Comments on: Krystle Smith

By: Janet

Janet — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:13:43 +0000

Have you ever tried an elimination diet? It has worked wonders for me. Everybody is different so even if you get a book and they tell you to eliminate “this, this and this” it may be wrong and it is actually something like figs or artichokes that bother you. If you start with a basic meal plan for one week – breakfast = quinoa with some chopped pear and nuts, lunch = large salad (no dressing, maybe a bit of olive oil) dinner = salmon with rice and steamed veggies, snacks = walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds (all nuts seeds raw) and journal everything then start adding more foods. Be strict about keeping out gluten (wheat, kamut, spelt, barley, rye), dairy, soy, sugar, peanuts, cashews, nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, egglplant, potatoes), citrus for three weeks and then try one out. I would excluded gluten and dairy longer even.
I went from from barely being able to stand two years ago, not lift being able to lift a plate, could not turn a door handle with one hand, not close my hands, having a knee that looked like a grapefruit was under my skin. This was being on medication. Today, I rock climb and do HIIT workouts – in my 40s. I am as strong as when I was in my late teens. I eat higher protein, lower carb. I take no medication at all now, just supplements.
The lifestyle is hard and I always fall off but I always get back on because the benefits are so worth it. It allows me to be in control of my disease. I stay clear of gluten at all costs – always. My worst trigger and the one I cheated with most at the beginning.
I just wish more people would try this, it has been my lifesaver.

By: Larry Fries

Larry Fries — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 15:30:09 +0000

It is becomming easier to handle this disease the more I read profiles such as yours. I am 51 and was diagnosed last summer. You are so right that people just do not understand RA unless they have it. As wierd as this may seem, I am glad I have RA instead of what they were first looking at. ALS. I had no pain but muscle weekness and fatigue for about a year. So being diagnosed with RA is a blessing. My prayers are with you and all who suffer from RA.

Larry

By: Amber

Amber — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 21:21:38 +0000

I’m 25 and in Maryland and know exactly what you are talking about. I feel like it’s gotten hard to lift my arms to put my hair in a ponytail. I am not able to tolerate heels when I go out and sometimes it’s hard because friends find it hard to understand. But, it’s okay I am always in prayer

By: Mallen

Mallen — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:37:30 +0000

You have a beautiful attitude and I will pray for you.