Question 1

do tnf blockers work for people with rheumatoid arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: But other drugs should be tried first, and they usually work.  Methotrexate failure is usually a requisite.

Question 2

can anyone tell me about rheumatoid arthritis and tnf blockers?

Accepted Answer

TNF inhibtors rx: Tnf inhibitors are used to treat  rheumatoid arthritis because RA is an immunologically driven disease and one of the cytokines involved in this type of inflammation is a substance called "tumor necrosis factor." it  help drive the immunologically driven inflammation which cause joint damage. There are  side effects such as infection, neurological side effect, risk of tumors such as lymphoma.

Question 3

how can you stop symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in finger/s?

Accepted Answer

Control the disease: Control the underlying inflammatory process and you control the pain and stiffness.

Question 4

how do you know if you have rheumatoid arthritis? my blood work seems like its positive, what do i do? i dont even have a pcp.

Accepted Answer

Rheumatology: You need a rheumatologist to finalize work up and have a thorough evaluation. Keep log of symptoms with duration, location, etc as that might help significantly in formulating a diagnosis. It is always wise to establish with a PCP. Sometimes a diagnosis is not clearly delineated in a specific field and you will have a second chance through your PCP.

Question 5

whats the effect of rheumatoid arthritis on the heart and vessels?

Accepted Answer

Bad: Ra is an inflammotry disorder, characterized by high levels of CRP in the body.  CRP does not cause the damge, but is the best surrogate marker for inflammation in the body, particularly the blood stream.  Inflammation hurts the ling of blood vessels and increases the tendency to deposit cholesterol plaques.  It raises clotting factors, such as fibrinogen which makes the blood more liely to clot!

Question 6

i was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 3 years ago?

Accepted Answer

Assessment needed: Your current condition suggests a cervical radiculopathy that may or may not be related to rheumatoid arthritis. You need to be evaluated ideally by the team that knows you best as symptoms may progress if not addressed timely.

Question 7

i've been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. what should i do?

Accepted Answer

Several things!: 1. Make sure the diagnosis is correct! 2.  Make sure you get therapy to cause remission.  This is best accomplished by seeing a rheumatology specialist in concert with your pcp!

Question 8

what things can cause rheumatoid arthritis symptoms to flare up?

Accepted Answer

Fatigue,stress,infxn: There are several possible causes of flares include stress, fatigue &amp; overexertion which can trigger RA inflammatn as well as possibly food allergies vs. a chemical sensitivity.RA meds suppress the immune system,which means a higher risk for infections.Thus even the common cold or flu may trigger a flare of RA.Thus learn to recognize your triggers, get rest,work w/MD &amp; decrease stress w/meditaiotn

Question 9

if i do not take medication for my rheumatoid arthritis will i die?

Accepted Answer

Shorter life: Untreated rheumatoid arthritis shortens lives. The effect on the lifespan depends on the severity of the disease and the amount of inflammation. Stopping RA medications rarely causes immediate death but untreated RA is potentially very serious.

Question 10

what are the odds of getting as you grow older rheumatoid arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Older ?: Since RA is an auto-immune condition, its development is not really age dependent.  Often it is not recognized until later in life when the conditions start showing signs and symptoms.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Rheumatoid arthritis and calcium channel blockers

A member asked:

Do tnf blockers work for people with rheumatoid arthritis?

A member asked:

Can anyone tell me about rheumatoid arthritis and tnf blockers?

A member asked:

How can you stop symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in finger/s?

A member asked:

How do you know if you have rheumatoid arthritis? my blood work seems like its positive, what do i do? i dont even have a pcp.

A member asked:

Whats the effect of rheumatoid arthritis on the heart and vessels?

A member asked:

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 3 years ago?

A member asked:

I've been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. what should i do?

A member asked:

What things can cause rheumatoid arthritis symptoms to flare up?

A member asked:

If i do not take medication for my rheumatoid arthritis will i die?

A member asked:

What are the odds of getting as you grow older rheumatoid arthritis?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?