If you haven't already, please take the RA Pre-Survey.
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Module 1: Prepare for Clinical Dialogue in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Communication Guide for Your Next Clinical Visit

Module 2: Science and Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Communication Guide for Your Next Clinical Visit
​Made possible by a grant from Genentech.


​Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

About 1% of the population worldwide experience RA, a common autoimmune disorder of the joints. Exact causes are unknown, but risk is increased by genetics and environmental factors like age, diet, smoking, and infections. In RA, the immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells and tissues. Early and aggressive therapy is recommended to avoid these complications. Schedule an appointment today with your doctor to discuss RA.


​A RheumatoiD Arthritis (RA) Specialist answers Questions

You will learn the tools for confident dialogue in RA and how to create a personalized RA treatment plan that works. You can also see a support community to discuss, interact, and ask questions. Keep up-to-date on RA here on a daily basis. 

Survey Results

Below are the non-identifiable results of the Patient Mind Inc. community. If you haven't already, please take the survey to see where you stand with your RA.

 
Click on the Patient for Q&A

Learn From Amy

Name: Amy
Age: 39
From: New Hope, Pennsylvania
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​Amy's Question (Q): How is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) diagnosed? What should I do if I think I am developing RA?

​Doctor's Answer: It may take years before joint symptoms are noticed, but blood tests can be used to identify RA factors if you feel you are at risk of developing RA. ​Make an appointment now with your doctor. Talk about signs, symptoms & risk.

Learn From Kaleb

Name: Kaleb
Age: 43
From: Ogden, Utah

Kaleb's Question: What is the Difference Between RA and Osteoarthritis (OA)?
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Doctor's Answer:  OA is the deterioration of joints over the years. RA causes attacks of painful swelling that can eventually impact tissue like joints, and deformity of joints may be seen externally.

Learn From Rhonda

Name: Rhonda
Age: 64
From: Hanover, New Hampshire

Rhonda's Question: Does RA Only Impact Joints?
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Doctor's Answer:  Severe and/or untreated RA can cause damage to other parts of the body as well. ​

​Find a Specialists Here.
Communication Guide for Your Next Clinical Visit

Learn From Caleb

Name: Caleb
Age: 45
From: Round Rock, Texas

Caleb's Question: What are the signs and Symptoms of RA?
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Doctor's Answer:  Swollen joints, stiffness, soreness, warm to the touch. Early stages of RA usually impact your hand and feet joints. Late stages impact larger joints. Other Non-Joint Symptoms may occur.

Communication Guide for Your Next Clinical Visit

Learn From Amanda

Name: Amanda
Age: 35
From: Allentown, New Jersey

Amanda's Question: What are flares and remission?
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Doctor's Answer:  Times of pain and swelling are called flares, whereas time of less pain and swelling is called remission. 

​Find a Specialists Here.
Communication Guide for Your Next Clinical Visit

Learn From Jen

Name: Jen
Age: 42
From: Pella, Iowa

Jen's Question: Why Did I Get RA?
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Doctor's Answer:  Genetics mixed with environment factors. This is called epigentics. Environment factors include  infection, viruses and bacteria and potentially even stress, diet, and sleep. Additional risk factors are gender, age, a family history of RA, smoking, toxins, and obesity. 

Learn From Lia

Name: Lia
Age: 77
From: Winslow, Arizona

Lia's Question: Is depression common with RA?
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Doctor's Answer:  Yes. And both should be treated. Tell your doctor about both conditions.  
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​Find a Specialists Here.
Communication Guide for Your Next Clinical Visit

Learn From april

Name: April
Age: 28
From: Bentonville, Arkansas

April's Question: Does exercise and diet help? My mom refuses to exercise and her diet is terrible.
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Doctor's Answer:  Absolutely, exercise and diet are extremely important. Make sure you and your mom's healthcare professional decide on an exercise routine that will work best. It is hard for those with RA because the last thing you want to do is exercise when you are in pain. But both have been shown to help.
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Communication Guide for Your Next Clinical Visit

Learn From Jin

Name: Jin
Age: 83
From: Springfield, Missouri

Jin's Question: What are these bumps on my elbows?
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Doctor's Answer:  Sometimes bumps of tissue form around points of pressure like elbows. These are called Rheumatoid Nodules. Consult your doctor further at your next healthcare visit.
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Communication Guide for Your Next Clinical Visit

Learn From Aki & Bae

Name: Aki and Bae
Age: 84 & 81
From: Cordova, Alaska

Aki and Bae's Question: Are there new medications for RA?
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Doctor's Answer:  There have been and continue to be new advances in medications for RA. Make sure to visit a specialist or ask your Primary Care provider about your options. Schedule regular appointments to continue to improve the management of RA.

Learn From Patti & Laura

Name: Patti and Laura
Age: 59 & 7
From: Fish Creek, Wisconsin

Patti and Laura's Question: What about vaccines and RA?
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Doctor's Answer:  Vaccines help reduce the risk of infections that can make RA symptoms worse.

​Find a Specialists Here.
Communication Guide for Your Next Clinical Visit

Communication Guide for your Next Clinical Visit

Communication Guide for Your Next Clinical Visit


​Other Resources

Arthritis Foundation
American College of Rheumatology
Centers for Disease Control
Right Answers for Rheumatoid Arthritis
OrthoInfo
​Rheumatoid Arthritis Support  Network
11936 W. 119th Street, Suite 216, Overland Park, KS 66213
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