Re:Does everyone experience RA differently?

June 5, 2008

Hi,

My biggest complaint with RA is being tired. Though my hands have been getting

stiffer.

I've had it for about 5 years, maybe. I wasn't diagnosed until I was

seropositive. Here's some info from

http://health.allrefer.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis-prognosis.html that seems

pretty good.

ez

Rheumatoid Arthritis Prognosis (Expectations)

Frequently, the disease can be controlled with a combination of

treatments. Treatment may vary depending on the severity of the

symptoms. Surgery may be needed, if medications fail.

The course of the disease varies between individuals. People with rheumatoid

factor or subcutaneous nodules seem to have a more severe course of the disease.

People who develop RA at younger ages also have a more rapidly progressive

course.

Remission is most likely to occur in the first year and the

probability decreases as time progresses. By 10 to 15 years from

diagnosis, about 20% of people will have had remission.

Between 50 - 70% will remain capable of full-time employment.

After 15 to 20 years, only 10% of patients are severely disabled, and

unable to perform simple activities of daily living (washing,

toileting, dressing, eating).

However, the average life expectancy may be shortened by 3 to 7 years with this

disease, and patients with severe forms of RA may die 10-15 years earlier than

expected.

As treatment for rheumatoid arthritis

improves, the occurrence of severe disability and life threatening

complications appears to be decreasing, so these figures may be overly

pessimistic.

June 5, 2008

Elaine,

I have to agree, the biggest gripe I have with RA, the fibromyalgia

doesn't help either, is the chronic fatigue. I got a script for

provigil and I am excited to try it. (I am waiting to pay my bills

first and see if I can afford it this month or wait until next

month). I have tried so many things over the years and nothing had

really helped me. I will be sure to tell you how provigil works when

I try it.

>

> Hi,

>

> My biggest complaint with RA is being tired. Though my hands have

been getting stiffer.

> I've had it for about 5 years, maybe. I wasn't diagnosed until I

was seropositive. Here's some info from

http://health.allrefer.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis-prognosis.html

that seems pretty good.

>

> ez

> Rheumatoid Arthritis Prognosis (Expectations)

>

> Frequently, the disease can be controlled with a combination of

> treatments. Treatment may vary depending on the severity of the

> symptoms. Surgery may be needed, if medications fail.

> The course of the disease varies between individuals. People with

rheumatoid factor or subcutaneous nodules seem to have a more severe

course of the disease. People who develop RA at younger ages also

have a more rapidly progressive course.

> Remission is most likely to occur in the first year and the

> probability decreases as time progresses. By 10 to 15 years from

> diagnosis, about 20% of people will have had remission.

>

> Between 50 - 70% will remain capable of full-time employment.

> After 15 to 20 years, only 10% of patients are severely disabled,

and

> unable to perform simple activities of daily living (washing,

> toileting, dressing, eating).

>

> However, the average life expectancy may be shortened by 3 to 7

years with this disease, and patients with severe forms of RA may die

10-15 years earlier than expected.

> As treatment for rheumatoid arthritis

> improves, the occurrence of severe disability and life threatening

> complications appears to be decreasing, so these figures may be

overly

> pessimistic.

>

June 5, 2008

Lori,

I got the script from my rheumatologist...they don't have samples of

provigil. The response from people who deal w/ chronic fatigue from

their medical issues is good. My rheumy thinks that the makers of

provigil are looking into doing a clinical research study to help

people w/ RA and fibromyalgia.

>

> Hi there ! My doctor just prescribed Provigil for me and it

really seems to be helping. Maybe you can get some samples from your

doctor to try before you spend the money on it?