Conditions > Rheumatoid Arthritis > All About Rheumatoid Arthritis > What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Despite extensive research, the cause of rheumatoid arthritis remains unknown. However, most doctors agree that a combination of genetic and environmental factors is....

Sheiran Pudifin

05 Aug 2011, 11:12

I was diagnosed with RA in June, 2008 and read that bodily trauma such as a hard fall, etc. can trigger the onset of RA.

When I read the article, I remembered that less than 6 mos. earlier I experienced a very hard fall. I was doing quite well on Methotrexate until late 2009.

It was not long thereafter that my syptoms increased substantially following an automobile accident. Fatigue became a major factor over the next few months as did increased pain. By July 2010, I my rheumatologist prescribed a biologic.

I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experiences.

Patti

14 Jul 2011, 20:50

I have had RA for over 7 years and have been on numerous medications from Methotrexate,Remicade, Embrel and now Rutuxin to try to control the symptoms as well as I had been taking Plaquinal since my diagnosis. Beware make sure you get your eyes checked yearly as one of the side effects form this drug is the start of macular degeneration. I was diagnosed with the starting of this and was pulled off the Plaquinal immediately.

Michelle

23 Jun 2011, 15:08

My name is Michelle. My son Brandon will be two on 08/13/2011. When he was about 8 months old, he started walkn along things but his legs were bent at the knees. I didn't think anything of it until he was not walking by himself by the time he was 12 months old. I took him to his pediatrician and she sent ur to a doctor in richmond. He said our son had stiff joints in every joint in his body but he was not sure. He wanted to do surgery but I did not want that unless he was sure about his diagnosis. He then sent us to a doctor in charlottesville almost hours away from us and he specializes in ra and jra. He immediately felt his joints and said he has a very severe case of jra. he started him on steroids and the very next day our son could walk. He still has a lot of pain during the day and at night he wakes up holding his knees and crying in pain. His knees are still bent and swollen and he can not hold things the right way with his hands. The doctor said if we take him off of his meds, he will go right back to where he was. I am so worried that he will have problems in school and mentally and physically...any advice would be great?

Paul Lundwall

16 Jun 2011, 19:53

Not much can be done about genetic causes for RA but what about the environmental factors that the full artical refers to?
What factors can be changed and avoided?

Taylor

11 Apr 2011, 12:06

hi, i'm 17 years old, and i was diagnosed with severe JRA at 2 years of age. My current Rheumatologist says that I'm basically already in the "adult stages" ... It was very rough going through this as an adolescent (not just physically but emotionally as well) how will this begin to effect me coming out of high school?

Kay

14 Mar 2011, 15:56

I developed RA after an injury to my knee. The RA started in the injured knee when I was 33. This was 4 years ago. It then went into my fingers and then travelled all around my body. I was totally crippled.In the mornings was the worst, it was horrendous like I had been run over by a truck in the night. Every joint was seized up. I has kenalog injections every couple of weeks and started sulfasalazine that did work but caused massive hair loss and turned my skin yellow. I came of it cos of the toxicity. A couple of years later I went on a vegan diet with lots of home made vegetable juices such as carrot and lots of salads and green leafy veg. I drank 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. I also drank goji juice which was when I noticed the biggest improvement. I found that I could move again and my morning stiffness went away. I am now 18 months on and I can run again and do everything I coluld before the RA. I Still have a very slight bit of stiffness in left wrist and first knuckle in right hand but that is nothing. I continue with this diet and I consider natures way of healing. I am so relieved. I hope this will help others.

Bridget

07 Mar 2011, 23:57

Hi! my name is Bridget i am a 45 yrs. and I come from Kenya and have had RA since my 20's. I have been on drugs since then and there is a little improvement.My hands and legs are already deformed and still on taking drugs. What is happening? Please help.

Roseli de Abreu Alves Mawarida

16 Feb 2011, 10:41

Eu sou mãe do Fellipe e ele tem artrite reumatóide juvenil há 08 anos já tomou vários medicamentos,inclusive os biologicos e se deu muito bem com um chamado anankira,mas tivemos que parar o medicamento ois moramos n Brasil e não consiguimos mais doações,e desde então sinto ser inutil em não poder ajudar mais meu filho ser criança pois ele começou o tratamento aos dois anos de idade,e sempre foi muito dificil controlar as dores e a progressão da doeça com toda atenção dos médicos e ajuda do Acredite quesão voluntarios que nos ajudam cmprar remédios,passe de onibus,enfim até tratamento psicologico e fisioterapia,mas com dor é quase impossivel ver uma criança sorrir,acho nós temos que nos unir e lutar pela cura ou pelo menos em mais qualidade de vida,sem preconceito e com mais esclarecimentos sobre a doença e como lidar com toda a situação,e acho que merecemos mais estudos aprofundados sobre essa doença.

Missy

31 Jan 2011, 22:03

Hi, I am 30 years old . both hands swell everyday and i feel tired and depressed all the time. I have been to see a rhematologist and they say there is no factor yet?
does anyone have any advice as far as pre-diagnoses to this disease> medicine , vitamins,.....

