u/Wishin4aTARDIS

⏩ This is #4 in a 6-part series about why we have RA.

Current research points to hormonal imbalances as a catalyst for developing RA. There are so many diagnoses rooted in hormonal imbalance, and a lot of them are being studied as possible autoimmune conditions themselves.

⭐While these diagnoses are catalysts, you can't treat or cure RA by managing hormonal imbalances. Caring for your overall health is *every bit as important* as treating autoimmune conditions, but it's *not going to cure RA*.

Do you have a hormonal disorder (ie hypogonadism/TDS, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, Hashimoto's, Grave's)?

Have your RA symptoms changed with hormone therapy (ie HRT, gender-affirming, birth control) or changes (pregnancy/postpartum, aging, Peri/menopause)?

What 3 good things happened to you last week? They can be anything at all!

-----

⭐ If you are thinking "my week was terrible", then please give this a try. If you can only think of 1 or 2, that's excellent.

It's cool if you don't want to share, but I hope you'll try it on your own. I did this during stressful time in my life, and it was helpful to "make" myself think about good stuff. It's nice to do 3 good things every day. Reading other peoples' good things might make you smile, too! I thoroughly enjoy the warm fuzzies and smiles 😊

This post is always pinned to the top of the sub on Tuesday, so you can add on whenever you want 😊

This is the third LTA in the "Why we have RA" series. These environmental factors are just some of the many reasons we develop RA

Some environmental factors are:

chemical pollutants like pollution, second hand smoke, mold

childhood abuse

childhood neglect

childhood trauma

These environmental factors don't cause RA directly. But people who experience them are more likely to develop autoimmune conditions.

⭐You can't treat or cure RA by dealing with the trauma. Counseling is wonderful, and caring for your mental health is *every bit as important* as your physical health. But there's no cure for RA.

⭐It's not easy to talk about trauma and neglect. If there was ever a post that would be helpful to read through and support one other, this is the one ❤️

The pinned comment has info about free mental health resources. If I missed your country, let me know.

Do you think environmental factors contributed to your development of RA?

We've had some heavy posts lately, so let's have some fun!!

***Complete the sentence: you know you have RA when....***

-------

What 3 good things happened to you last week? They can be anything at all!

⭐ If you are thinking "my week was terrible", then please give this a try. If you can only think of 1 or 2, that's excellent.

It's cool if you don't want to share, but I hope you'll try it on your own. I did this during stressful time in my life, and it was helpful to "make" myself think about good stuff. It's nice to do 3 good things every day. Reading other peoples' good things might make you smile, too! I thoroughly enjoy the warm fuzzies and smiles 😊

This post is always pinned to the top of the sub on Tuesday, so you can add on whenever you want 😊

This topic is hugely technical, and y'all might've guessed that I don't have a degree in genetics. Here are some key facts:

Genetics account for more than half of the reason we develop RA

A predisposition for RA is typically passed through the mother

If you have a first degree relative with RA, you're 4 times more likely to develop symptoms

Genetics play a part in which meds will work for you

There are *loads* of commercial testing companies, but they can only "fill in" part of the probability a person will develop RA!

Do you believe genetics have played a part in your RA?

What are your thoughts about genetic testing? Have you done any?

What 3 good things happened to you last week? They can be anything at all!

⭐ If you are thinking "my week was terrible", then please give this a try. If you can only think of 1 or 2, that's excellent.

It's cool if you don't want to share, but I hope you'll try it on your own. I did this during stressful time in my life, and it was helpful to "make" myself think about good stuff. It's nice to do 3 good things every day. Reading other peoples' good things might make you smile, too! I thoroughly enjoy the warm fuzzies and smiles 😊

This post is always pinned to the top of the sub on Tuesday, so you can add on whenever you want 😊

Nobody knows exactly what causes RA (especially me!) but there is ongoing research that has developed a framework of understanding. The best analogy I have is this:

🧨 There are things that predispose a person to develop RA. Those are the fireworks; they're just hanging out, not doing anything.

🎇Then something strikes a match and *BANG!* You experience increased inflammation/a flare.

When and/or how did you realize you had something going on (even if you didn't know anything about RA?)

What was your first flare like? Your worst flare?

We're going to unpack the causes and triggers over the next 5 weeks; it's way too much info for one LTA! Next week we're going to begin talking about how **genetics** contribute to the development of RA.

What 3 good things happened to you last week? They can be anything at all!

⭐ If you are thinking "my week was terrible", then please give this a try. If you can only think of 1 or 2, that's excellent.

It's cool if you don't want to share, but I hope you'll try it on your own. I did this during stressful time in my life, and it was helpful to "make" myself think about good stuff. It's nice to do 3 good things every day. Reading other peoples' good things might make you smile, too! I thoroughly enjoy the warm fuzzies and smiles 😊

This post is always pinned to the top of the sub on Tuesday, so you can add on whenever you want 😊