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Taking Care Of Your Rheumatoid Arthritis (Superior HealthPlan)

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TAKING
CARE
of your
POCKET GUIDE
Use this guide
for info on caring for rheumatoid
arthritis, to organize your data
and as a quick resource.
TABLE of CONTENTS
DEFINITIONS AND DIAGNOSIS
1
MY CONTACTS
6
RA MYTHBUSTING
8
MY TREATMENT PLAN
9
MANAGING MEDICATIONS
13
DAILY MEDICINE SCHEDULE
15
WHEN SURGERY IS NEEDED
17
FIGHTING FATIGUE
18
STAYING ACTIVE
19
MY EXERCISE CHART
22
RA AND NUTRITION
24
MY HEALTHY SHOPPING LIST
26
COPING AND SUPPORT
27
DEALING WITH DEPRESSION
29
THE FUTURE OF RA RESEARCH
30
NOTES
31
RESOURCES
DISCLAIMER. This book provides general information about
rheumatoid arthritis and related issues. The information does not
constitute medical advice and is not intended to be used for the
diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or as a substitute for
consulting with a licensed health professional. Consult with a qualified
physician or health care practitioner to discuss specific individual issues
or health needs and to professionally address personal medical concerns.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
1
DEFINITIONS
AND
DIAGNOSIS
WHAT IS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA)?
RA is a chronic (long lasting) health issue that affects the small
joints in the hands and feet, causing pain and swelling. The
disease can progress and cause deformity and stiffness in the
hands, wrists, fingers, feet and ankles.
Anyone can get RA. It seems to affect women more than men,
starting in middle age and is common in older adults. Cases of RA
in children and young adults are rare but possible.
RA BY THE NUMBERS
RA BY THE NUMBERS
0.5% -1%
Approximate
percentage of adults
with RA throughout
the world
2-3
Number of times
more likely a woman
will develop RA over
a man
45 -65
Peak age
of RA
onset
0.5% 2-3 45 -65
R A Q & A
Q:
What causes RA?
A:
Doctors don’t really
know the exact causes.
With this type of
arthritis, a person’s body
tissues are attacked
by his or her immune
system. Researchers
don’t quite know how
and why this happens
but are learning more
all of the time. There
is hope for a cure or
prevention in the future.
Possible causes for RA:
Genes (passed to a
child from a parent)
Environment
Hormones
- 1%
RA DEFINED
RA DEFINED
Rheumatologist
A doctor who specializes in problems of
the joints, bones and muscles.
RISK FACTORS
Sex
Women are more likely
to develop RA.
Age
While RA can occur at
any age, it commonly
starts between the ages
of 40 and 60.
Family history
If a member of your family
has RA, your risk of the
disease may be greater.
DIAGNOSIS
D
Your family doctor or
rheumatologist can diagnose
RA. This can often be hard
to do because there isn’t a
standard test for RA. The
symptoms may be similar to
other joint diseases and may
take time to develop in full. In
order to diagnose the disease,
your doctors will use:
Your medical history
A physical exam
X-rays
Lab tests
Unlike other forms of arthritis, RA affects the lining of the
joints. The result is painful swelling that can lead to worn
down bones and deformed joints. In time, permanent damage
to the joints may take place.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Fatigue
Joint pain
and tenderness
Joint swelling
Joint redness
Joint warmth
Firm tissue
bumps under
the skin of
the arms
Fever
Joint stiffness,
worse in the
morning
Weight loss
Early RA diagnosis and treatment can lessen the risk
of permanent joint damage.
IAGNOSIS
2
3
RA REVEALED
RA is a risk factor for heart attacks. Those with active RA,
even those without high cholesterol, high blood pressure or
diabetes are two to three times more at risk for heart attack.
WHAT TO
WATCH FOR
RA increases your
risk of developing:
Osteoporosis: Along with
some meds used to treat it,
RA can increase your risk of
osteoporosis. This condition
weakens bones and makes
them more likely to fracture.
Carpal tunnel syndrome: If
your RA affects the wrists,
the swelling can squeeze the
nerve that serves most of your
hand and fingers.
