Guest Author - Ruby Joiner

RA is a form of arthritis which the membranes or tissues lining the joints become inflamed. Joint inflammation causes swelling and pain and over time,may destroy the joint tissues and lead to disability.

The cause of RA is not fully understood. In some people, a genetic abnormality may increas the risk of developing RA. The genetic abnormality may affect the immune system, causing inflammation and eventual destruction of the membranes lining the joints.

In addition to specific joint symptoms, RA can cause symptons throughout the body. These symptoms include fatigue, a loss of appetite, weight loss, and mild fever.

The course of RA is difficult to predict because it may progress slowly or quickly. Because of irreversable joint damage we are seeing more people being treated early to prevent the disease from getting worse. This is something you need to recommend.

You will want to take a complete medical history of your patient as well as a physical exam. To rule out the problems or to monitor the treatment it is recommended:

* complete blood count
* Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
* urinalysis
* c-reactive protein
* rhe factor
* antinuclear antibody assay
* joint fluid analysis
* human leukocyte antigen test
* x ray

Being both a cargiver and a arthritis patient,I can appreciate bothe sides. It is a very difficult life to live with arthritis.As a cargiver we are always on the move and in a big hurry. I have learned I have to take short rests during the day. It is a neccesary part of my life. We as caregiver already have the compassion for people but when you have one of the problems you see on a daily basis, I believe it really makes you feel so much closer to your patient.