Basically, the word we dare not mention has been found in higher
concentrations in joints of people with RA. Remember, inflamatory
reactions can cause red cells to rupture, so it's not surprising that
studies have found higher levels of the dreaded mineral in joints and
surrounding tissues of people with RA because this is where the
inflamation is. Thus, there's a correlation, NOT a causation. The cause
is not the mineral but far more likely to be the inflamation which ends
up damaging red cells in the area and results in higher local and serum
concentrations of this mineral. Unfortunately, said mineral can also
contribute to cartillage erosion. PLEASE, run this summary past your
doctor. I'd really appreciate knowing if my apprehension of these facts
is accurate or needs revising. I'm afraid I have little time when I see
mine to chat about these things that interest me. I have to get the life
saving/preserving chat out of the way first :-)

Basically, you should have your ferritin checked and have a look at your
reticulocyte count. If your ferritin is low, it's likely you may need
more of a certain mineral to fuel the production of red blood cells. If
your reticulocyte count is low, it could mean that there is insufficient
mineral to produce the cells properly but it's more likely to mean that
there is something going on with the marrow, either directly or
indirectly. What drugs are you on to control your RA? Several of these
drugs can cause varying degrees of marrow suppression. Chronic
inflamatory diseases also don't tend to facilitate healthy amounts of
blood production. What was your haemaglobin (hb) level?

Cheers,

Ari

But you just know he will see the "A" word and zero in on this thread, thinking
we were calling him. We need to come up with descriptive words that only we
know. :-)

---
Joan