The First Year: Rheumatoid Arthritis An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed

by McNeil, M.E.A.; Sack, Kenneth

• ISBN13: 9781569243640
• ISBN10: 1569243646
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-12-21
• Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books

Summary

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a disease characterized by inflammation of the joints, is one of the most disabling forms of arthritis and affects over two million people in the United States. Without proper treatment it can lead to long-term joint damage, chronic pain, loss of function, and disability. From the first moment of her diagnosis, author M.E.A. McNeil took charge and educated herself on every aspect of her condition. Now, as a "patient-expert," she guides those newly diagnosed step-by-step through their first year with RA. McNeil provides crucial information about the nature of the disease, treatment options, diet, exercise, social concerns, emotional issues, networking with others, and much more. The First YearRheumatoid Arthritis is an essential resource for everyone who wants to be an informed, active participant in the management of their condition.

Author Biography

M.E.A. McNeil has written for the New York Times Magazine and San Francisco Chronicle Magazine and is the author of The Magic Storysinger: A Tale from the Finnish Epic Kalevala, which won the Aesop Accolade from the American Folklore Society. She lives in San Anselmo, California.

Table of Contents

FOREWORD BY KENNETH E. SACK, MD	xiii
INTRODUCTION	xv
DAY 1
Living: The Immune Metaphor	1	(3)
Learning: What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?	4	(7)
DAY 2
Living: How We Think about RA and Why It Matters	11	(6)
Learning: The Role of Stress	17	(5)
DAY 3
Living: Making the Necessary Changes to Your Life	22	(5)
Learning: Making a Plan	27	(6)
DAY 4
Living: Managing Your Plan	33	(7)
Learning: Your Support Network	40	(8)
DAY 5
Living: Visiting Your Doctor	48	(8)
Learning: Medical Tests	56	(5)
DAY 6
Living: Taking Drugs for RA	61	(5)
Learning: Drugs for Pain	66	(6)
DAY 7
Living: Frequently Asked Questions about RA	72	(5)
Learning: Drugs that Modify RA	77	(6)
FIRST-WEEK MILESTONE	83	(2)
WEEK 2
Living: Ways to Effect Change	85	(6)
Learning: Leaving Behind Emotional Baggage	91	(6)
WEEK 3
Living: Exercise and RA	97	(7)
Learning: Starting an Exercise Program	104	(7)
WEEK 4
Living: Specific Exercises for RA	111	(9)
Learning: Other Ways to Exercise	120	(5)
FIRST-MONTH MILESTONE	125	(2)
MONTH 2
Living: Keeping a Journal	127	(6)
Learning: Journal Pages	133	(17)
MONTH 3
Living: Nutrition and RA	150	(11)
Learning: Take Your Vitamins	161	(9)
MONTH 4
Living: Considering Alternative Therapies	170	(6)
Learning: Specific Alternative Therapies	176	(10)
MONTH 5
Living: Sleep, Rest, and Relaxation	186	(6)
Learning: Meditation Practices	192	(8)
MONTH 6
Living: Joint Protection and Adaptations	200	(10)
Learning: Accommodating Your Needs	210	(9)
HALF-YEAR MILESTONE	219	(2)
MONTH 7
Living and Learning: The Immune System and How It Responds in RA	221	(7)
MONTH 8
Living and Learning: The Search for Causes	228	(7)
MONTH 9
Living and Learning: Complications of RA	235	(8)
MONTH 10
Living and Learning: Intimacy, Pregnancy, and Menopause	243	(8)
MONTH 11
Living and Learning: Organizing Living, Travel, Holidays, and Entertaining	251	(11)
MONTH 12
Living and Learning: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis	262	(9)
AFTERWORD: ADVOCATING FOR THE FUTURE	271	(2)
GLOSSARY	273	(11)
RESOURCES	284	(10)
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS	294	(2)
INDEX	296