Hi Everyone, i'm new here.

[CRich58]

I have RA, diagnosed in 2019 and have just managed to get it under degree of control. I can now walk without acute pain.

My medication journey to date:

Methotrexate. 2 weeks. Started on this as tablets. My body couldn't tolerate it, in fact it made the pain excruciating to the point of tears when i got to 6 tablets a day on a steadily ramped dose. Had to come of it. I had no bad side effects as listed. Next

Prednisone. 3 months along with the odd steroid injection. No bad side effects. Experienced fatigue late afternoon for about an hour or so and feeling shivery about 20 mins after i had eaten. Generally, i felt the cold which i never have done. Always been warm...but then most men are. Next

Sulphasalazine. 3 months, high dose. No side effects, just very yellow urine which is normal. Next.

At this point all 3 DMARDS weren't getting my RA in control, swelling and joint pain was still bad in both feet/toes/ankles. Biologics were the next route but i initially didn't qualify according to the NHS Affected Joint Matrix...28 joints above the knee!! I think this is cost driven for the NHS. However after a second visit and discussion with my consultant, who i think was running out of options for me, made the count in excess of 28 joints. A very odd conversation as she pointed to joints and said "that one is painfull, isn't it?". We both knew what we were doing!! Bingo i qualified for...Benepali.

Benepali. Pen injector/once a week for 6 months now along with Sulphasalazine tablets every day (which i think have now topped out). I have read that people on here are having problems with Benepali stinging...well yes it does. Bit like a wasp sting for me. Having it out the fridge for 6/7 hours to warm up helps and 20 mins under your armpit before injecting works for me. Although a bit hit and miss! In the summer while in lockdown and sunbathing with warm skin...didn't feel a thing.

My experiances may ressoante with or hopefully help some people.

[Summerrain14]

Welcome to this great forum. Thanks for sharing your journey so far as hopefully it will help other people in their own journey. Take good care x

[CRich58 in reply to Summerrain14]

Thank you.

[KittyJ]

Hello and welcome to the group CRich 😊

[Marionfromhappydays]

Hi RichWelcome to the group x

[CRich58 in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

👍

[Bopeep12]

Welcome to a wonderful informative and supportive group

[CRich58 in reply to Bopeep12]

😀

[Choccy23]

Hi CRich and welcome!

[CRich58 in reply to Choccy23]

👍

[MoniqueB]

Thank you for your post Rich and welcome to the forum. I always find it helpful to read others' responses to treatments etc.

[CRich58 in reply to MoniqueB]

Yes. I've been reading a lot on here which has been very informative.

👍

[nomoreheels]

Hiya CRich, welcome. I wish I had your Rheumy! Since mine left I’ve seen many SpR's at my clinic, never the same one twice. One says yes, we'll see if you qualify for biologics, then another says no. Like you I’ve gone through DMARDs although I can tolerate MTX (injections) but no higher than 17.5mg. I have kept reasonably well controlled with the help of maintenance steroids but some joint or other niggles away. I just wish they'd make their minds up either way so I know where I stand!

I hope you find it helpful being here & you continue well on Benepali.

[CRich58 in reply to nomoreheels]

Hi. Just check to see if i had any response to my post. Wow! Very welcoming.

I must be very fortunate. The qualification criteria for biologics is odd to say the least. I guess it's an issue of cost for the NHS. If the criteria included joints below the knee potentially a lot more sufferers, like you, would be on it quicker. In my case it could have potentailly stabilised my issues a lot quicker and improved my mobility. It sounds as though the MTX is keeping things relatively controlled and are reluctant to qualify unless it gets out of control. I completely sympathise with your frustration. Keep pushing your consultant although difficult at the moment as no one can have a face to face pointed discussion.

Stay safe.