Dealing With Other Conditions on Top of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Along with Rheumatoid Arthritis, there are other syndrome’s and conditions that I live with. In 2000, doctors discovered that my sister and I shared a condition called ‘congenital protein C deficiency’; which is caused by a lack of the protein C in the fluid portion of blood. Proteins C and S are natural substances that prevent blood clots (anticoagulants) and my sister and I are deficient in protein C.

It wasn’t until clots formed (right lung in my sister, and right side of the brain in myself) that the doctors discovered this. I suffered 3 strokes due to the initial forming of the clot and the movement of it. Since then, and for the remainder of our lives, we’ll need to be on high doses of warfarin daily.

The blood thinners are the biggest road block when it comes to treating my Rheumatoid Arthritis. I’m unable to take Ibuprofen and Aspirin because of the negative interactions, and most anti-inflammatory medications are off limits to me as well. When major inflammation occurs, I form large lumps (especially on my knees) which turn into large, ugly bruises. In the beginning of my diagnosis, my Dr. performed a biopsy on one and came to the conclusion that during a flare up, my joint will bruise like a jelly donut inside and the inflammation will squish it out! Mmmm….donuts!

At the same time I was diagnosed with RA, it was also discovered I had Marfan Syndrome which is a genetic disorder of the connective tissue. People with Marfan’s are typically tall, with long limbs and long thin fingers. I am 5′11, with a 6′1” arm span!

The most serious complication is defects of the heart valves and aorta. It may also affect the lungs, eyes, dural sac surrounding the spinal cord, skeleton and hard palate.

Fortunately, my symptoms are mild; a heart murmur, joint hyper-mobility, stretchy skin, slight problems with my eyes and ears, and of course the long, slender arms, legs, fingers and toes.

Since Marfan’s is a connective tissue disease that affects my heart, and that Rheumatoid Arthritis can also have serious affects on the heart, I need to take extra care in my health. Keeping my RA under control is a very important factor and I need to be on top of that.

Do you or some one you know suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis and other conditions as well? I’d love to hear your story. Drop me a line!

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