Hello Forum. I was diagnosed with RA a little over three weeks ago, after
debilitating migratory joint pain that wasn't solved until I visited a
Rheumatologist and had comprehensive bloodwork done. Sorry, I don't
remember all the numbers - my followup was on July 13th and I wasn't
expecting a chronic disease as the diagnosis. He prescribed MTX and I've
been taking 0.5 cc injections once a week since then. I see him
Wednesday and hope to learn more about managing the RA as well as the
road ahead. And yes, I've stopped drinking while on the MTX and have
been told I'll be taking supplements.
My question for the forum is this. I'm also a Type 1 Diabetic and have
been for over 20 years. The RA wreaked havoc with my blood sugar for
the last two months, while I guess I've been in a flare and I'm getting it a
bit under better control now that I know what I have (I've upped my
Lantus, long-term insulin, overnight since the RA symptoms seem to be
worst in the morning). But if there are other Type 1 Diabetics who are
also suffering from RA, I'd appreciate some input on what to expect as
well as effective coping mechanisms. How often do flares occur and how
long do they last? Are they always worst in the morning (I've had some
flares within flares at other times)? Are there RA medications that effect
diabetes control (beyond steroids, which I understand aren't an option)?
If there is anyone else out there dealing with both of these diseases, I'd
love to hear from you. Otherwise, I'll take good notes.
Joe J
Age 49
Wow, I am so sorry to hear you are dealing with so much all at once. I don't know anyone witih both of these diagnoses, but I just wanted to say welcome to the forum and I hope you can find some relief really soon.
If I hear of anyone w/both of these problems on any other forums I will ask them to get in touch with you here.
Good luck.
Crispy
Joe, welcome and I am sorry. This is a hard enough disease to manage without another hard one. I do know that the Methotrexate will change blood sugar levels. Mine have gone crazy, and I am not dx with Diabetes, but looks like that is the way it may go.
Fish Oil will help with blood sugar management, but get pharmasutical grade. Also, you might want to try Chromium, but check with RD about Chromium. I know for a fact that fish oil is great, but Chromium I don't know. Do some investigation.
Hey Joe -
I use antibiotics to manage my PRA. It's brought my numbers back in line - I was going up and down with BP and sugar.
Just before I was diagnosed with a weird form of RA my husband was diagnosed with a weird form of diabetes. There is a good chance he's LADA.
Anyway, have you seen the incredible new research on diabetes? It just blows my mind but nobody but me sees it. :-)
http://www.mercola.com/2006/jan/4/red-hot-chili-peppers-may- cure-type-1-diabetes.htm Both of the links to both the original research and the newspaper article.
My husband is now considering doing one of the advanced antibiotic protocols in hopes of 'fixing' his diabetes.
Pip
P. S. Capsaicin is a natural antibotic.
Dear Joe,