Rheumatoid arthritis?
So I’m 19 and I just found out that I have rheumatoid arthritis. I have to go see a rheumatologist (sp?) sometime next week I think. But for people who know more about this than I do, what does that mean? I have done some research but everything I have found out is pretty depressing. So I didn’t know if someone who has it or is a nurse or something could kind of tell me a little bit more about it? Because I really don’t know that much about it at all, I kind of always assumed old people got arthritis so I didn’t pay attention to it. so if anyone can tell me more about it it would be greatly appreciated.
Tagged with: arthritis • little bit • nurse • Rheumatoid Arthritis
Filed under: Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Are you sure you have been diagnosed correctly? You are a bit too young for RA. Have you done a RA test? Remember rheumatoid arthritis is very bad and crippling. It causes deformities if not treated fast.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that causes pain and swelling of the joints, especially the smaller joints of the hands and feet. It generally affects both sides of the body at the same time.
Other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are:
* Aching or stiffness of joints, especially after sleep or rest
* Loss of motion in the affected joints
* Decreased strength in the muscles attached to the affected joints
* Fatigue
* Low grade fever
* Joint deformity over time
* Small lumps, called rheumatoid nodules, that form under the skin
Rheumatoid arthritis is believed to be an autoimmune disease, resulting in the immune system attacking tissues that lines joints.
Here are some natural remedies that are used for rheumatoid arthritis.
1) Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat. Our bodies can’t make omega-3s on their own, so we must obtain them through our diet.
2) Gamma-linolenic Acid
Although there is more evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may improve symptoms of rhematoid arthrits, some studies suggest that gamma-linoleic acid, another type of essential fatty acid, may also help. It is found in borage oil, black currant seed oil, and evening primrose oils.
3) Boswellia
Boswellia is a herb that comes from a tree native to India. The active ingredients are the boswellic acids, which have been found to block chemical reactions involved in inflammation.
It is used by people with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
4) Devil’s Claw
Devil’s claw is a plant native to southern Africa. Its name comes from the small hooks on the plant’s fruit. The active ingredients in devil’s claw are believed to be iridoid glycosides called harpagosides, which are found in the secondary root. Devil’s claw has been used for thousands of years in Africa for fever, rheumatoid arthritis, skin conditions, and conditions involving the gallbladder, pancreas, stomach and kidneys.
There are a lot of homeopathic remedies :
Homeopathic remedies are useful in relieving the pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. A constitutional remedy is often the best approach for dealing with chronic conditions.
Arnica: Useful for chronic arthritis with a feeling of bruising and soreness. The painful parts feel worse from being moved or touched.
Aurum metallicum: This remedy is often prescribed for wandering pains in the muscles and joints that are better from motion and warmth, and worse at night. The person may experience deep pain in the limbs when trying to sleep. Also may feel discomfort that may wake the person up. People who need this remedy are often serious and focused on work or career, with a tendency to feel depressed.
Bryonia: Helpful for stiffness and inflammation with tearing or throbbing pain, made worse by motion. The condition may have developed gradually, and is worse in cold dry weather. Discomfort is aggravated by being touched or bumped, or from any movement. Relief can be had from pressure and from rest. The person may want to stay completely still and not be interfered with.
Calcarea carbonica: Helpful for deeply aching arthritis involving node formation around the joints. Inflammation and soreness are worse from cold and dampness, and problems may be focused on the knees and hands. Common symptoms are: weakness in the muscles, easy fatigue from exertion, and a feeling of chilliness or sluggishness. The person who benefits from Calcarea is often solid and responsible, but tends to become extremely anxious and overwhelmed when ill or overworked.
Causticum: Useful when deformities develop in the joints, in a person with a tendency toward tendon problems, muscle weakness, and contractures. The hands and fingers may be most affected, although other joints can also be involved. Stiffness and pain are worse from being cold, and relief may come with warmth. The person often feels best in rainy weather and worse when the days are clear and dry.
Calcarea fluorica: Helpful when arthritic pains improve with heat and motion. Joints become enlarged and hard, and nodes or deformities develop. Arthritis after chronic injury to joints also responds to Calcarea fluorica.
