What kind of general support is available for people with RA?

[crimson]

Aside from seeing a GP and a specialist in rheumatology for treatment, what are other forms of support available for people with this kind of illness?

[prasanth5]

Consultation with a yoga expert will do a world of good for the sufferer. Yoga should never be practised by one on one's own accord. The guidance of the yoga teacher is a must. The saying goes that perfection results only when an art is practised with the help of a coach.

[kageyd]

People have suggested the local branch of the ARthritis Foundation as being very helpful. A good web starting place is the about.com section on rheumatoid arthritis. And there are many other web sites, each one of which slightly expands your knowledge. Be forewarned, though: the "causes" are not known, certainly not for any given person; the progress of the disease is hugely variable from person to person and is unpredictable; initial medicines (plaquenil, sulfasalazine, methotrexate, and sometimes prednisone) are standard, but the use of biologics is changing almost daily as new products come on the market. It's a disease you really have to keep up with. At least that's what I'd say. kageyd