Missy

25 Dec 2010, 21:55

Hello, I'm 22 years old. I think I have been suffering from RA for the last two years. It started when I went to school for my job in the Navy. I started experiencing sharp pains in my feet, my hands and I started experiencing pains in my hips as well. After awhile the pain and swelling started to go away. I went to my first duty station(I am still currently station there) and during both deployments I have been on during the last few weeks of deployment I started experiencing pain and swelling in my hips again. The pain and swelling went away after a few weeks, but recently the pain started to come back and I started to feel pain in my back as well. I have an appointment for next tuesday to see a navy doctor. I just hope I can figure out if it really is RA or some other form of arthritis. I hate not knowing that is wrong with me.

Marjorie Stevens

10 Nov 2010, 21:55

Lynda, if you have RA, you can get disability. I do. But there's a catch. If I work, I can pay my bills but can't afford my meds. If I collect disability and have Medicare (I'm 44), I can afford my meds but can't pay my bills. Catch-22. Better to go to your local job service, have them give you the phone number and address to Vocational Rehabilitation. They'll put you through college or trade school, help you with books and fuel, maybe even put you into other jobs for you to try out, until you happen into one you like and one that is RA friendly. I've had RA for 15 years. I can't drive truck over the road anymore, so I'm in school retraining for a very specific office job in the medical field so that I can get rid of the disability that won't let me starve but won't let me thrive, either. Never give up! Best wishes. :)

Kathy

27 Oct 2010, 20:44

I sympathize with all who have shared their stories. I had my first experience with RA when I was in my mid 20s when I went off the birth control pill. Very shortly after stopping the pill, I woke up one morning with the classic joint pain and inflammation. As you all know, the pain is excruciating. I went on all the drugs that were popular at the time which included corticosteriods. Nothing really worked and the side-effects were almost worse than the RA. However, after about 6 months things improved. By one year, my symptoms were completely gone. I had not been on any drug at the time the symptoms began improving by the way. The next time RA turned up was after I became a vegetarian in my mid 30s. I would get joint pain and inflammation in my hands and feet after eating certain foods. I was tested for food allergies and discovered allergies to wheat, rice and a number of other foods that I ate more of because of avoiding meat. Not eating those foods completely eliminated RA symptoms. I continued managing symptoms with diet until just before I turned 50. Then again, I work up one morning with joint pain and inflammation that would not go away. I was entering perimenopause (got tested through a naturopath who determined all my hormones were too low), my adrenals were exhausted, my thyroid was underactive and I had leaky gut syndrome. I was retested for food allergies and found new foods that I was sensitive to. I also had a severe case of candida overgrowth. Over the next year and a half, I have been slowly healy. Homeopathics helped my hormone and adrenal problems; supplements such as L Glutamine, apple cider vinegar and probiotics helped my digestive problems; and most recently, acupuncture has eliminated my food allergies, candida overgrowth and my RA symtoms. Specifically, the NAET acupuncture technique is what I am having done. The process is 95% effective and is permanent. It has changed my life. I can't say that my experience would be the same as any of yours, but you may see some similarities with your own story. You may want to research some of the treatments I have talked about. You have nothing to lose except pain and suffering. Good luck!

Cierra

25 Oct 2010, 13:08

I was diagnosed with RA 18 years ago at age 36. Then 10 years ago I was in an auto accident that left me with crushed vertebrae, herniated discs, and my spinal cord pinched in 3 places. Eventually I was put on a 50mg pen injectable med (can't name it here--it's against posting policy) for RA and have been symptom free since. I take vitamin D prescribed by my rheumatologist and that helps relieve the fatigue. The pen injectable is extremely expensive without insurance and sometimes even with insurance so the manufacturer offers payment assistance. It has been a miracle drug for me. Ask your doctor about pen injectable RA meds.

jyoti r lala

22 Oct 2010, 08:21

hi,this is for my mom and i m deepak as my mom is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis,is there any specail diet to be followed or any specail exercise and her body parts gets swolen and she is not able to walk and do toilet also properly and she gets restless as she needs sleeps for atleast 14 hrs per day is there any good medicine and excercise as you can give to us....................... and a good diet to be followed

Thanking you Yours faithfully

Deepak Lala

Heather

21 Oct 2010, 16:31

Heather
I am 36 years old and was Diagnosed back in November with RA. Within two months I was in for a CT scan and then quickly seen by a Pulminary specialist. I was also diagnosed with Interstitial lung disease in Feb of this year. I was but on large doses of steroids and Imuran (organ anti rejection med) to preventent this disease from getting worse. I am now in remission from this disease and am on the down slope of the steroid. I went back to the RA dr this past week thinking all was good and left there on 600mg of Plaquenil daily! Also have IGA Nephro. I have four children and am terrified of the years to come.

jennifer

20 Oct 2010, 14:03

hi i'm 34 i first started to get pain in my hands about 10 years ago i never paid much attention at the time i would just wake in the night with soar stiff hands then as the years went by and my first child was born it all went away untill he was 2 then it was back with a vengage it was in my hands back neck and hips i had pyso 3 times a week hydro therpy twice a week i had tryed ever medication under the sun nothing seemed to work then i got pregant again, again it went away untill my daughter was 2 by this stage i had lost my job was visiting the hospital 4 times aweek nothing seemed to help i could'nt push the parm i could'nt do simple things like iron fill a kettle things we take for granted my worst day ever was when i could'nt run in the mummys race at the school sports day and the look my little boy gave me because he could'nt understand mummy has soar leggs i cried for the whole day i was then put on tempery disability i have now learned that it is here to stay but i refuse to let it ruin my life

