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Anemia And Rheumatoid Arthritis

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Midlothian, IL

Does anyone have any expirience with Rhuematoid Arthritis and Anemia?

I have been very tired lately, unexplained tachycardia, shortness of breath with low oxygen levels. Any suggestions?

February 15, 2024
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A myRAteam Member

I was on 2mg of folic acid previously. Dr. stopped it about 6 months ago as he didn't think it was helping. he had increased it from 1mg while on Methotrexate but they have since stopped the methotrexate and folic acid. Looking for a new doctor he doesn't seem very concerned and his office staff doesn't get in any hurry to respond to anything. Took over 6 months to get a medication approved because they didn't follow up with it.

February 17, 2024
A myRAteam Member

Anemia is a common complication in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Here's how it connects:

- **Inflammation and Anemia**: RA can cause inflammation that affects red blood cells, leading to anemia. This inflammation can interfere with the body's ability to produce or maintain healthy red blood cells

- **NSAIDs Show Full Answer

Anemia is a common complication in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Here's how it connects:

- **Inflammation and Anemia**: RA can cause inflammation that affects red blood cells, leading to anemia. This inflammation can interfere with the body's ability to produce or maintain healthy red blood cells.

- **NSAIDs and Blood Loss**: People with RA often use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain. However, excessive use of NSAIDs can cause bleeding and blood loss in the stomach, which may contribute to anemia.

- **Impact of Anemia on RA**: A study involving more than 2,000 people with RA found that worse anemia corresponded to more physical disability. This suggests that anemia can significantly impact the quality of life for those with RA.

- **Treatment Benefits**: The same study indicated that effective treatment for RA not only helps manage RA symptoms but also increases levels of hemoglobin and reduces anemia. This highlights the importance of managing RA effectively to also address anemia.

In summary, anemia is a significant concern for individuals with RA, influenced by both the disease itself and the medications used for treatment. Effective management of RA can help mitigate the impact of anemia.

February 15, 2024
A myRAteam Member

Hello Jackie201 maybe you should also visited internal medicine Dr for a full check up to see if the rheumatologist missed something in your blood work/also get new rheumatologist. Hope things work out..

February 17, 2024
A myRAteam Member

Have any of you use folic acid to increases hemoglobin. I take 1 mg folic acid daily and my blood level has been steady 12.0 Try using it/let me know if blood levels increases.

February 15, 2024
A myRAteam Member

I was on oxygen for six months after taking a friend to the top of Pikes Peak a couple of years ago. Got through that & breathe okay now, but no more trips to 14,000 feet!

September 11, 2024

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