Managing multiple autoimmune conditions at 72 is definitely a balancing act, but knowing what to expect can help you stay ahead of things. Having RA alongside other autoimmune conditions is more common than many people realize — about 1 in 4 people with RA have at least one additional autoimmune condition.
As you age with Show Full Answer
Managing multiple autoimmune conditions at 72 is definitely a balancing act, but knowing what to expect can help you stay ahead of things. Having RA alongside other autoimmune conditions is more common than many people realize — about 1 in 4 people with RA have at least one additional autoimmune condition.
As you age with RA and multiple conditions, here are some key things to be aware of:
- Joint health: RA can cause progressive joint damage over time, which may affect mobility, balance, and daily tasks
- Fatigue: Managing multiple autoimmune conditions can increase overall fatigue levels
- Bone density: Long-term inflammation and corticosteroid use can raise the risk of bone thinning (osteopenia or osteoporosis)
- Heart health: RA increases cardiovascular risk, so regular heart health monitoring becomes increasingly important
- Medication interactions: Different specialists may prescribe treatments that could interact — keeping all your doctors informed of every medication is critical A few practical tips for managing multiple conditions as you age:
- Be proactive with your care: Tell each doctor your personal priorities and goals so treatment can be tailored to your lifestyle
- Ask lots of questions: Don't hesitate to ask about medication benefits, risks, and interactions
- Keep all your doctors in the loop: Make sure each specialist knows what the others are recommending
- Stay on top of monitoring: Regular check-ins with your rheumatologist are especially important as conditions can evolve with age
Older age and having multiple conditions are known factors that can influence how RA progresses, so staying closely connected with your rheumatology team is one of the best things you can do.
June 4
Hey what besides RA do you have? Do you have a good rheumatologist there?
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