What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Join Dr. Diana Girnita, an experienced rheumatologist, in the "Thriving with Arthritis" podcast as she delves into the world of arthritis and autoimmune diseases. From exploring various types of arthritis to discussing cutting-edge research and offering valuable insights, this podcast is your essential guide. Whether you're new to the condition or a seasoned warrior, Dr. Girnita provides support and knowledge to help you thrive despite the challenges.

If you or someone you know is struggling with rheumatoid arthritis or autoimmune diseases, subscribe to the "Thriving with Arthritis" podcast for valuable insights, support, and guidance. Together, let's learn, grow, and thrive in the face of these challenges. Stay tuned for the next episode!

What was covered:

• Introduction to Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Explanation of different arthritis types: degenerative, inflammatory, autoimmune.
• Focus on rheumatoid arthritis prevalence in the US.
• Introduction to patient Georgia's experience.
• Explanation of rheumatoid arthritis as an autoimmune disease attacking joint tissue.
• Discussion on symptoms: inflammation, pain, swelling, stiffness, deformities.
• Exploration of systemic nature and associated complications.
• Causes and risk factors: genetics, environment, smoking, dental hygiene, obesity, lifestyle.
• Three key teaching points: autoimmune nature, age/gender impact, and importance of early diagnosis/treatment.
• Encouragement for continued learning and anticipation for future episodes.

Transcript

Welcome back to the "Thriving with Arthritis" podcast. In our first episode,  we discussed why this podcast exists and the importance of raising awareness about arthritis.

 In the second episode I have explained to you what is arthritis and the different types of arthritis from degenerative forms or wear and tear to inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune forms of arthritis.

In this episode we wil go deeper and I will explain you what is RA.

Why? Because RA is the most common form of autoimmune disease affecting the joints.

Just in the US affects about  -1.5 million people with RA.

Let me tell you a story of one of my patients. Georgia

When Georgia came to see me, she was 42 years old .

She was her family's breadwinner and the owner of a successful baking company; 

I'd been familiar with her famous cannolis long before she came into my office. When she walked into my office, I immediately noticed her hunched posture; Georgia walked like someone much older than her, bent over and moaning with each step.

She said "Doc, I have always been healthy, but I've never been in so much pain,"

 She explained that, over the course of only four weeks, she  developed  pain and swelling in her hands, wrists and elbows that prevented her from working. Then, in the two weeks before our appointment, she developed swelling in both of her knees and found herself barely able to walk.

"Mornings are the words , she said.

I cant get out of bed in the morning. I neeed to constantly move as otherwise I get very stiff.

I even went to the urgent care and they sent me to the emergency room. 

The pills they gave me barely touched the pain.

Nobody seems to know what I Have.

Based on the symptoms she described, I knew that Georgia's most likely diagnosis is an inflammatory arthritis, like RA. 

And, like so many of my RA patients, her physical symptoms were accompanied by a chaotic and confused emotional state.

After examining her and discussing her symptoms, I broke the news to Georgia - I suspected she had rheumatoid arthritis.

 She was in disbelief and said:  "Isn't that like—for older people?" 

A few weeks later after testing, my diagnosis was confirmed - Georgia had RA. 

What is RA?

Like Georgia, you might have some questions and misconceptions if your doctor has mentioned rheumatoid arthritis.

 At its core, RA is an autoimmune disease caused by dysfunction in the immune system.

When working properly, your immune system protects you from invading bacteria and viruses. But in autoimmune diseases like RA, the immune system makes a mistake and begins attacking the body's own healthy tissues - in this case, the joints.

More specifically, immune cells attack and inflame the synovium, the thin membrane lining the joints.  Over time, this inflammation damages and erodes away at the surrounding cartilage, bone, and soft tissues. 

This leads to the hallmark RA symptoms of joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and eventual deformity if left untreated.

Specific for RA:bilateral hands involvement, bilateral feet, symmetric 

While RA most commonly strikes the small joints like the hands, wrists, and knees, it's a systemic disease that can impact the whole body. 

The widespread inflammation puts RA patients at risk for other complications like fatigue, eye problems, lung disease, anemia, and increased heart disease risk. We will discuss in detail in a future epssode about potential complication if RA is untreated and inflammation continues.

Imagine inflammation like a fire, that if left unchecked it will burn out the whole house. The same happens in RA, slowly but surely the fire, the inflammation affects all your body.

What are the causes of RA?

Unfortunately, researchers still don't know exactly what causes RA or why some individuals develop it while others don't. 

It likely involves a mix of genetic and environmental risk factors like smoking. 

But I always assure my patients - RA is nobody's fault.

If you have a 1st degree relative like mother the risk is definitely higher

If you live in a polluted area

Smoking!!!increases the risk of developing RA and decreases the effectivenes of tx, STOP

Even second hand smoking……

Poor dental hygiene-

Obesity

YOUR LIFE STYLE- here in the podcast you will hear me talk a lot about lifestyle and the impact on RA as I am a strong believer in teh mind body connection.

Certain dietary approaches like too much sugar, salt, processed foods will impact the risk to develop RA but also will affect how you feel with RA

Before we wrap up, I want to go over 3 key teaching points about rheumatoid arthritis:

1. RA is an autoimmune condition, not regular "wear-and-tear" arthritis caused by aging. The underlying issue is the immune system attacking the joints, not just general degeneration over time.
2. Contrary to popular belief, RA can strike people of any age - including young adults like Georgia. RA can also happen at menopause age, BUT  is not strictly an "old person's disease."
3. Early diagnosis and then aggressive treatment is absolutely crucial for stopping RA's progression. Preventing further joint damage early on can help preserve mobility and quality of life for years to come.

If you're struggling with an RA diagnosis or caring for a loved one with RA, I encourage you to listen to my podcast and learnmore  about this disease.

 Thanks for joining me on today on another episode in my podcast  Thriving with Arthritis. Tune in next week when we'll be discussing about 10 unexpected signs of RA that you should not ignore.

Thanks for tuning in to the "Thriving with Arthritis" podcast. In my next episode I will discuss more in depth about what is RA. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. 

Until next time, stay strong, stay positive and keep thriving!