Heart problems: RA can
increase your risk of hardened
and blocked arteries, as well
as swelling of the sac that
surrounds the heart.
Lung disease: Those with
RA have a greater risk of
swelling and scarring of the
lung tissues. This can lead to
shortness of breath and other
breathing difficulties.
RA BY
THE
NUMBERS
RA BY
THE
NUMBERS
2.5
Percentage of increase
in RA cases in women
between 1995 and
2007, according to
Mayo Clinic research.
Rates of RA cases
among men during
that time actually
dropped.
2.5
FIND OUT MORE
Healthline:
What Do You Want to Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis?
healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis
YOUR FIRST DOCTOR VISIT
If you think you may be suffering from RA, schedule
an appointment with your doctor. Fill out this form
and take it with you to the visit.
Detailed description of symptoms:
Past medical problems:
Medical problems of parents or siblings:
4
5
Medications and dietary supplements taken:
Questions to ask the doctor:
Be ready to answer these questions your doctor may ask you:
When did your symptoms
begin?
Have your symptoms
changed over time?
Which joints are affected?
Does any activity make your
symptoms better or worse?
Are your symptoms
interfering with daily tasks?
During the exam, your
doctor will check:
Joints for swelling,
redness and warmth
Your reflexes
Your muscle strength
Blood tests
A blood test may show
the presence of an
inflammatory process in
the body, as well as look
for certain antibodies.
Antibody tests show up
negative in 20 percent
of cases.
X-rays
X-rays can help track the progression
of RA in your joints over time.
FIND OUT MORE
WebMD: Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis
webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/diagnosing-ra
6
MY CONTACTS
MY CONTACTS
M
Emergency Contacts
Emergency response: 911
Name:
Relationship:
Cell Phone:
Home Phone:
( )
( )
Name:
Relationship:
Cell Phone:
Home Phone:
( )
( )
Medical
My General or Family Doctor:
( )
Phone:
Rheumatologist:
( )
Phone:
Other specialist:
Phone:
Hospital:
( )
( )
Phone:
Health Insurance Provider:
( )
Phone:
Website:
Case Manager:
( )
Phone:
Y CONTACTS
7
MY CONTACTS
MY CONTACTS
MY CONTACTS
Other Professional Contacts
Name:
Service/Function:
Phone:
( )
Name:
Service/Function:
Phone:
( )
Name:
Service/Function:
Phone:
( )
Family Members
Name:
Phone:
( )
Name:
Phone:
( )
Name:
Phone:
( )
Name:
Phone:
( )
Name:
Phone:
( )
8
RA MYTHBUSTING
RA MYTHBUSTING
RA MYTH BUSTED!
Rheumatoid
arthritis is the
same as regular
arthritis.
RA is a chronic, progressive autoimmune
disorder. Osteoarthritis–what we consider
“regular arthritis”–is caused by injury to
aging joints. With RA, the body makes
antibodies that attack its own tissues.
These attacks are known as flare-ups.
Only old people
get RA.
The disease begins between the ages of 30
and 55 for most people with RA. It’s the peak
group, but anyone can get RA.
Most people with
RA end up in a
wheelchair or
nursing home due
to the disease.
RA can be different for different people.
Most will go on to live independently. The
disease can progress and cause disability,
but most people with RA these days do well
with staying mobile and on their own.
RA isn’t that
serious of a
disease.
If it’s not treated in the right way, RA can be
a threat to your health and mobility. When
diagnosed quickly, a regular treatment plan can
protect the joints from further injury. Long-term
function and mobility for years to come is more
likely for those who don’t wait to get treatment.
Having RA means
you can’t work.
You may need to change or adapt some
work tasks, but an RA diagnosis doesn’t
equal lifetime disability. You may have to
limit activities during flare-ups but most
people with RA continue to work.
Most people with
RA get cancer,
too.
Those with RA are at slightly higher risk
for developing lymphoma, but the overall
risk is low.
Rest is best for
painful, stiff
joints for
those with
RA.
