Explaining Rheumatoid Cachexia | Arthritis Information

This is an interesting article....

Rheumatoid Cachexia, loss of muscle mass and strength and an increase in concomitant fat mass, is very common in patients with RA.

http://arthritis-research.com/content/pdf/ar2658.pdf

Hi Lynn, I have just printed this, this is truly amazing, I am going to ask my RD about it as I am supposed to have metabolic syndrome. Thanks for the info, Janie. this is why it is so very important to keep moving. It takes a very long time to rebuild what has been lostI also printed it..... I know I've suffered loss of muscle mass.....

Glad you all found it worthwhile...I like to share info that I think will increase someone's knowledge of RA Why can't we have something cool happen in conjunction with RA... like perky breasts or shiny hair or luxurious lashes or instantaneous knowledge of a second language!!

This a definitely an interesting article though. I know I've personally lost muscle mass and strength over the past couple of years. I tried going to the free yoga classes they have here, but I can't support my body weight on my hands/wrists. Good news though! After I explained my condition, the activities director said she would find modified movements for me to do at her classes! Woot!

You know, I don't think our fellas with RA would really appreciate having their own perky breasts though. Hahaha!!

They have billboards here in Cali advertising a set for 99! It's funny because back in TX you never saw signs for plastic surgery. BUT they did have a lot for vasectomy reversals!

I always wondered what it would be like to have freckles! Snow, when I was a kid (I am almost 53) there seemed to be lots of freckles around. Nowadays you don't seem to see them as much. I have them, especially in summer, and I think you and I should take pride. We're youthful looking, dang it!

Lynn, I work my a** off every day on the treadmill or bike. Then I do all these stretches for my hips that I was given back when my limp came from my hips instead of my feet. I really don't need work on my lower body, I need work on my rapidly weakening arms and hands. Reading this article made me start with the weights for my upper body strength, this very morning! I've been avoiding it up till now due to the painfulness of working those areas, due to hand, wrist and shoulder issues. Thanks for the information which helped me quit rationalizing like this:

"I don't have time for the upper body, because I am working so hard on my hips." Of course the hips don't need it and don't hurt NEARLY as much as what I'm doing now. Thank you.