Tell us about your symptoms and treatment experience. Take our survey here.

caret icon Back to all discussions

How will my new RA diagnosis affect my other medical issues?

Diagnosed last week with RA, have other medical issues and would like to know how it will affect me?

Hi there, I am 35 years old hard working Project Manager, single mom of two beautiful girls and was diagnosed with RA last week, the reason for the test is that I was also diagnosed with Menopause, the doctor wasn't happy about the age aspect and requested bloods, then positive result came back. I was shocked, hurt and in denial. I now have so many questions while doing a lot of research: I have a few medical problems and wondering how it would affect the RA.

Current Conditions: - Epilepsy - bi-Polar (Stress, depression and anxiety) - Spinal Fusion L5 - S1 which has then caused Failed Back Surgery and subsequently I now have Nerve Damage and something called Chronic Adhesive Arachnoiditis. - Menopause - Bad Vision, from the nerve damage to the optic nerve from Spinal injury. - Heart Attack at the age of 32, due to compressed nerve in the cervical spine that shut down the diaphragm, lungs and heart.

I take medication for all of the above currently and with the Menopause (HRT) and then RA Treatment medications, how will this affect the long term outcome?

I suffer a lot with my ankles, wrists, hips and cervical spine, chronic pain daily. Does anyone else have other conditions that they treat and how does one cope with home and the work lifestyle? Thanking you in advance.

  1. Sorry to hear about the diagnosis msanderson, but it is good that you are reaching out to a place you can get information and support. It is a positive that you got the diagnosis quickly, before experiencing active symptoms, so you can find a treatment regimen and limit damage.

    Comorbidities, unfortunately, are not uncommon with RA. This article from our editorial team looks at comorbidities: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/medical-conditions-occurring-along-with-ra/. For your protection, we cannot give medical advice over the internet. Your medical team should be able to advise on managing multiple conditions and on whether any of your other issues are connected to RA.

    You didn't mention if you have seen a rheumatologist yet, so thought this article from one of our contributors on what to expect might be of interest: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/what-to-expect-at-your-first-rheumatologist-appointment/. In addition, this article from one of our other contributors offers questions for the doctor: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/questions-for-the-doctor/.

    Hopefully, some community members with similar experiences will offer some additional information. Please know that this community is here for you. Wishing you the best. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)

    1. Thank you so much for your response.

      I am still to make the appointment, need to get onto my Hormone Replacement Treatment first and then next step is the Rheumatologist. I have already spoken to my Neurosurgeon about the RA Diagnosis so he is at least aware and will be working closely with the Rheumatologist as well as my Neurologist.

      Thank you for the links, I will definitely have a read especially about the first appointment. I know I must make the booking, I guess I am still in denial about everything and hoping it will go away but I know it wont and I need the help now before it gets too late and the damage has been done.

      Have a splendid day further
      Ms_A

      Please read our rules before posting.