Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which inflammation plays a major role in causing joint problems. Warmth and swelling in the joints, along with significant stiffness and pain, can make daily life difficult. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis also experience fatigue, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, depression, and muscle aches. In this, the third edition of Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Tammi L. Shlotzhauer describes new findings about causes and treatments, including, new research on risk factors and triggers, including pathologic bacteria in the digestive tract, smoking, and exposure to pollutants and chemicals; Lifestyle and diet modifications that can help avoid potential triggers; how stress contributes to inflammation and other symptoms; information about new biologic disease-modifying drugs; promising research on biomarkers that may generate a personalized approach to treatment; remarkable gains in reducing disability, hospitalizations, and surgeries. In addition to explaining the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for people who have rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. Shlotzhauer offers practical strategies for coping with the pain, fatigue, and emotional toll of a chronic illness. She provides new information on associated diseases such as osteoporosis, tips for finding safe and reliable information online, and information on how to get an accurate diagnosis.
Tammi L. Shlotzhauer, M.D., is a practicing rheumatologist at Rheumatology Associates of Rochester and associate medical director at Rochester Clinical Research, where she directs clinical research trials involving arthritis.
Preface Acknowledgments Introduction: Defining Rheumatoid Arthritis Part I: Learning About Rheumatoid Arthritis 1. The Joints and Rheumatoid Arthritis 2. The Course and Prognosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis 3. Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis: Why So Many Tests? 4. Outside the Joints: Other Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis Part II: Coping with Rheumatoid Arthritis 5. Lifestyle and Coping Strategies 6. Coping with Pain and Fatigue 7. Coping with Emotions- Yours and Everyone Else's Part III: Exercise and Rehabilitation 8. Protecting Your Joints 9. Exercise and Rheumatoid Arthritis 10. Specific Exercises Part IV: Medications 11. Medications Past, Present, Future 12. Aspirin, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), and COX-2 Inhibitors 13. Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) 14. Biotherapies: Biologics, Kinase Inhibitors, and a Biologic Medical Device 15. Corticosteroids 16. Osteoporosis Treatments Part V: Beyond Medications: Other Treatments 17. Alternative and Complementary Therapies 18. Nutrition: Diets, Nutrients, and Nutritional Supplements 19. Surgery for Rheumatoid Arthritis Part VI: Practical Matters 20. Disability Benefits, Insurance, and Other Financial Matters 21. Other Issues Glossary Bibliography Index
The trusted guide that has helped thousands of people cope with this painful condition-now thoroughly updated and revised.
An indispensable book for sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis and their families... In addition to explaining the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for people who have rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. Shlotzhauer offers practical approaches for managing the pain, fatigue, and emotional toll of a chronic illness. She provides new information on associated diseases such as osteoporosis, tips for finding safe and reliable information online, and information on how to get an accurate diagnosis. -- Robin Wulffson Examiner.com Any who have rheumatoid arthritis... will find this a powerful guide. California Bookwatch
