Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
My RD says I have bone thinning in my hands. He acted like it was no big deal and didn't tell me what to do about it. Can this be caused by RA? He refuses to give me a dx ... see my other posts for my lab results which clearly show the presence of an autoimmune disorder. RA runs on both sides of my family. I'm so worried, I just want to cry. I am making another appointment with a new RD. Hopefully it will turn out better. :(
So does RA cause bone thinning? (I am 27 years old).
So does RA cause bone thinning? (I am 27 years old).
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I gave my 2 week notice last Friday 13th. Now to join you fine people in a life of leisure and nothing else to do but to look out for myself....is it just me or does that sound pretty boring? My goal was to live to retire and I guess having to take early retirement because of health reasons wasn't exactly the way I had planned things. I just can't stay in that building that is reeking mildew...
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
Bone thinning, also called ostepenia, can be a lead-in to osteoporosis. It can be caused by RA, but more often, it is a result of prednisone or other corticosteroids. Most rheumatologists will at least recommend calcium supplements in varying amounts, and vitamin D to help with calcium absorption. My doctor recommended 1500 mg calcium; I take 2 600 mg tablets, which also have 400 mg vitamin D. However, women have a greater risk than men, so I would venture to say you might need greater supplementation.
There are prescription drugs, Fosamax being one, but I couldn't tell you at what point a doctor would prescribe them.
I am uncomfortable for you in that your doctor does not appear to be forthright. I heartily agree with your decision to seek another doctor's opinion. Be sure to list all your questions, and do what research you can, prior to your appointment. You should be able to leave that appointment armed with a good understanding of your disease and treatment options.
Good luck with this, Ketsugi. Please keep me posted on your appointment.
RT