Diagnosis: Stages/Severity?

March 24, 2005

Hi Everyone,

I was just wondering whether there are different stages to

arthritis, such as stage 1 and 2, etc.? Or is it diagnosed

according to severity, such as mild, moderate, severe?

Any feedback would be great :0)

Best Wishes,

Nicola

March 24, 2005

Nicola,

Disease severity is measured by patient functional status. Some people

have mild disease and can function normally, while those with severe

arthritis have limited function. Everyone is affected differently.

Those that respond to treatment will have a better outcome than someone

that doesn't respond well to treatment. Many better drugs are

available today giving us a wider variety of treatment choices, which

hopefully will keep us functioning better.

a

On Mar 24, 2005, at 11:49 AM, Nicola wrote:

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> I was just wondering whether there are different stages to

> arthritis, such as stage 1 and 2, etc.? Or is it diagnosed

> according to severity, such as mild, moderate, severe?

>

> Any feedback would be great :0)

>

> Best Wishes,

>

> Nicola

>

March 24, 2005

Nicola,

Disease severity is measured by patient functional status. Some people

have mild disease and can function normally, while those with severe

arthritis have limited function. Everyone is affected differently.

Those that respond to treatment will have a better outcome than someone

that doesn't respond well to treatment. Many better drugs are

available today giving us a wider variety of treatment choices, which

hopefully will keep us functioning better.

a

On Mar 24, 2005, at 11:49 AM, Nicola wrote:

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> I was just wondering whether there are different stages to

> arthritis, such as stage 1 and 2, etc.? Or is it diagnosed

> according to severity, such as mild, moderate, severe?

>

> Any feedback would be great :0)

>

> Best Wishes,

>

> Nicola

>

March 25, 2005

Hi a,

Thanks so much for the feedback. So, it appears that there is a

mild, moderate and severe grading to arthritis. Do you think it is

possible to stop the condition progressing if you can adapt your

life to it quickly?

Best Wishes,

Nicola

>

> >

> > Hi Everyone,

> >

> > I was just wondering whether there are different stages to

> > arthritis, such as stage 1 and 2, etc.? Or is it diagnosed

> > according to severity, such as mild, moderate, severe?

> >

> > Any feedback would be great :0)

> >

> > Best Wishes,

> >

> > Nicola

> >

March 25, 2005

Hi a,

Thanks so much for the feedback. So, it appears that there is a

mild, moderate and severe grading to arthritis. Do you think it is

possible to stop the condition progressing if you can adapt your

life to it quickly?

Best Wishes,

Nicola

>

> >

> > Hi Everyone,

> >

> > I was just wondering whether there are different stages to

> > arthritis, such as stage 1 and 2, etc.? Or is it diagnosed

> > according to severity, such as mild, moderate, severe?

> >

> > Any feedback would be great :0)

> >

> > Best Wishes,

> >

> > Nicola

> >

March 26, 2005

Nicola,

Early aggressive treatment is what research shows can affect the

progression of RA. In my opinion how we can help ourselves the most

is by eating a healthy diet, getting proper exercise, proper rest,

living life with a positive attitude free of stress, getting outside in

the fresh air and sunshine daily, and most importantly listening to

your body. Take an active role in your own medical treatment by

educating yourself. No one can predict the progression of RA. We're

all different and respond to meds differently. Some people don't

respond at all, while others will go into drug induced remission and

lead a full and active life.

a

On Mar 25, 2005, at 2:17 PM, Nicola wrote:

> Hi a,

>

> Thanks so much for the feedback. So, it appears that there is a

> mild, moderate and severe grading to arthritis. Do you think it is

> possible to stop the condition progressing if you can adapt your

> life to it quickly?

>

> Best Wishes,

>

> Nicola

>

March 26, 2005