R.A. (burnt-out), Pulmonary Fibrosis, COPD etc.

greenflamingo
greenflamingo Member Posts: 4
edited 14. Feb 2011, 08:25 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hello
I wonder if anyone could help. My father in law is a permanent resident in a nursing home being totally crippled and immobile with R.A.

His GP says he has "severe multi joint R.A." which is in a burnt out stage (he is 80 years old) he has suffered from this for over 20 years.

He also has pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, and Chronic Heart Failure with Artrial Fibrillation, severe weight loss, skin ulcers etc. He was a heavy smoker for many years.

He says he has no pain and refuses to take painkillers but will no longer leave his room (via a hoist and slide sheet) to get into his wheelchair.

If the R.A. is burnt out does this mean he no longer suffers from any flare ups and the condition is stable?

We be interested to hear from anyone with experience of burnt-out R.A. and what it means, Pulm Fibrosis, COPD, Chronic Heart Disease. We are wondering if the lung and heart problems are related to the R.A. or to his smoking.

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello greenflamingo, it's nice to meet you. I am sorry to hear about your father in law - mine used to suffer from some form of arthritis (probably both OA and RA) and like yours refused to acccept any help for it, thus making his life (and that of those around him) a real trial.

    I have not heard of RA burning itself out, the other conditions I have heard of but as to whether they are related to smoking or RA well, who can say? I have know people in the late 80s and 90s who have smoked 60 a day for 50 or more years and have better lungs than me. HIs refusal to 'move' as it were sounds more like a depression to me - but I am not a doc, I don't know his history and I am not 80. I do know that I get into the habit of not going out, bad health is isolating at times and can bring emotional complications along with it. If he says he is not in pain then I can see why he won't take pain killers: my FIL was of the generation that to do so was a sign of weakness, of giving in. He was also worried about the addiction side of them - is that a factor in your FIL refusal? I am sorry, I haven't been of much help, I hope someone else comes along soon who can be more constructive. I wish him, and you, well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    I am with DD on this one, it sounds to me like depression, maybe your father-in-law is in pain but being stubborn and not asking for pain relief, I went through this with my mum.
    I would have another word with his GP, and the nursing home, I would hate to think he was in pain and not admitting it.
    If they treat him for depression you should begin to see a difference in a few weeks.
    Please let us know how he gets on.
    Best wishes to you all.
    Barbara x
    Love
    Barbara
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    greenflamingo wrote:
    If the R.A. is burnt out does this mean he no longer suffers from any flare ups and the condition is stable?

    Hi Greenflamingo

    I had a quick look on the net because I was interested. Apparantly, the term "burnt out" means to go into remission and active symptoms disappear, but some discomfort and impaired joint function may remain, as may joint deformities. Perhaps your FIL is not in much pain due to his RA being "burnt out" for the time being.

    I too think like DD and Barbara that your FIL may be suffering from depression or no longer wishes to carry on, but I would have thought this would be picked up by you and those looking after him. I am sorry for all concerned as it must be most upsetting to see him like this.

    Elna
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • Airwave!
    Airwave! Member Posts: 2,471
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    It is hard telling an older relative that they could live their life in a better way, my father is a bit depressed, can't see or hear and is 86 and wants his car back, so, unrealistic?

    I am trying to get it across to him that I am not his personal Redcoat/escort/carer, he must do something he has thought of not just sit there and feel depressed. A lot of older men seem to feel this way about their cars, thinking of it as their only way forward.

    8) Its a grin, honest!

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