TerryPB

01 Oct 2010, 15:19

Hi,
I was actually diagnosed in 1998 after questioning the Opthamoligist about the red spots in my left eye. I started stretching, walking, diet and vitamins. Last year I painted my house (inside) in 3 months. After that, the right thumb clicking began. My Orthopaedic Surgeon suggested I contact an RA Specialist, after one cortesone shot and months of bracing. My RA factor was 600! My Primary doctor retested because she thought there was an error. I've just started Prednizone,Vitamin D/Calcium and soon beginning the "Medication tour".
I'm 55, Female.
My RA M.D. suggested this site.

Thanks to everyone here, I'm grateful to express this.

lynda

22 Sep 2010, 09:24

Dear George,
First I want to say thank you for your service to our country.
My daughter's father-in-law was also in Vietnam and has RA. I haven't asked recently but I know that the docs had blamed the chemicals used to defoliate for the onset of his RA.
I was diagnosed 10 years ago and have the bad habit of going off my meds during the "good times"; therefore suffering during flares until the meds kick in. I am frightened because I have had elevated liver enzymes in monthly bloodtests during the periods of being medicated. I was taking 5 Methotrexate weekly, now 4 every other week along with Celebrex, Methylpredisone and Folic acid.
A friend who was diagnosed in childhood has no crippling and takes most of the above meds and w/ her calcium supplements takes Flax Seed Oil.
Anyone ever try to get disability?
Lynda in CT

cathy

12 Sep 2010, 22:07

I am wondering if RA individuals have the same systoms as I do. During the day, I do relatively well except for my hands; however, at night as soon as a go into a deep sleep I wake up as if every joint in my body has locked up. I get up and move around and then begin to feel better, then go back to bed and wake up after a few hours and the same thing happens.

Lolita Hanks, FNP

19 Aug 2010, 14:32

I have had RA for 2 1/2 years. I use the antibiotic protocol and an 80% raw food diet devoid of gluten, dairy, red meat, sugar andn rare alcohol. I have written an article that will be coming out next month on how food affects RA. I went from being bed bound, to riding a bike, working again, caring for my family and being functional. All my markers are decreasing. The AP protocol can be found at http://www.roadback.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/community.sub/subgroup_id/3.ht ml.

Dr Brown treated 10,000 patients with RA with low dose antibiotics and IV antibiotic Clindamycin with very There are side effects but not as detrimental as the other meds we are encouraged to take.

I have treated some other people with RA and the food changes, IV antibiotic have helped them regain their life.

Allie

18 Aug 2010, 21:47

hello, I was diagnosed five years ago at the age of 40. The doctor said it was triggered by my having fifths disease (a common childhood illness). Swelling in the hands first, then the knees, and now limited shoulder mobility, oh and the fatigue. Currently on no meds. I have a bad habit of going off them when I'm in remission. Last few days I feel it flaring up again (probably because I've started teaching for the year). It is depressing to think I have to get back on all those nasty meds BUT I suppose the wheelchair alternative isn't so good either. Nice to know I'm not alone.

Les

13 Aug 2010, 19:20

I am 34 years old and was just recently diagnosed with RA. My symptoms started as swelling and joint pain with occasional tingling in my thumb and little fingers. When I had plenty of rest, I was fine. After one week of prednisone, I feel 100% better and less stressed when my doc tells me she wants to start methotrexate. SHe didn't really discuss any other treatment options and I have had no symptoms since starting the prednisone so I did not expect the treatment plan she proposed. Everyone here seems to have something in addition to their RA and I'm very concerned that maybe I need to seek a second opinion instead of feeling doomed and especially depressed about the side effects of methotrxate.

Any advice?

Thanks.

Wendy

12 Aug 2010, 21:17

Has anyone had hive after the joint pain is gone. Like when the ankle is painful and then having hive on the bottom of the feet?

Lucia Maria

27 Jul 2010, 21:59

I've Had Rheumatoid For 5 Years Now But Found Out 4 Years Ago...I Didn't Start Feeling The Pain From It Until 2 Years Ago....I Don't Have Any Complaints Because All It Is, Is Rheumatoid Arthritis And I Am Very Grateful And Thankful For Everything That I Have In My Life....There Are Also People Who Have Had This For Many Years And I Have Not And I Feel Bad For The People Who Have Had To Go Through This A Whole Lot Longer Because I Know That It Is Not A Fun Thing....Since I Do Unfortunately Have Rheumatoid, I Am Looking For A Rheumatoid Medication That Will Work Of Course, If There Are Any Suggestions Please Let Me Know.....Thanks I Would Appreciate It.....

