Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis

by Tammi L. Shlotzhauer, James L. McGuire

For the nearly three million Americans who live with rheumatoid arthritis--and the 200,000 more who this year will learn they have the disease -- Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis offers practical and usable answers to the questions of everyday life. The authors provide clear explanations of the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease, and why medication, joint protection, physical activity, and good nutrition are essential components of care. They describe specific ways -- including safe and effective exercises -- to cope with pain, stiffness, and fatigue, as well as emotional responses, reactions from friends and family, and lifestyle changes.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Reference

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1993

Reviews

[Windypicnic]

This book was rated highly by those with RA across multiple platforms, so I bought it and damn, am I disappointed. The (American-centric) explanations regarding the disease itself, its courses and manifestations, as well as standard medicines were all what you'd expect. The psychology, alternative medicine, and disability elements were frequently condescending and I didn't appreciate the emphasis on "not sweating the big things" (if I can't worry about having a life-changing disease what the hell am I allowed to worry about?)

However, my dissatisfaction didn't reach a head until the disability section when this choice line was shared; "We stress the fact that persons with RA are differently abled, rather than disabled..." Thanks for that slice of ableist bullshit!

Overall, this is an extremely disappointing book that doesn't offer anything you can't find in a better, more patient-focused format, through online RA resources. Definitely look elsewhere if you're newly diagnosed.

[Julie Barrett]

Living with rheumatoid arthritis BY Shlotzhauer_ Tammi L
Lots of information about how you get it, how to help treat it and which version of the disease you have.
Didn't realize so much depends on the environment and DNA. Didn't realize also that teeth problems are related to this disease.
So many resources, what a treasure.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

[Lesley Watson]

I read this book cover to cover as a way of making myself informed about my diagnosis without going down the often-terrifying rabbit holes one can easily fall into online. It has a lot of information--sometimes feels like the it goes too deep, other times not deep enough--but it would be impossible to tailor a book to the level of depth each individual patient desires. I've kept it on my shelf and referenced it often when I have new symptoms come up or new questions about drugs.

[Nicol]

3.5 stars. I read the 4th edition (2024). It was informative for sure, had some historical notes of how RA has been treated and overall is useful to read. However, it was peppered with borderline toxic positivity, in one section it even said don’t be angry, it’s not useful. Well f that, it is useful to me, to be angry, to grieve, you know what is not useful, being told not to feel my feels. 😂 I get it; holding onto pessimism will not help manage chronic illness, but there is a wide gap between being angry and dwelling in anger. It felt condescending at times, but perhaps others would find it comforting. I did feel like, they would reference something and say we will talk about this in chapter x and then in that chapter just say like we talked about in the previous chapter. Um, that doesn’t actually count as talking about it 🤣 But beyond those gripes, I did find it useful, some things I already knew and other topics I learned a lot. Wish this was just handed out when we get diagnosed, not as a bible, but a reference.

[Amanda]

An incredibly helpful guide that I should have read a lot sooner. A lot of tips, ideas, and considerations for those with R.A. and those who have someone with it in their life.

I do think that this is geared more towards older adults, and not someone in their early twenties. I kind of wish that there was more about navigating school/college with R.A.

As a young woman I also found the section on pregnancy, childbirth both brief and vague and lackluster. I was also suprised that there was nothing to be said about birth control either other than it is important not to become pregnant on certain medications.

[Carla-Ann Hospedales]

Excellent resource for newly diagnosed persons

This book offered valuable insight into RA. I would definitely recommend this book to persons who may have recently been diagnosed with RA. It is quite easy to become overwhelmed by well wishers citing the most recent fad/home remedies, medications, treatment options and other related twists and turns on this RA journey.

I feel more grounded and hopeful after reading this book.

[Marian Wainwright]

If you believe rheumatoid arthritis is a simple disease, think again. The impact of RA on the body can be insidious and deadly. While being informed won’t change the course of the disease, understanding its complexity may help navigate its progression. This book reveals the devil in the details and informs the possibilities that one may encounter while living with RA. I highly recommend this informative and easy to read guide.

