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...
Finally after 7 yrs. (4 doctors just this year)we have found a doctor to confirm that my brother has RA. At least we know what were dealing with now, something I was sure of anyway. He has lost a lot of weight and I read it can cause malnutrition. Has anyone experienced this and what can he do to put some weight back on? I know he is not eating right. I am so worried about him. Also what are some of you taking and has it helped/side effects. I would appreciate any information I can get. He has horrible flare ups and crippling pain where he cannot take care of himself during that time, and I have had to care for him. I value any information I can get. I am currently battling cancer myself, its been very stressful on both of us. Nancy
So sorry to hear you and your brother are both battling illness right now. The first thing your brother needs to do is find a good rheumatologist who will treat him agressively. A lot of us are taking methotrexate ( MTX ), and or Plaquenil, Celebrex, or some other anti-inflammatory medice, and a biologic such as Embrel or Humira. Did the docs prescribe prednisone for your brother to help get the inflammation down. Prednisone is not something to take long term, but it can be a miracle drug when it comes to fighting pain and inflammation for the short term. Boost is a product you can buy at Walmart or drug stores. It tastes good, and it has a lot of nutrition in it. Milkshakes pack on the lbs for me. LOL I love ice cream. Let us know how you are doing. Take care of yourself. I hope you are seeing good docs, too, who are helping you fight cancer.
Blessings,
V
I hope your brother likes the boost. When my husband was really sick about a year ago, it really seemed to help him. And...it tastes good!
RA drugs are difficult for some to tolerate, and of course many of us have other health issues. I hope his RA doc and find something to help that he can tolerate without doing damage.
BTW, does your brother like fruit? Maybe you could stop by with some grapes and apples! Those are easy to eat and good for him.
Take care,
V