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A note about this untraditional Blog
This blog is designed as a tool to assist, guide and provide insights to anyone who wishes to learn about Rheumatoid Disease. It may also be useful to anyone who might want to offer support to someone else living with Rheumatoid Disease. Simply Rheumatoid is meant to be a resource for those seeking a comprehensive blog that includes a wide spectrum of topics related to Rheumatoid Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis. This blog is not meant to replace a licensed medical professionals advice, it is simply a resource designed by a Rheumatoid Disease Fighter for Rheumatoid Disease fighters and their friends and family. My hope is that you will find this blog as a useful, entertaining and supportive site. It is also meant for those who may not be on Social Media.
What is Rheumatoid Disease?
If you google Rheumatoid Disease you will most likely get this search result: Rheumatoid Arthritis. Why? Simply because this disease is more commonly known by that name due to the fact that the symptoms manifest themselves in a similar manner to arthritis. Painful inflammation in the body tends to rear its ugly head in joints located throughout the body. Pain, swelling and fatigue are the most common symptoms associated with Rheumatoid Disease. As with any new diagnosis, the overall stress of a Rheumatoid Disease diagnosis can be overwhelming. For some, the possibility of joint deformation and a weakened immune system tend to stay at the forefront of one’s mind. For those trying to support someone fighting this disease, I recommend patience, understanding, and compassion with respect to their fears of the possibilities and risks associated with Rheumatoid Disease.
Rheumatoid Disease does not currently have a cure. Remission rates are low (roughly 42%) and it does not discriminate based on age or sex. Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with Rheumatoid and it is more commonly diagnosed in middle age (40-60 average age range). You can find more information about Rheumatoid Disease by visiting the websites I referenced under the Rheumatoid Resources tab on my website.
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Diagnosed. Now What?
Typically, a patient is prescribed medications or steroids and told to go easy on their joints and do a non-impact exercise like yoga or swimming. Understandably, the thought of managing symptoms by taking medication can be unsettling, especially because of the possible side effects of the medications. For those supporting someone diagnosed with Rheumatoid disease, please take that into consideration when discussing treatment options with your loved one. Referenced below is the typical representation of a patient's treatment options for Rheumatoid Disease.
Medication
Prescribed
100% of the time
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Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: Designed to slow progression of the disease
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Biologics: Injectable used to tamp down inflammation, can weaken your immune system
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Corticosteroids: Steroid Hormone
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JAK inhibitors (subcategory of Biologic) Taken by mouth, targets cytokines in your body
Surgery
Joint Replacement:
Replace damage with plastic or metal parts.
Dietary changes
Standard talk:
More Veggies
More Omega 3s
Many doctors are not taught nutrition in medical school which is why you probably won't get more than the standard eat more Omega 3s and vegetables. Why settle for that? We know that our microbiome is tied to our immune system, the one that is on the fritz so why not put a little effort in and at least try to see if changing your microbiome can help put your immune system back on the right track. Read the books I suggest on my Recommended Reading tab and give nurturing your gut at least 3 weeks before you give up. Follow the steps on my take action plan page and journal your day. Do your own analysis and draw your own conclusion before resigning to a lifelong commitment to traditional medicine.
Excercise
Swimming is the best activity for your joints. Walking, Yoga, Tai Chi and pilates are also usually suggested. For the record, I love swimming, floating and playing in the pool but I also suggest that you try and incorporate some cardio, I am pushing myself on the Echelon Bike and am loving the way I feel when I accomplish a challenging class. Exercise, especially some cardio, will assist your immune system and call it into action triggering healing in your body.
If you want more information on treatment plan options or other helpful options please visit the Therapies & Spotlight pages on this site. Craving Sugar or Carbs? Check the Spotlight page for why this may be an indicator of an imbalance that you can discuss with your doctor when discussing your treatment plan options.
Monitoring Your Rheumatoid. The CRP Graph
This is what a graph looks like which monitors the C-Reactive Protein (inflammation) in the body. As you can see I had spikes in my chart. To learn more about CRP Levels and how important they are to Rheumatoid Fighters please consider reading, The Inflamed Mind by Edward Bullmore.
Note: This is on a biologic called Enbrel. Which is made by AMGEN.
From: The Inflamed Mind by Edward Bullmore
Page 119: "A woman with high CRP levels in 2004 and 2008 was about three times more likely to become depressed for the first time in 2012 than a woman with no CRP evidence of inflammation previously" (Bullmore, 2018)
Page 132 Discusses Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Page 150 Stress and Inflammation
Page 210 Discusses Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
Page 217 Discusses Genes and Other Risks
Buy and read this book if you are fighting Rheumatoid Disease (Rheumatoid Arthritis).
Reference:
Bullmore, E. (2018). The Inflamed Mind: A Radical New Approach to Depression. Picador.
Keeping a daily journal may help when you look at your chart to try and make assessments or conclusions on your progress. I found that taking a picture of what I ate if I was too tired to journal helpful. It also helped to document stressful situations like dealing with pooling water near my home which was very stressful and physically exhausting. The dates on the photos helped me recall what was going on in my life that month so I could think back to what else might have contributed to a rise in the inflammation in my body. I hope these suggestions help you.
I know the 15-20 minutes we are given with our Rheumatologists are precious so I also recommend making a bullet point list of topics you want to discuss when you visit your Rheumatologist. If you have tips or suggestions for me email me @ simplyrheumatoid@gmail.com and I will consider adding them to my site.
Before Anything Else Investigate Your Microbiome
Inflammation is a warning sign. Your body is telling you that something could be attacking it. Discover what it could be by investigating your gut biochemistry.
Looking for a Clinical Trial?
Go To: Clinicaltrials.gov
For tips on how to refine your search buy the book
Eat to Beat Disease by Dr. William W. Li, MD
This book is featured on my Recommended Reading Tab