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What’s the best combo Tx for early rheumatoid arthritis? Head-to-head trial underway.(Clinical Rounds): An article from: Family Practice News

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Title: What’s the best combo Tx for early rheumatoid arthritis? Head-to-head trial u

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Guidance on the use of etanercept and infliximab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (Technology appraisal guidance)

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by pwarne

Can Omega-3 Supplements Help Reduce Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?

Omega-3 supplementation has gained most of its attention secondary to its affect on the cardiovascular system.    Research supports the use of these n-3 fatty acids for people with cardiovascular issues secondary to their ability to stimulate blood circulation and reduce clot and scar formation.  Most notably there is strong evidence that n-3 fatty acids reduce blood triglyceride levels and reduces the risk of a heart attack.  People with other circulatory issues including high blood pressure and varicose veins can also benefit from supplementation. 

But what does this have to do with arthritis? 

Of all the supplements that have been evaluated by research, Omega-3 (specifically fish oil) demonstrates the greatest effectiveness in reducing symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.  Omega-3 works to help minimize the effect of Omega-6 fatty acids in the body.  The Omega-6 fatty acids are considered ‘proinflammatory’ compounds.  These compounds not only have an effect on the cardiovascular system but the immune system as well.  As rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, supplementing with Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation and support the immune system. 

It is important to note that most benefits associated with taking Omega-3 supplements are not realized until after a minimum of 12 weeks of taking 3g (3000 mg) of fish oil (DHA/EPA).  Supplementing with Omega-3/fish oil can also be enhanced by increasing the consumption of Omega-3 rich foods such as salmon, tuna, trout, walnuts, flaxseed oil, and tofu is also suggested.  In addition, because Omega-3 works to offset the inflammatory effects of Omega-6 compounds, reducing the intake of these Omega-6 ‘proinflammatory’ fatty acids can also help reduce inflammation.  Four major food oils including palm, soybean, rapeseed, and sunflower all contain high levels of Omega-6 and should be used sparingly. 

Based on the research, Omega-3 supplementation not only demonstrates cardiovascular benefits but additional benefits in reducing inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

For more information and treatment recommendations for rheumatoid arthritis, visit:

http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms.html

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Question by rahrahrahi: Rheumatoid Arthritis and other autoimmune disorder patients…?
If I may ask without seeming nosey-
What were the symptoms leading to your diagnosis?
How long did your diagnosis take?
How have you been treated (what meds/therapies) and what has worked best?

I am being tested for a number of things but my own experience and background leads me to suspect RA will be the ultimate diagnosis. The doctors I have seen also seem to be leaning that way.
Chronic, almost unbearable fatigue, weakness, intense joint pain in almost every joint, it’s worst in my extremities especially feet and ankles-several times recently I have had an ankle just ‘give’ while walking – three times now that has been while carrying a baby down my stairs and once while in a store, again while carrying my little one, which is frightening not to mention a bit embarrassing. I went for a walk the other day and suddenly felt as if my foot were broken, like if I took one more step weight-bearing on that foot the bone would just snap. I limped home and put heat on it, and rested it for the evening and overnight, and by morning it was back to it’s regular state of ‘just’ sore. I’m pretty young and in pretty good shape- actually *very* good shape when having two children within two years is factored in; I have been fairly athletic in the past, and all of this is a bit out of the blue- it seemed to start gradually during my last pregnancy and I thought it was from carrynig extra weight of baby and fluid, but it’s been almost three months since the new little guy was born and it is only getting worse even though the weight and fluid are long gone. I went to the Dr. hoping to be told it was normal considering I have two very young children in addition to school-age kids but also knowing it was not the normal fatigue of mommy-life. I have to get up at least an hour before anyone else and take medication before my kids are up in order to just be mobile enough to make them breakfast and get the day going. The pain tends to get better as the day goes on but as the day goes on the fatigue gets worse, so it’s a bit of a nasty cycle going here. Sound anything like what you’ve experienced? What has helped?

Wow I don’t want that to sound like I’m whining; I’m not neccesarily complaining, just curious.
Okay guys, I’m starting to think this is a ‘Jewish thing’, LOL!

Best answer:

Answer by Ghiselle D
Does it run in your family? Maybe not the entire fatigue thing nor exactly what you have, but does someone have arthritis in their hands? Even fibramyalgia is considered an autoimmune disorder. All those grumpy grandmas that we though were lying about their “hair hurting” we now realize that they probably had fibramyalgia.
What about diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder or disease (in a family member) late in life? My mom was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 52 yo. That’s a sure sign that the body is “attacking” iteself, a sign of having an autoimmune disorder.

As for me, autoimmune disorders run in my family. My sister was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at the age of 12 after an injury playing basketball. The fact that you used to be quite athletic doesn’t always play in your favor IF your family has a history of autoimmune disorders. After my stroke in 2004, doctors finally put 2 and 2 together and did some DNA testing because it was obvious that autoimmune disorders run in my family. You don’t need genetic testing, but look to your family and ask about any health problems, you might be surprised.

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