Hi....have a question for you all.......I saw my rheumatologist today. I had heard lately about 'stages' of RA so I asked him what stage I am in....he told me I'm a 'functional stage 5'....I didn't dare ask him then what that means for me so I'm asking you guys. Does this mean 'end stage' and am I living on borrowed time?? Please help
thanks so much,
As for the different stages that you mention I do not know how the stages are rated.
I have been diagnosed as severe and am functioning.
Will be interested in other comments with regard to the varies stages.
There are several different classifications of RA stages and without knowing which one your RD was referencing any comment would be meaningless. Some classifications have five or more stages, others have three.
The progression is, at least sometimes, stated as
Stage 1: edema of the synovial lining of joints ( that results in joint tenderness, inflammation (swelling and redness), and stiffness).
Stage 2: rapid division and growth of pannus which in turn thickens the synovium.
Stage 3: enzymes from the inflamed cells are cause the destruction of the bones and cartilage of the joint (increased pain, loss of joint integrity and alignment, and loss of joint motion.
Severity of disease is determined by clinical presentation, radiographic presentation, duration of disease, concomitant morbitities, and a host of other factors.
I suggest that you call your RD and ask for specifics as to your stage, however functional sounds pretty good, don't you think?
Best wishes, Shug
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