My dad was recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. What should we expect?
Hіѕ blood work came back positive, hе′s getting a second test done bυt wе′re pretty sure hе hаѕ іt. I know whаt Rheumatoid Arthritis іѕ bυt I don’t know whаt really happens tο thе body οthеr thаn thе splaying οf hands. Cаn somebody shed ѕοmе light? Wе′re really nervous.
Expect inflammation of joints to different degrees. It usually does not advance quickly, but advances over time. It can lead to deformation and enlargement of joints, especially in the hands and fingers, but not always. It is stayed off by using anti inflammatories, with side effects, so be careful see a rheumatologist for best results. Always remain as active as muscle needs exercise, and have him avoid acidic foods. Drink water to create evacuation of toxins from the body. Ground almonds are healthy too. Check prostate at same time, just for assurance – it’s not related but a sign of aging, a precaution, then he can focus on the arthritis and not worry about other things.
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.