How serious is rheumatoid arthritus?!
Question: Very serious- it causes osteoporosis, which I was diagnosed with three years ago, when I was almost 20. It can horribly damage joints, leading to replacements. The meds can cause all kinds of problems. Steroids cause weight gain which only stresses your joints more, and can also cause osteoporosis. RA affects your eyes as well as your joints. Medications cause more problems. Enbrel, which I take, can cause liver damage that is irreversible. Methotrexate, which I take as well, causes hair loss, nausea, and birth defects. That is also a chemo drug. Like any illness or disease this is a serious one.
EDIT- Thanks to the person who gave me the thumbs down. I have dealt with this for about 21 years now- diagnosed as an infant. I know what I am talking about. Plus, I work for a rheumatologist.
Answers: Very serious- it causes osteoporosis, which I was diagnosed with three years ago, when I was almost 20. It can horribly damage joints, leading to replacements. The meds can cause all kinds of problems. Steroids cause weight gain which only stresses your joints more, and can also cause osteoporosis. RA affects your eyes as well as your joints. Medications cause more problems. Enbrel, which I take, can cause liver damage that is irreversible. Methotrexate, which I take as well, causes hair loss, nausea, and birth defects. That is also a chemo drug. Like any illness or disease this is a serious one.
EDIT- Thanks to the person who gave me the thumbs down. I have dealt with this for about 21 years now- diagnosed as an infant. I know what I am talking about. Plus, I work for a rheumatologist.
Rheumatoid arthritus is a pretty serious disease. Are you aware that it not only effects joints and bones but it can affect other organs within the body? This chronic disease is systemic which means that it travels throughout the body. Learn more about this painful disease. I have enclosed a link to the arthritis foundation.
It can be quite serious--can be crippling. Like most diseases, there is a range of severity.
However, the good news is that there are some advances in the field that apply.
Try this site for good info and good luck:
http://www.rheumatology.org/public/facts...
Serious. The disease is painful, and crippling. I remember a friend who was a concert pianist. Her hands were so misshapen she could hardly play. There are new treatments out there for RA.
My mums had it for years and her fingers are all bent the wrong way and is in constant pain the type you cant get rid off