My dad was recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. What should we expect?

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His blood work came back positive, he's getting a second test done but we're pretty sure he has it. I know what Rheumatoid Arthritis is but I don't know what really happens to the body other than the splaying of hands. Can somebody shed some light? We're really nervous.
I was diagnosed with RA 4 years ago, just after I turned 27. At the time I was diagnosed, my SED rate was 88, which was pretty miserable. I was terrified, because my great aunt's RA had crippled her and that was all I knew of the disease. However, she'd been diagnosed at 38, and was at that point 80 and hadn't been able to benefit from the treatments available today.

I first took prednisone to address my immediate inflammation. It caused me some anxiety, so they also gave me clonazepam to take occasionally to help me sleep. I began taking methotrexate, plaquenil, naproxen and folic acid (to counter the side effects of the methotrexate). After about 6 months, my doctor finished weaning me off the prednisone.

After about a year and a half of treatment, I was still having some trouble. My wrists were inflamed to where my ligaments moved. I thought that was something I was going to have to learn to live with. But my doctor prescribed Enbrel, which I auto-inject every week. It's not a pleasant thing to do, but I feel much better - it's well worth the brief weekly discomfort. I still do take the other meds, although we're tweaking things now.

I see my doctor every 3-4 months, and we monitor my liver function every 2 months. So far so good. My SED rate has been in the normal range (0 - 20) for years now, which is far more pleasant than my earlier 88.

Before I was treated, I couldn't open my gas tank or a bottle of water, but that's no problem now. I've noticed some adaptations I've made, such as using my forearms to push against doors instead of pushing with my hand - it's just more comfortable and less prone to injury. I can lift weights, although I take it slowish and wear gloves to protect my wrists. And I can type about 70 wpm, so I'm doing ok there. ;-)

What I'm trying to say is, it can be very scary and daunting at first, but there are many, many treatment options. If your dad finds a doctor he trusts and communicates with him, he should be able to find a treatment that works for him.

I hope all goes well for your dad. I know this is a rough time but try to stay positive. :)  (+ info)

Can some with rheumatoid arthritis still play a string instrument?

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I'm 15 and diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis I still need to take a blood test to confirm though anyways I'm a double bass player I love it with my life, but I'm scared I'll never be able to play ever again will the arthritis effect me and my playing do I have to give up my dreams
Yes.

Depends on whether it affects your fingers and how much.  (+ info)

what causes rheumatoid arthritis flare ups?

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About every 4 months, my husband has swelling in his joints, thus the doctor said its a form of rheumatoid arthritis. The medications cause more harm than good. Any suggestions?
In the vast majority of cases, the relapses (flare-ups) occur for no apparent reason. RA is usually considered an autoimmune disease, this basically means that as well as making antibodies against germs, etc, the immune system also makes antibodies against tissues of the body. With RA, antibodies are formed against the synovium and this causes inflammation in the affected joints, which over time, can cause joint and cartilage damage.

The reason why treatment is important is because any joint damage caused by the disease is permanent. If treatment is started early, it can minimise permanent damage.

Which exact class of drug is he taking? DMARDs?

Regular exercise will likely improve joint function and this might help, has your husband tried swimming? A physiotherapist might be beneficial in this instance

Many alties advise the use of weird naturopathic diets, magnetic bracelets and acupuncture. The vast majority of these "treatments" has little or in most cases no data to support it. Best advice is for your husband to discuss his concerns with his rheumatologist.  (+ info)

Anyone taking Humira for treatment Rheumatoid Arthritis?

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I suffer from Rheumatoid arthritis and have several medicatins, one of which is Humira. I have taken this for 6 months. Has anyone taken this medication and had improvement in their illness? Also did anyone taking humira have suffered side affects? Any tips and info on other treatments would be very welcome.
Not Humira, but my spouse has taken Remicade infusions previously. The Remicade is only taken once every 4-6 weeks via an IV infusion that lasts about 2-3 hours. Side effects: WICKED! After a treatment, he was nauseous for several days, sometimes up to 2 weeks, joint aches & pains, flu-like symptoms, redness and swelling of the face, loss of appetite. His rheumatologist wants him to begin the treatments again, but we're concerned about the side effects. Sorry I don't have more info to share. Good luck to you.  (+ info)

would I be able to take the methcarbomal for pain of rheumatoid arthritis?

