After a rollercoaster of feeling really bad, then ok, then good then really really terrible....I think I've finally got back to a feeling of good. I have narrowed down my flares to SUGAR..... My absolute favorite thing!!!
See, I don't mind not eating corn or banana's or wheat..... I get my cheese fix from Goat cheeses. But the sugar... there's just nothing like a good decadent piece of cheesecake or a hunk of velvety milk chocolate. And the wine... it seems that what they say is true, it's full of sugar. Perhaps I should learn to drink vodka soda's for a treat? I like my unsweetened chocolate milk with stevia but it just doesn't fill that "treat" void.
I went a solid 6 months being super strict and not cheating. For the most part, I felt terrific. Then all of a sudden I really seemed to get off track. Anyway- I feel remotivated and strong. In fact, I'm afraid all these flares have caused some permanent damage to my feet.
To all my fellow RA sufferers.... do you have large ugly balls of inflammation on your heels, well more above your heels? This is new for me and I'm trying to figure out if it's RA related or perhaps injury from all the exercise that I do?? They are literally the size of big grapes and they are so sore. It really hurts to put on shoes.
Anyone have this??
Those "ugly balls of inflammation" might be rheumatoid nodules. I have one on my left achilles tendon (on the inside of it, which isn't normal) and it clicks sometimes when I walk stairs or bend my foot. lately it's been a lot better and not noticable, but it's still there. They don't go away. Mine doesn't hurt, but it's annoying at times. Maybe look into that.
ReplyDelete@ Nat: Mine click too! When I go on my tippy toes (which I can't do most days) Thanks- I'll look into it!!
ReplyDeleteHello dear! ;) I have one on my right Achilles and it pops all the time, but then again, I don't think there's a single joint left in either of my feet that doesn't pop.
ReplyDeleteDo you have the same flare reaction to agave nectar or honey as you do sugar?
I used to have nodules on my heels too. They have gone away but now I have them on my big toe??? Sugar...Easter candy is my favorite! I have been trying to be really good but I also need to recommit. Thanks for your reminder! Glad you are feeling better!
ReplyDeleteJen - those nodules and the clicking are like everything else about RA. They will go away as soon as your body clears whatever food you've eaten that it doesn't like.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like I can finally post but only as 'anonymous'.
Best -
Cameron
Arthritis-Alternatives.com
Don't want to encourage you to eat sugar, as it is bad for all that ails us, but on the realistic side, it may not be the sugar itself that is bothering you. I have ceiiac, and in the celiac community we find that sugar is often cross contaminated with gluten. Look for 365 organic brand at whole foods, I've had the best luck with that.
ReplyDeleteJen - I found your website while looking up information for May's Arthritis Awareness month. I added you to my blogroll http://www.painmanagementtracker.com/blogroll-2/noteworthy-pain-blogs-2 I'd like to link exchange when you have time. My mom has had RA since 2007. I wish she was as positive as you are!
ReplyDelete@ Cam: Glad you can finally post! Thanks for all your support!
ReplyDelete@ Gardensongs: Thanks for the tip!! Do we have a Whole Foods in Canada? Do you have a blog that I can look at?
@ Christy: Thanks so much! I will check out your blog. If I can help your mom at all, let me know!