Joints feeling the pain and tightness of
RA need stretching and exercise. Doctors
encourage physical activity to keep joints
mobile. While rest is necessary, people with
RA should be moving more, not less.
9
MY TREATMENT PLAN!
TREATMENT BASICS
When it comes to treatment plans for RA, doctors have many
options. Educating yourself is the first step in taking care of your
RA. With your health care team you’ll be able to learn about:
Treatment options
Types of exercises to do
Relaxation and stress
relief techniques
How to talk to
your doctors
Problem-solving
Support groups
Education programs will help you learn about RA, lessen the
pain, cope with the physical demands and the emotions, feel
more in control and become more confident.
The goals of treatment are to:
Reduce the pain
Bring down swelling
Stop or slow down damage to the joints
Help people feel better
Help people stay active
The overall goal is of course to lead a full and active life. Know
your disease. Know your treatment plans. Know yourself. It all
adds up to a better life.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
T
Lifestyle changes
A harsh reality of living with RA is the fact that you’re going
to have to make some changes to everyday routines in order to
cope with the demands of the disease.
Work exercise into your daily routine
Get enough rest
Take care of your joints
Find ways to lower stress
Focus on eating a healthy diet
If these things have not been part of your lifestyle, it
will be necessary to change your routine and make
them a priority each day.
REATMENT OPTIONS
10
Medicine
There is no cure for RA. Medications can ease the swelling in
your joints. This will lessen pain and stop or slow down any
damage to the joints. A lot of drugs that treat RA can have
serious side effects. Doctors will most often first prescribe
meds with the fewest side effects. You may need stronger drugs
or a mixture if your condition gets worse. See the MANAGING
MEDICATIONS SECTION for more details.
Surgery
People suffering from severe joint damage may seek out one of
many kinds of surgeries. Surgery is used to:
Lessen the pain
Help an affected joint work better
Make daily activities possible again
Know that surgery is not always the best treatment method. You may
or may not be a candidate for surgery. Only your doctor can make
that determination. Talk with him or her about surgery options.
Regular doctor visits
Seeing your doctor on a regular basis will help track the
progress of the disease. Doctors can also watch for side effects
and change treatment when it’s needed. Your visits may include
x-rays, blood, urine and other lab tests to fully diagnose and
assign proper care for the disease.
RA REVEALED
Smoking may trigger RA. Research has shown that smoking
can play a part in as many as a third of all severe RA cases.
EXPLORING THE ALTERNATIVES
Some people use special diets, vitamins and supplements or other
alternatives to treat their RA.
Medication prescribed by your doctors is the best way to battle
RA. While alternative therapies to augment regular RA treatment
may not be well tested or proven to be affective, many of these
natural ways help people ease stress. Always talk with your doctor
before starting an alternative treatment program.
These other therapies may benefit you.
EXERCISE
RA causes you to use your joints in ways that
add stress to other body parts. Therefore, it is
important to stay flexible and strong with regular
exercise.
PHYSICAL
THERAPY
Physical therapy may help heal and strengthen
a body part weakened by RA, or an area that’s
causing you problems. To ease swelling and get
people back in shape, physical therapists use:
Heat
Ice
Electrical stimulation
Range-of-motion exercises
Strengthening moves
This short-term plan might have you going for
treatment a few times a week for a few weeks
until you feel better.
OCCUPATIONAL
THERAPY
Occupational therapists help patients figure out
problem areas during daily activities. They then
come up with plans of action to deal with these
problems. These therapists can modify your work
area and habits in order to deal with pain and
discomfort and to avoid injuries.
MIND-BODY
THERAPIES
These therapies help you use your mind to make
your body feel better. Meditation, biofeedback,
breathing exercises, and guided relaxation, as
well as exercises such as yoga and tai chi can
help you focus your mind. This is often helpful
when coping with pain, and can make strength
and flexibility better.
COUNSELING
Behavioral psychotherapy can help people
identify problems in the way they think and act.
It encourages them to change their behavior and
can be helpful for those with RA who suffer
from depression. Counseling can also help you
cope with the daily stresses of chronic illness.
