results in today...

[shirlthegirl]

Hiya, I have had my report sent to me today from my rheumy nurse, plan of action, she has mention that i need to have a annual cholesterol check as inflammatory arthritis has been identified as risk factor coronary heart disease, are any of you having this done? also do any of you lovely people know what a mild degenerative change in the wrist joints and several of the dip joints mean, also that there is no evidence of erosive arthropathy,

Thank you, Take Care XX

[helixhelix]

That's great that you get copied in to the results, I find it really helps me feel that I'm in control of this disease (ha!) if I know what's going on. Anyway, people with RA are at a higher risk of problems with our hearts so it's really important that we keep our cholesterol and blood pressure within normal ranges. So having regular blood pressure checks and an annual cholesterol is a good idea - which reminds me I need to ask for my cholesterol to be checked again. It should be done automatically but always best to know yourself when it's due.

Mild degenerative changes mean that there's a small amount of damage to your wrist, and the dip joints are the ones at the tops of your fingers - but more like normal ageing wear and tear. And it's very good that no signs of erosive stuff...as that's when RA is at it's meanest and just chomps through joints. On x-rays they can tell the difference between joints that are just a bit worn down, and ones that have been attacked by aggressive RA. So sounds reasonably positive, hope it continues to improve! Pollyx

[shirlthegirl]

Thanks Polly, It is so great to be able to ask about something just by tapping a few buttons, Than having to go all though the internet, thank you XX

[earthwitch]

Inflammation generally in your body can contribute to raised cholesterol and triglyceride levels, so its a good idea to have annual checks if you have an inflammatory disorder.

[Hidden]

It's strange that my GP never suggests taking my cholesterol or blood pressure even though it was quite high last time it was taken. I instigated both tests last June and he shrugged and said okay then. I knew about the increased risk to heart and as both my parents died of heart failure relatively young I am not quite sure why he seems to think it a waste of time? I hate having to ask but will do so - thanks for reminding me Shirl. I suppose that's the thing about not having a rheumy nurse to flag things up or check routinely.

Well done for those results - I haven't had x-rays done for two years now but think my results would be exactly the same judging by the horrid hard lumps on the end of each of my fingers and the fact that my wrists are usually a bit stiff and the right one hasn't got completely full range of motion since flare up days. Tilda x

[claireyj]

I've learnt loads from this blog too Shirl ...its good news and thank you Polly x