The Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Center

Every person is unique, but when you face a challenge like rheumatoid arthritis, you are never alone.  Countless men, women and even children have faced the exact same diagnosis and have survived and thrived.  The following guide is designed to help you navigate your journey with the best information and resources that helped other survivors when they faced the same challenge. 

TSC has scoured the Internet and assembled links to the very best rheumatoid arthritis resources: articles, blogs, forums and tools that can help you make better decisions and take action to overcome the range of physical, emotional and other challenges that you face.

As you’ll see, we always welcome your ideas and suggestions to make this Rheumatoid Arthritis Guide even more helpful to survivors like you.   

 

JUST FOUND OUT 

Survivors Say: Best Resources for Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Arthritis Foundation Content on this detailed site ranges from an overview of treatment and updates on RA research to an online community featuring discussion forums and blogs.
• MedlinePlus: Patient Education Tutorials The National Institute of Medicine hosts an interactive, user-friendly tutorial that can help you understand everything from the anatomy of joints and how they are affected by RA to medical treatment to self care. 
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases This division of the National Institutes of Health supports scientific research into the causes and treatment of disorders like RA. Visit this page to download a 48-page informational booklet and follow the latest news about rheumatoid arthritis.

The Big Picture

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease marked by chronic inflammation of the joints, typically those in the writs and finger joints closest to the hand. Symptoms include pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints, and when they flare up, it can be difficult to perform everyday tasks such as walking or opening a jar. RA is different from other forms of arthritis in that it usually strikes in a symmetrical pattern, meaning if your right knee, for instance, is affected, your left knee usually will be, too. RA affects some 2.1 million Americans alone, and women are nearly three times more likely to be affected as men.

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system, which attacks the body tissues in an attempt to ward off illness, and, if left untreated, can eventually damage cartilage, bone and body tissue, leading to joint deformity. While there is currently no cure, there have been some remarkable innovations in RA medication, as well as in the areas of joint protection and physical therapy. With early intervention, survivors can lead productive lives with treatment that helps them to work around RA flareups.

Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis is a multi-step process that may involve blood tests, lab tests, exams, X-rays and bone scans. These MedicineNet.com pages help to explain signs, symptoms and diagnosis of RA:

• How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?
• What are the Symptoms and Signs?

Your Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis varies depending on the severity of the case, which can be determined by your doctor. RA calls for ongoing care, which usually consists of medication, physical therapy and in some cases, surgery. About.com gives a summary of the most common interventions:

About.com: Health Topics - Rheumatoid Arthritis - Treatment
 
A number of maladies have symptoms similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis. Because the medication used to treat RA can be toxic, you should consult another doctor if you are concerned that you've been misdiagnosed. However, don't avoid medical intervention because RA can be crippling if left untreated. WrongDiagnosis.com lists possible and common misdiagnoses of the disease:

Misdiagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you've been diagnosed with RA, it's important to ask the right questions in order to immediately start doing everything you can to combat this disease. WebMD lists good questions to ask your doctor:

Rheumatoid Arthritis -  Frequently Asked Questions

This advice, from Yale-New Haven Hospital, doesn't relate directly to arthritis, but it's good advice for getting a second medical opinion for any serious health condition:

 

Getting a Good Second Opinion

Your World

Rheumatoid arthritis can be a debilitating disease and one that may make you feel frustrated, angry and more, especially as the condition worsens over time and it becomes more difficult, even impossible, to do the things you once were able to do with ease. Your self-esteem can be affected, and you may be more at risk of depression and anxiety. HealthCentral.com features some tips you can use to recognize and manage stress and depression:

Stress and Depression in Rheumatoid Arthritis

It's wise to let those close to you know more about RA; this will help them understand the progression of the disease, and what you are likely to be able to do and not do -- in short, how arthritis will affect all of your lives. About.com offers tips to help your family and friends understand:

Family and Friends: Do They Understand Your Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis Myths

• Rheumatoid arthritis is no different from “regular arthritis.”
• If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you’ll end up needing a wheelchair or assisted living.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is an old person’s disease.

 Click on each of these pages to understand the truth behind the myth.

Information and Recommended Links for Survivors

• MayoClinic.com: Coping and Support Advice for how you can better manage your day-to-day life with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Exercise for People with Rheumatoid Arthritis The European League Against Rheumatism has this 18-page downloadable booklet full of exercises for helping you maintain optimum flexibility and range of movement.
• How to Care For Yourself  The Arthritis Foundation offers both simple tips and long-term goals to make life with RA easier.

Types of Treatment

Because rheumatoid arthritis presents itself in many different ways, treatment must be tailored taking into account the severity of your arthritis, other medical conditions you may have and your individual lifestyle. Current treatment methods focus on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, stopping or slowing joint damage and improving your functioning and sense of well-being. You'll also benefit from getting enough sleep, exercise, physical therapy and having a proper diet.

• WebMD: Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
• Mayo Clinic: Treatments and Drugs

Surgery is sometimes recommended when long-term inflammation has caused significant damage to a joint and the surrounding tissue. Common procedures include joint replacement, removal of the joint lining and tendon repair.

WebMD: When is Surgery Right?

