Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis as early as possible.Why this makes a difference decades down the line

[@denaross]

Very helpful - thanks so much! I’m a lot more confident moving forward.

[@bjchealthAU]

Thanks for the positive feedback. Appreciate it and glad we could help.

[@petersparshot4997]

All good saying get seen early I've been referred by my doctor to a rheumatoist and its been on 7 weeks waiting so far. From the uk

[@bjchealthAU]

I hope you get in soon. We are referring to symptoms not being treated for many years so hopefully you will receive management soon. Good luck.

[@tinaandrews2884]

Took me 4 years in the UK with COVID delays so keep going.

[@exploresrilankawithsanjeew6326]

Thank you so much . Learnt slot

[@bjchealthAU]

Thanks for the positive feedback. Glad we could help.

[@munazzasagheer7371]

My weight is 148lb. I want to lose weight but due to hypothyroidism, it is difficult. I tried my best. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid 4 years before. In the start i was on 20mg in one week . But my doctor reduced my medicine. I have no symptoms fir the last two years. I do exercise regularly and take healthy diet. I want to lose my weight. Can i take metformin to lose weight. Please reply.

[@suewilliams7639]

Also, my CRP is good at 4(uk) but ESR has consistently been high, currently 70! Why is this please and is there anything I can do to help reduce this? I feel it makes me high risk for cardio vascular involvement? I am on Methotrexate and Sulfasalazine.

[@bjchealthAU]

This is really difficult to answer as there are numerous factors that should be discussed with your treating doctor. This is something you should address the next time you see them. It would be inappropriate to comment on this as it is so specific to you.

[@munazzasagheer7371]

Can i use metformin while taking methotrexate

[@bjchealthAU]

Yes, you can use both medications together.

[@suewilliams7639]

Had RA for 9 years now. I have 2 younger cousins with the same condition that have suffered with many years. I have 5 grown up children and 6 grandchildren. What advice would you give to them re avoiding this awful disease? Know diet and exercise is important but is there really a way of reducing your chances of getting it?

[@bjchealthAU]

Medications (so far) have not been shown to reduce the chance of getting RA in a susceptible person. Healthy eating, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and maintaining good dental hygiene is the best advice I can give. Chronic gingivitis has been shown to be linked to RA.