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Ok, here's the deal. I'm 27 years old, and my dad has R.A.
He felt it early, like I think I am now. Now he's only 54, and both hands are crippled. His fingers are turned inward and almost to the sides. Not to mention of course the rest of him. MY Grandfather died recently, and I think he had it as well. He couldn't even turn his head. He had to move his entire body as one unit. Am I too young to get this? Is it even hereditary? Are there certain things I should watch for and eat now to help soften the blow when/if I get it?
Any info would be appreciated!
There is alot of information in Tammi Schlotzhauer's Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis which is recommended on this site. I got this when first diagnosed and it was very helpful.
GOod luck.
There are heriditary components to these diseases, but in my mind, it's not 'all that'.
If I had to do it all over again, I'd have started taking a great probiotics right off the bat - something in the refrigerated section of Whole Foods - and enough until I was regular bowel wise. I'd also have made some doc pull my mineral panels and see what I was low in - like potassium, magnesium, calcium and zinc - and I'd have supplemented that. I'd have removed myself from a stressful situation until I could have healed more and I'd have worked on my sleep pattern when this was all coming down because the body does all of its major healing during deep REM sleep which I wasn't getting.
And I'd have kept researching and hanging out with us gimps as it would have given me knowledge that I didn't know I needed until it was too late.
Hope that helps -
Pip
Edited 'back' to 'bat'.
Pip!2008-11-22 11:50:53Welcome, I am 31 and my father has it also. Sorry that you have to be here but welcome!!I think I might go to the docs soon. Its better safe than sorry. To those who have it, what are some early signs?
Is it too early? No, not at all. Some people have it from shortly after birth. The sooner you get checked out, the better off you are. The medications available today are better than ever before.If you are just beginning to experience symptoms, you should find that some of the blood tests will prove positive. Hopefully they won't. Not something to look forward to for sure.
For me, it started in the hands. Swollen and painful hands that hurt really bad when they get cold. My knnes ache and swell all the time, and my wrists and ankles swell and hurt from time to time. The fatigue was another early sign for me.
I pray you don't have it, but I would go in and get tested seeing how some doctors do feel it may be hereditary. It's best to try to see a Rheumatologist.
It may be hereditary but I still haven't found the connection in my family. So far. IMO, I think you should see a rheumy dr and get some tests. Blood work and xrays of your hands. Treat is hard and aggressive. Today there are so many different drugs to control it then when your dad had it. SO don't freak on your dad's situation. Everyone is different. Good luck. Get to a dr soon!
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