Support Groups
For additional information and resources, see
Expectations (prognosis)
Regular blood or urine tests should be done to determine how well medications are working and if drugs are causing any side effects.
RA differs from person to person. People with
Many people with RA work full-time. However, after many years, about 10% of those with RA are severely disabled, and unable to do simple daily living tasks such as washing, dressing, and eating.
In the past, the average life expectancy for a patient with RA could be shortened by 3-7 years. Those with severe forms of RA would often die 10-15 years earlier than expected. However, as treatment for rheumatoid arthritis has improved, severe disability and life-threatening complications have decreased considerably and many people live relatively normal lives.
Complications
Rheumatoid arthritis is not solely a disease of joint destruction. It can involve almost all organs.
A life-threatening joint complication can occur when the cervical spine (neck bones) becomes unstable as a result of RA.
Rheumatoid vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) is a serious, potentially life-threatening complication of RA. It can lead to skin ulcerations and infections, bleeding stomach ulcers, and nerve problems that cause pain, numbness, or tingling. Vasculitis may also affect the brain, nerves, and heart, which can cause stroke, heart attack, or heart failure.
RA may cause the the outer lining of the heart to swell (pericarditis) and cause heart complications. Inflammation of the heart muscle, called myocarditis, can also develop. Both of these conditions can lead to congestive heart failure.
The treatments for RA can also cause serious side effects. If you experience any side effects, immediately tell your health care provider.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you think you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Previous Section
