How do you know the meds are working??

Perhaps I am impatient but I've been on plaquenil for 3 months now and I still have really bad days! Does this happen even if the meds are working? I don't know what to think.  I have fibro on top of it and can't tell if it is the fibro or the arthritis when I have a bad day. Yesterday, every joint in my body hurt and I had to stay home. I took flexeril and loritab in small doses. I would think that if the meds are working, I wiould notice a significant improvement.  I am waiting.................. The last time I talked to my rheumy, I told him I thought I was doing better. Then, bam, I had one of the worst days I've had yet. Any words of wisdom? Thanks-:)

You can help the meds by changing how and what you eat. That helped me a bunch. When I was put on Humira I was feeling pretty good, but I still had flare ups and OMG if it rained I was bed ridden. Then One month there was a mishap with my insurance company and I was without my medicine for 4 weeks, and the later half of those weeks I was in so much pain from my AS all I could do was lay in bed and try not to move. Also just laying there I was in tears from the pain. Then I go my meds and as soon as I could sit I was researching every and anything about AS and RA, yes I have both, and found certain foods affect the diseases, and others help the diseases. Now I have not had a flare up in over a year and has been able to lower my dosage twice of the Humira.

Some people are skeptical of the whole diet thing, but I myself believe in it because it works, not just for me but others I have told and implemented it into their lifestyles, and also have the same results. I wish you luck on any and every avenue you take.

I am interested in this diet thing. What kinds of food do you avoid? Are there certain foods you eat that help? Is there something I can read to help me figure out if I can be helped by diet? Any books or web sites? I seem to be getting no relief from meds at all, and at this point I'll try anything for some relief.

Well, I was first diagnosed with RA sero-negative. Then about 10 years ago I had some terrible rash that they thought might be atypical psoriasis. It's been about 11 years and I've had no psoriasis, so I'm not sure that's what it was to begin with. I was taking Remicade when it began, so who knows. I believe it is probably RA, it sure feels the same. I also have Ulcerative Colitis, and with this I have a severe flare every 2-3 years.

Right now, I'm taking asacol and imuran for the UC and Cimzia for the RA. I've taken Remicade, Humira and Enbrel, also, and didn't feel much relief. I'm in a lot of pain, ache all over and am exhausted. I can't sleep well at night, because of the pain.

I would be glad to try some diet adjustments if that would help.

Once you start feeling better; Do some light stretches of the major muscles before bed. That helps me sleep better through the night.

What kind of additives do you avoid? all of them? some of them?

I 'think' pretty much everything has additives these days.
looking at the diet makes me cry almost, avoid citrus? I love fresh fruit including Oranges and fresh Orange Juice.
the sugar and salt are limited in this house anyway.
Red meat? we eat it about once a week if that, usually we eat either chicken or pork.

Dairy products, I'm allergic to white milk, but not chocolate milk. odd I know. but my Primary Dr told me to eat other dairy products and drink chocolate milk so I get my calcium I need.
Corn and Flour will be the most difficult to give up, all flour products? means no more sandwiches?
corn is a toughie due to cooking alot of mexican foods especially King Ranch Casserole

by this list it appears that you really can't eat much of anything, but I know that's not true so ideas?