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...
I've had RA all my life was diagnosed with JRA at 10. I'm not sure how I've avoided the deformities that seems to go along with this disease. I only have my right elbow that doesn't extend out. The sweeling in my legs look terrible but I don't have the nodules. Just wondering why I'm a little different
deleted_user
RA effects everyone differently. Most deformities happen within the first two years. So perhaps in your first years with JRA, you had the right treatment. Your RA factor is also something that can give you some indication of whether you might get deformities. If it's low, what I've been told by my Rheumy is you have less of a chance. But who knows, I know I don't. As we say, RA does whatever it wants to do. ((HUGS))!-Sarah
deleted_user
I have had RA for 12 years and am first showing signs of deformity in my hands. I am told that my hands are OA not RA, therefore RA drugs don't help.
cindy50
When I was first diagnosed in 1969! They only gave me aspirin and penicillin
deleted_user
I have had ra for about 27 yrs and there used to not be many options especially since I wanted children..... it has been slowly at first and then fast since my hysterectomy that the progression of the disease has deformed my hands and feet and placed many nodules at the ankles and elbows, knees are swollen and hips hurt to where I walk short distances with a cane or long in a chair. But even though I have been on meds several yrs now none of them seem to bring the ra under control. i think the deformities and destruction happen at first gradually and then kick into high gear when our hormones change. Just my opinion.
deleted_user
Wow Reni, sorry your progession sped up! I guess it really is different for everyone. My first symptoms didn't begin until about 5 yrs after the hysterectomy ... most of my damage has been in the last couple of years. I have several enlarged joints (knuckles, wrists and elbows) plus lots of nodules. Thankfully, I've been able to remain very active.
deleted_user
well i think that everyone is so very different and ra affects us all differently thats for sure, but we all know that this can all change quickly for all of us so i ventur to guess that not knowing is prob just as bad or worse in some ways.None of know what is in our future. We can all just hope for the best for each other and ourselves! right?
deleted_user
I think that it really is different for everyone. I've been diagnosed for only a year but have deformity in my hands and feet and nodules on my feet, knees and hands. My rheumatologist thinks I have probably had RA for years but with mild symptoms in the beginning which never got diagnosed as such. The joint damage/deformities happened in the short period between realising that there was something very wrong with me and starting treatment.
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