Be concrete and specific. Explain RA. Tell them that its a long-term health condition that affects your joints and other parts of your body. You also may want to mention that it can happen because of your genes or is caused by cigarette smoke and other environmental factors.

When should you tell someone you have rheumatoid arthritis?

Theres no “perfect” time to tell someone about your arthritis, but it may be best to wait a few dates in, says Julie Payne, licensed marriage and family therapist and director at the California Marriage and Family Institute. “First dates are for gauging compatibility,” says Payne, who also has rheumatoid arthritis.

How do you address rheumatoid arthritis?

Rest is important when RA is active, and joints feel painful, swollen or stiff. Rest helps reduce inflammation and fatigue that can come with a flare. Taking breaks throughout the day protects joints and preserves energy.

Is RA a big deal?

However, RA is much less common than OA, affecting about 1.5 million people in the U.S. But less common doesnt mean less threatening. In fact, RA is a much more immediate and grave threat to health than OA. Its an incredibly serious disease, says Dr. John J.

How fast does rheumatoid arthritis progress?

Clinical History. The typical case of rheumatoid arthritis begins insidiously, with the slow development of signs and symptoms over weeks to months. Often the patient first notices stiffness in one or more joints, usually accompanied by pain on movement and by tenderness in the joint.

Has anyone cured themselves of rheumatoid arthritis?

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but remission can feel like it. Today, early and aggressive treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics makes remission more achievable than ever before.

Is RA a serious disease?

Because RA is a progressive disease, symptoms typically get worse. If left untreated, it can cause severe damage to the joints and serious complications in the major organs. However, there are a number of effective treatments, and proper treatment is critical to managing the progression of RA.

Can you live a long life with RA?

People with RA dont live as long as other people on average. Life expectancy, or how long you may expect to live, is influenced by many things, like your genes, age, medical history, and lifestyle. RA can shorten your life expectancy by as much as 10 to 15 years compared to people who dont have the disease.

Can I donate blood if Im on methotrexate?

Donors who have or are taking Methotrexate for a condition other than a malignancy will not be able to donate for 3 months following the last dose. If taken for a malignancy, the deferral is permanent.