Unfortunately there is no cure for RA, but it can be managed. Statistics show
- Remission is most likely to occur in the first year. The probability decreases over time. By 10 to 15 years from diagnosis, about 20% of people have remission.
- More than half (50 - 70%) of patients are able to work full-time.
- After 15-20 years, 10% of patients are severely disabled, and unable to do simple daily living tasks such as washing, dressing, and eating.
- The average life expectancy for a patient with RA may be shortened by 3 to 7 years. Those with severe forms of RA may die 10-15 years earlier than expected. However, as treatment for rheumatoid arthritis improves, severe disability and life-threatening complications appear to be decreasing.
Improving your life
Here are some general suggestions to help you cope, your rheumatology nurse will also be able to advise you on what you can do: -
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Keep a positive outlook. Studies show that people who take control of their treatment and actively manage their arthritis experience less pain and make fewer visits to the doctor.
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Use assistive aids. Using a walking stick will take some of the stress off the joint as you walk. Various gadgets are available to help you maintain an active lifestyle at home such as jar openers, tilting kettle.
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Know your limitations. Rest when you're tired. Arthritis can make you prone to fatigue and muscle weakness.
- Spread the weight of a task. For instance, use both hands to lift a heavy pan.
- Maintain good posture. Poor posture causes uneven weight distribution and may strain ligaments and muscles. The easiest way to improve your posture is by walking. Some people find that swimming also helps improve their posture.
- Having a flu jab and vaccines. If you are taking immunosuppressive medicines, or regular steroids then you are entitled to an annual flu jab and a one-off injection of pneumococcal to protect against pneumonia.
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Possible Complications
Your internal organs and blood vessels can also be affected with long term RA, such as: -
- The cervical spine becoming unstable – This may result in a life threatening joint complication.
- The development of vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels).
- The onset of pericarditis or myocarditis (swelling of the outlining of the heart).
- Eye complications – such as cataracts. Regular eye examinations by an ophthalmologist may be required
Fortunately, better therapies appear to be reducing the occurrence of these severe complications. These complications are uncommon but can cause various symptoms and serious problems including stroke, heart failure, lung disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, skin ulcerations and eye disease. You can help prevent heart disease and stroke by not smoking, eating a healthy diet and losing weight if you are overweight. Also, your doctor will measure your blood pressure and cholesterol level and if high, give you medicines to control them.
Research
Studies involving various types of the connective tissue collagen are in progress and show encouraging signs of reducing rheumatoid disease activity.
Genetic research and engineering is likely to bring forth many new avenues of earlier diagnosis and accurate treatment in the near future. Gene profiling, also known as gene array analysis, is being identified as a helpful method of defining which people will respond to which medications. Studies are underway that are using gene array analyses to determine which patients will be at more risk for more aggressive disease. This is all occurring because of technology improvements. We are at the threshold of tremendous improvements in the way RA is managed.
Below are some address of support groups
National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS)
Unit B4 Westacott Business Centre,
Westacott Way,
Littlewick Green,
Maidenhead,
Berks SL6 3RT
Helpline: 0845 458 3969
General Number: 01628 823524
Web: www.rheumatoid.org.uk
