I have Hebenden's nodes, a hereditary arthritic swelling of the first joint of the fingers. My mother had them and my sister and I are both afflicted. While I was taking Celebrex for many years the joint swelling and pain completely stopped. When I had to stop taking Celebrex a lilttle more than a year ago I noticed a few joints started growing with the concomitant extreme tenderness that accompanies the growth of the nodes. Over the past year, the nodes have stopped swelling and the pain has stopped. I have to conclude that the changes in my diet have played a significant role in this small miracle.
My body is pretty well riddled with OA and the diet has not significantly helped with pain and stiffness in my back and knee. It has, however, eased the pain of arthritis in my toes. My toes used to seize up with cramps on a regular basis causing me to jump around like a crazy person trying to get the pain to stop. A very expensive prescription, Pennsaid (a combination of Volaren and DMSO) helped to stop the cramps. For the past several months I've had very few episodes of toe cramps. SO, there seems to be a correlation between the modified paleo, nightshade restricted diet and the easing of some arthritis pain and painful toe cramps.
After a year on modified paleo diet, I'm getting used to it but still don't love it. The MC seems to be under better control while on the diet. I had one very major episode of WD caused by stress, a bag of veggie chips and wine. Entirely my own fault.

The change to a modified paleo diet has resulted in regular Normans and fewer symptoms. The only time I have problems with gas and/or bloating is when I eat something I shouldn't, mostly cookies. So, although I'm not wild about this diet I will stick with it because it does work for me.
Sheila W