Rheumatoid Arthritis - All People Who Are Living In "VA"

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Lisa Emrich

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Patient Advocate, Blogger, Musician

Our Expert | Living With It

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posted 11/23/2009, comment (1)

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Congestive Heart Failure

As mentioned in a previous post, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Heart Disease, patients with RA have a significantly increased risk of heart attack and stroke and a shorter life expectancy as compared to the general population. Rheumatoid arthritis may cause the the outer lining of the heart to swell (pericarditis) and cause heart complications.... Read more Chevron

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TamMae

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Married, living with RA for many years.

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posted 04/23/2009, comments (5)

The BIG Decision

So, thanks to happening upon this site last night in my quest for more info on the TNF-inhibitors, I have made my decision. Next week when I go to my rheumy, I'm going to ask for Enbrel. He's probably going to pass out. Seriously, though, I am going to present my reasoning thus far, (feedback will be appreciated). When I was... Read more Chevron

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JDbumblebee

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Living With It

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posted 04/12/2009, comments (10)

Newbie to RA

Hello, I am newly diagnosed with RA, based on about 4 months of symptoms and a "very" positive anti-CCP test, after the RF and other blood tests came back negative. I am preparing to meet with my rheumatologist again on the 29th to discuss medication therapy and options, and would like some advice from others in the same boat! My... Read more Chevron

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RissaJoy

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Mom of two toddlers. Happily, blissfully married.

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posted 03/29/2009, comments (17)

How do you communicate your pain w/o complaining?

My hubby and I are trying to talk about limits and capabilities. As you know, they change! I don't wanna be a complainer! How do I communicate the frequent changes, (we have 2 toddlers, so we must work together) without giving constant pain-o-meter updates? I'm thinking of giving it a positive twist such... Read more Chevron

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obxgirl

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Living With It

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posted 03/04/2009, comments (4)

Mother just taking it day by day.

My name is Sheila. I had to stop working and go on disability. It took a long time to get it but I fought the fight. Just like everyday living with this disease. I also have fibromyalgia. Seems like a constant struggle. Don't feel like exercising because the fibromyalgia makes me feel exhausted all the time but yet I need to exercise to help with... Read more Chevron

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