Hi Maria,

Thanks for your kind words and offer of the diet doctor site. I'm actually well-familiar with that site and follow anti-inflammatory protocols. I'm in agreement that what we eat can play a significant role in how we feel.

As for your question about being diagnosed at sea, I actually was home when the initial flare happened. As an officer, I can say I had excellent access to good food at sea. As much fresh veg and fruit as I could want and plenty of lean proteins. It was the easiest place to eat well because I wasn't cooking, and I knew the chefs were committed to quality. Win-win! My time at sea was the healthiest I've ever been.

What we learned as time has gone on was that my symptoms, which we attributed to "growing pains," started when I was 11. Many people with PSA and RA share a similar story. It is what it is.

It is great that you had such success with your knee pain by changing your diet. A win! Thanks again for your thoughtful response.