I’m 35 and was just diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Does life get back to normal with treatment?
The question, asked by a woman aged 30 to 44
I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis yesterday and I’m honestly quite scared about what this means for my future. I’m worried about the pain getting worse, being able to work normally and whether I’ll have symptoms forever. Can RA go into remission with the right treatment?
First of all, breathe in deeply. An RA diagnosis can be scary, however, it is completely different from what it used to be 20 years ago. The vast majority of people suffering from RA have active and rich lives thanks to early therapy. Remission should be your priority.
What is really going on inside your body? In RA, the immune system starts attacking the lining of your joints. You will suffer from pain, inflammation, and stiffness. This can happen for various reasons:
- It may be genetically caused, and some people are predisposed to it.
- There can be infections, smoking, stress, and hormonal changes that trigger the disease.
There is more and more evidence that certain bacteria living in your gut and a leaky gut cause certain autoimmune diseases.
An improper lifestyle without a good diet, enough sleep, and exercise will weaken the immune system.
Can it go into remission? Of course it can. These first months are the most important period for achieving remission.
Suggested Tests
- Rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP levels
- ESR and CRP
- X-rays of the hands and feet, as a baseline to monitor any joint changes over time
- CBC, liver function and kidney function, as a baseline before disease-modifying treatment begins
- Hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV screening
- TB screening with a chest X-ray and an IGRA blood test, before any treatment that affects the immune system
- TSH and thyroid antibodies
- Vitamin D
- Lipid profile and HbA1c
How Clinic Living Plus Can Help
At CLP. We work along with your rheumatologist, not against them. The prescribed medicines protect your joints. We work on what is driving the inflammation so you feel better. Also, so that there is less flaring and you have the best shot at long-term remission.
We focus on the root cause and thereby test your gut health, nutrient levels, hormones, and inflammation markers to understand what is actually triggering your immune system.
A personalised food plan to calm the inflammation. Most people find certain food items trigger the symptoms, and this is what we help you with- no guesswork.
The gut is linked with autoimmunity. We focus on healing the gut by repairing the gut lining and balancing the gut bacteria.
Our physiotherapist can help with movements and exercises to keep your joints strong and moving. These are adjusted to your body each day.
Depending on your case and symptoms, either ozone, peptide, or a customised IV nutrition is provided to support your recovery and reduce the inflammation. All of these are coordinated with the medical team.
A diagnosis can be stressful. Our mental wellness team helps manage the stress and anxiety that can worsen the triggers.
While in most cases life goes back to normal for many people with RA, our only goal is to get you there faster.
Lifestyle & Nutrition Tips
- If recommended by the doctor and physiotherapist, make sure you continue being active without putting any more pressure on your sore and swollen joints.
- Work together with your physiotherapist to ensure that you stay strong and active.
- Make sure you get a good balance between physical activity and rest, especially when you experience symptoms.
- A little bit of rest can do wonders in regaining your strength.
- Be healthy by having a balanced diet and enough sleep.
What to Do Next
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