11
HOT AND COLD
TREATMENTS
Heat is one of the best and most basic home cures
for RA relief. A hot bath or shower can help relax
you and soothe joint and muscle pain. Alternating
hot packs with cold packs can give you quick and
lasting relief. A member of your health team can
teach you how to use heat and cold safely.
ACUPUNCTURE
This is the ancient Eastern healing art of
stimulating points in the body by sticking in thin
needles and leaving them in place for a while.
Only a few studies have shown that acupuncture
can help with RA symptoms. Many people swear
by it. Unless the thought of needles piercing your
skin bothers you, it might be worth a try.
REST
If you have RA, it’s crucial that you don’t do too
much. Take a rest whenever you need it. Pushing
yourself too hard will make the fatigue even worse.
EXPLORING THE ALTERNATIVES
12
MY TREATMENT PLAN WILL INCLUDE:
FIND OUT MORE
NIH: Rheumatoid Arthritis and
Complementary Health Approaches
nccih.nih.gov/health/RA/getthefacts.htm
MANAGING MEDICATIONS
Most people with RA take some form of medication to treat the
disease. These drugs are used to:
Take away pain
Lessen the swelling
Stop the disease from getting worse
RA MEDICATIONS CHART
R
13
WHAT THEY ARE WHAT THEY DO SIDE EFFECTS
NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory
drugs (ibuprofen,
naproxen sodium)
Take away pain
Ease swelling
Ringing in the ears
Stomach irritation
Heart problems
Liver and kidney
damage
Steroids
Corticosteroid
medications such
as prednisone
Reduce
inflammation and
pain
Slow joint
damage
Thinning of bones
Weight gain
Diabetes
DMARDs
Disease-modifying
anti-rheumatic
drugs (methotrexate
and others)
Slow the
progress of RA
Save joints and
other tissues
from permanent
damage
Liver damage
Bone marrow
suppression
Biologic agents
(A newer class of
DMARDs)
Target parts of
the immune
system that trigger
inflammation that
cause joint and
tissue damage
Liver damage
Bone marrow
suppression
A MEDICATIONS CHART
Your doctor will determine what
drugs to prescribe based on:
Your general health
How serious your RA is
How serious your RA may become
How long you’ll have to take the drug
How well the drug works
The drug’s possible side effects
SIP WITH SAFETY
Since some drugs that treat RA can be harmful to the
liver, drinking alcohol is not advisable for people with
RA. But research shows that people who drink alcohol
run a lower risk of developing RA than those who don’t.
Some medical experts suggest that one drink a day for
women and one to two for men may lessen the risk for
developing RA.
CAUTION: Make sure the alcohol doesn’t interact
with other drugs. With some RA drugs, there is no
safe amount of alcohol
. Ask your doctor first.
FIND OUT MORE
Drugs.com:
Rheumatoid Arthritis Medicines
drugs.com/condition/rheumatoid-arthritis.html
14
15
ROTATE ME!
DAILY MEDICINE SCHEDULE
Use this page to keep track of your medicines and when you take them. Enter the name of the
medicine in the first column and put a check mark in the boxes for the time(s) you take that
medicine each day. Keep this chart with you when you travel and go to doctor appointments.
MEDICINE
BEFORE
BREAKFAST
Enter time:
WITH
BREAKFAST
Enter time:
BEFORE
LUNCH
Enter
time:
WITH
LUNCH
Enter
time:
BEFORE
DINNER
Enter
time:
WITH
DINNER
Enter
time:
BEFORE
BEDTIME
Enter
time:
AT
BEDTIME
Enter
time:
DURING
NIGHT
Enter
time:
ROTATE ME!
DAILY MEDICINE SCHEDULE
Use this page to keep track of your medicines and when you take them. Enter the name of the
medicine in the first column and put a check mark in the boxes for the time(s) you take that
medicine each day. Keep this chart with you when you travel and go to doctor appointments.
