Date: 15.04.2014
From: KAY
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Subject: how bad does it get ?
IF DIAGNOSED WITH RA, HOW LONG WOULD YOU LEAVE IT NOT TO BE MEDICATED ? WHAT CAN HAPPEN IN A YEAR ? I WAS DIAGNOSED JUNE 2013.
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Date: 15.04.2014
From: bsk
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Subject: Re: how bad does it get ?
Well,the national guidelines are to start treatment within 3 months, though I expect that doesn't always happen.
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Date: 16.04.2014
From: Fiona
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Subject: Re: how bad does it get ?
The treatment drugs for RA are supposed to stop flare-ups and stop deterioration - so the risk is that, untreated, your RA will get worse. And of course you can't 'fix' joints that have deformed or degenerated - if they're bad, you will need surgery that you might have avoided with the proper drug treatments. On the other hand, lots of people don't take the drugs, either because they're not diagnosed yet, or because (in a few cases) they choose not to. I know a woman who stopped taking prescribed drugs about 5 years ago, and chooses to control her RA with diet and meditation/mindfulness - it works for her. I think you need to talk this through with a doctor or two. You need to explore your options and do what's right for YOU.
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Date: 16.04.2014
From: Eve
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Subject: Re: how bad does it get ?
The longer it is left to run riot and out of control without meds the more damage it could do and the risk is run of damage occurring which is difficult or not possible to under (eg joint replacements or deformity). I'd say the same as Fuiona, you need to speak with you doctors, preferably with a rhumatlogy consultant or nurse to get a better idea of the benefits of treatment and timescales for you personally, we are all different.
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Date: 16.04.2014
From: Julie
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Subject: Re: how bad does it get ?
Hi, have you been offered medication? I personally couldn't survive without the medication. Like Eve and Fiona said we are all different, what works for one doesn't for another. I also would speak with doctors or nurses, and I wouldn't research answers on the internet until you have spoken to them, apart from this forum that is, where you will get good advice from people who know what they are talking about.
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Date: 16.04.2014
From: Linda Bradley
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Subject: Re: how bad does it get ?
Hiya, I was diagnosed in July 2012 but not started meds till April 2013..!! But I think I got lost in the System. Also had to wait month for appts!
Hope you get sorted soon.
Linda X
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