similar. Enbrel saved my life.

**old goat** · 09-02-2022, 01:27 PM

Seeing a rheumatologist is crucial, as you obviously already know. That long of a wait is appalling. Best of luck with the doc in Logan.

PB · 09-02-2022, 02:20 PM

Damn; spaced on the waiting part - sorry.
If it gets really bad ..... ER?

**uglymoney** · 09-02-2022, 02:23 PM

My wife has it. It is pretty well controlled with drugs. She skis, does everything. Has been having trouble adjusting to altitude the last few years. Not sure if that is related but it is probably her biggest issue right now, since we travel to altitude for most of our frequent trips.

She is on, and has been for 2 decades, some pretty heavy scary drugs. Also, she is the picture of health mostly for a 47 year old. Hot as fuck to me.

She goes to the U of Iowa. I would get an appointment with your U even if it is months out, then another appointment just to get in somewhere.