Enbrel (sp?) is an injectable medicine that helps people with RA cope with the illness better. RA can be painful but there are lots of good treatments out there to help people with it. I included some information on RA from medicinenet.com. Good Luck
****I hope this helps...if you have RA don't get discouraged. Find a good doctor who will help you find the best medicine to help you. Once you find the right medicine or combo of meds your quality of life will greatly improve. You'll have good days and bad days, but the good will outnumber the bad!!****
****FROM MEDICINENET.COM****
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation of the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses that occur when the body tissues are mistakenly attacked by its own immune system. The immune system is a complex organization of cells and antibodies designed normally to "seek and destroy" invaders of the body, particularly infections. Patients with autoimmune diseases have antibodies in their blood that target their own body tissues, where they can be associated with inflammation. Because it can affect multiple other organs of the body, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as a systemic illness and is sometimes called rheumatoid disease.
While rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness, meaning it can last for years, patients may experience long periods without symptoms. Typically, however, rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive illness that has the potential to cause joint destruction and functional disability.
2006-12-17 02:30:13
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answer #1
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answered by Tiggers 3
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This is one of the autoimmune collagen diseases where the body tries to destroy itself. No cure, but lots of good steroid like medications.
2006-12-17 10:18:58
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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it is an immune disease that causes inflammation, and is not fully understood where it comes from.
It is treated with anti inflammation medication like pregnazone
2006-12-17 10:18:11
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answer #3
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answered by troyboy 4
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