16
MEDICINE
BEFORE
BREAKFAST
Enter time:
WITH
BREAKFAST
Enter time:
BEFORE
LUNCH
Enter
time:
WITH
LUNCH
Enter
time:
BEFORE
DINNER
Enter
time:
WITH
DINNER
Enter
time:
BEFORE
BEDTIME
Enter
time:
AT
BEDTIME
Enter
time:
DURING
NIGHT
Enter
time:
WHEN SURGERY IS NEEDED
WHEN SURGERY IS NEEDED
WHEN SUR
Sometimes medicine alone can’t slow the damage to
joints caused by RA. If that’s true of your condition,
you and your doctor may think about surgery to fix the
damage. Surgery may restore the use of the joint, as well
as easing pain and fixing deformities.
RA surgery types:
Total joint replacement: A
surgeon removes the
damaged parts of the joint
and puts in a metal and
plastic prosthesis.
Tendon repair: A surgeon
may be able to repair the
loose or ruptured tendons
around the joint.
Joint fusion: When a joint
replacement isn’t an option, a
joint may be surgically fused
in order to stabilize or realign
a joint and to relieve pain.
Surgery is not without risk.
Bleeding, infection and pain can
accompany the procedure. Talk
to your doctor about the benefits
and risks of surgery.
RA
REVEALED
Geography may play
a role in RA risk.
Studies have shown
the risk of RA grows
higher the farther from
the equator you live. In
the US, people living
in the Midwestern
and Northeast states
run a higher risk than
those living west of
the Rockies. Living in
higher latitudes during
ages 15-30 produces a
greater risk later in life.
FIND OUT MORE
Everyday Health™:
Deciding on Rheumatoid Arthritis Surgery
everydayhealth.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheumatoid-
arthritis-surgery-decision.aspx
17
GERY IS NEEDED
FATIGUE!
FIGHTING
FATIGUE!
FIGHTING
RELAX, REST, RESTORE, REPEAT
Because RA affects your whole body
and not just your joints, it can leave you
feeling worn out and unwell. Sufferers
describe the feeling as draggy, tired or
like they’re dealing with the flu. Fatigue,
pain and depression are traveling
companions of RA. Sometimes calling a
timeout to relax, rest and regain control
are all you really need. For people with
RA, this is mandatory.
PERMISSION GRANTED
Give yourself permission to take
time off. Rest and feel better.
“I need to rest now,” is all you
need to tell family and friends
who might not understand
your need for a break. If you
get mad or frustrated about
it or try to ignore the fatigue,
there’s a good chance you’ll
make it worse.
18
DO THIS: Get enough physical activity.
You normally don’t feel like exercising when you’re tired. But exercise can
give you more energy. When you have RA, aerobic exercise can lessen your
fatigue greatly. It also helps strengthen your muscles, bones and joints, and
makes your mood better.
DO THIS: Take regular rest breaks every day.
Staying in bed longer in the morning can just make you more tired. Instead, take
regular breaks throughout the day. Look for some balance in your schedule. If
you’re more productive in the morning, fit in an afternoon nap. Two or three
brief breaks could restore the energy you need to get through the day.
DO THIS: Don’t eat heavy meals.
Choose a light lunch instead. A healthy morning and afternoon snack will
sate your appetite and keep you going.
DO THIS: Get a good night’s sleep each night.
A busy schedule, stress, not enough time for sleep, pain, depression,
caffeine, drugs and alcohol are all culprits getting in your way of quality
sleep. RA pain may keep you awake or awaken you in the night. Minimize
these elements and explore some sleep therapy techniques. Good nightly
sleep can fight fatigue.
FIND OUT MORE
Healthline: Tips and Cures for fatigue
healthline.com/health-slideshow/
rheumatoid-arthritis-fatigue
19
STAYING ACTIVE
THE BENEFITS OF EXERCISE
THE BENEFITS OF EXERCISE
During an RA flare-up, exercise can be
hard or even impossible. But keeping
active is helpful and doesn’t have to hurt.
Good exercise releases endorphins, the
hormones that make you feel good. It
also focuses your mind on the exercise
and not your problems.
