Arthristis: My brother has been diagnosed with RA for... - NRAS

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Arthristis

Deidrek profile image
8 Replies

My brother has been diagnosed with RA for last 5 years and is on MTX

Is it likely i will get it due to inherint.

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Deidrek profile image
Deidrek
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8 Replies
helixhelix profile image
helixhelix

You'll probably be fine. There is a genetic link but it is very weak so often doesn't pass to family members.

This disease is strange as you can have the genetics to get it, but it also needs something to trigger it into action. Smoking is the biggest trigger, but also stress, other environmental factors and a poor lifestyle. So look after your self, and hopefully all will be well.

fastball profile image
fastball

RA can be started with any form of trauma. So fingers crossed, keep safe . Look after your self. My sister who is 5yrs my senior had a fall in last summer and is still recovering. She has found her joints are stiff, she is still learning how to adapt.

Chris

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels

There is the thought it's genetic but it doesn't always follow you'll have it. My Nan had RD but my Mum or Dad didn't so it skipped a generation in my case. Some say trauma can trigger your immune system to go haywire but I didn't have anything prior to being diagnosed. They also think it could be hormone related, this would explain it being diagnosed in those who've recently given birth, as well as those who have already have a diagnosis going into temporary remission.

So, I wouldn't worry too much but it wouldn't harm to keep yourself in good condition by following a good & varied diet, keeping a healthy weight, not smoking, not over binge drinking etc., these all help keep your immune system happy.

medway-lady profile image
medway-lady

Why worry about something you can't change? I think the jury is out on this question and our parents did not have the great medications available now. So live life to the full, enjoy everyday and be aware but not anxious about tomorrow. Otherwise you'll not enjoy your life and we only get one regardless of health. I live a completly normal life with RA, it makes no difference to what I do, eat or drink. I just take the medication and forget it.

helixhelix profile image
helixhelix in reply to medway-lady

In broad terms I do agree, EXCEPT that it's been shown that smoking has a very strong relationship with RA and can hugely increase your risk of developing RA. So instead of worrying, which doesn't change anything, if people smoke then they should really really try to stop.

NRAS information here..

nras.org.uk/data/files/Abou...

medway-lady profile image
medway-lady in reply to helixhelix

I don't smoke and smoking is liable to kill you before the RA does! it's never occured to me that smoking could be considered good for anyone. lol x

Joy_1 profile image
Joy_1

Hi

I am one of 5 female cousins on my mother's side who have an autoimmune disease. 3 of us are first cousins and 2 of us are second cousins. However, none of my aunts/uncles have it, so it appears to have missed that generation.

The Rheumatology Prof agreed with me that in my case it is genetic as you can't really argue with the info above. However, I think it was switched on as I had 2 major stressful events one after the other and then suddenly one day I could not get out of bed.

Stay positive, don't stress about it and keep well - that way you'll keep it at bay I'm sure.

Joy

NicolaP profile image
NicolaP

My maternal grandfather's mother had RA and so did one of his sisters, but the other six siblings did not. None of the four cousins in my mother's generation has it and I'm only one of five cousins who has it currently in this generation. There is the possibility that my sister may have very very mild MS which is of course another auto-immune condition (the jury is still out with the neurologist but she's being monitored every year) which hasn't appeared on either side of the family previously but, as others have said, just because your brother has RA doesn't mean you will get it.

My maternal grandfather's family have a history of heart problems, he died of his third heart attack at 70, his older brother had a fatal one at 45 and his younger brother never had one but had a triple bypass in his early 80s but died of old age. Mum's brother had a heart attack when he was in his 60s and Mum had a quadruple bypass Dec 2016 in her early 70s (having never had any heart problems previously) but their younger brother has yet to have any issues. That I think is an inherited problem but hopefully not one I may inherit although the RA may have come down that line genetically! I think we've probably all got more chance of heart problems than developing RA!