I am experiencing digestive issues

I have had RA for almost 4 decades now and I can tell you that, for sure, my RA and it's co-morbidities and medicines have definitely cause digestive issues. In fact, these days, I try to keep my gluten, carbs, and sugar to a minimum. Sugar almost nothing because it also triggers my RA. If you can find out exactly what is causing your issues it might help. In addition there's even a theory about RA that involves the gut being too porous which leads to other things ( you can google "leaky gut" theory ) but sufficed to say you are not wrong. RA can certainly affect your guts! Keep on keepin' on, DPM

I'm sorry you are dealing with these issues, ! And Daniel (and you) are right -- RA can most definitely affect your digestive system. Either directly, or sometimes through the medications used to treat RA symptoms or as comorbidities. Here's some pretty basic information on RA and digestive health -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/diet-and-nutrition. But, also, many of our members swear that they have sensitivities to certain foods and avoiding these foods can help them avoid flares. It really varies from person to person, but folks have mentioned gluten, alcohol, dairy, sugar, processed foods, nightshade plants, and other foods as causing problems for them. So, like Daniel mentioned, finding out what causes issues for you can help get to the root of what's going on and possible offer you some relief.

Good luck! You're definitely not alone in this!

Best, Erin, Team Member.

Thank you Erin, I will try the link and look at the information. I have cut so many things out of my diet. I don't eat gluten or sugar, rarely have carbs other than fruit. I eat lots of raw and cooked vegetables. I don't drink alcohol, I haven't given up nightshades yet, but may consider it. I joke with my doc that I have given up ice cream, and I am not giving up peppers and tomatoes. I often think that not having good gut bacteria may be part of the problem, but I have no way of knowing if that is true, other than what I read. I really don't know what I could be eating that could cause a problem, since I don't eat processed foods. Between my gut and so much increased pain lately, I am really struggling. I am beginning to wonder if osteoporosis can actually cause pain. I sure do appreciate this support group and will be using it more whenever I can. Warm Regards, Nena

Thank you Christine, I appreciate the support. I do have osteoarthritis and it does cause me pain, although not nearly as much as the RA pain. I also have some osteoporosis and was wondering if this could also cause pain? I have always been under the impression that the thinning & weakening of the bones was more likely to cause fractures (which I thankfully don't think is a problem for me). I was wondering if there is pain associated with having weak or thinning bones. I have been having a great deal of pain from my sternum and ribcage to my waist that feels as though I am being squeezed, which I often notice when I take a deep breath or reach for something. I am wondering if anyone else has experienced anything like this. Sometimes I think it can make you feel better to know that you are not the only one experiencing something you have never heard of before. Nena