Rheumatoid Arthritis

[rareboy]

Last year I had a fall.

And since then, I have had onset of rheumatoid related arthritis... A genetic thing in part.

I would love everyone's pity (joke), but that is not the purpose of this post.

Help me here. If anyone has had any experience with this, can you tell me what helped you the most.

I've just finished injections in my knee, but have now had it attack my hand.

I am intending on taking up yoga and I have continued to walk and garden.

But all of this is backed up by Tylenol with codeine and dirty martinis.

I need other ideas.

 

[Telstra]

Are the bones touching each other where there are no soft tendons between the bones?

 

[BearMagus]

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an auto immune disorder. It's not as common in men as women. First, are you seeing Rheumatologist who has confirmed you actually have RA by testing for the gene? Many disorders can create symptoms very similar to auto immune diseases. If you have it, try to stay of Prednisone. It's a fucked up drug. Try going the route of taking Plaquenil. It has less side effects than other drugs used. That's what I take. I also use essential oils topically. Since rheumatic diseases are inflammatory, look into as many natural anti-inflammatory supplements as possible and find what works best for you.

 

[genthree]

I think you will find the fall was probably co incidental. Keep mobile, keep off the pain killers and alcohol (the social benefits of alcohol should never be ignored though) do not sun bathe.
I have found that omega 3 oil seems to help (capsules or just liquid)
I have found that painkillers have too many side effects - stomach ulcers, kidney damage.
It does have a genetic basis

 

[guyfromNY]

Talk to your doctor about trying a drug called Remicade. It is used to treat auto-immune problems and can be a lifesaver for some. Also this might be a long shot, but were you tested for lyme disease? This is something that can cause similar symptoms..

 

[Fire]

I would recommend consulting a Health Psychologist at some point.

 

[rareboy]

I am just in the process of getting my appointment set up with a Rheumatologist...and I appreciate many of the ideas and suggestions from others who have experience, because it will help me be better prepared to discuss treatment options with her next week.

Up until now, my family doc and the sports med specialist I was seeing thought it might just be a bit of early osteoporosis that is manageable through fitness and anti-inflamatory meds. But it is becoming more widespread and painful so we're moving to the next level.

Thanks guys, you've provided a number of interesting ideas.

 

[ajax27]

As a clinical pharmacist, I can tell you that the physician will probably recommend starting a DMARD therapy of some sort. (Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug). To prepare for the appointment you could look up some options for initiating treatment so you are ready to ask questions.