Hi

[Tracy1973]

Hi, my name is Tracy. I was diagnosed with PR 14 years ago. At the moment both the top and soles of my feet have flared up. I have not had much luck with Rhuematologist and my doctor has had me on anti inflamatories and they have no effect. Out of desparation I went and bought some anti inflammatory get to rub on my feet but nothing. I just keep taking Acupan to knock me out really. It seems that anytime I travel I flare up, which is really annoying and even if I do more than normal like exercise etc. I am hoping that I may be able to get some information to give to my drs in order to help me.

[Tilly]

Hi Tracy,
I'm new to PR so I'm not much help but I wanted to say hi and welcome to the forum.
tilly xx

[katie]

Hi Tracy, sorry you're having trouble. There is a pamphlet on our main site that you can print out and take with you to give the doc. They don't always read it, but you can try.

Have a look at all the discussion areas, people choose a variety of treatments. Some find a rheumy they like and work with, while others have gone to alternative measures. I think most of us have had to take charge of our treatment in one way or another and you'll have to find as much info as you can in order to do that. I chose to work with the rheumy who diagnosed me, but he diagnoses PR frequently and jumped right into treating me. Yay! I also started coming here and asking questions.

I know what you mean about exercise and travel. Doesn't happen to me every time, I think it depends on whether or not I'm taking meds ( malaria med with a course of prednisone when needed) and whether or not I've been taking care of myself (eating right, drinking water, gentle exercises, plenty of good sleep, keeping in touch with my inner self). There's also the possibility that it's random and there's not much one can do about it. I'm SURE you'll hear from others with different advice, lol, that's what is good about a forum.

[maz-au]

Hi from Australia,

My advice to anyone who is newly diagnosed is to research both the disease, various medication options & any treatment paths available. Then you can make an informed decision.

On researching over a 4 mth period I discovered there were what is commonly called the traditional method of treatment such as using meds like plaquenil & methatrexate etc & there is another called AP meaning antibiotic therapy - both of these treatment options are monitored by both rheumatologists & doctors .. of course there are some who are considered to be better at it than others...lol (you can find out about AP therapy from the Roadback website http://www.rbfbb.org/)

Other things that can affect us is food (particularly gluten, dairy, sugar & for some people nightshade vegetables), biometric pressure & a variety of other things ... I was advised by my own doctor to use a biomagnetic cushion when I fly & although I thought it was a load of s,,,t I haven't had any problems whatsoever since I started using one (I fly interstate at least once a week).

I hope others will join in & give you a few of their own hints,
Good luck,
Maz

[Kanderson]

Hi Tracy

welcome..........my feet are also affected and I would ask that you maybe see a Podiatrist. They can do much about the actual swelling but the insoles she gave he have worked a treat in coping with the pain in my feet and back. Apparently I walk wrong!!! Maybe something to do with walking on Pebbles!!!

K