This week I will be covering myths and common misconceptions about having Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
1.) RA is just normal arthritis and is for old people.
WRONG. Arthritis is often associated with older people. Although it does affect the joints similarly, RA can be diagnosed at any age. The disease typically presents itself between the ages of 30 and 60, but it can also be seen in young adults, teens, and children. This is called Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.
2.) RA only affects joints.
WRONG. Joint pain and swelling are the most prevalent and usually the first symptoms, but it can also affect different organs. RA is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system attacks itself and healthy tissues. It can affect your lungs, heart, skin, liver, and even the eyes. RA patients may also experience depression, anxiety, or high levels of fatigue.
3.) Exercise is bad for RA.
WRONG. When thinking of arthritis, exercise isn’t often associated. Exercise has many different benefits for RA patients. Surprisingly, it can help reduce pain and stiffness. It can boost strength and flexibility to better support your joints and aid joint function. Stretching can help tremendously. Exercise can also help lessen fatigue and depression. Exercise actually helps ease symptoms and can prevent long-term issues.
4.) There’s nothing you can do about having RA, you just have to deal with it.
WRONG. There may not be a cure for RA, but there are ways to make living with it a lot easier. There are so many different kinds of medication options, from anti-inflammatory pills to biologics. Managing your stress and getting a good night's rest can help with symptoms and overall care.
5.) Avoid medications because the side effects are bad.
WRONG. Many people are scared of taking medications that can aid RA because of TV commercials or comments on the internet. Taking any sort of medication always has its risks, but not taking any can be more damaging in the long run. Inflammation in the joints caused by RA can create permanent damage to the cartilage or tissue. All medications are FDA approved and if they weren’t safe to take, they wouldn’t be available.
I have taken many different types of medications during my RA journey. Personally, Humira has helped me tremendously and I honestly wish I had started taking it earlier. Side effects are inevitable when taking medications. Humira has put me in an almost complete remission. Sometimes I still have pretty bad joint pain and stiffness, but the swelling and fluid have gone away completely. I haven't had an aspiration since 2019.
6.) RA doesn’t really affect you that much in normal, everyday life.
WRONG. You would be surprised at the struggles RA patients face doing everyday tasks. It may be difficult to do things such as walk up and down stairs, open jars, and even wear rings.
Next week I will talk about the best and worst things to eat when having Rheumatoid Arthritis. #RaEverday #RheumToGrow
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