Rheumatoid Arthritis
Most people have some idea of what arthritis is … Then again, I sometimes wonder if younger folk consider the condition a conspiracy of the elders to gain the sympathies of the younger generations.
Arthritis generally is inflammation of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis, the particular brand of arthritis that I have, is an autoimmune disease (a class of disease you hear kicked around in diagnoses on House and in reference to HIV / AIDS). Essentially, my body attacks itself, targeting my joints and a particular fluid keeps joints lubricated. If left untreated, the inflammation can destroy the cartilage between bones and eventually erodes the bone too, causing permanent damage.
RA is genetic—and I can tell you exactly where in my bloodline it comes from. My dad’s grandmother had horribly warped hands by the time she passed. And she had gone blind as a result of the gold injections they used to give RA patients.
The day-to-day symptoms are swelling, pain and stiffness. With meds, the “morning stiffness” usually lasts less than an hour – though there are plenty of days where I’m swollen throughout the day or when I get swollen later in the day.
Meds:
Enbrel – 50 cc injection once a week
Methatrexate – 4-6 tablets once a week
Leucovorin – 1 tablet 12 hours after the Methatrexate
Advil - as needed (before I teach)
Birth control*
I have two additional prescriptions: one for an antiviral and one for an antibiotic**
*My rheumatologist has made it clear that birth control is a requirement because of my drug regiment. I cannot get pregnant while on methatrexate because it would lead to deformities in any children conceived while the drug is in my blood stream. To put it plainly, I’ve been told that I would have to terminate any unplanned pregnancy because of my meds, which is part of the reason why I have such strong opinions on reproductive rights (will post on the subject eventually).
**The antiviral is for cold sores. I had them before the RA, but since I’m on immuno-suppressants my body has a very hard time fighting them off. Similarly, the antibiotic is in case I get sick–I could land in the hospital with the wrong combination of illness and meds in my system.
Supplements:
All of these items are as I remember to take them…
Multi-vitamin – daily
Fish oil / Omega 3s - daily
Resources:
The Arthritis Foundation is a blanket organization for all types of arthritis. It’s an excellent place to get more information about the disease, standards of care, etc.
Wikipedia’s RA entry can be found here.
