difference between RA and OA

DDs GP is going to book a blood test, we read up about the Oestrogen angle, but DD2 had cancer in her 20s and can’t take hormonal drugs.

I do know that methotrexate has caused scarring on his lungs.

Thank you Mary
The COPD has not really been an issue until very recently, but in the past few weeks he's really been coughing, and I've noticed his breathlessness.

Fanny I'm sorry I have caused you anxiety.
My consultant told me I couldn't have it, due to my lung disease. Perhaps it depends on the severity. I use three inhalers and am at risk of rheumatoid lung.

It's a minefield isn't it?

DH has COPD and takes methotrexate.
I'm wondering if he should stop.
He has no medication for the COPD either. I asked the surgery if he should have an inhaler, and they said it wouldn't work for 'his type' of COPD.

Anyone with a lung condition cannot have methotrexate.

Its is all complex, RA OA and osteoporosis

osteoporosis and OA are often linked. That is what my last paragraph refers to. RA is autoimmune, different altogether

methotrexate is the wonder drug, with side effects but one effect needs to be weighed against the other

I am so sorry for those with RA, my mother had it, badly, I know about the medical and mental problems that are involved

When we age the balance between bone destroying and bone building cells changes. Osteoclasts dissolve the bone and osteoblasts build up bone. Osteoblast influence can be greatly increased by impact exercise, even if just going downstairs like a heavy elephant, star jumps, weightlifting, reducing inflammation, increasing vegetables and protein and of course vitamin D with vitamin k

My husband has had RA for around 23 years. It came on quite suddenly and he was seen by a specialist who told him RA is a disease of the blood.....where your autoimmune attacks itself.

He was on a tablet called methoxatrate, but it did him no good.

He often had painful steroid injections to reduce the inflammation. The pain affected many parts of his body.

He has been having a weekly ENBREL injection which is very successful. He has his blood tested every 3 months and has been told he is in remission.

But about 3 years ago, he was told he has OA as well! This does affect his joints, but not as badly as some.

My Brother in law also has RA, but is in much more pain. He has had a new knee, shoulder and a finger fused. He takes methoxatrate. His condition isn't a comfortable one.

I'm on Tocilizumab injections, it's side effects have been brutal, but after four months of perseverance, my body is getting used to it. At nearly £1000 per month, I'm very fortunate and grateful to fulfil the criteria. Not everyone has access to it. I have high hopes for getting back some quality of life.

It should be available to all who have chronic RA.

Oopsdaisy I have had RA since I was 40 (30 odd years ago) It affected multiple joints very badly initially. My right hand fingers drifted quite badly, but slowly (problematic for a secretary!) but about 8 years ago I had surgery to replace all the knuckles on that hand, brilliant results too.

When it first started I was referred to a consultant very quickly and have received all sorts of medication. I have been on my current regime for quite some time now and the RA is in remission, although I continue to take the medication. Fortunately it has not affected my organs.
Keep positive, it is treatable. Maybe your daughter could ask her GP for a referal to a Rheumatologist.
Take care.

pppsadaisy, ask her to go for a blood test, the sooner it is picked up the better. Yes RA drugs are powerful but they are very good at preventing further damage to joints. RA is a savage illness, people can feel so ill with it

Like you, Mary, he also has 0A.

Marydoll my husband is on biologics, he has been for over ten years.
Etanercept/ Embrel/ Benepali - same drug, different names.
He takes them along side methotrexate.
They have really made a difference.
He injects once a week.
Wishing you lots of luck with your treatment.

Osteoporosis is not always due to lack of oestrogen, long term use of steroids can be a major factor in developing it.
There is also lots of research going on into the link between RA and OA. I have both, as well as osteoporosis.

Osteo arthritis is usually a result of oestrogen deficiency. Bit too late if you have it but please tell your daughters so that they have the choice of whether or not to protect themselves against it. It runs in families as does osteoporosis, both of which can be avoided by oestrogen replacement therapy.

RA unfortunately doesn't just affect joints, it brings so many other problems. It can also attack your internal organs.
In my case it was my heart, which came as a huge shock. For many of us unfortunately, the pain is never controlled.
The worst thing of all is the chronic fatigue, which is indescribable.
However, I have just started biological treatment, which although not helping much with the chronic pain, has after thirty years helped to allieviate the bone numbing exhaustion. There is light at the end of the tunnel at last.

Sorry Oopsdaisy - didn't mean to sound blasé about it....of course, your daughter is far too young to be facing this diagnosis and I do feel for her.

Craftyone I think that DDs Dr. thinks her hands might be RA, they are incredibly painful and the fingers on both hands have started to cross under the other fingers, I just wish I could help, she has been through such a lot and now this. The only thing that helps are the strong painkillers and they just send her to sleep.

RA affects the small joints simultaneously ie left and right, that is a pretty precise symptom. Hands, fingers toes

OA is wear and tear, cutting out sugars will help greatly to reduce inflammations, also resting the specific joints

CrazyH I agree about the options but it seems harsh that it’s my 40 ish daughter and not me, she’s hardly had time for her joints to ‘wear out’.

With several treatment options

I would agree with Charleygirl.

Two friends of mine have Rhematoid Arthritis and strangely enough, were diagnosed the same year, about 20 years ago. Modern treatments mean you can lead a fairly pain-controlled life. Both of them had knee replacements.
You must ask your doctor what the diagnosis is. RA is usually diagnosed after a series of blood tests.
I think , after a certain age, we all suffer from OA.
Don't worry too much....you will be well looked after. I hear that RA is one illness, with the treatment options . Good luck!!!

Sorry Oopsadaisy4 — crossed post