From Pain to Power, Nagamani's Journey with Dr. Ramya Puligari Rheumatoid Arthritis

When Nagamani found herself unable to turn the alarm bell off early in the morning because her fingers were very stiff and painful, she was very worried.As she attempted to walk, a sharp, unrelenting pain shot through her feet with each step. The pain was so severe that it brought tears to her eyes. This had been going on for more than two long months, with the strange pattern of agony easing during the afternoon only to return in the evening and at night.The deciding factor that she should get a thorough check up done was when she developed fever and could not get out of bed in the morning due to excruciating joint pains. She consulted her family physician and was referred to Rheumatologist.

Nagamani finally went to a Rheumatologist, and doctor noticed along with pain she had swelling in wrists, fingers, knees and ankles.The doctor prescribed couple of blood tests, based on which treatment would be given. While getting her blood test done, Nagamani met her former classmate Madhuri, who described her symptoms which started like Nagamani’s but then intensified and led to severe hair fall, mouth ulcers, fever and a butterfly shaped red rash on her face. The Doctors had diagnosed her condition as Lupus and told her that her kidneys had also been affected. She was seeing a Nephrologist as well as a Rheumatologist. 

Dr. Ramya Puligari 
Consultant Rheumatologist
HRC Hospital
Besides Prakash Nagar Metro
Begumpet

Nagamani's reports revealed a low haemoglobin count and a high ESR, positive Rheumatoid Factor  leading to her diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Worried about her kidneys, she asked the doctor, who reassured her that her kidneys were unharmed because she sought treatment early. He explained that RA could affect not only joints but also other organs like the eyes and lungs if left untreated. The key to managing RA effectively was early diagnosis and, at times, aggressive treatment.  Nagamani learned that controlling RA with the right medications, lifestyle adjustments, and medical supervision could offer a near-normal life. She also learned about the increased risk of heart disease and stroke in people with poorly controlled RA, emphasizing the importance of vigilant management.Nagamani's story serves as a reminder that early detection and timely intervention can save lives and help individuals like her reclaim their well-being and live life to the fullest.