Ra Stuff

[Wantplaytennis]

Hello troopers,I find it remarkable reading what folk have experienced and what they still must go through on the forum to mitigate their various difficult conditions.Although not on the ra scale of many of you,I can report a triple wham on my right arm./hand.

Swollen fingers and knuckles,carpal tunnel syndrome,and little finger duproytens. With a touch of levity,I would if possible, give my right arm to be ambidexterous.!

I am being pointed to have adilumimab as my first biologic so will wait and see if it works.wondered also if this is the go to first biologic prescribed cos it's a cheaper option for nhs?

[helixhelix]

An anti-tnf like this or Benepali are the recommended first biologics. And everything points to there being no difference between these and the original drugs if you start on them (not change to them).

So yes it saves the NHS some money, but still gives you a great treatment. As even the biosimilars are not cheap. These drugs are one of the NHS’s biggest budget items - I think £400 million+ a year. So a 10% cost difference is a lot of money. So think of it as a less expensive, better value option - not a cheap one!

[Sheila_G]

Sorry I am not on biologics so can't help you but I wish you well.

[oldtimer2]

I was offered Imraldi (adalumimab) and eagerly accepted.

I had been wanting to have something more effective for some years but never had quite the DAS score required until NICE dropped the criteria a bit (my inflammatory markers are never high and I'm on prednisolone - for bone marrow failure - which I can't now come off).

It has been a revelation! I've have discovered joints obscured by boggy swelling for years, been able to open some jars and feel much more secure in lifting a drink which previously I would only fill half way. It has exceeded my expectations wildly!

[lucymead]

Sadly I have been on most biologics and they did work. The one I have just had to stop was very good But too many infections made it stop and start treatment for12 months. I have had a pretty bad few months which included extreme pain in finger tip as well as growing new Nodules on my knees and other fingers. Was due to go on Cruise this Monday my team put me back Orencia to tied me over for two weeks . They told me on Friday to stop treatment due to sputum test showing growths. On Saturday I felt ill, not like RA, I did Covid LFT and I tested POSITIVE. It was my 76th Birthday on Friday not sure where I go from here. Thanks for listening

[Amb1xkr in reply to lucymead]

Hi lucymead I have just read your post and felt so sad that you have had such rotten luck and so sorry you have missed your holiday through Covid and I truly hope you are not too badly affected by it. Hopefully you have had all the vaccines and maybe get the anti virals. We are all playing Russian roulette hoping to dodge the virus, I think it will get us all at some point. Xx

[lucymead in reply to Amb1xkr]

Thank you for your Kind reply. I have had 5 vaccinations and the 5th was on the 8th June I was very surprised to get Covid after having High immunity results too. I don't feel ill now at all. I have had message from antiviral company and I am still waiting to see if I need them. My RA appears to have disappeared I am not sure what is going on!!!!!!!

[Katie-Mag]

Hello, Adalimumab has been a complete life changer for me. It was also my first biologic.

Twelve months in, other than some tiredness I wouldn’t know I have RA.

Very much hope it works for you too!

[Wantplaytennis in reply to Katie-Mag]

Thanks for that.what works seems to be a lottery,glad it has worked for you, nevertheless encouraging .