Exercise:
Makes your mood better
Helps you sleep better
Reduces stress
Eases joint pain, stiffness and swelling
Boosts energy levels
Makes muscle strength and flexibility better
Strengthens bones to help prevent osteoporosis
Controls weight
Protects against heart disease
RA REVEALED
All women are prone to weaker bones after menopause, but
it’s more common for those taking steroids to treat RA.
GETTING STARTED/GETTING MOTIVATED
G
Everyone with RA can perform some form of exercise.
If you’re not used to a regular exercise routine, there
are small steps to start reaping the benefits.
ETTING STARTED/GETTING MOTIVATED
RA FITNESS TIPS
RA FITNESS TIPS
Start slowly.
Learn s o m e s t re t c h i n g exercises. This will keep joints
flexible with little effort.
Stay away from high-impact, intense exercising.
Set a goal. Figure out something to shoot for: Losing a
few pounds, getting in shape for a certain event, walking
a 5K event.
Set small targets along the way to your big goal to track
your progress.
Reward yourself when you reach your goals.
STEP 1
Talk to your doctor. Ask him or her what
kinds of exercise would be best for you.
The extent of your RA, your flexibility
and other conditions will inform the decision. If you’re worried
about shoulder joint inflammation, for example, you may want to
bike or walk instead of swim.
STEP 2
Keep it real. If you don’t know where to
begin or feel you don’t have much time
to exercise, start with five minutes. The
next day, try to do a minute more, and so on. On the other hand, if
you’re raring to go, be careful not to overdo it in the beginning. It’s
less important where you start than where you end up.
STEP 3
Make it easy. If getting to a gym is a
hassle, work out at home or in your
neighborhood. But if you like the energy
of a gym, try to find one that’s not off your beaten path. You’re
more likely to stop in if you pass it every day.
STEP 4
Get help to get going. If you can, start
off with the help from a physical or
occupational therapist, or a trainer who
has experience with arthritis -- don’t dive in on your own. They
can teach you how to gauge your body’s response so that you don’t
overdo it, end up in pain, and get discouraged.
STEP 5
Listen to your body. Stay with your
walking pace from the week before
instead of ramping it up if you don’t feel
well enough. Feel free to change up the activity if you’re
not feeling your best. Don’t be afraid to take a day off from
exercising if you don’t feel well or your joints are sore or
swollen. Choose some moves you can manage and keep
moving.
20
R A Q & A
Q:
What is the
best exercise
for RA?
A:
The best exercise
is the one you’ll
actually do. Pick
something you’re
interested in
trying. Make sure
it won’t hurt your
joints.
THE IDEAL FITNESS PROGRAM
USES THESE WORKOUT TYPES:
Low- to medium-impact aerobics
Swimming, biking, walking,
aerobic dance, warm-water exercise,
elliptical machines
Strength training
Light weightlifting (1-2 pounds),
resistance bands
Flexibility exercises
Stretching, yoga, tai chi,
range-of-motion exercises
Incorporate all three to get
the most bang for your exercise
buck. Always warm up and
stretch before every workout.
WALKING 101
WALKING 101
It’s one of the simplest exercises you can do. The only gear you need is
a decent pair of shoes. Look into the Arthritis Foundation’s 12-Week
Walking Plan: arthritistoday.org/what-you-can-do/staying-active/
walking/walking-plan.php
This plan features weekly timelines for beginning, intermediate and
advanced walkers. Starting slowly and building up to greater distances and
speeds is the best way to master a regular walking plan.
Finding a friend or friends to walk with can help you stay driven. Start a
group and keep each other on track.
21
THE IDEAL FITNESS PROGRAM
USES THESE WORKOUT TYPES:
MY FITNESS/ACTIVITY GOALS:
MY EXERCISE CHART
MY EXERCISE CHART
Use this chart to keep on
track with your exercise
routine.
