Think of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and you probably think of the stiff, painful, and inflamed joints that characterize the disease. But what you might not know is that RA complications can occur in many parts of the body. The autoimmune process that wreaks havoc on the joints can also affect the eyes, lungs, skin, heart and blood vessels, and other organs. The medications you take for RA can have unwanted side effects as well. And, dealing with a chronic disease like RA day in and day out may cause emotional distress. Many people with RA suffer from depression.
To manage the complications of rheumatoid arthritis, it's important to recognize problems early and get appropriate treatment. Here are some potential problems you should be aware of:
http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/rheumatoid-arthritis-complicationsThanks Lynn, RAers need to reminded of this every year. When you're younger you think that the complications of RA are an old person's disease. Well, they're not. It has nothing to do with age; it has to do with the severity of the disease and how long you've had the disease.
I've always suggested to people that if you have RA then you should have a cardiac workup with yearly cardiac checkups. Why wait until there are symptoms, it's too late then.
Most people don't get all that can happen due to RA. I certainly didn't. I have had some of the complications listed. My eyes are a huge problem-chronic iritis and scleritis. Luckily, my eye dr. and I have a great relationship-he squeezes me in whenever necessary and gives me tons of free samples of meds. I have also had lung complications as well--oh and lets not forget the sjorgens! Fun times....
I try to stay up to date with all the current treatments. I read everything and question everything my docs say. They have the degree, but I live the life. I have managed to gather a core group of docs-pain management, RD, optho, and PCP who respect each other and me. People need to realize the RA is not a simple disease-treatment can not wait. Choose the avenue that best suits your disease and expectations-but get treatment.I agree... this disease knocks things out all over the circuit! I have had major eye issues as well... we need Opthamologists... Cardiologists... Dermatologists... Endocrinologist... etc..