Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Has anyone experienced organ involvement with RA?

What is it?

I was just recently diagnosed with RA, but I found out that it had caused my eye problems. I have had frequent flares for about 7 years. I now have glaucoma and am developing cataracts. I also have skin irritation during flare ups. Luckily I don't have any damage to my heart, lungs, etc...

Hi 3cuties! Welcome to the group, and i hope you are not having problems with internal organs.

I had a systemic crisis (involvement of internal organs) around 15 years ago. It was bad and affected pretty much all body systems: liver, heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, spleen, blood vessels.... There was not much hope that i would make it, but i did!!! miracles do happen.... The most amazing is that after 3 months in the ICU, and very serious problems, i didn't have ANY permanent damage. That still amazes me. Maybe it is because i was a kid and kids just recover easier. The fact is i left hospital with perfectly healthy heart, lungs, etc.

Organ involvement is EXTREMELY rare in RA. Most RA patients don't have any systemic repercussions, so there is no need to worry too much. Just know since it is a possibility, even a remote one, we should all be alert to any signs pointing to trouble in our organs.

We have to keep an eye on them anyway because of the meds.

And like Biochica said, eye issues happen with RA, so a visit to the eye doctor once a year is highly recommended. And if you are taking prednisone or plaquenil, it is a must, even twice a year sometimes.

-- By the way Biochica, everytime i see your name it makes me think of a superhero. Maybe we should all get superheroes names and create the RA League to fight against injustice and ignorance!! We ARE superheroes in real life anyway...

Hi 3cuties, welcome to the group. Excellent question...and one that I don't think I can add anything to, since Cata did such a thorough job answering it! She's lived a lot in her few years. If we can help you research it, let us know.

Hope you're feeling well...

Welcome 3cuties, I can't answer for myself as I also have MCTD and docs blame alot on that. I do have eye problems, abnormal liver tests, and now waiting to see a Neuromuscular Surgeon for heart, muscles, and neck. It never ends and I believe the fear is always with us as to if and when serious organ involvement will happen. I do agree with Cata that it's rare with RA, my docs say the same thing, but it does happen and we shouldn't ignore symptons.

Hope you are well. You'll find a great group here.

Hugs, Donna

Hi 3cuties

I can only speak for myself...I was diagnosed with RA about 4 yrs ago..(my doc..thinks I had it long before I was diagnosed) In my 4 yrs..I have gone from the bottom line of drugs to the biologics...it has been very progressive...having said that, organ involvement, I have just recently dealt with after being hospitalized for another problem I have, diverticulitis.

While there I developed severe chest pain and breathing problems...after testing..results were pleurisy,rheumatoid nodules and infiltrate in my lungs...results were (and I am still getting more tests to confirm all this) heart and lung problems...caused by my RA...What I have to establish with the docs..involved is, was it the RA itself or was it the meds that caused this?... or was it both?...I have also had eye problems ..it is the heart and lung thing that concerns me....the kicker is I have had to withhold all meds except prednisone until all results and docs agree that I can continue my infusions and other meds...so, needless to say, my flares are constant and I have been to more specialists then I ever wanted to see..

I will post again when I find out what the conclusion is with my situation.

Cella, that must be so scary for you. I think Im more afraid of the heart problems than anything else, but I literally witnessed both my parents die from heart problems. Guess I never got over the trauma? So when I get chest pain, which is nearly daily it scares the heck out of me. Im a wimp I guess. Anyway, I can relate to your fears.

I hope that the doctors will be able to advise you soon as to how they're going to help you, and how they will help you.

Hang in there. You're in our thoughts.. close at mind and to heart.

xoxoxoxo

Cata and Cella, how scary. I can only imagine the fear and yet the strength and faith you exhibit is so inspiring. You are both in my prayers.

Welcome to 3cuties, farmgrlny and BIochica, I don't think I've met any one of you. Since you've already had your questions answered, I just wanted to welcome you and assure you that you will love it here as these are the best people

BTW, I always have elevated LFT's and do not drink alcohol at all. None of my doctors can really say for sure why this is but it is tested often and I have U/S every six months.

Cella, i hope the situation in your hearts and lungs are easily treatable and gets under control soon so you can go back to the infusions. Do you have active pleurisy?

Karen, what do you mean you have daily chest pain? don't worry me girl!