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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/28/2012 Posts: 665 Location: Newton Abbot
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Has anyone read the new NRAS report about RA and comorbidities? It's recommending that we all have an annual review to screen for co-morbidities - I think Lynn once called them travelling companions - this seems to me to be a very good suggestion. Apparently having RA means we have an increased risk of developing other problems, and we all know by now, forewarned is forearmed. In the press release Ailsa makes a good point about patient self-management and controlling those lifestyle factors that are under our control - like weight, exercise, smoking etc. Any thoughts? Sylvia xx Be kinder than is necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/18/2010 Posts: 1,098 Location: farningham kent
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Hi Sylvia Thanks for posting, I have now read the outline of this report, it was quite sobering reading to learn that , I quote "80% of people with RA will suffer from one or more co-morbidity during their lifetime, as well as their RA " Before the onset of RA about four years ago I was the type of person who tried to eat a moderately healthy diet, keeping my weight in check and including some level of exercise ( if only walking ) in my daily routine, but never fanatically like, constantly at a gym. I feel now that having had that life style before, has been a big benefit to be in recent days with the RA, I don t have a brilliant diet and still spoil myself but know keeping active, as best as possible and careful eating has been no bad thing. I treat myself to mangosteen juice as I enjoy it and feel it does me good, when I run out my arms seem to ache more ( my dodgiest area )  , just a couple of tablespoons an hour before I get up is very refreshing too. Julia xx
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Rank: Newbie  Groups: Registered
Joined: 11/26/2010 Posts: 4 Location: Morecambe
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I have just emailed a copy of the report to my MP requesting his support for the ten recommendations. I have been on 2 DMARDS since January 2011 (mtx & hydroxychloriquine) and am delighted with the results. No pain, hardly any stiffness and, on the whole, I am satisfied with the level of care and advice from both GP and Rheumatology nurses. However, when I mentioned the annual cardiovascular check to the nurse at my monthly blood test she told me it is the responsibility of the consultants team. I spoke to the rheumatology nurse about making an appointment and was told that this check was down to the GP. I made an appointment to see GP and was told that the consultant should do it. After I told him that I had already approached the consultant's etc he couldn't hide his annoyance, and told me to arrange a fasting blood test. Did this & can only assume that all was ok as I heard nothing more. My confidence in the GP and the clinic was shaken by this experience and I do not relish repeating it. Christine Christine
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,110 Location: London
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I had a cardiovascular check earlier in the year. My consultant wanted to check everything was ok as i have had pneumonia twice. Everything was clear, but I have no idea if he will repeat this test BARBARA
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 838 Location: Nottinghamshire
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Yes, I saw this and have printed it out to take to my Specialist Nurse when I see her in January. I knew about this and have wondered why we aren't given some sort of MOT once a year, suppose the answer to that its costs, but surely prevention is better than cure?.....and cheaper!!!!
I have been told by one of the GP's at my surgery that if they think I have anything wrong with me related to my RA that I will be fast tracked to the hospital, rather reassuring I thought.
Paula
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,689 Location: Durham
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I get an M O T at my practice every year - our GP`s policy is to do an annual check with all his patients who have a chronic illness/and or have reached 60.If one practice can do it they all should - ours is only a very small practice.In fact it was my GP who explained the other things I could be susceptible to because of having RA, so he must be really "on the ball." We have a nurse who looks after us "chronic patients too!" Kathleen x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 856
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Quite sobering reading! I'm already at risk of heart problems due to a history of it in both my parents. Since having RA I'm also suffering from high blood pressure but I'm not sure if that's due to RA or stress! My rhummy nurse already recommended that I have a cholesterol test so i'm off to see my gp this week.
Maria
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 7/10/2010 Posts: 43 Location: Little Dewchurch, Hereford
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Thanks for posting this as I had missed it - I have been treated for depression by a psychiatrist as I needed more than the standard drugs - but fortunately once my RA was actuially diagnosed & my treatment upped, I was able to come off antidepressants, and have remained off them
It can be very difficult to know what is just due to the RA & what is beyond what you should accept & put up with - esp when you are feeling low & tired!
Thx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/3/2011 Posts: 717 Location: Torbay
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I'm surprised that Raynaud's wasn't mentioned at all. Mine came on suddenly during my first severe RA flare up, and the rheumatologist says it's 'secondary' (i.e. linked to autoimmune disease. She also suspects however that I may have a 2nd autoimmune disorder (maybe lupus) as I've had a lot of symptoms that are extra articular. Does anyone else have secondary Raynaud's on here?
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/13/2010 Posts: 118 Location: Shrivenham, Oxfordshire
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I have secondary Raynards but luckily it is not too bad and only affects my toes.
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/13/2010 Posts: 786 Location: east anglia
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hi hows all just getting over a strain of flu,so much for the jag this year,yep got the raynauds too, and i get it on my chin and tip of nose as well as hands,feet,forehead and my knees,great fun,dorothy
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