Georgia

27 Jul 2010, 20:41

I am 46 and recently told I have RA / Lupas over lap I am very concerned about aggressive treatments the RA doctor wants to begin( Methotrexate 2.5mg 4 pills once a week increasing in 2 weeks if my body tolerates) The side affect list is crazy. I went from being fine to swollen and in pain in a 2 week period. I had no previous symptoms, I was diagnosed 4 weeks later. My family doctor thought it was an allergic reaction causing the swelling at first. Are beginning treatments always this aggressive?

Ritchie

25 Jun 2010, 06:01

I'm a 51 year old male who has had RA for about two years. My mother and her sisters all had arthritis (mother has RA too). I believe extreme prolonged stress triggered my RA. Had a constant numb pain and swelling in hands and feet that lasted 3 months before I decided to see a rheumatolgist. Took embrell and plaquenil combo and it went into remission for a few months. Get flare-ups when stressed.
Supplements I take that seem to help are: Flax seed oil, flax seed meal, Fish oil tabs with omega 3 and started taking msm. I also try to minimize my intake of certain foods such as red meat, drinks with caffeine (such as colas and coffee) and salty foods like potato chips. Joints in my hands swell and get painful when I eat these types of foods. This is embarrassing but an occasional olive oil enema helps too.
I do walk a lot every day and occasional go to the gym. Exercise is important but don't overdo it.

Natty

23 Jun 2010, 22:44

Hi, I'm Natty, and have had RA & Firbromyalgia for the past 16 years. I'm 66 years old. I do not take any prescribed medications but have done the following for 15 years. I Take Vitamin B-12 (losenges) under your tongue every single day, I also drink 2 cups of Cherry Juice for 4 days and off for 4 days. I also soak 1 lb. of golden raisins in approximately 1 pint of gin/make sure you soak in pyrex not crystal. soak in pyrex bowl for five to seven days, depending on the humidity in your area. Cover with a paper towel, occasionally take a spoon and stir the mixture, brining the bottom layer of raisins to the top of the bowl. You will see that the gin will be absorbed, transfer the raisins to a jar, put the lid on and keep closed (do not refrigerate). Eat nine raisins every morning. These three things have helped me throughout the years. I hope it will help you all too. The Cherry juice and raisins help with the inflamation. I also walk at least 3 miles a day, and do some yoga.

Margaret

21 Jun 2010, 16:18

Hi everyone. I am 53 and live in Scotland. I have had RA for the last 20 years. Symptoms started following my son's heart transplant. I read with interest the comments posted and notice one thing, that the docs in the USA seem to offer joint replacement much miore that the UK. I am still being told I am too young! I guess they will wait until I am too old to care or to need a replacement. to all of you who get depresed with the constant pain, try hard to keep smiling. I know how hard it can be but you need to keep going. Life is full of such gr8 things and although it is depressing and frustrating when you can no longer do things u need to keep trying. I currently drive a minibus, got my licence for it 3 years ago, and I drive a taxi plus did a college course. and yes somedays I feel too sore to drive but the work needs to be done and it takes my mind away from it and believe it or not the movement helps. I just make sure I have an early night when I know I'm driving the next day. don't give up folks.

barbara

07 Jun 2010, 08:09

yeah hi every1 well i was 30 when i found out i have ra im now 46 nearly and it has got worse over the yrs ive had a total knee rplacement done which still hurts to this day like all of u im on methotrexate and 100s of other tablets tried loads of diferent painkillers but no good and make me sick i also have ostioarthritis and chronic pain syndromme get very depressed which i hate but thats life i also have a bad back had to ops done on it due to slip discs now there telling me the ra is in there to there putting me onto a ot now to get things in my home

Dana M.

03 Jun 2010, 19:20

Hi! my name is Dana M. i am a 48 yr. and have had RA since my 30's but didnt know at that time that i had it. I didnt know untill i had to have surgery done on my left wrist, because xrays and MRI's were showing that it was a cyst, when they did the surgery, that's when it was found out that it was RA, this was done in 07. now it is spreading every where in me, i was just able to get in to see an RA doctor, this past week, i have been taking celebrex which has done nothing for me,i also take med's for depression, and also for hot flashes/night sweats. menopaluse gotta love it, NOT!! anyways, i sometimes have to walk with a cane because i tend to loose my balance, and it bothers my back and hips to be on my feet for long, i dont sleep good at all, i am up and down all night long because of pain, i am the only one in my family who has this. so i wonder alot "why me"? just dont understand this at all. sometimes i feel like crawling in a hole and never coming out.

Éva

02 Jun 2010, 07:09

Hi Dana,

Congratulation to your son Daniel! :-)

I'm sorry to hear that you're in relapsus again - it didn't really come in a good time, did it? Although you know basically everything of RA by now life must be very difficult for you with all the tasks around a baby! I wish you better!
Do you take some medicine now?

Éva

02 Jun 2010, 07:03

Hi Fellow Sufferers,

I'm a 33 yrs old female and will be soon diagnosed with RA. I'm getting the labor test results next week. X-rays are done already and I have no doubts it's RA. I'm feeling pretty bad about it as I'm also diagnosed with Chron-disease - it never rains but it pours doesn't it..?
And let me tell you something to make you laugh: I've been getting biological theraphy (albumin injection ) for many months now - it's supposed to block the cells in my body responsible for inflammation. It is also given to patients having RA. Should I now laugh or cry...?

