Firstly , welcome you will find some extremely knowledgeable people here. You will also find excellent hints and tips. There is a lot to be said for the med diet, take a look at auto immune diets or anti inflammatory diets. You will find what works for you and what doesn't. Me I try to eat healthy, reduced dairy, wheat and gluten. No sugar or caffeine. I've found a really nice drink made up of lemon, Tumeric, ginger and honey. Nice alternative to water. Ingredients with anti inflammatory properties. My over riding advice is to keep a diary. This way you will be able to tell the Rheumy dr accurate info which will help decide a treatment plan. It's rare for a person with RA to be completely drug free, but some achieve it. Most important don't suffer if there is some form of relief, natural or otherwise.

I spoke to my Rheumy about diet change and he said no direct link and not enough studies. Gluten free is super expensive. You will feel like you have lost plenty with ra don't stress things like food. There are stages to a diagnosis of ra each patient experiences. Always remember you are in for the long haul not a short sprint. You are your own best advocate. Don't be afraid to change plans or say no if you can't do something. It's hard to always admit if we don't feel good because we want to participate like we always have. Be honest with the people close to you when you are in pain. We all try our best to hide it. You will have a stage of anger which is natural but remember your not alone in this fight. Each day you are walking or at minimum pain is a blessing. Take your meds on days you can devote to being at home and sleeping. Mine always make me really tired and sometimes nauseous so I spend my time sleeping. Hope you find answers and relief soon!!

You're on good company. I think we all feel the same. Continuous learning curve. Try decaf if you really want your coffee. Not sure about brown sugar

Hi! Stumbled upon your post and wondering how you are doing 9 months later... what has worked, what hasn't, what meds are you taking if any, etc. I was diagnosed in August and been on methotrexate ever since, but am not sure that it is working very well. It's hard to tell when it's all so new -- I don't know whether my pain expectations are realistic or not. So many variables! Thanks!

I am in SHOCK- feel as though I do NOT deserve this; mad- sad- mad- sad--- that's my life these days. I felt as though I was given a death sentence-- one that will disfigure me on the outside- as well as... already has ruined me mentally-- along with many years of 10+ pain- Oh and being a test monkey. Needless to say- I