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Answers: Page 4 of 12
Q:

Mahdi from Afghanistan asks: My wife was told she has Takayasu’s arteritis, but her tests (ESR, CRP) came back normal.  Is this possible?

Takayasu’s arteritis is a form of vasculitis.  It is unique in that it affects large blood vessels, and is generally diagnosed in individuals under the age of 40.  It causes inflammation in the blood vessels, which can disrupt blood flow, or cause the wall of the blood vessel to become thinner than it should.  While markers for inflammation in blood tests can often be elevated in most forms of vasculitis, it is also possible for them to be normal.  A normal test does not rule out Takayasu’s arteritis.  While not for everyone, in some patients, a normal ESR or CRP may indicate that the disease is not currently active; damage has been done to the blood vessel causing blood flow disruption (no pulse), but smaller blood vessels have developed to provide the necessary blood flow in its place.

Q:

Tracey from Canada asks: If I have psoriatic arthritis, can I work as a gas bar attendant?

The treatment goal for any inflammatory arthritis is to reach remission.  Those in remission should be able to participate in all their normal activities, including work.  Before reaching remission, patients should listen to their bodies.  If it hurts when you are doing something, it is important not to ignore that.  However, that line of what is too much is going to be different for everyone.  The important thing to know is that being active is not going to make the underlying disease worse.  In fact, exercise in moderation is considered a positive step for those with inflammatory arthritis.

Q:

Natasha from India asks: Can HIV cause arthritis?

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that affects the immune system.  In some individuals infected with HIV, it can present with musculoskeletal or rheumatic diseases, ranging from fibromyalgia, HIV-related arthritis, vasculitis or psoriatic arthritis.  For most of these, treatment of HIV will also effectively treat the arthritis too.

Q:

Alicia from Edmonton asks: Where can I find a doctor who treats fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia often presents as diffuse pain, poor or non-restorative sleep, and a decrease in exercise.  A doctor’s role is to discuss this presentation with a patient, and also rule out other conditions that may present similarly.  Once a diagnosis is made, the first key options for treatment include education around pain management, sleep and exercise.  While rheumatologists certainly see patients with fibromyalgia, many family physicians diagnose and manage patients with fibromyalgia as well.  In Edmonton, there are a number of excellent education programs for fibromyalgia.  Please see our fibromyalgia web page for more information and how to enroll.

Q:

Lisa from St. Albert asks: My doctor thinks I might have ankylosing spondylitis.  Although I can control the pain most of the time with exercise and mild anti-inflammatories, is there any additional benefit in getting a definitive diagnosis and in seeing a rheumatologist?

For both mechanical and inflammatory back pain, exercise and anti-inflammatories remain first line options for treatment.  A definitive diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis may be helpful for individuals to have access to other treatment options if first line management is not effective.  A rheumatologist may also be able to better monitor you and suggest treatment for other manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis, such bowel, eye, skin involvement.

Q:

Cindy from Calgary asks: I tested positive for the ANA blood test. How can I get a confirmed diagnosis and treatment right away, if confirmed?

An ANA test is a non-specific test which may be associated with autoimmune diseases.  In rheumatology, that means systemic lupus or other connective tissues diseases.  An ANA test does not confirm a diagnosis.  In fact, 10% of the general population has a positive ANA test and the majority – more than 95% of them – do not have and will never have lupus.  To diagnose lupus or another connective tissue disease, it requires you and your doctor or rheumatologist to review your symptoms and overall health, complete a physical exam, and then pursue investigations based on that information.

Q:

Bazgha from Fort McMurray asks: My wife has rheumatoid arthritis; she has pain in her hand joints. What kind of exercise would you recommend to ease the pain and stop the condition from getting worse.

Exercise is good for the body and similarly, good for joints.  Keeping muscles strong around joints may help reduce pain and will help maintain function.  Weaker muscles may lead to more pain and less ability to do day to day activities.  Of course, everyone should always listen to their bodies – whether or not they have arthritis – so as not to over do it.  If it is starting to hurt too much, take a break.

Q:

Greg from Oakville asks: I need to know if I should skip my biologic injection due to illness.

It is recommended that for biologic DMARDs, patients delay the medication during a severe illness, particularly if they have a fever, or require antibiotics.

Q:

George from Chicago asks: My mother has rheumatoid arthritis.  She is afraid to take medications due to all their risks and the need for bloodwork.   I searched RA without medication showing that it can cause a shorter life span, including heart failure, and lung damage.. is this true?

Studies show that poorly controlled rheumatoid arthritis may shorten one’s life span by about 10 years, with cardiovascular disease risk being one of the biggest risks.  Poorly controlled RA can affect many other organs outside of the joints, as it truly is a systemic disease.  Our current treatment options are generally very good at treating rheumatoid arthritis, limiting the risk of organ involvement and we believe improving life span.  Unfortunately, no medication is without its risks and treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis are no different.  For most people, the benefit of taking the medication outweighs the risks.  Every person with rheumatoid arthritis deserves to have a conversation with their rheumatologist outlining all the risks of a given medication AND their benefit, as well the benefits and risks of not taking medication, so a decision can be made based on all the information available and that is right for you.

Q:

Shannon from Strome asks: Would you recommend the practice of yoga for inflammatory arthritis patients? Would you share benefits of a regular yoga practice and any cautions or concerns you may have?

While there are studies looking at the potential benefits of yoga for individuals with inflammatory arthritis, they are limited.  That said, the results that have been published appear encouraging, with improvement in pain and quality of life.  The risks of yoga, as would be the case for most forms of exercise, are small.  It is generally considered quite safe.  Just like someone who does not have arthritis, if something hurts, you listen to your body and stop.  However, yoga should not make the arthritis itself worse and has many potential benefits to those who participate.



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