Still Searching for a sense of normalcy.

[Barbgalvin]

Diagnosed with RA, Fibro, OA in 2010 and I am still in search of a protacal that will give me relief from pain, help me move easier and offer consistency with everyday symptoms. Currently on sulfa med, plaquenil ,Cymbalta and Tramadol. Have tried methotrexate and I cannot take, was very sick and worse pain on this. Doctor wants to change protacal again and begin biological, either Humira or Enbrel. I am resisting because of side effects but beginning to feel defeat and desperately seeking relief from pain. Can anyone hint at what I might expect from switching like this? I don't want to damage my body more but need relief. Thanks and I welcome your feedback. RA is controlling my life.

[Nitrobunny]

I can definitely relate as I've been on everything you are currently taking and more but am no longer taking any of them. Some of them provided relief for a while. I developed allergies including one to MTX. Currently I'm titraiting off of prednisone and started Actemra 3 months ago. I was originally Dx in 2004.

I'm not in a position to give medical advice obviously but I think you're definitely doing the right thing by considering a biologic. The list of side effects will scare anyone to death but most people I know who attempt to use them do not experience horrible side effects. Some have great success and some have limited success. Some are alergic right from the start. Everyone responds differently but I always keep in mind as long as RA is flaring, the disease is progressing and damage is being done so while side effects are not fun to deal with, I have to move forward to slow and or stop the progression of my RA.

Starting a biologic requires some patience. They typically don't work for a few months. You have to be extra vigilant when it comes to any type of infection. You can't have the infusion if you are sick or have a fever. I am really tired after I receive my infusion but other than that I feel about the same. There is also information available about diet and RA I have noticed that if I stay away from gluten I experience less pain

Good luck and I truly hope you get some relief from your pain and get your RA under control or at least at little better under control.

Best~

[Barbgalvin in reply to Nitrobunny]

Thank you so much for your response. You offered more info than anyone and/or my Dr.

[Nitrobunny in reply to Barbgalvin]

You're very welcome. Feel free to ask anything or message me if you like. I'm certainly no expert but I can tell you about my experiences. Again I hope you are able to get some relief from the pain soon.

[Ka59]

Hello Barbgalvin,

I agree with what Nitrobunny said. I too resisted taking biologics. I was afraid of the side effects. I started with Actemra and i thought it was working but my numbers went up while on it. Now i am on Orencia which think is working well. I go for a ultrasound on my hand next week to track inflammation.I also have RA, OA and Fibro. It has been a long ride trying to find the correct drugs. It is very frustrating . I want to keep from having permanent damage to set in so i keep on plugging away! I have not had any side effects from the biologics except some weight gain. This i need to work on trying to stop. I pray that the biologics your Dr. will put you on will work for you. Stay strong! Message me also if you have more questions> I have been dealing with this for about the same number of years that you have.

[Barbgalvin in reply to Ka59]

@Ka59, Thank you so much. A bit tough when you feel like the gamble can have severe consequences. I really appreciate your feedback. Thanks, and yes, I will keep in touch and let you know how it's going. You stay well in the meantime.