I've read many pages on RA - they all say small(10) % can be cured for good, the most have to get used to it. I'd like to know more of the treatment the lucky ones got... I also read that physiotheraphy is essential so I've started to search for videos and such so that I can start asap.

I'd be very grateful to have any advices, ideas from youo guys that could help me feel better as I cannot take much painkillers as my stomach is rather sensitive for pills.

Thank you all and I wish you a better/healthier life.

dana

05 May 2010, 21:21

hi my name is dana and i was diagnosed with ra at 9 years old.Now 28 i have been on many medications and nothing works but was does work is staying warm.I moved to florida in 1997 from nyc and i went on remission, but recently after having my miracle son daniel i am feeling sick all over agin.It suck's not bein able to live a normal and healthy life.

Victor

04 May 2010, 00:19

This has worked wonders for my RA. ...

6000mg of MSM
6000mg of Glucosamine Sulfate
6ea Glucosamine Chondroitin

I took these Mega Doses with the thought of either killing myself, or getting better. After about Three weeks, I noticed my symptoms were much better and the pain during an outbreak was much less than befor. After about Three Months, I was no longer suffering at all. I continued this schedule of meds for the next year and tapered off to nothing. After Three years now, I only have an occasional outbreak, a couple of Aleve and I'm back to normal.

My studying of this condition leads me to these thoughts..

During early childhood and up until the early teen years,the Joints and all their make up is put into place. From this point on, the body no longer continues to provide maintenance to these parts. Due to damage, or a life of hard use the Joint material degenerates. during the degeneration process, the chemical make up of the joint is no longer recognized by the body as being apart of YOU. The body goes on full alert and attacks this foreign protein under the assumption it is not suppose to be there. The source of this protein is your Joints.

I think the supplements I listed above contain substances that in some way counter this attack, or contribute to the repair of defective joints. For those with permenant damage, I don't know if the results would be the same, but for those just entering this world of Hell, give it a try. I'm 48 and feeling great!

These findings and continued research were brought to you by French Research Scientist, not some wacko with a crack pipe.

The dosage above was total for each day. (divide x 3)

george

02 May 2010, 20:06

I believe my tour in Vietnam, (1968) actually caused my RA due to an undiagnosed case of malaria. I have found some research agreeing with that theory. Any comments? My symptoms have progressed to nodules in my fingers with twisting, sore hip, arm and leg joints, poor sleephabits and exhaustion from pain.

Tanya Hickman

24 Apr 2010, 14:23

I am 36 and developed RA when I was 28 and pregnant with twins. It started in my shoulder and quickly spread throughout my whole body. Enbrel was very helpful at first and years later quit working. I have taken every kind of medication you can imagine and am currently taking Orencia (IV) through a lifeport in my chest and pain medication. Acupuncture, vitamin C and B12 injections have really been a lifesaver. I tried acupuncture because I was tired of taking all the medications and still feeling awful. Even though I still have pain and swelling I would recommend trying acupuncture and walking to keep your joints from getting so stiff (even though I KNOW some days u don't want to even get out of bed

driver dee

14 Apr 2010, 01:59

i am 49 yrs old with RA i was diagnosed in2005 since then i have been on and off work every morning i hurt and i am very tired i can hardly get out of bed much less work i drive buses which makes my days hard. i take methotrexate/methyprednisolone ive tried embrel afraid of side effects so i stopped i deal with swelling on a daily basis, i know my job is breaking me down faster.dont know if im eligible for total disability...help any suggestions

Judy Henthorn

15 Mar 2010, 12:55

I have been dealing with RA for 2 years now and I am 71 years old. I do think I have had symptoms since a child but they never got serious enough to worry about. When it progressed to where the pain was intolerable it was in my upper arms, hands, and feet. I was put on prednisone and methotrexate (I am up to 8 pills a week). It took about six weeks for it to start working. Off prednisone but the weight I gained is now a problem. Working very hard to get it off. I try very hard to stay active because I watched too many friends do nothing.

julie

04 Mar 2010, 19:00

Hello, I have had RA for 5 years. I am now 35 and it has unfortunatley progressed. It takes nearly 1 hour to get out of bed and I am sore from my neck all the way to my toes. I am on medications to help alleviate the progression and pain medications but no help. I have applied for disability but have been denied but still appealing it. I cannot lift my arms and even have trouble walking because of the stiffness in my hips. My question is has anyone not been able to get ssi for having RA?

Lynn

02 Feb 2010, 12:20

I suffer from RA and severe asthma. I take a ten pill cocktail both in the morning and at night. Been on Embrel, Humira, Remicaid, methotrexate, Sulfasalsaline, and Lord knows what else. Right no Avara and Vicodin for the pain.

