Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects approximately 1.3 million people in the United States.1 While most people are aware that RA patients suffer from aching joints, many are not aware that they may also suffer from anemia. Anemia is very common in RA, occurring in 30-60% of patients.2-4 Since so many RA patients develop anemia, communication with your doctor and close monitoring for symptoms can help you keep anemia and its symptoms in check.
Dr. Daniel Furst, a Rheumatologist and Professor at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine stated that, “If you have RA, it is important to recognize and treat anemia; since correcting it can make you feel better, and may also improve your RA symptoms.” Studies have shown that treating anemia in RA patients leads to improvement in joint swelling and an increase in energy.4,5 Anemia treatment also had a positive effect on quality of life, measured as decreased fatigue and increased vitality and muscle strength.6
http://www.anemia.org/patients/feature-articles/content.php?contentid=000359§ionid=00015I can vouch for that Lyn, I had my iron infusion yesterday and I already feel better, regards Janie. This is very interesting to read! My RD thinks I have developed anemia and I am going in next week for additional blood work. Wow. I'm going to discuss this with my rheumatologist, it sounds like me.