June 26, 2013
Niki wrote:
I wanted to share this great article from Arthritis at About.com to use when explaining the life complications of living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and other forms of Autoimmune Arthritis. I often get questions from members when sharing about one of our members passing on from complications of RA about what this entails. This is not saying it will happen so don’t freak out. It’s just information on why RA is such a serious disease.
So I’m passing it along for those that want to read it. (((pain-free internet hugs)))
Here it is: http://arthritis.about.com/od/mortality/a/Rheumatoid-Arthritis-And-Death.htm?nl=1
What our members have said so far:
Sherry – It’s not negative it’s reality, to be uninformed is deadly, knowledge helps you to be aware, and gives you the power to take control, and be your own advocate in your treatment. If it were cancer wouldn’t you want information and a choice in your treatments and future? It does suck!! No doubt about it. But I would rather know so I can choose to treat it aggressively.
Patty – i was a nurse for 20 yrs doing home health had a lot of ra patients and in 20 yrs never had one die!
Tina – i’m a nurse who hasn’t had an RA patient die either but i don’t get that many RA patients, lots of OA though. i do, however, have a friend my age with a prognosis of about 6 months due live right now due to lung complications of RA. it happens.
Patty -I’m sure it does but its not the norm
Molly – My grandmother died of RA complications.
Jo – Patty, just because you haven’t seen it in your home health care, doesn’t automatically make it rare! No one is saying it is the norm. Especially now, with all of the newer drugs available to help to slow the progression of RA. Even the Arthritis Found…See More
Tricia – I think part of the issue is that, if you have RA but suddenly die of a heart attack or something, most people (including doctors/medical examiners) won’t connect the two as possibly inter-related. I’m guessing no one will have RA listed as the cause of death on their death certificate, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a contributing factor.
Carla – My mother died from complications due to RA. Her c1 and c2 eventually deteriorated. If our family would have been informed, in advance, of the possible fatalities linked to the disease, she might still be with us. The total net proceeds of my book on this topic, is donated to the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation. It’s purpose is to save lives, not scare patients. Yes, fatalities are not common from RA, but it’s imperative to educate patients and healthcare workers of the possible complications, of the the disease. My daily prayers are sent out to the RA community and for a cure. Thank you for posting on such an important subject!
Tricia – My father passed away at age 64 from a heart attack; he had severe RA and this was over 20 years ago when medicine wasn’t where it is now. I’m convinced the RA had something to do with it. Yes it’s sad and difficult to think about, but we all need to be cognizant of the complications that can arise so we can do what we can to keep them at bay. Knowledge is power. I believe there is a FB page titled “RA Angels” regarding those who have lost their lives due to these rare complications.
Mish – Think I’ll give it a miss. Too much 4 some of us atm.
Meghan – I’ve been diagnosed with RA for 12 years now but they suspect I had/have JRA. I had a mild heart attack in my 20s and have been on constant monitoring with higher level tests for my heart. All the documentation and medical coding relates this to RA. Not a surprise but I didn’t know about the connection when it happened so it was a shock. Education can be heartbreaking but can help avoid issues or help you be proactive about appropriate testing and monitoring
Nina – Education is vital even if its scary, we know whats going on with our bodies and those closest to us cant understand. I’m writing this from my bed where I will be all day with my heating pad do to a massive flare up
Caroline – great article but frightened the life out of me.
Angela – great article thanks for the post!
Adrienne – I’d like to say thank you information is the key to dealing and living with RA
Bobbi – Really informative article–thanks for sharing!
Debbie – Great Information after 7 years! Thanks for sharing
Holly – I’ve had it over 20 years…I am 65…. I know I’m running out of time and luck……I’m grateful for the good years I’ve had. I have resolved to the fact that I may not live to old age but that’s OK.
Elizma -The article was very informative. I am a registered Nurse with RA for the Past 5 years. I am not scared anymore. I am satisfied as long as my pain is under control. @ Nina get well soon. I have severe RA with a flare each and every week.
Helene – wish my PC would read this, maybe I will shove it up his nose. He prefers to always simply say EVERYTHING is depression. even when ER says different via tests
Ellen – well check out the side effects on the meds, they aren’t too encouraging either.
Janice – informative & perhaps helpful to you too? http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/08/16/rheumatoid-arthritis-protocol.aspx
Want to add on to this discussion? Please use leave a reply comment sections below to keep this discussion going or add your own experiences.
Want to ask your fellow members in the community a question or post a message? Send it to Niki.
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The above is a discussion created by a member and with member generated responses from our Facebook community (facebook.com/rachicks) put into a format so that the discussion can be archived for future answers needed by others in a searchable format while keeping member anonymity. Member provided information, statements and opinions do not reflect on RAChicks.com or all individuals with Autoimmune Arthritis. We encourage all members to seek professional medical advice for any specific questions and concerns as this does not substitute competent medical care.
