Coping With A Ra (Potential) Diagnosis

[Retrochic]

Following a few random symptoms such a a rash that appeared and was diagnosed as stress related psoriasis, and swelling of feet I thought was the result of rushing around doing too much, the GP took tests and on Friday I got some back. My Rheumatoid factor which is supposed to be less than 20 -was 650. He remarked this was the highest he's seen on first presentation of possible signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Well I don't 'do' doctors and looking back perhaps should have gone sooner but it was the inanimate objects that were ganging up on me, the typing keys not doing what they should, the jar lids welded on, the cart food pouches being made that much tougher to open. Because of the holiday weekend he could not get me in to see the Consultant, but following an appointment with GP this morning I'm hoping to see him later today or tomorrow and he's temporarily put me on 30 mg of Prednisolone taken all at once daily.
My question is not so much a medical diagnosis, as advice on how this condition (should I have it) impedes on daily life. I am very active and when not working I'm gardening in the summer,horse riding,swimming playing tennis. Is there anyone on AB managing to cope with RA and lead a fairly active lifestyle and what are the best coping strategies? -Any food or supplements you have found useful? And has anyone tried Complimentary things such as Acupuncture? Thanks in Advance.

[Eve]

No worries, I can do a personal experience one later if that would help x

[Peter Pedant]

Oh what your consultant was talking about I think was:
a reactive arthritis

( I got one after parvovirus and then gave it (p-v) to everyone else - I was not a popular bunny )

summarised here

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/reactive-arthritis/Pages/Treatment.aspx

[Retrochic]

Thank you for the link Peter. Apart from a minor sore throat two weeks before symptoms of psoriasis,then joint pain, I've not really been sick for ages.