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Rheumatoid Arthritis and Aerobic Exercise

Patient Presents

Jody has been seeing a rheumatologist; below is a summary of a recent visit.

Chief complaints: pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Other complaints: myalgias, malar rash, photosensitivity, dryness of eyes and throat, cold intolerance, epigastric and gastrointestinal discomfort, difficulty sleeping, and depression.

Appearance: The patient is a 50-year-old woman weighing 188.5 lbs.

Vital signs: pulse: 68 bpm, blood pressure: 122/76.

She exhibited symptoms consistent with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease, and fibromyalgia. The rheumatologist ordered x-rays which showed mild osteoarthritic changes in several joints and laboratory tests which came back negative for FANA and rheumatoid factor.

It took approximately 5 years for a rheumatologist to make a definitive diagnosis which is not unusual.

At this time the patient's diagnosis is seronegative rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Compare rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

What are some common symptoms of RA?

List several common deformities which result from RA.

Besides joints, what other parts of the body are affected by RA?

What is the typical gender and age of onset for RA?