Date Exercise
Repetitions/
Time Spent
Finished
22
Date Exercise
Repetitions/
Time Spent
Finished
FIND OUT MORE
WebMD: Joint-Friendly Fitness Routines
webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/patient-support-12/
slideshow-ra-exercises
23
RA AND NUTRITION
RA AND NUTRITION
DIETARY GUIDELINES
DIET
To promote health and keep disease away, nutrition experts
suggest these general guidelines:
Eat a variety of foods
Balance food with physical activity
Keep your weight at a healthy level
Pack your diet with grains, veggies and fruits
Stay away from foods high in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol
Limit sugars
If you drink alcohol, limit it
THE RA DIET
Ongoing studies seek to figure out a link between RA and
diet. In the meantime, doctors urge RA patients to follow a
healthy and balanced diet that leads to a healthy weight.
FOODS THAT CAN HELP FIGHT RA
Doctors and nutritionists recommend a diet with fish such as
herring, mackerel, trout, salmon and tuna. The omega-3 fatty
acids in these fish may prove to be the best anti-inflammatory in
foods. Talk to your doctor about the right dosage if you choose
to take a fish oil supplement.
Another way to possibly reduce inflammation is by getting more
fiber from fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fresh or frozen
strawberries have been shown to benefit people with RA.
Extra-virgin olive oil may also help to lessen the inflammation
that goes with RA. Use this oil as a low-fat alternative to higher
fat cooking oils and butter.
24
ARY GUIDELINES
25
RA REVEALED
While extra-virgin olive oil doesn’t contain omega-3 fats,
it does have some anti-inflammatory properties.
Many diets and fitness programs suggest a healthy diet based
on plenty of plant foods, healthy fats and having fish a few
times a week. This food plan has been known to help fight the
risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and weight
gain. Try it for your RA. It just might help ease your symptoms.
R A Q & A
Q:
I heard
that fasting
was a good
treatment
for RA.
Is it true?
A:
Fasting is high-
risk and not
an acceptable
method of
treating RA. The
effects, if any, are
short-term, with
symptoms coming
back within a
week of resuming
a normal diet.
BEWARE OF…
BEWARE OF…
Fad diets
Fast fat burning claims
Miracle cures
MY HEALTHY
SHOPPING LIST
MY HEALTHY
SHOPPING LIST
GRAINS
GRAINS
VEGGIES
VEGGIES
FRUITS
FRUITS
DAIRY
D
PROTEIN
PR
FIND OUT MORE
Healthline:
Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis
healthline.com/health-slideshow/anti-inflammatory-ra-diet
26
AIRY OTEIN
COPING AND SUPPORT
Coping with the effects of RA is rarely easy. But
working with your doctors and health care team will
help you come up with a strategy for coping. Give it
time and learn the strategies that work best for you.
COPING TIPS
Take control: Create a plan for managing your RA with
your doctor and nurse. Mastering a plan will help you feel
in charge of your disease.
Know your limits: RA can bring on fatigue and muscle
weakness. Rest when you’re tired. Short naps can refresh
you but make sure they don’t keep you from sleeping well
at night.
Make time for yourself: Block out time to do what you
like. Go for a walk, read, write in a journal, listen to
music. Quietly think about your feelings and unwind from
stress during this time.
Connect with others. Let your family know how you’re
feeling. They care, even if they don’t know how to talk
to you about your pain. Find a trusted family member
or friend you can talk to when you feel overwhelmed.
You can also connect with other people who have RA,
through a support group nearby or online.
27
28
SUPPORT GROUPS
Support groups can be helpful for people living with RA. They
can make your mood better, teach coping skills and pain relief
methods, ease fears and provide a forum for people with the
same condition. Seek out teaching groups led by professionals
and run in a more formal way. These support sessions will
work to empower you and teach you useful coping skills.
Types of support groups:
Closed: Participants must be registered and have to be at all sessions.
Group therapy: Sessions are led by a mental health professional
with a set purpose and time limit to reach a certain goal. Coping
and relaxation skills may be taught.
Peer: Informal sessions led by fellow patients, with a focus on
shared experiences.
Educational: Formal sessions that use presentations and
question-and-answer periods.
Online: Internet chat sites attended by peers.
Your local Arthritis Foundation office, area hospitals and your
health care team can direct you to RA support groups.
