Old news & some new!

Hi All!

Hope all my fellow RA'ers are doing well.  I'd be interested to know if any of you out there have modified your diet and are feeling well??

I have been meaning to write a little "year in review" for some new stumblers.  I get a lot of questions asked and I realize that a year's worth of posts are a lot to go through! (and it doesn't help that all posts are listed from most recent to oldest)

Here's a basic summary:
Mid July 2010:  Received news from Rheumatologist that I needed to go on Remicade (IV infusion drug) on top of my other meds as my disease was progressing.  Other meds were: Naproxyn, Plaquenil, Humira injections & Prednisone.  Came home upset and desperate for a gentler approach.  Found these web sites containing cool info on healing RA through diet :  http://www.frot.co.nz/dietnet/reviews/mcferran01.htm  and
http://jhackett_ra.tripod.com/story.html  I decided to give it a shot!  Had my family read and got their approval/ support.

Aug 1/2010:  Started my elimination diet.  Tough few days but miraculously by day 4, I could make a tight closed fist upon waking.  I hadn't done that in years (and while on meds I should add). 

Next 6-8 mths:  Highs & Lows... adding foods too fast and winding up in major flare ups, and with no meds.  Always felt in control and was able to get myself back under control.  Had some amazing weeks where I felt the best I had in years.  Was able to open cans, and pick up dumbells first thing in the morning.  Got some devestating news that my mom had Lung cancer.  I didn't write much about this, but I'm so happy to report that she's doing well and is going to make it :)

Last 4 mths:  Have not been as strict as I was in the first 12 months and have paid the price.  I've made the mistake of adding back some healthy foods assuming that they wouldn't hurt me.  Just because a food is healthy, doesn't mean it's actually good for me and my RA.

A typical good day for me (that doesn't cause flares)
- small black coffee w stevia
- clean chocolate protein shake w unsweetened almond milk
- apple or berries for snack
- spinach salad: avocado, cucumber, walnuts, goat feta w olive oil & little bit vinegar
- nuts or veggies for snack
- bbq chicken or steak with veggies

Things that cause me to flare:
- WINE
- CHEESE
- ARROWROOT COOKIES
-CHOCOLATE
** It should be noted that I love these foods.  I sometimes dream about these foods.  And if I indulge in item # 1, it often leads to the consumption of all of these foods :(

Where I am today....  I am back to eating very clean and am feeling pretty well.  Not as good though as when I first started this journey.  I am basically eating "paleo"  (like our caveman ancestors ate- meat, fruits & veg)  I have added certain foods that I never tested (coconut milk, coconut oil)  So I went to see my Naturopath and he did a food sensitivity test (some say it's a waste of $$, I was willing to give it a try..the more assistance that I can get, the better!)  Flare ups hurt a lot and I am not afraid to admit when I've screwed up and need a hand.  Anyhow, results come in about 2 more weeks.. so we'll go from there.  I saw my rheumatologist last week for the first time in a year and he told me he'd like me to try another biologic injection...no thank you.

Wow, what a long post.  I realized too, my blog is a little boring, no snazzy pics but what really would I take pics of, my creepy hands or golf ball heels?  No thanks!  Instead here's a pic of me and my main man ;)  Although he's got his mouth full :(