[Erin]

I would've rated this book a 4 if it were based on the first two thirds of the material. That material was very helpful and easy to read through in a lengthy book. The last third dragged on quite a bit in the medications section, then was clearly biased and attempting to steer the reader in a traditional medicine only route when it came to nutrition, supplements or alternative medicine approaches.

[Robin]

Reading a number of books on RA, this one is between a 3 and 4. It begins with detailed medical information about the causes of RA and bones and muscles--it was so technical I almost stopped reading. But reading beyond that reveals some helpful information on care, attitude, nutrition, exercises, medications, etc., that is helpful.

[Chris]

It is informative and trustworthy. It's a must for newly diagnosed people.

[Delia]

Very interesting.

[Charlie Kircher]

Excellent evidence based review for newly diagnosed patients and families.

[Jen]

A bit outdated re: available biologics, but really informative, and will be good to have on hand later on if things progress.

[Emily]

Really helpful for someone newly diagnosed. The right combination of enough medical information without too much detail that it becomes overwhelming.

[Amy]

A good overview of the concerns that come with a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. A good starting point and reference for research on treatment.

[M.A. Arana]

Great guide on RA. Provides different methods to help treat and alternative ways to help heal.

[Barbara]

A comprehensive book dealing with symptoms, how to deal with them and details about the various medications available. Many questions are answered for those dealing with RA.

[melissa]

The drugs in this book are totally outdated. I can't believe this thing is still for sell! With the speed at which new treatments for RA are being discovered this book either needs to be updated, pulled off the shelf, come with a free masseuse for life or all of the above. And some hazelnut gelato. Even if the medication section was completely removed there is nothing in here that I didn't learn from my doctor or internet research. The two stars are for the brief chapter on how friends and family may react to your diagnosis. "Oh, you have arthritis? So does my grandma!" and "Well at least you don't have cancer! are two of my personal favorites.

[G]

Good overview of RA and treatments available. Reading while in pain made a tad annoyed with her overly positive approach. No, sorry, I am unable to positive think myself through a flare up. Her chapter on alternative theories left me a little eh as well. It wasn't really clear if she was promoting them or just including them in the name of fairness. I sort of felt like she ended up being wishy washy and putting things like massage and acupuncture on the same level as homeopathic remedies. But a good read that helped me prepare for my specialist appointment.

[Sigo Paolini]

I found it vague outside of the stretching/exercises which you can get anywhere. She does mention the link to periodontitis and RA which I saw with my grandmother, who suffered badly from this, but I don't think that's enough to score well. .Based on the ratings I thought this would have some solid and helpful information. Nope. Perhaps though likely many genetic disease exacerbated by high stress there isn't but I do think she should have mention some of the precursor signs which would be helpful for those getting the harbingers many years before.

[Liz]

This is well worth your time if you have RA. As some people have noted, it's a bit outdated in terms of scientific developments and available medications. But the psychological part of it, the diet recommendations, and the frank, honest approach the books takes to its discussions are all still spot-on. Read this, not WebMD.

[Marie]

This is a good book for people who have RA. I have found it helpful. It gives you exercises to help reduce joint damage and increase mobility. It also gives you some ideas on ways to help inflammation with dietary changes.

[Patricia Kubus]

Very informative. Well liked.

[Barb]

Some of the information is outdated but there is still much good information to be obtained from reading.

[Sara]

Informative

[Varun Kapila]

very precise clear and knowledgeable

Explains all aspects very simply. Answers many of the why questions.
Recommended as a handbook for reference for ra patients.

[Melinda]

Very informative and a great starting point if recently diagnosed.

[Marian]

An invaluable resource: well-organized, answers to questions in between doctor visits, eminently practical advice.

[Jacqueline Spreitzer]

Great resource

Very helpful and hopeful. If you are new to RA keep this book as a great resource. Very easy to read with a good layout.

[Jody]

Excellent source for RA information