Hi, I am 56 yrs old and I have RA since 15- 20 yrs, I... - NRAS
Hi, I am 56 yrs old and I have RA since 15- 20 yrs, I have not had a proper treatment. What best measures can I take now? Please assist.
Hi Afreen, that really depends on how bad RA affects you and the medications your now taking. You really haven't given very much information.
However, that said it is important to maintain mobility in joints and muscle strength therefore gentle exercise is vital, swimming is probably best as it's cardio-vascular and helps maintains mobility in all joints. Also, heat/cold packs helps to relieve pain, but it's a case of finding which works for you.
Beth x
Hi
you need to be under the care of a rheumatology team. If you are being treated by your GP only, you should ask to be referred straight away to a Consultant Rheumatologist.
Good luck
Ailsa, CEO, NRAS
Hi - ditto the above 2 responses. I find the heat/cold pads help a lot. But you do need to see a consultant to get right diagnosis and proper medication. Have you never been to a consultant? Should do this ASAP.
Good luck and keep us posted
Lynn
Thank you all for your responses. Problem with me is that I am obese, I weigh around 120 Kgs, so the doctor I consult with has given up hope on me, becoz of my weight and RA I have completely lost mobility, I can hardly take a few steps and cannot stand at all.
You don't say which country you're in, as medical systems are a bit different. And 19 stone, that is a bit big. But it's not impossible to come back from that as even losing 2 or 3 stone could make a huge difference to you, and could be the start of getting things better with your RA as well. I can't think of any magic solution I could suggest, but if you do really want to change then I'm sure it you could find a support system locally to help you. Doctor's are usually very reluctant to give up on people - so perhaps you need to start a new conversation with your doctor about what can be done as a new chance for you. If you really mean it then it's likely your doc will respond positively, and be able to suggest other things locally that could help. At 56 you could turn things round and have many very happy years ahead of you. Good luck.
Hi Afreen, You said you have RA, were you not given initial drugs to treat the RA when it was first diagnosed? It appears your RA is not being treated, or very minimally.
By you writing this blog, you have taken the first step toward turning your life around. If you remain sincere with yourself, you can do it. You would not even have to do it all alone, as far as the weight is concerned. There are many helpful programs, or even private help, from Dr.s who specialize in Weight control, Bariatrics.
The next step is to see your GP, open up and tell him exactly what you have said here. Get a referral to a Rheumatolgist consultant, take all advice and recommendations and use them.
Stay in touch, let us know how it goes with the Rheumatologist. Sincerely wish you all the best, Loret x
Afreen: You will feel so much better if you can lose some weight so do look into local programs you could join. You can change doctors if the one you have is not helping you or has "given up" - this should not be allowed so think about getting a different GP. Weight loss programs are usually very effective, I do Weight Watchers which works for me. You should see a RA consultant though as once you are on proper meds you will start to feel better, maybe then see about your weight problem and so starts a cycle of positive actions.
Good luck with it and do please take some first steps for yourself.
Lynn x
Start with your GP and be persistant. Ask to be referred to a specialist RA department. You will then be able to have the necessary tests to establish the severity of the disease.
RA can be miserable you have good days and bad. Help is there although medicene is not always the answer but can control the symtoms.
Good luck and go and get help it is out there
