Have you been tagged as a rheumatoid arthritic patient? Are you fed up of having to listen to people say that there is no cure? Well, as true as sit may be, it is no reason to dishearten yourself. You need to understand that for every door that closes another window will open.
No cure is no reason to believe, it is the end of the world. First and foremost, what you need to do is make up your mind that, there are effective treatment methods out there that have benefitted people all over the world, and they will benefit you as well. There are surgical and non-surgical treatment methods, but your physician will recommend the best one for you.
Medication is the popular option of many doctors. These are some of the common medicines prescribed for Rheumatoid Arthritic patients.
NSAIDS (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) - given to alleviate pain and decrease inflammation. Examples include naproxen, ibuprofen. NSAIDS may also cause side effects like bowel irritations, kidney and liver damage and heart related issues.
DMARD (Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drug) -This particular drug uses a special mechanism of disrupting the function of a particular enzyme that helps the progression of this disease. Examples include: reflunomide, methotrexate and sulfasalazinomino cycline.
Steroids and Immuno suppressant. Steroids are given to decrease pain and inflammation, whereas immuno suppressants are given to control the immune system.Steroids also cause weight gain, diabetes and cataracts. Examples for immuno-suppressants include: cyclophosphamide, azathioprine and cyclosporine. The dosage of these medications need to be monitored because to can make you prone to infections.
TNF - Alpha inhibitors are given to decrease morning stiffness, pain and swollen joints. Examples include: infliximah and etanercept.
If the disease of the patient has reached a stage where medication is insufficient, doctors may suggest a surgery. They can be in the form of total joint replacements, joint fusions and tendon repairs. Patients may experience a few side effects but usually supportive medications are given to tackle them as well.
Other treatments: There are two methods of writing an exam. You can either get tuition for it or do self studies. Well Rheumatoid Arthritis has a self treatment method as well. This treatment is very easy to follow and you can do it from home itself.
The first method is to change your lifestyle. Nutritious meals are not just for kids. Once you become an Arthritic patient you need to consume less fatty foods and more veggies and fruits. The other is to attend physiotherapy sessions and get your therapist to teach you some exercises which will improve motion. Do not wait for the therapist's next visit to exercise; practice them every day.
On the plus side, even if it turns out to be painful, you get an opportunity to maintain your figure without even going to the gym. Remember to drink a lot of water. 90 percent of the human body consists of water and it is the key ingredient in all bodily functions. Many patients also use glucosamine for treating the disease.
Last but not least, keep yourself away from stress and read articles about your disease. Being affected by Arthritis doesn't make you feel bad about yourself. The mind has a peculiar way of influencing the functions of the body. Try to develop an optimistic attitude towards your situation. Keep your mind happy and confident and your mind will attempt to keep your body healthy and safe.
