Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others

Posted by Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator @kanaazpereira, Mar 30, 2017

Let's talk about living with rheumatoid arthritis.
As moderator of the Autoimmune Diseases group, I noticed that several people were talking about RA, but those conversations were scattered throughout the community. I thought I would start this discussion to bring us all together in one place.

Let’s grab a cup of tea, or beverage of choice, and let's chat. Why not start by introducing yourself?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Aug 16 6:43pm

In reply to @melinda561 "Has anyone tried hyperbaric oxygen treatment and if so did it help with RA? Thank you." + (show)

@melinda561 Where did you hear about hyperbaric oxygen chambers? When I worked as a nurse, our patients used the HBOT almost daily, but then, they had major wounds, I know you could consider your joints as being major wounds, but I don’t think insurance companies would agree with you. It can be costly.
Do you feel like you need a better treatment than just medications?

suzcape | @suzcape | Aug 17 4:34pm

In reply to @annelia "Hello ... I was wondering if anyone is on Orencia infusions ... once a month schedule..." + (show)

@annelia
I have been on Orencia just coming on 2 yrs nxt mo. In that time I had 2 flare ups in 1st year however short dose of Methylprednisone took care of it. I feel blessed no side effects ever and have been pain free so far.
I have read some others found after period of time it stopped working and had to change. My Dr stated she has a few others to hop to, if that should happen.

gloriaadieu | @gloriaadieu | Aug 17 4:45pm

In reply to @melinda561 "Has anyone tried hyperbaric oxygen treatment and if so did it help with RA? Thank you." + (show)

Hyperbaric Therapy for treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis pain

Copilot
Sent by Copilot:
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is being explored as a potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pain. Recent studies have shown promising results:

Reduction in Inflammation: HBOT can help reduce inflammation, which is a key factor in RA1.
Pain Relief: Patients have reported significant reductions in pain levels after undergoing HBOT2.
Improved Joint Health: There are indications that HBOT may enhance cartilage repair and overall joint health3.
In a pilot study, ten RA patients received 30 HBOT sessions over 6 to 10 weeks. The results showed statistically significant improvements in disease activity and pain levels12.

While these findings are encouraging, more extensive research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of HBOT for RA. If you’re considering this treatment, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss its potential benefits and risks.

ALSO you may be wondering about the cost:
Does medicare or insurance cover the cost of treatment
Copilot
Sent by Copilot:
Medicare and private insurance can cover the cost of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), but it depends on the specific condition being treated.

Medicare Coverage
Medicare Part B may cover HBOT if it is used to treat certain approved conditions, such as:

Diabetic wounds of the lower extremities
Chronic refractory osteomyelitis
Soft tissue radionecrosis
Acute carbon monoxide intoxication
Decompression illness 12
Unfortunately, rheumatoid arthritis is not currently one of the conditions for which Medicare covers HBOT1.

Private Insurance Coverage
Many private health insurance plans do cover HBOT for FDA-approved conditions. Coverage can vary significantly between plans, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider to see if your specific plan includes HBOT for rheumatoid arthritis. Some plans may require prior authorization.

If you are considering HBOT for rheumatoid arthritis, it would be a good idea to discuss this with your healthcare provider and insurance company to understand the coverage options and any potential out-of-pocket costs.

Learn more

medicare.gov

retireguide.com

hyperbaricmedicalsolutions.com

healthnews.com

hyperbaricsorlando.com
medicarefaq.com

I hope this information helps.
Many blessings and hugs.

annelia | @annelia | Aug 17 5:45pm

In reply to @suzcape "@annelia I have been on Orencia just coming on 2 yrs nxt mo. In that time..." + (show)

Thank you for replying ! .. I have been on Orencia for a year now, but still have problems with my left hip .. yes we have a plan when I go into a flare .. I take prednisone and florinef for life because I have Addison's disease .. but the prednisone is bumped up for the flare. I just have a hard time distinguishing a flare from a few bad days .. it can become so complicated I just don't know what to do. I get one disease almost sorted out and then another starts raging.
Exhaustion is really interfering with my thought process .. so I feel like an idiot a lot of the time!LOL

lilyoffhevalley50 | @lilyoffhevalley50 | Sep 3 8:38am

In reply to @annelia "Thank you for replying ! .. I have been on Orencia for a year now, but..." + (show)

Have you had X-rays to see if you are bone on bone? I was diagnosed with that with my RA diagnosis. I had injections into the bursa which helped for a while, but relief was not achieved until I had bilateral hip replacements. February 2018 and November 2018

spiker | @spiker | Sep 10 12:10pm

In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hello @kozlo52 @blindeyepug @barneythe2nd @nanke99 @vickiekay @tbeckys @iman_im @lisa_sj99 @1825 @callyrae @jewel8888 @boomerexpert, I'd like to..." + (show)

I was diagnosed with RA yesterday after an initial diagnosis of PMR. Was tapering off of Prednisone but symptoms kept returning. Restarting Prednisone at 20 mg and adding Leflunomide. Can anyone share their experiences with this drug?

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Sep 11 12:39am

In reply to @spiker "I was diagnosed with RA yesterday after an initial diagnosis of PMR. Was tapering off of..." + (show)

@spiker Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! This is Mayo Clinic’s information on Leflunomide:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/leflunomide-oral-route/precautions/drg-20067158?
There are quite a few discussions about RA, but none specially about Leflunomide, but you could certainly ask your question in other groups and someone may come forward.
How are you doing on Leflunomide? Are side effects a problem?

grannyzoo | @grannyzoo | Sep 12 5:57am

In reply to @spiker "I was diagnosed with RA yesterday after an initial diagnosis of PMR. Was tapering off of..." + (show)

Get off of ALL refined sugar. You will be amazed. I do not take meds because I stopped ALL refined sugar.

spiker | @spiker | Sep 12 6:16pm

In reply to @becsbuddy "@spiker Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! This is Mayo Clinic’s information on Leflunomide: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/leflunomide-oral-route/precautions/drg-20067158? There are..." + (show)

3 days on leflunomide with no side effects!

sandyltaylor | @sandrastaggs | Sep 13 8:46am

My name is Sandy and I have Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoporis . I’mom Zelzanz for RA and have been on Prolia injection for Osteoporosis. With a recent DexA scan I was told I need to go on Evenity. I have two bilateral knee replacements and have have had back surgery. I ‘m have pain in my leg and the pain interventionist was to give me two spinal epidurals. There has got to be a better way to address these issues.