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Hi, I'm new to this forum. I was just diagnosed last week with RA and, yes, told to take Methotexriate (sp?) and bi-weekly liver blood work.

I am a vegetarian, have been for decades.

I am not in a lot of pain. I've been treated for chronic pain and fibromyalgia for years. I take about 5 different medications now for pain and high cholestorol.

I have decided to try doing a gluten-free, vegan way of eating for a month to see if this changes anything.

And then I discovered this site! I feel like I'm definitely on the right track.

I was wondering, though, about almond milk, tofu, nuts....I think I've read now that nuts are out. What kind of 'milks' are in, then? Just how terrible would it be if I had some organic raw almond butter? or almond milk? or tofu?'

My family is not too happy about me not having almond milk and/or nuts. They think i need it for protein...I know from reading the McDougal information that protein is everywhere.

I do get weak and shaky if I haven't eaten during the day a lot. I used to have larabars (raw organic bars with about 4 ingred, usually dried fruit and nuts) or a 'hit' of 'milk.' What do I do now?

Thanks for 'listening' to this long post. I'm just trying to find some information....and support.

I was diagnosed last year with RA and Fibro...I was having a lot of pain in my joints especially my hands and feet...stiffness when I arose in the morning..went to Doc had Lab done and had positive test and CRP...I was referred to a rheumatologist and I tripped on the WOE the very next day..in the one week..7 days it took the office to call me back with a message that the Doc I wanted to see was not taking anymore Fibro patients I did not need them...I was cured...no more pain...my lab came back normal the next time I had it checked...I was eating a SAD diet but limiting what I though my calories...my snack was Almonds...I have since found they are very high in ratio of Omega 6 which is inflammatory .....since being on the WOE I have lost 21 lbs and can now walk 4 1/2 miles with no pain....I use almond milk and have not had anymore problems..I have chosen not to do Drugs whether prescribed or not...I have chosen to get my Health back by what I choose to put on my Fork and into my mouth...

Hi, sorry to hear the news about the RA, however you are right your on the right track finding this site.You said your vegetatarian, the next thing you might want to consider is going vegan according to Dr Mc Dougall, basically give up the cheese!
I myself have RA and get quite shaky without food too which is troublesome, not sure what the answer is. I myself gave up the drugs and didnt find them useful at all, quite the opposite.

Welcome, RD! Sorry about your RA. Please see:

http://www.drmcdougall.com/med_hot_arthritis.html

Keep us posted on your progress!

Paulasknees, giddyup and pink rose, Thank you so much for replying. It really helps.

Yes this is my 3rd day from switching to vegetarian to totally vegan gluten-free. Still looking for foods to snack on but am feeling so much better about my decision. It so helps to receive this kind of support from you.

I keep small juices or sweet potatoes ! handy to snack on when I do get weak, headachy or shaky...
One of the next hurdles I face is telling my dr. that i'm not doing this drug. I know i shouldn't care about what he thinks and also why on earth would i do something like take a drug based on that he might be 'upset.' crazy. but interesting what goes through my mind....

thanks again

Hi rdaleg

good for you that you are questioning the drug,not a bad thing I'd say,dont worry what the doctor says or thinks he's not the one who has to suffer when the drugs go wrong, its you.Be assertive as to what you want, if not sure postpone treatment till you've made your mind up, dont be pressurised by them.Do your research, MX is given to most RA patients as a matter of course, but it came from the chemotherapy cancer treatments and just suppresses the immune system but hold onto your liver if your on it. I had some for a little while and came out in a rash but came off it quickly, at the end of the day its not a cure.