Читать книгу Arthritis For Dummies - Barry Fox - Страница 80

Predicting how a person with RA will fare is difficult; after all everyone is different. But certain factors can suggest that the course of the disease may be either easier or more difficult. For example, RA may be less severe if one or more of the following factors applies to you:

 You’re female. Women are more likely to get RA; however the disease often takes a greater toll on men.

 You have a college degree or better. Educated people tend to seek help earlier, are more likely to follow doctor’s orders to the letter, often have less physically strenuous jobs, and have better access to care.

 You’re middle-aged or older when stricken.

 You are diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Studies confirm a “window of opportunity” in RA whereby people who are treated sooner and get the disease under control faster do better in the long run.

 Your cartilage and bone ends have not been worn away, and you don’t yet have joint deformities.

 You don’t have rheumatoid nodules.

 Your level of rheumatoid factor is low and/or your anti-CCP test is negative. Remember, however, that some people who have little or no rheumatoid factor still suffer severely.

 You don’t smoke. Smoking has been linked to more aggressive destruction of the joints.

 You’re pregnant. Some women enjoy a nine-month period of time with fewer symptoms.