Rhumatoid Arthritis

[luckystrike]

My wife (29 years old) has been recently told that she either has viral arthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis.  As she has had the symptoms for over ten weeks now, it is unfortunately looking like the latter.

Is anyone out there in the same boat?  What is the outlook, and is there anything we should be or not be doing?

Thanks a lot.

[FP]

I suffer from osteo arthritis and have had viral arthritis as well.  I have had two blood tests which have shown 'trace rheumatoid arthritis', but my recent blood test has not shown any rheumatoid and I am very relieved.

All I would suggest is that your wife rests as much as possible and sleeps whenever she feels tired.  Is she an anxious person?  If so she should try not to worry because this can make things worse.

Tell her that things can and do get better.

She would be wise to discuss this whole issue with her GP, because each case is different.

[The Tiggster]

I was tested last summer for arthritus as I had very painful finger joints for about 6 months prior to that.The tests did not show any signs of rheumatiod arthritis although my rheumatiod factor was 8 & which according to the GP was normal.

Anyway they think it was viral as the pain is almost gone from every finger but it did take about 9 months toget that way.

What I am trying to say is I was very upset thinking I too had arthritis in my early 30's but it doesn't seem that way now. Your wife may improve like I have so give it time.

Good luck.

[Ouisch]

Does she have any other symptoms?  Back in 1989, I awoke one morning, out of the blue, with severe pain in all of my joints...even my jawbone and big toes felt like they were on fire.  I underwent a variety of tests (they originally thought it was rheumatoid arthritis) and was diagnosed with Lupus (which is an autoimmune disease, as is RA).  I'm taking an anti-inflammatory medication (Celebrex) as well as an anti-malarial (Plaquenil).  I've occasionally had to take Prednisone for short courses as well.  The anti-inflammatory drugs usually have to build up in your system for several weeks before they "kick in", but once they do, they seem to manage the pain and swelling pretty well (in my case, anyway).  I also have Ultram, a pain killer, for use when necessary.  Best of luck to your wife!

[sandbach99]

My daughter started like your wife a few years ago, she has RA in her arms  and legs . Yes her life changed she cannot work and she is not as active, but she doesher own housework given time and an understanding partner,  She goes out but not dancing she drives, and would probably give you a better answer but she is in Cuba for 2 weeks

[kyektulu]

I am sorry to hear about your wife.
I am a sufferer of Rhumatoid Arthritis, I was diagnosed at 18 and have been living with the condition for 4 years now.
In this time I have tried everything possible to relieve the pain, from lotions and potions to acupuncture.
I do recceomend she cuts out Wheat and Gluten as this has really helped me, it is difficult at first but there are alot of good brands out there which specilise in cutting out these food stuffs.
Good luck.