Nearly every class of drug used to address RA has some potentially serious side effects. That can be especially worrying because survivors often must use several medications. Educating yourself on RA treatments can  help you choose which therapies are best for you, and which measures you'll need to take to detect and mitigate any drug complications.

Health.com: Understanding the Side Effects of Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthitis

Holistic Treatments

If you want to consider alternative treatments, such as supplements, acupuncture and hydrotherapy, check out these pages: 

• Arthritis Foundation: Alternative Therapies
• HolisticOnline: Rheumatoid Arthritis
• AltMD.com: Hydrotherapy for Arthritis

Creating a support circle

• Set up your TSC Survivor Profile
• Join support groups of other survivors or set up your own
• Interact and provide updates on your profile or our forums

Resources to Find Doctors

• About.com: Arthritis - How to Choose the Right Doctor for You
• American College of Rheumatology: Geographic Membership Directory
• American Physical Therapy Association: Find a Physical Therapist
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Find an Orthopaedist

Emotional Support

Surviving rheumatoid arthritis can be a challenge. To avoid breaking down under the stress of battling RA, it's important to continue living your life normally, participating in the same daily activities you've always done. Support groups are also important to maintaining a healthy emotional state.

• Arthritis Foundation Online Community 
• Chronic Pain Support Group
• DailyStrength.net: Arthritis Support Group

Books Survivors Recommend

• The Arthritis Foundation's Guide to Good Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis by Dorothy Foltz-Grey
• The First Year: Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed by M.E.A. McNeil
• Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis by Tammi L. Shlotzhauer
• What To Do When The Doctor Says It's Rheumatoid Arthritis: Stop Your Pain, Become More Active, and Learn How to Talk to Your Doctors by Winnie Hu   

Dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Information for Co-Survivors

How you can help

• Learn as much as you can about rheumatoid arthritis so you will be better equipped to help your friend or family member live with the condition.
• Be prepared to drive your loved one to doctor’s appointments and accompany them on other errands. RA affects a person’s mobility, and he  may find it difficult to get around during a flare-up. 
• Assist her with day-to-day duties or chores, but be sure to find a good balance so as not to throw off her pattern of living, which may increase their stress as they may feel they are becoming a burden.
• Encourage your loved one to remain socially active. Interacting with people can keep a RA survivor, and you, from feeling isolated.
• Preserve his daily activities. It's normal to feel protective but excluding an RA survivor from activities or decisions you don't see them as fit enough to  handle can contribute to his feelings of helplessness.
• Involve your friend or family member with others. Don't focus exclusively on her disease and treatment plan when interacting with her. Talk to her about making plans to visit friends and loved ones. A survivor involved with others has a better chance of avoiding the feeling of abandonment.

What to say   

• "I will support your decision in whichever treatment option you choose and which doctors and hospitals you go to."
• "I heard about your having rheumatoid arthritis from…Do you want to talk about it?"
• "I care about you, and I'm here to help."

What not to do

• Don’t rush to rescue him from activities that take time or cause discomfort. A survivor’s physical well-being depends on exercise, and remaining as independent and productive as possible is crucial to his mental well being. He’ll ask you when they need help.
• Even though the person you are caring for may be forced to limit her physical activities and you have a busy schedule, take time to exercise. It will help you both combat stress and stay healthier and happier. You can even find a form of exercise to enjoy that is also comfortable for a RA survivor, such as swimming or tai chi.

What not to say

• "Well, you look good.”
• “Do you feel better?”
• “I admire your courage.”
• “I have a little arthritis myself.”
• “If you didn’t push yourself so hard, you wouldn’t be in all this pain.”

Things you can do for a survivor today and every day

Offering day-to-day support by helping out with chores and other duties is a great gift to give a loved one with rheumatoid arthritis. If the survivor isn't a family member, help out his family when they're away at hospitals or hotels by picking up the mail or newspaper, making meals, going grocery shopping, etc.

How to build a support network

• Set up your TSC Co-Survivor Profile
• Create a support group for your friend or family member.
• Interact and provide updates

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, and the condition is usually progressive. Recovery usually means doing the best you can to manage symptoms, especially pain and swelling.Here's some good advice on maximizing your health now, managing physical symptoms and emotional stress, and finding support:

• Healthline.com: Dealing with a Flare-up
• Netwellness.org: Arthritis and Rheumatism - Staying Healthy
• Arthritis Foundation: Healthy Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Give Back

The Arthritis Foundation  A great charity to start with if you wish to support RA research or offer support to survivors.

When treatment does not go as planned, rheumatoid arthritis can be a crippling, debilitating, even fatal disease. Sufferers can end up in a wheelchair, suffer physical deformities and even sustain organ damage. Many sufferers will come to the time when enjoying a wide range of activities without pain is rare.This can have a severe emotional impact.

• Strength for Caring.org A resource for advanced arthritis and joint problems.
• Coping and Living with Arthritis  About.com's guide on how to deal with the difficult emotions that arise with advanced arthritis.
• The Impact on Family Problems More About.com information about problems various family members will face, and solutions to overcome them. 
• SSDI: Do You Qualify? It may be time to consider Social Security disability insurance if you're currently unemployed.