Hillhoney just put up a thread about how arthritis is seen.
I'm looking for more articles that I can reference in my case to John McCain. I want to hit him with real statistic and stupid conceptions like this.
Also, it would be great if we knew where we wanted research money to go. Some of you have posted some good links in that area too.
Could you post anything you find here? More minds on it might help. Plus, we might could print out the best ones with our arguments and send to the conference?
Thanks
De - IF I ever feel good again, I will help you. I find it challenging to take a showerK-Lynn
Economic impact of RA (eg 14 billion in lost income due to RA in US each year)
John Hopkins
http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/news-archive/2005/costs_ra. html
Statistics about how 5 yrs of RA affected people. Includes stats on wheelchair bound, loss of mobility, loss of employment etc.
National Library of Medicine
Research needed
Hormones-
Researchers are working to develop effective screening tests to identify people with the genetic predisposition for developing rheumatoid arthritis, and Wilson says hormonal manipulation may one day be an effective treatment for women found to be at increased rheumatoid arthritis risk. In the meantime, the finding gives new moms another good reason to choose breast over bottle.
Link:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/11/04/health/webmd/main6 53734.shtml
Impacts of RA:
It is important to be aware of the serious and often devastating effects of rheumatoid arthritis, including the following:
Disability: Up to 85% of people with rheumatoid arthritis are unable to work by the 11th year after disease onset(2). Nearly 30% of these patients become disabled within the first three years after onset(2). Physicians are becoming more aggressive in treating rheumatoid arthritis, with the goal of slowing disease progression before disability occurs.
Premature death: The mortality rate for rheumatoid arthritis patients is twice the expected rate in the general population(3), and those with more severe rheumatoid arthritis are five times more likely to die within the next five years than are those with milder rheumatoid arthritis(4).
Direct medical costs: The direct medical costs of rheumatoid arthritis approach billion annually, with nearly 70% of these costs attributable to hospitalizations and home nursing care(5, 6). Rheumatoid arthritis patients make more than 9 million physician visits and account for over 250,000 hospitalizations annually(7). The direct cost to patients is considerable, even with insurance.
Productivity losses: Lost productivity costs due to rheumatoid arthritis approach billion annually, and rheumatoid arthritis patients lose, on average, 50% of potential earnings(8-10). The lifetime indirect costs of rheumatoid arthritis are similar to those for stroke or coronary artery disease(11). Increased absenteeism, disability, and early retirement all contribute to the loss of personal income resulting from rheumatoid arthritis.
Link:
It is important to be aware of the serious and often devastating effects of rheumatoid arthritis, including the following:
Disability: Up to 85% of people with rheumatoid arthritis are unable to work by the 11th year after disease onset(2). Nearly 30% of these patients become disabled within the first three years after onset(2). Physicians are becoming more aggressive in treating rheumatoid arthritis, with the goal of slowing disease progression before disability occurs.
Premature death: The mortality rate for rheumatoid arthritis patients is twice the expected rate in the general population(3), and those with more severe rheumatoid arthritis are five times more likely to die within the next five years than are those with milder rheumatoid arthritis(4).
Direct medical costs: The direct medical costs of rheumatoid arthritis approach billion annually, with nearly 70% of these costs attributable to hospitalizations and home nursing care(5, 6). Rheumatoid arthritis patients make more than 9 million physician visits and account for over 250,000 hospitalizations annually(7). The direct cost to patients is considerable, even with insurance.
Productivity losses: Lost productivity costs due to rheumatoid arthritis approach billion annually, and rheumatoid arthritis patients lose, on average, 50% of potential earnings(8-10). The lifetime indirect costs of rheumatoid arthritis are similar to those for stroke or coronary artery disease(11). Increased absenteeism, disability, and early retirement all contribute to the loss of personal income resulting from rheumatoid arthritis.
Link:
http://www.remicade.com/global/hcp/hcp_RA.jsp
ok, ok. It is from a drug company, but they do list their references for the info.
K-Lynn
Roxy, I understand.
K-Lynn, that was awesome information. It should be sent with those going to the conference. Great job. I'd never have found this on my own. Thank you so much. Those are some scary statistics especially those with severe RA like I have.
Again, thanks.
Deanna I am wondering whether at this stage it may be easier to concentrate on the consequences of RA & especially the problems concerned with getting disability help, especially in the USA & how it is imperative that you receive more assistance. I doubt that any other sector of society would be subjected to the treatment dished out to those with RA. Also forAdvocacy group: American Association of People with Disabilities http://www.aapd-dc.org/index.php
Uncle Sam's site: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov
Some encouraging history and more good links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disability_rights_movement