1. < Autoimmune Diseases

Husband diagnosed with RA

Posted by virgo1952 @virgo1952, Apr 11, 2020

My husband recently (5-6 weeks) was diagnosed with RA. Prior to that, 8-9 years ago, he had what looked like a rash and was diagnosed with a blood disease (ITP). (Believe is is also considered a autoimmune disease) He was hospitalized and first given high dose steroids. When that proved unsuccessful, he had a cancer like treatment infusions for 6-8 months. He got better, follow up blood five + years out looked good. Then bomb! He is taking merhotrexate (20+mg) every Saturday and will be re-evaluated in six weeks. I joined this site in October, 2919 , after colon cancer and a re-section. So, I wanted to share his story with the group, in hopes he will pick up the thread and have the great support I have had since joining. Good days and bad days. . We just adjust to what we can do. I’m still getting used to my “new” normal too. Any suggestions that have worked for you would be appreciated. He exercises smartly. I would like to see if anyone has changed/found a certain diet/foods helpful in keeping inflammation in check. He’s a newbie, so we would live your feedback. virgo 1952 (my online name)

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diamondletty | @diamondletty | Feb 22, 2023
In reply to @sueinmn "My husband and I have faced a number of life-altering diagnoses over the years - diabetes,..." + (show)
@sueinmn

My husband and I have faced a number of life-altering diagnoses over the years - diabetes, RA, lung disease - Please can you tell me a little more about your husband and his diagnosis? Is this the first time one of you has been told you have a chronic condition? That is always a frightening thing for everyone- the future suddenly looks very uncertain. How will the condition progress? How will it affect our plans? What will he be able to do?

Let me say that there are many kinds of RA, and every person is affected in a different way. There are literally dozens of ways of treating it, and managing symptoms as they occur.

The best things the two of you can do are to learn what type of RA he has, find the best rheumatologist you can to treat him, and learn everything you can about his diagnosis.

The next step is to make every lifestyle change you can to improve his prognosis - exercise, diet, weight loss if recommended, adequate rest, stress management, and finally medication.

There are 2 sides to medication- not taking more than necessary, and not refusing to take any. What? RA inflammation damages the affected joints or organs, so taking meds to reduce inflammation minimizes damage and keeps you healthy longer. On the other hand, relying solely on medication to reduce pain often leads to overuse of pills, so it is important to incorporate diet, exercise and other strategies to decrease the effects of aches and pains.

It takes time to get used to the idea of a chronic, usually progressive condition, so attitude and mindset are really crucial. On the bright side - this is a challenge to live with, and is seldom fatal.

Note to spouse/caregiver - assist ONLY as needed, don't coddle.

Come on back with any questions either of you has. Also expect some anger or irritability as he gets used to this "new normal" and reassure him that you can manage it together.
Sue

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Yes
Scott is angry
I just go with it. I understand

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Feb 22, 2023
In reply to @diamondletty "Yes Scott is angry I just go with it. I understand" + (show)
@diamondletty

Yes
Scott is angry
I just go with it. I understand

Jump to this post

Letty - Instead of leaving Scott alone while you help your parents, can you possibly involve him in their care? Maybe take him along and have him help with chores, run errands to the base, or something else he is good at?

Also, can you ask for help with his depression and anger from the VA? - as a vet he may be experiencing delayed PTSD brought on by a combination of his past experiences and his current diagnosis.

Sue

REPLY
diamondletty | @diamondletty | Feb 22, 2023

Scott's too tired to do anything. It's taking over his life sleeps all the time. He is on meds for PTSD

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Feb 22, 2023
In reply to @diamondletty "Scott's too tired to do anything. It's taking over his life sleeps all the time. He..." + (show)
@diamondletty

Scott's too tired to do anything. It's taking over his life sleeps all the time. He is on meds for PTSD

Jump to this post

Letty - The RA may contribute to fatigue, but it shouldn't make him sleep all the time. This sounds more like severe depression, which when combined with PTSD can cause one to sleep life away. Is there any way to get him some help?
Sue

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