The average life expectancy may be shortened by 3 to 7 years with this disease. Factors contributing to death may be infection, gastrointestinal bleeding , and drug side effects. It can lead to skin ulcerations, bleeding intestinal ulcers and neuropathies. Skin rashes , Raynaud's phenomenon , and massive hemorrhage may also result from vasculitis. Severe disability sometimes results and some infections are more prevalent.
Medications sometimes cause gastrointestinal bleeding.
Calling Your Health Care Provider Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Prevention Rheumatoid arthritis has no known prevention, however, it is often possible to prevent further damage of the joints with proper treatment early in the disease. The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See arthritis - support group . The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.