I've been hospitalized more than 15 times as a result of asthma attacks and was given high doses of prednisone. WARNING! WARNING! You've heard of roid rage, but they always refer to it as the kind of steroids the body builders, etc. take. Not always true. I literally went out of my mind to the point where I spent the night in a psychiatric hospital. I was angry, depressed, hyper, even wrote a really nasty 11 page letter to my boss. I treated my husband, family members, and friends even worse. In an effort to help me deal with everything, my husband set me up with a counselor. Thankfully, it took him two visits to figure out I had a mental reaction to the steroids. He referred me to a great psychiatrist who told me just how bad steroids are for some people. I have actual brain damage as a result of the high doses of prednisone taken for a long period of time.

I lost my high paying career (paralegal) only to sit home with my dogs. I filed for disability in a November and was awarded full disability the next January. Then my husband died at 49 because of a massive heart attack. I've exhausted all of our savings and life insurance proceeds on medications, hospital stays, doctor visits, house payments, etc., etc., and was lucky to sell the house just before I was going to have to give it back to the bank. I've gone from an income exceeding $125k to 15k a year.

I'm only 52. I don't feel so alone now that I've found this website. My kids (adults) and friends don't understand the enormity of this condition. It's a shame they can't spend a day inside our bodies.

I'm also waiting for Medicare to approve the new infusion drug.

One last thing, I've also got very painful bursitis in my right hip. It always feels like a white hot poker is stabbing me.

And my friends think I'm lucky because I don't have to work anymore.

Ann Siefker

15 Jan 2010, 21:50

AR seems to run in my family. My Grandmother had it. My daughter and niece have the indicators, with their psoriasis and joint aches. I believe it's all related, as it's all autoimmune. I've read everything out there on studies and suspected causes, but nothing is conclusive. I have severe rheumatoid arthritis, and like many SRA sufferers, I also have other forms including osteoarthritis, psoriais, bursitis, and osteopenia.
One thing the girls and I have in common is pleurosy. We've all had it. I also survived 3 bites of the Brown Recluse Spider, which some believe carries the causal virus.
There is no history of diabetes or high blood pressure in the family. We are all very physically strong women, at least I used to be until 8 years ago, and was walking several miles each day. Now I can't walk on concrete or asphalt for more than a block.
I've been doing well enough on methotrexate and plaquinil, but the progression continues slowly.
Being a member of the Arthritis Foundation has been helpful, especially with the Arthritis Today magazine which keeps us up to date on studies.
My major regret is that I had to stop being a regular blood donor. Until a cause is identified, we are not allowed to give blood.

sharon

05 Jan 2010, 11:06

I am not sure what caused the RA but I am 57yrs and they found it almost 5yrs ago.It started in my shoulder and I thought I had pulled my shoulder lifting 25lb turkey out of display at the grocery and heaving it into cart.I wore a sling for several days and then noticed swelling in wrists and fingers.My primary care doctor did some tests and said I had highest RA numbers he had ever seen and it took him 5months to get me into a rheumatologist. Up until that point I had not been sick with anything or in the hospital since my last child was born 20yrs earlier. I was a retail manager that worked about 60hrs aweek and never got enough rest or regular meals which had caused me to progess from pills for my diabetes to injections.I had always thought of myself as extremely healthy even though I was overweight.I could be on my feet all day and walk my daughter and daughters-in-law into the ground.Go shopping with them and take them home and go back out for hours shopping.I felt like an ox and thought I could do anything.Now I can barely walk from building to the car and have to have prednisone to get through the day.I hurt all the time and feel like I am 80yrs. I have heard doctors say there is definite connection between RA and diabetes and being over weight.My family history is all high blood pressure as my mom died of it at 44 amd dad of same thing at 50.My mom was heavy and my dad thin so I guess the fact that I took after mom's side and all her siblings were obese didn't help my chances.out of all the relatives I see arthritis in only one in her late 60's.My youngest son is already showing markers for RA at 24 but my oldest at 31 shows no markers.My daughter is a juvenile diabetic since 9yrs old and refuses to be tested.I wish someone would find the cause and prevent anyone else from suffering.

Michelle

22 Dec 2009, 20:02

Chris,
I forgot to tell you that yes, I also have days of feeling extremely achy, especially when it's about to rain. Luckily, those pains are fewer and further between with my current medications.

Michelle

22 Dec 2009, 20:00

Chris,
I take a combination of 8 methotrexate pills and an Enbrel shot once a week. Before my doc put me on Enbrel shots, I was taking methotrexate (6-10 pills/wk) and plaquenil. Those are maintenance drugs that definitely take time to kick in. I love the Enbrel shots, as much as I hate to get stuck. They work within a couple of days! You might ask your doctor about them. You definitely need insurance for them though, they are extremely expensive without it. Good luck!

Chris

16 Dec 2009, 14:03

I have been diagnosed recently with RA. My primary problem is swollen hands and sometimes stiffness in my fingers, but my main problem is all over muscle aches and pains, as if I did a heavy workout. This last all day long. I am now on 6 tabs of Methotextrate a week, just about 2 months now. I don't feel any relief yet, dr. says is can take about 3 months before I see any relief, and may need to have my dose increased anymore. Anyone else experiencing the all over muscle aches and pains? Anyone else taking Methotextrate, and how long before you felt any relief from it. I am 48 years old and feel like I'm 90!! Please help.