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I am a 57 yr old with a current Thyroid condition, I also take a HZT as a monitoring prevention for low to moderate Blood pressure, other maintenance meds I take is Simvastatin,Levothryoxin,Leflunomide along with Tramadol. I'm still acitively working a few more yrs., before my retirement, But I hurt mainly in the knees, and ankles. Can I take methcarbomal for the pain of rheumatoid arthritis.
If the arthritis is mainly in your knees are you sure that it is arthritis? I know a gal with MS and she was told her problem was arthritis because she had so much trouble walking up stairs, bending her knees. Her dr.'s all had told her that was what it was. I asked her if I could try something on her and in less than five minutes she was walking without pain, she said I took her arthritis away. It wasn't arthritis, it was the tendons for her kneecaps which had shortened up. When shortened up they pull the kneecaps up on the knees making it painful to move your knees. I only went that way because my understanding of arthritis was that it would start in the extremities not the middle of the body in a big joint like that. Here is what I did for her to get rid of her pain:
Kneecaps:
Do while sitting on a chair with no front cross braces.
While sitting have your leg resting in a stretched mode. Place both your thumbs, side by side, about 2 inches behind the kneecap and press down into your leg and then redirect the pressure a little towards the kneecap. After 30 seconds, slowly slide your foot back and under your chair as far as it will go, release the pressure but hold your foot there for another 30 seconds.
It is important to keep a good amount of pressure on during the whole time or this won't work. If you do have trouble give it another try. One person wrote to say the third time was the charm for her.  (+ info)

Will I get Rheumatoid Arthritis if my mom has it?

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I've been having some aches on my knees around the same time my mother has them. My mom has had Rheumatoid Arthritis since her early 20s. I'm in my early 20's now and would I get Rheumatoid Arthritis if she does?
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and my daughter has the same fear. A lab test called RA factor could tell if you could possibly have it. Normal is 0-20. Mine is 217. The reason I mention to have it checked is because my son has multiple sclerosis which is an auto-immune disease, and so is RA. Coincidence? I doubt it. I do believe it is genetic. Good luck and get it checked.  (+ info)

Can you have rheumatoid Arthritis in just one finger?

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I have a self-harm problem of excessively cracking, twisting and popping my index finger. At times I have even wished I could break it...for some reason I enjoy inflicting that type of pain on myself. This finger is now swollen and feels very loose...I know the cartilage is worn from my abuse. My question can this cause bone cancer and can rheumatoid arthritis effect just this one finger?
rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that literally is your body attacking your joints. If you know you have done damage to your joint by abusing it it more than likely isn't RA. You are going to have more than one joint affected by RA as well. Not just one and also possible signs of lupus. It sounds like you have really beat up your joints and you need to give them a rest. Could take up to a year. You may need some help with dealing with emotional help. Seek a psycologist to help you find the tools to deal with problems.  (+ info)

Is there anything that will cure or help the tiredness caused by rheumatoid arthritis?

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My mom has rheumatoid arthritis, and is under treatment, but she is constantly tired. Is there anything that will help?
alfalfa. garlic . b vitamins, c vitamins. yeah the works. i know a women who used shaklee products to get her arthritus under control didnt reverse the damage to her joints but she isnt in pain and she can drive again. maybe your mom should do a wellness profile with a distributor she can find them online i bet or in the phone book  (+ info)

anyone with rheumatoid arthritis and trying to conceive?

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Need some advice here. I 've been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when i was still a 16 year old and from then I've been on a long term treatment with Plaquenil and Delta-Cortef (Prednisolone) for 4 years now and I'm wondering what should I do before thinking of trying to conceive... I'm really confused as I don't know anyone my age that has the same condition. Is there anyone that is facing the same situation? Thanks for any advise and sharing of experience :) Baby dust to all!
I was diagnosed with RA when I was 28. I am now 37 and 12 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child. The best advice I can give you is to stop taking all your medications, as it will be very hard to conceive whilst on it. Like you, I took plaquenil and prednisolone daily. It was a bit of a shock when I went off all meds, the aches and pains weren't very pleasant. This time around it took me 6 months to conceive, so it was definitely a long 6 months with no meds. I would advise to speak with your doctor, so he/she can monitor you. After coming off the meds, I felt extremely sick for a week (I was told it was withdrawal symptoms). Since I have been pregnant, I have not had RA at all (my doctor told me that the pregnancy hormone will probably kick in and I should be pain free for my entire pregnancy!). I also made sure I started taking a pre-natal vitamin with everything that my body would need to make me (and my baby) healthy on the inside.

For me, it was a huge decision to come off my meds. It wasn't an easy decision, but both prednisolone and plaquenil can be harmful to an unborn baby, so it wasn't like I had a real choice if I wanted to have another baby. Please talk to your doctor before quiting your meds.

I wish you good luck!  (+ info)

Would drinking multiple cups of tea seriously affect symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

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I'm always telling my mother to cut down on tea drinking as she has about fifteen or twenty cups of tea per day... even getting a cup before going to bed! Her rheumatoid arthritis in her feet has been getting worse and I believe that drinking so much tea is partly to blame. Am I right here or is her habitual tea drinking irreverent to this problem? thanks if you can help!
Yes it does since drinking caffeince causes BONE LOSS and WEAK BONES AND LEADS TO BONE PROBELEMS!! and since she already has a problem its going make it worse not a few cups but amount she is drinking!! yes it will partly. check on google it says 'Related Bone Disease Associated With Habitual Tea Consumpution!!!!' and much more info check for more and reasearch whatever you want its relly helpful and tell ur mummy to cut down please!! only if she wants to get better also eat well vitamins and lots or green!!:) hope she gets better soon! :) xxx  (+ info)

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