Dulcamara: Indicated if arthritis flares up during cold damp weather. The person gets chilled and wet. They are often stout, with a tendency toward back pain, chronic stiffness in the muscles, and allergies.
Kali bichromicum: This is useful when arthritic pains alternate with asthma or stomach symptoms. Pains may suddenly come and go, or shift around. Discomfort and inflammation are aggravated by heat, and worse when the weather is warm.
Kali carbonicum: Arthritis with great stiffness and stitching pains, worse in the early morning hours and worse from cold and dampness, may respond to Kali carbonicum. The joints may be becoming thickened or deformed. People who can benefit from this remedy often have a rigid moral code, and tend to feel anxiety in the stomach.
Kalmia latiflora: Useful for intense arthritic pain that flares up suddenly. The problems start in higher joints and extend to lower ones. Pain and inflammation may begin in the elbows, spreading downward to the wrists and hands. Discomfort is worse from motion and often worse at night.
Ledum palustre: Arthritis that starts in lower joints and extends to higher ones are candidate for this remedy. Pain and inflammation often begin in the toes and spread upward to the ankles and knees. The joints may also make cracking sounds. Ledum is strongly indicated when swelling is significant and relieved by cold applications.
Pulsatilla: Applicable when rheumatoid arthritis pain is changeable in quality, or when the flare-ups move from place to place. The symptoms (and the person) feel worse from warmth, and better from fresh air and cold applications. Can benefit people who are emotional and affectionate, sometimes having teary moods.
Rhododendron: Strongly indicated if swelling and soreness flare up before a storm, continuing until the weather clears. Cold and dampness aggravate the symptoms. Discomfort is often worse toward early morning, or after staying still too long.
Rhus toxicodendron: Useful for rheumatoid arthritis, with pain and stiffness that is worse in the morning and worse on first motion, but better from continued movement. Hot baths or showers, and warm applications improve the stiffness and relieve the pain. The condition is worse in cold, wet weather. The person may feel extremely restless, unable to find a comfortable position, and need to keep moving constantly. Continued motion also helps to relieve anxiety.
Ruta graveolens: Arthritis with a feeling of great stiffness and lameness, worse from cold and damp and worse from exertion, may be helped by ruta graveolens. Tendons and capsules of the joints can be deeply affected or damaged. The arthritis may have developed after overuse, from repeated wear and tear.
try this for a start:
I feel for you – I have had RA for 13 1/2 years and I am now almost 49 – I also thought it was an old persons disease. You need to have a blood test done and your sed. rate checked – its said that anything under 20 is good though mine has been 14 – 15 and I was very sore and stiff so the rate sometimes isnt 100 percent accurate. Its not always crippling – knuckles get bigger as do some of the bones on the wrist – all my friends know I have this and what my limitations are and they are helpful-keep your chin up and be as positive as you can and that really does help. Email if you have questions
hi there, i’m 32 and just found out i have rheumatoid arthritis, it all seems preety gloomy.Most people mistake it for an older persons disease, but that’s oesteoarthritis, ours is an auto-immune disease, which is nothing at all to do with age, chldren as young as ten get it. The beginning is the worst, until you find treatment that suits you, after that i hear yo can lead a perfectly normal life. If you keep a diary of how you are feeling, good days and bad, it will help with doctors and nurses when finding right medication for you. Stay positive and learn to manage it, and not be scared of it. oh i wouldnt listen to amambal4444 if i were you he paints doom and gloom, and your not too young as i said children can get it as young as 10, there is what is called juvenile arthritis, and as for are you sure, your doctors wouldnt have told you you have it if you had something else. As for altenative therapies/treatment, they also have side effects too, if i were you i would stay positive, communicate well, and openly with your care team and stay focused, its not all bad, they say the first year is hard when your team are tryin to find out what treatmenat best suits you, then you will see for yourself it will get a lot better, i just did a 12 mile walk with my daughter for charity. Don,t listen to doom and gloom stories, take it as it comes and interpret it yourself.
for more information visit this site http://www.reliefmd.com hope this helps