Angela

25 Nov 2009, 21:11

I was diagnosed with expansion of the synovial fluids from my RA doctor at the age of 19. As time went on a I found a better rheumatologist and was officially diagnosed with RA.

I did the methotrexate celebrex combo and was nauseous all the time. I moved on to Humira and Celebrex and feel great. I've gained a considerable amount of weight on the Humira but feel great. I've been exercising and having a blast. Living life in pain is awful. It changes your mental state. Find the right combination that works for you.

Stay focused and positive and don't let others negative comments bring you down. Understand that most of your family and friends will never understand and probably don't even want to understand. Take care of yourself - you are accountable for the results in your life. Change can only happen if you pursue it.

Joanne

25 Nov 2009, 04:57

I just wanted to pass a little bit of hope to all of the fellow RA patients out there. January of last year I had only been told about 1 1/2 years before that I had RA and my RA score was 2760. As you know the docs want it to be 43 or less. Jan of last year I had dropped from 185 pounds to 130 within a months time and was completely in a wheelchair. I did not have a good doc at that time and my body was literaly shutting down. When I did find my doc that I have now, he told me I had 6 months to live and would never walk again if we didn't do something soon. He put me on methatrexate and prednisone (massive doses at first) then eventually I was put on Remicaide. Let's just say that I still hurt alot at times, but I can walk without a cane or walker as of right now. I might not be very fast, but I can put one foot in front of the other under my own power. THERE IS HOPE!!!!! Keep praying and take the meds until you find the ones that work for you. Good communication with your doctor is the key.

Nichole D.

16 Nov 2009, 14:08

I am 14 years old and i have had RA for about 3 months. The pain is so bad some days i feel like i can't get out of bed in the morning. The pain started out as swelling in my fingers and worked its way through the rest of my body. My mom is trying to get me to go on a diet that might work or might not. I can't eat any cooked or processed foods. The best way to do this is to juice your fruits and veggies. Try it and tell me how it works.

Nocole Avila

08 Nov 2009, 23:10

Hello I'm Nocole I am going on 3 years now dealing with the life changing symptoms of my RA. The symptoms started after returning from a trip to Honduras Central America, It started in my hands and slowly traveled through my body. I was worried I thought I had contracted something from my trip. When I visited my doctor I was told I tested positive for the RA factor and that I have RA. My life has not been the same since I find that even with medications there are alot of limitations.

Stephie

04 Nov 2009, 02:27

Hi, my name's stephanie

I was diagnosed with RA just 2 months ago, symptoms started 2-3 months after giving birth (ivf treatment) and also in a horribly stressful situation. My rhumato says it's probably the combination of treatment, the birth and the stress that set it off. For the moment it's mild but it's getting worse. Getting quite worried as it gets worse as I'm now alone with my 13 month daughter. Will see what happens, well there's no choice in the matter is there lol

Leasha

27 Oct 2009, 10:41

Hi my name is Leasha and i was diagnosed with RA when i was 4 yrs old. Basically i had been jumping on the trampoline in the back yard and i came off straight down onto my right knee. About a week or so after that the swelling hadn't gone down and i was feeling a lot of pain so my mother took me to see a doctor who then sent me to a million doctors and i ended up finally being told i had RA. I am now 25 yrs old and i have had three total hip replacements and im waiting to have a full shoulder reconstruction some time next year. I do believe that i may of already had RA in my body as a child, but i do think that the trauma of the fall triggered it off. I still get around without a walker or wheel chair and i try my best to enjoy everything life has to offer :)

Tiffany

22 Oct 2009, 10:22

I am going on my 3rd year living with RA. 3 months after the birth of my second child, I started to develop symptoms. Research shows that RA goes into remission during pregnancy and flares the worst after the delivery. I believe this in combination with a family history and stress caused my RA. I am doing well as long I minimize stress and take my meds. Has anyone else been diagnosed shortly after having a baby?

Penny

20 Oct 2009, 06:08

Hi to all of my fellow sufferers, I am not quite 50 and develpoed this RA pain a year ago. My RA factor was 434 ( supposed to be from 0 - 14.) I have done some research because I don't beleive in the throw drugs at it approach from our american doctors'point of view. I am trying to heal what I believe could be 'leaky gut syndrome'. It is making more sense to me as I am not a sickly person, I very rarely even catch a cold and there is no history of RA in my family. It is quite an ordeal trying to live with the pain but I hope that I can stay off the "meds" long enough to heal my gut. Look up leaky gut syndrom and see if it could make sense in your case. I'll let you know how I come out!

tisha

01 Oct 2009, 08:15

Hi, about two years ago , i woke up one morning with my left hand and arm swollen, it eventually went away. it came back five months ago and now it is in both arms, hands, shoulders and one jaw. then swelling and pain is unreal at times. like knife in my bone( only thing i can think of) my internal specialist said he could not do anything for me. i take advil it only takes the edge off. steroid shots do not work, pain pills do for a short time. if anyone has any feedback please email me. thanks tisha

