What is the serious threat from RA?

[naturelover]

I am reading and talking about RA with other fellow members. Everyone of us are having number of stories to explain our own RA problems and pains. I would like to know about the serious threat from RA.

[kageyd]

As I read it, the "serious" threats are close to total immobilization, confinement to wheel chair or almost permanent bed. And of course pain, always, is a major threat. But from my still early experiences with RA, and my reading, the downsides ("threats) are all over the map from minimal interference with life to pretty much 'not worth living.' As I'm seeing more and more, "trial and error" is the name of the process.

[crimson]

One serious threat is the pain that they will always feel, and the the threat of being bed ridden because of RA and my wife is willing to take the risk to try other means to decrease these threats. Thanks kageyd, trial and error is indeed the key.

[prasanth5]

There is no serious threat from RA. I agree with crimson that pain is a great threat about RA. RA is a disease that would persist. It is not a disease that kills. Any disease that kills alone will pose serious threats to our life.

[Terrie]

Indeed, some RA(usually mild)Patients only have some occasional pain and fatigue. I don't know if I'm right in putting this link now. If you prefer not, please delete.

Outlook(prognosis) and Complications should answer your question. But with early diagnosis and agressive treatment lots of People are okay for a long time.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000431.htm

[kageyd]

Terrie, I think links like this are always appropriate. There is so much out there that I find it very helpful when the good folks here post specific links that they think will help. I notice that both Naturelover and Crimson often post excellent links. My husband is the science person in the family, and he helps me make it through parts where the vocabulary becomes a little too much for me. So keep those good links coming - and THANKS. Kageyd

[crimson]

I agree with kageyd that every link that available in the internet regarding RA is worth posting and sharing it with out community because this can give information about it and in a small possible way can help us deal with it.

Have a nice day ^^

[Terrie]

You're both Right about the links, of course. I was just a bit concerned about the young ones and newly dxd. Most Specialists don't tell you everything about RA, for Good reason. I know I was shocked when I inadvertantly found out the Bad part about severe RA. I was not impressed. We didn't have a computer back then, so I just had the "tailored" booklets and info from my Medical Team and CAS. There are many Good links here. Thank you Kageyd and Crimson! :)

[_K_]

To tell you the truth I am still learning about RA though ive had it for 27yrs. I use a wheelchair fulltime and I was diagnosed early (I was 4), I dont think its got risks more than anything else you face in life but like I said im still learning and the more I learn the more I realise that my doctors haven't told me anything about the disease ive got.

My Ra effects every joint in my body, I have had quite a bit of surgery and ive had my share of pain but nothing serious as yet....... when I say serious I mean terminal, fatal etc...

[jnn]

I think the videos on youtube are scarier than that link.

[vetteme]

I get overwhelmed the more I read. I do not want to go on the medications because of all the side effects that are listed. I also have read that different lifestyles work for different people. I was recently diagnosed and know that I have to loose weight to help with the joint pain in my feet. I too appreciate all the links that are posted.

[Sprucetree]

We have to remember that RA is systemic. It can effect many places other than joints. In my case, I have interstitial lung disease caused by RA. There are different types of pulmonary fibrosis and, fortunately, mine is not the one that ends in death. In 2004 I was told that I would be on oxygen in 7 to 10 years. This is year seven and, while it keeps getting more difficult to breath, I'm not on oxygen yet.

Please be aware that RA can affect a lot more than your joints. It is a systemic disease.