dioxin and rheumatoid arthritis

[jrfrog]

Dear Dr Kevin
On Feb 07, 2006 12:00AM, you answered a question regarding the link between dioxin (Agent Orange) and rheumatoid arthritis. You make mention of some studies done in this area. Could you share with me what those studies are and where I might find them? Also, being a two year old question, is there any new information in this area that you know of?

     Thanks you very much for your assistance.



This discussion is related to Any relationship between  Agent Orange and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

[floles]

I was also in Vietnam from 1967-1968. I have PTSD, lost hearing due to TET, sleep apnea, ED, neuropathy, alcohol and drug abuse. Now I have a failing immune system and RA. My life has been a mess for years ever since being in country. I was a Seabee and worked on damns etc. in Vietnam. I drove guys to the fields and was exposed to agent orange. I was diagnosed at age 65 which is unusual for RA. No one in either side of my family has ever had RA. If all the vets exposed to agent orange that have RA come forward so we can hit VA with the stats. I am old for getting RA. My immune systems has been weak since Vietnam. I am always sick with something. Bronchial asthma etc.

[Dnmh]

The medical expert for the Arthritis forum is Enoch Choi, MD. You access the Expert Forum by scrolling down this page, between Related Communities and Related Tags on the right, you will see Related Expert Forums. If you click on that link, it will take you to the Expert Forum.

[Gary712]

I had exposure to dioxin infiltration, RA visited me at the age of 32. I am not sure if there were studies done in this area, however, if this toxin causes one autoimmune disease, it can surely cause others as I am finding out. I have other medical issues concerning agent orange. I would apply, they can only turn you down, and then you may have a better chance on appeal.

Gary

[txsilver]

Hi,  I am not sure where you read Dr. Kevin's post, but I have not seen him in this forum.  You may want to try the Ask a doctor forum.  It is on the right hand side of the forums main page.