Hi
This is my first post! I have been diagnosed with Sacroiliitis and have a lot of pain in my bum and thighs. I am allergic to hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine. Has anyone any experience of taking the anti- TNF medications( eg Remicade or Humira ) Thank you
Hi Janet I know this is an old post but I only joined this group today. So I’m busy looking for answers too. Have you improved at all since you posted this? I started on etanercept three weeks ago waiting to see if it helps at all. Best wishes Gill
Hi. I have been injecting Benepali since November 2020. I think it has helped to stabilise my arthritis. My inflammatory blood markers are very good. I still have a lot of pain in my hands and my knees but they think this might be degenerative . Hope this helps. Perhaps I should also say I don't do the injections -my husband does while I close my eyes. Good luck Jan
Hi jan do you still have problems sitting down because of Sacroillitis? It’s a pain in the butt literally!! Mine is structural so the benepali will not help with that I’ve been told by rheumatologist. I’m always searching for hints n tips to help with this. I do a tai chi class once a week and do stretches every morning. I walk when I can so feel that I help myself as much as possible by staying active. Unfortunately we all that to sit down at some stage in the day. Take care and thanks for replying. Gill
Hi. The original diagnosis which I got was wrong and after an MRI scan it was decided that I had nerve impingement at the base of my spine which causes sciatica. I think the pain and symptoms are very similar. I too walk as much as I can and do stretches. I do yoga from Youtube and Joe Wicks "for older people". I take painkillers twice a day but not sure how effective they are but don't want to risk stopping taking them. Sorry can't help more. Best wishes
Hi again thanks for the input. I think you are right about the symptoms being similar. I am sitting on a hot water bottle that I fill with cold water and out in the freezer for an hour. It numbs everything for a while then I move to heat. I gave up on painkillers a couple of months ago as they wreck my stomach. I started on amgevita in 2020 with no success in the three months they give you. I managed then for two years and went on benepali three weeks ago. It’s hard to know if a medication is working when you have structural stuff going on in the background 24/7. How long did it take for the benepali to work for you? I understand that everyone is different. Take care.
Hi. I had a severe allergic reaction to Amgevita! Benepali started working quite quickly say by about 2 months but that was for the arthritis. Take care and good luck
Hi following on from our conversations recently I thought I would let you know the latest re benepali. I took my fourth injection yesterday. Last night I noticed my hands which are usually painful felt light. I know that sounds weird but maybe you know what I mean by this. I could move them without the ouchy pain as I call it. I decided to test my lumbar area so bent forward I can only usually get to my knee with pain but found I could just get a bit further n felt easier. These are only baby steps I know but I’m thankful for anything at all. I had physio yesterday and had some trigger point release work so I am sore in my bottom area but am sure that will ease in a day or so. I’m not pain free but easier. Take care
Well that is good news and even if the pain is just a little bit easier that's really good. Take care
First RA Consultants appointment 
Walking and arthritis 
Early signs of arthritis in hands and feet.
Osteoarthritis of the hip.
