What exactly is RAD?

Rheumatoid Autoimmune Disease (RAD, RA, or Rheumatoid Arthritis) is a systemic autoimmune disease which primarily attacks the joints. Specifically, the synovial tissues that surround the joints. In RAD, the body's immune system attacks not only foreign substances like bacteria and viruses, but also attacks the body itself. It results in symptoms including joint pain, joint stiffness, fatigue and others that may affect the entire body. It may affect just a few joints, or every joint in some cases. The tissues which support and connect joints, and eventually the bone tissues themselves are gradually destroyed. The result is dislocation, disability, and deformity, often leading to multiple joint replacements.

There are many secondary problems people with RAD face. Skin problems like rheumatoid nodules which are lumps of tissue usually under the skin, particularly on the elbows, forearms, heels, or fingers but can also occur in other areas of the body, such as the lungs and heart. Many people experience inflammation of the blood vessels, or vasculitis, which can cause changes to the skin and surrounding tissue that can appear as ulcers. Eye complications are also common which can result in a loss of vision. Heart and blood vessel problems are one of the more serious complications from RAD. Pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the heart), myocarditis (inflammation of the heart itself) are serious risks. In addition to the disease itself causing heart problems, the drugs used for RAD treatment may also weaken the heart and other muscles increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stoke.

There is a greater risk of anemia, and active inflammation may also lead to high levels of blood platelets, while treatment to suppress the immune system may lead to low levels of blood platelets, a condition called thrombocytopenia. There is an increased risk of lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph nodes. Inflammation can also attack your lungs and lead to problems such as a collapsed lung, coughing up blood, infection, or the accumulation of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity.

RAD is life-long and debilitating. There is no cure.