Is there any of you out there that has any information about Rheumatoid arthritis?

Question

I have RA and have been treated in the past with Remicade--got very sick and was in the hospital and was told not to take it again. I was just told that the Rheumatologist wants me to take Enbrel. I am afraid that I might end up with plural effusion again if I do. Have any of you had any information about that? Enbrel and Remicade are in the same drug class. I would appreciate any websites, or informatio so that I can make an informed decision. Go ahead and e-mail me at either [e-mail] or [e-mail] . I would appreciate any help that you can give me.Thank-You

Answer 1

My grandmother had this terrible affliction, I hope something works for you. I also hope these web sites can help. Good Luck, Happy Holidays
http://www.rxlist.com
http://www.ra.com/

Answer 2

What is rheumatoid arthritis?
What causes rheumatoid arthritis?
What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?
How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?
Future Treatments
Rheumatoid Arthritis At A Glance
Related Rheumatoid Arthritis articles:
Rheumatoid Arthritis - on WebMD
Rheumatoid Arthritis - on eMedicine Health

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.

Answer 3

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune disease that tends to affect women more than men. RA can also lead to Sjogren's syndrome which isn't any fun either. Some of the patients where I work now are taking hydrochloroquin. Remember that if you're taking any medications for your RA, you need to see your eye doctor on a regular basis because the medicine can build up in your eyes and "posion" them and you run the risk of developing vision problems or going blind. Plural effusion is something that affects your pulmonary/vascular system. Are you sure you got this from your RA medication?

Answer 4

i read a small piece in a newpaper recently about the benefits of the spice tumeric with arthritis. research it and Good Luck !!!