Hi all, after being diagnosed in June I felt my life had stood still. I was full of hope when over the next few months I was started on the triple therapy regime, I felt pretty awful most of the time but kept battling on. Last week my physio took one look at me and got me an emergency appointment with my rheumy nurse the next day. She said I was in a flare uo after calculating my das as 6.99, she gave me a steroid injection ( my third since diagnosis) I am going on holiday next week and she has asked me to phone her on my return to let her know how I am. I have an an appointment after Christmas and has said she will start me on biologics if I fit the criteria , I have had the blood tests for hep B and C and Hiv no problems there. So back to the original question do I start biologics?
Biologics or not that is the question.: Hi all, after... - NRAS
Biologics or not that is the question.
We are all different but all I can say is; I spent 4 years trying various combinations of DMARDs with very limited success. I sustained joint damage during this time. My life has changed on biologics for the better. It was worth it.
Thanks crash doll I am glad you are doing well, I hope it continues. Xx
Yes. You have nothing to lose - the quicker you can get this disease under control the better. Generally there are fewer side effects with biologics and you are regularly monitored. As with the DMARD's you may not respond to the first you try but there are several different sorts available now. Good luck. Farm
The nurses are strongly discouraged from pressing the biologic button, and it means they have to do loads of extra paperwork. So if your nurse thinks that's the next step for you then do consider it very carefully as she wouldn't say it casually.
I do hope for the sake of you having a good Christmas that the steroid calms everything down after the steroid shot, but be aware that you'll need to have a DAS over 5.3 when you next see her to qualify. So avoid anti inflammatories and so on for a few days beforehand if you think that could be in doubt.
But it's your choice, so look at the NRAS booklet on Biologics as that's very helpful.
Biologics have got my vote. They seem to take things to a different level for many people. I felt okay on DMARDs most of the time ... fatigue had gone, I could move easily ... it was only persistently swollen joints that showed my disease was very active. Since starting Humira last July my knees are back to near-normal size for the first time in over 3 years and I feel even better than I did before ... I'd say that I often feel as if I haven't got anything wrong with me at all. There are still some niggles, not saying it's a miracle drug, but it has been great for me so far. And I think biologics are thought to be rather easier on the body than DMARDs, in many ways.
Vote biologics, we d solucky to have these drugs, don't worry and read NRAS page on biologics and good luck!!!!!!!!!
Definitely worth a try, it may take time to find the best one, I'm on my third, but the possible benefits are awesome!!! We are so fortunate to have these drugs available.
Good luck! M x
Definitely !! I'm on embrel and have been for about 5 years. It isn't given out lightly so they must think you are eligible for it! Give it a go! TT x
Thanx everyone decision made if I fit the criteria biologics here I come. Hope you all have a great Christmas and don't work too hard. My hubbie and I are going out for Christmas lunch so no washing up for me xx
Brilliant, here's hoping it will be a happy healthier new year for you x
Hope it all goes well Angela x
Hello Angela, for me going on bios was the best thing that I did. My disease was out of control by the time I was started on infusions, I was unable to do just about anything and my body was beginning to curl inwards to the extent that my rheumy nurse had to sit on the floor to see my face when talking to me. Although I have been on four different bio's I have never been that bad since. In my opinion and that's all it is I have no regrets whats so ever as it has given me back a quality of life I would never have had. All the best to you whatever you decide Angela. XX
Yes do. they can really make a difference. You need to be aware of the possible complications, but remember that they're a list of the worst possible things that happen to just a few people. I had a very successful biologic for nearly ten years and and trying to get back on them after a mis-diagnosis by a hasty rheumy. I hope they help!
Just another point. Several people have said that they're not given lightly. One explanation for this is that they're very expensive.. about 8k a year.
It's good to read people's positive response to biologics, I am about to start & can't wait! I've been on the 3 combination drugs for a couple of years now & my mobility is getting worse so I'm hoping that they are going to be the answer for me too!
I am on the biologics treatment and it is great. I work full time in a very stressfull and busy job and the biologics have allowed me to continue in a job I love and thought I was going to have to give up. Go for it!
Read the side effects carefully, I was on cimzia and it changed my life for 6 months then I had a bad chest infection and was taken into hospital where they found out I had got sarcoidosis, now back to square one, so be aware of the complications.
I'd definitely give it a try......If you don't fancy injecting yourself there are infusions ..usually monthly, but sometimes only every 6 months...but your Rheumatologist will decide & offer you the best one for you...don't second guess him...don't make up your mind you are going to have a certain one...then be upset if it's not offered. Unless you know the back story of all these drugs there is no way you can know which is the most suitable for you.
I've been on Biologics since 2016...having been diagnosed in 1999 & I am very pleased with the result after the roller coaster ride on Dmards. Only side effect for me is the fatigue....but I'd rather be permanently shattered than in pain!Hope a biologic helps you too.
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