Need Some assistance. My brother has Severe RA

Hi Guys

I am a young sister caring for a brother with severe RA.  I live in the Caribbean, Antigua to be specific my older brother who is now 44 has severe rheumatoid arthritis.  He is presently on prednisone  and is feeling a bit better. however we here in the Caribbean does not have any support for suffers of this disease.  I am writing requesting information on how to make his life a bit better in regards to the foods he can eat and what natural remedies can be used to ease his pains.  If there is anyone who can assist me I will be so thankful. 

I have just read the night shade vegetables and found it to be so interested, and would love any other information you may have to share.  I also find that he feels  isolated as he cannot do most things that a man his age should be able to do on his own.  If you are also aware of a chat group he can joint with people suffering from the same condition as him.  I would welcome that information.

Hi Reezi he is fortunate to have you there for him Remember to take care of yourself as well because RA can be Very Hard on the people caring for the person with it.

if he is able to use a Computer that will be his best line of interest get him into support groups like this one or even on Facebook where he can meet other RA'ers or go on support groups there
also Arthritis Foundations in your state may have Training or study groups or exercise or swimming classes even meditation classes to help him relax
But what ever he chooses don't be worried if he is slow to get involved he might want to take his time

a Good Rheumatologist is the goal even if you need to shop around don't be afraid to Question them Remember this will be a Long Term thing so he needs to be comfortable with his Doctors
There are Many Different Treatment Drugs out there and he will no doubt try a few before finding what works for him.
Try Not to get sucked into False treatments or fake remedies just ask yourself (if this was a miracle cure why is it not in the mainstream) I was told Early on to be careful as it can cost you $$$ with No benefit.

Hopefully he will get on some RA Medication
( Eg Methotrexate , Arava ,or Biologics like Humira etc there are many to try)
Prednisone is Great but he doesn't want to be on High Doses for a long time as it has Nasty side effects
( I know as I have them after being on it for over 30yrs now I have now managed to get the dose lower but not to get off it completely )
Wish You Both All the Best and Hope you stay on the site you will meet some lovely people here.

Hi Reezi, get him online here. Im also about the same age and have had RA since I was 23. I grew up boxing, playing baseball and hunting and fishing. I also rode motorcycles on and off road for many years and was always outside doing something with my guy friends so I understand his pain in this regard. RA can really limit us physically but there are other things we can embrace to help with that.

Diet is like many of the medications. No one thing works for everyone BUT many people find relief from their symptoms by making dietary changes. It is certainly worth a try but it is not easy and is a big commitment.

Unfortunately I can not recommend anything in this regard because none of them helped me. One thing I did find though was that corn and products with it aggravate my symptoms so I avoid it at all cost. Nightshades dont seem to make any difference to me.

I hope that he is able to get in to see a doctor soon. It is worth the wait even if it is a long one. He should write down his symptoms, take pictures of his flare ups and inflammation and write down his questions as well for the doctor visit. It can be hard to remember everything and RA can affect your memory as well.

Take care, it is very sweet of you to look out for him. -Don