UP TO 75
RA BY THE NUMBERS
RA BY THE NUMBERS
UP TO 75
Percentage of people with RA whose condition
goes into remission during pregnancy. After
delivery, flare-ups usually come back.
FIND OUT MORE
WebMD: Rheumatoid Arthritis Community
exchanges.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis-exchange
DEALING WITH DEPRESSION
RA REVEALED
RA and depression go together. The pain and stress of living
with a chronic illness can plainly cause depression. But high
levels of an inflammatory protein linked to depression is found
in RA sufferers.
The good news: RA meds often block the
depression-causing protein.
BATTLING THE BLUES
Depression often goes along with RA, due to the pain, discomfort,
fatigue and lifestyle changes one is forced to make. People with the
disease are often twice as likely to feel the effects of depression as
those without it. Talk with your health care team if you think you
might be depressed. Your doctors may suggest antidepressants.
These can sometimes fight the depression and the fatigue. Other
nondrug options—like talk therapy or counseling—can present
alternative methods for battling the condition and teach you ways
for dealing with the pain.
THE BAD NEWS: Depression can double the risk of death
for those with RA. More than just a bad mood, depression
can be downright dangerous. Your doctor may realize that
treating the depression is as important as treating the RA.
If you’re feeling sad or hopeless, tell your doctor. He or she can’t
treat your depression if you don’t share the info. Your depression
may be related to your level of pain. Taking away the pain may also
get rid of th
e depression.
Counseling and antidepressants are effective in treating
depression. Talk to your doctor.
FIND OUT MORE
Healthline:
How Do I Cope with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Depression?
healthline.com/health-slideshow/rheumatoid-
arthritis-depression
29
30
THE FUTURE OF RA RESEARCH
THE FUTURE OF RA RESEAR
While there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, and doctors
don’t know exactly what causes it, each day researchers keep
looking for answers.
RA
REVEALED
RA doesn’t have a
long history. There’s
no evidence of the
disease being around
in ancient times or
even during the time of
Columbus’ discovery
of the Americas. This
suggests the disease
may be environmental.
Areas of RA research:
Genetics
Immune systems
Families with RA
New drugs or
drug combinations
RA and disability
Preventing related
health problems
Quality of life for
people with RA
Researchers keep building on what they know about the
disease. They look to find cures and better treatment plans
that address the pain and swelling of joints and tissues. They
hope that someday the pain and suffering of RA is a thing of
the past. For you and countless others.
FIND OUT MORE
MedShadow: The Future of RA Treatments?
medshadow.org/medshadow_blog/looking-future-
ra-treaments/
CH
THE FUTURE OF RA RESEARCH
NOTES
31
NOTES
32
RESOURCES
RESOURCES
National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
(NIAMS)
877-22-NIAMS (877-226-4267)
niams.nih.gov
Arthritis Foundation®
404-872-7100
arthritis.org
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
888-INFO-FDA (888-463-6332)
fda.gov
NIH: National Center for
Complementary and Integrative Health
nccih.nih.gov
American Academy of Orthopaedic
Surgeons (AAOS)
aaos.org
Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center
hopkins-arthritis.org
© 2016 Centene Corporation. All rights reserved. All materials
are exclusively owned by Centene Corporation and are protected
by United States and international copyright law. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, distributed, displayed, stored in
a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of Centene Corporation. You
may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice.
MCARE16-00028E
RA. Rheumatoid arthritis. It
just sounds painful.
The good news is that it doesn’t
have to be. This pocket guide
will give you some background
on the disease and prepare you
with proven ways of dealing
with RA. From diagnosis to
treatment options and coping
skills, use this guide to teach
yourself and find relief.
DIAGNOSIS
CONTACTS
TREATMENT
OPTIONS
MANAGING
MEDICATIONS
FITNESS TIPS
RA AND NUTRITION
DEPRESSION AND
COPING SKILLS
SUPPORT GROUPS
AND MORE
MADE IN
THE U.S.A.
Because Where’s It
@? Media cares
about the environment, this book
was printed on recycled paper.
Created by MICHELLE BAIN
Design by SAM WASHBURN
ISBN: 978-0-9862116-2-1
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