Geri

29 Sep 2009, 19:12

Hi to everyone!!! This is my 1st time writing on this site. I was diagnosed 3 months ago with RA.....I also have had an ongoing problem with Herpetic neuralgia in my sciatic nerve for many years. I have a difficult time describing my pain to the Doctor. Anybody have any tips. Currently on disability and am bored stiff! lol

chiachiao

29 Sep 2009, 18:37

Hello All!
I believe I may be of some help to a few of you. I recently found out I had Celiac Disease. It is the inability to digest gluten in Rye, Barley, Wheat, and sometimes Oats. You must read the book, "Celiac Disease~The Hidden Epidemic" by Dr Peter Green for further info on this disease. The point I want to make is that this disease affects many functions in the body causing autoimmune disorders such as RA! Once you remove gluten from your diet you feel much better! I believe other foods cause inflammation, too, such as coffee :(
I am now on an elimination diet, as well as my gluten free diet, to see what foods are causing my hand joints to be so stiff in the morning. My smaller joint knuckles actually pop out!!!
Well, I hope you consider checking yourselves out for celiac disease...it may the the cause of your pain.
~Marie (Celiac patient with thyroid, adrenal, osteopenia, and RA problems) But they may all go away the longer I am on the gluten free diet~~~~2 months now! :)~~~~~~

SharonHarmon

15 Sep 2009, 14:20

I have been suffering with RA for just about 4yrs now and steadily getting worse.In the beginning I was on a cocktail of 4 drugs including the latest one Arava. When they added it I felt wonderful for about 2montns and then ended up in the hospital with a lung infection.I was in intensive care for ten days and then had a lung biopsy done.They gave 80mgs of prednisone aday until my lungs cleared up.My first clear xray was months after I came and now I have scar tissue in both lungs.I can't take any of those drugs now because of danger of lung infection again.They tried me on Humira,Embrel and several other injections but known have helped me.Right now I am waiting for my insurance to authorize a infusion drug by the name of Rituxon so I am pretty much off every thingexcept 10mgs of prednisone and pain medicine.They say this new infusion drug can actually put some people in remission so I am hoping.I am 57yrs old but get around like a 70yr old person. I will let you know how it works out.

Marie

11 Sep 2009, 10:15

maxine jones

20 Aug 2009, 16:39

Could you please help me someone?I have been to drs.over and over who tell me I have Fibromyalgia,Degenerative Disc Disease and Osteoartritis and suspect I have Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis although Sed Rate doesn't confirm it.I have pain in fingers,elbows,toes,neck,back,knees,sometimes my jaws.It aches constantly always worse at night.But sometimes I have pain flashes like out of nowhere infingers etc.that hurt so bad if it lasted a long time I feel like I would die.They take my breath away.Is this the pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis?Is that how it feels?Someone who has it(RA) please answer or a doc or someone who knows!HELP!

dani it

05 Aug 2009, 14:43

Hi
I think stress is related just as much as trauma. I moved to the USA in 2005.
Where I came from, the weather is likely more dry and sometimes I wonder if the very hi humidity of Florida could have triggered this deasease. There is not a family history that I could reference.
It would be interesting to know if a study of some sort has been made about this.
Dani

Leslie

29 Jul 2009, 21:18

I do think that trauma has something to do with my RA. I was in a near fatal car accident last year and about 2 weeks ago developed pain in my wrists. It slowly progressed into my finger joints and toes on both sides of my body. Very strange. I am only 28 and nobody in my family on both sides have RA. Nervous about the medication.

Iris

19 Apr 2009, 13:20

I began having symptons of pain in my finger and right hand joints about two months ago.I've been treating it with aleve, and motrin with mild improvements. But my right hand and finger joints make it difficult for me to open jars, and do household chores. I use my hands for working on the computer. So I need them for working. My Mom was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis about 4 years ago, and they put her on prednisone. She has been doing much better with her hands. She was diagnosed and treated by a rheumatologist. So since I have the smae symptons that she had, I will go to an internist and have him to refer me to a rheumatologist so I can stop this pain.

Linda

21 Mar 2009, 17:38

Hi, Theresa. I can't help with your question, but I can share my story. I was 5 when my appendix burst and peritonitis resulted from it. My mom remembers that after that she noticed my joints stiffening and I couldn't do things I could before. I only found out I had RA after going to get a doctor's note for gym as the teachers thought I was goofing off and didn't want to take gym. Actually, I couldn't bend my wrists back and one elbow has stiffened up. I think trauma can help to cause RA. I also know a doc who said that I probably had massive antibiotics could have suppressed my immune system. Who knows. I am now 60 and still living with pain and stiffness. A hip replacement is on the way! Take care.

theresa planz _minneci

04 Mar 2009, 14:39

Hi! my name Theresa
in 2000 I was 7 month pregenet with my Daughter Jennee,a work I fell into a potwhole Injuried my ankle an fracture it it also effected my knee cause pain an my lower back. the docotr didnt see the fracture in my ankle until a year later. had ankle surgery in 2001. it never been the same scence . I was seeing 4 ankle specialest for 4 years told me I had arthrtirtis of my ankle nothing would releave the pain.2004/2005 started get fever , joint pain , swelling , pain in all my joints. could
this physical and emotional trauma trigger a rheumatoid arthritis factor I have no family history any where ?... I am 38 the I ve been living with (R.A.) 5 years now .
please help me with an answer!

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What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

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