Word about Reiter's and CDC

[Guest guest]

Here's a brief letter I recently sent to a relative, which may have

some relavence for some members who've seen friends and family drop

out of sight either because you had no diagnosis to explain all

painful and bizarre behavior; or you had a diagnosis but it really

didn't help all that much because majority of friends had aready

consiered me strange ,whis is a true observation..i do manifest

signs of being strange on occassion..This Reiter's can cause some

pronounced changes in behavior..I went about 20+ years with all

symptoms , but no diagnosis, which meant no medication..The only

place i could get pain med was as inpatient . My urologist

hospitalized me numerous times in an effort to find reason and

source of inflammation.By 1992 he'd had me in there 12 times..I want

to emphasize that it no longer takes 20 plus years for anyone to get

a proper diagnosis. And the meds like Enbrel are much better today

than those available in the past . Among the older members (64

myself) there was a lack of relavent info being handed out at most

Medical Schools..way back then.That has really changed for the

better..a big difference nowadays..I've been using same VA

Healthcaare Center for 10 yrs and gained enough confidence to now

and then pop a quiz about Reactive Arthritis on the Med Students and

it's interesting how many know enough to recognize clinical signs of

the Reiter's Triad..The other day I was in Ophthalmology clinic and

the female Student kinda smiled when I asked if she knew the three

symptoms of Reiter's and she replied without even blinking ,

'Can't see, Can't pee and can't go out with me' So much for the

Reiter's Triad.

One last mention about dissemination of information on Reiter's

Syndrome. I truly

believe that this Website alone is responsible for getting the word

out..to a lot of people around the globe...I can't help but believe

that in addition to giving member's

Support RISG has helped multiply the number of persons who've become

aware of Reiter's and other Spondy's..

There's more but that is enough if not too much already for one

post.

This is letter recently sent to a cousin :

Dear Pat,

I don't mean to burden you with a lot of general info about Reactive

Arthritis; but that which follows is from files of recent CDC report

on Salmonella poisoning and possible long-term consequences. It is

the best and most unequivocal synopsis of one of the major ways

Reiter's can be triggered in susceptible individuals..To be honest,

I was in denial for several years after diag of Reiter's or

(Reactive Arthritis) merely because it seemed so improbable that all

my eye pain, back pain and urinary tract inflammation could have any

one cause..It just didn't make sense to me..And one of reasons for

skepticism is fact that 10 yrs ago when first diag, there really

weren't any unequivocal findings and warnings like this..

What are the symptoms of salmonellosis?

According to CDC, most people experience diarrhea, abdominal cramps,

and fever within 8 to 72 hours after the contaminated food was

eaten. Additional symptoms may be chills, headache, nausea, and

vomiting. Symptoms may last up to 7 days. Many people ill with

salmonellosis recover without treatment and may never see a doctor.

However, Salmonella infections can be life-threatening especially

for the very young, the elderly, and for persons with impaired

immune systems.

Are there long-term consequences?

Persons with diarrhea usually recover completely, although it may be

several months before their bowel habits are entirely normal.*** * A

small number of persons who are infected with Salmonella will

develop

pains in their joints, irritation of the eyes and painful

urination..This is called Reiter's Syndrome..It can last for months

or years and can lead to chronic Arthritis that is difficult to

treat..****