So many meds

[Hammit39]

Hi all, I'm trying not to get discouraged but I have been on methotrexate, hydroxycloroquin, and humeria all at once since my RA diagnosis 8 mths ago. They are not working- doctor agrees. My hands are getting worse and I am having a foot fusion done next month. I feel like parts of me are just dropping off and I am so scared of ending up in a wheelchair. I am switching to Embril and wanted to know what others have experienced with this newer injection. Hoping this is the medication that at least slows this disease down. Thank you!

[helenlw7]

I was on Enbrel between 2008 and 2018, and for most of that time it was like a miracle drug, enabling me to keep working as a Reception teacher, lots of sitting on small chairs and the floor. I took it alongside methotrexate. I didn’t have any side effects. I hope it works for you.

[Hammit39 in reply to helenlw7]

Thank you!

[Neonkittie17]

I hope Enbrel works for you. Good luck for the foot fusion and it certainly is possible to come back from this difficult time and progress on a new med. If you’re going to have the original Enbrel/Etanercept it was first used in the UK in 2000 so it’s not new as such, but think you might mean you’re going to have one of its biosimilars? I hope you’re soon feeling much better and after your foot op and new med is working. 🙏The first year after diagnosis can be very hard to even come to terms with having RA. I’m glad your rheumy has decided for another med.

[Hammit39 in reply to Neonkittie17]

Thank you!

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Hammit39]

🩷

[J1707-]

hang on in there . There is not one med or concoction fits all. The problem is it takes time . 8 years in and 9 drugs later I think I’ve found the right mix 🤞🏻9 weeks in on this mix and ( I’m scared to say it) but I think this is it . I’m barely using my aids to walk . I do realise I will have bad days but it’s the best I’ve been since diagnosis .I’m happier and starting to enjoy life again.

[Hammit39 in reply to J1707-]

I'm so glad you are doing better!

[GemsfromWarks]

I have been on Etranercept ( Enbrel at the beginning and now Benepali biosimilar) with MTX injections for more than 18 years. It has worked for me very well and I hope it is the right drug for you

[Hammit39 in reply to GemsfromWarks]

Thank you

[Bfileccia]

Methotrexate didn't work for me...I have going to the rheumatologist for 4 months and my inflammation is getting worse....can barely walk and pain in every joint....ankle,feet,toes, wrists,fingers and shoulders are hard to move.... I've been tested for everything and the only thing that I'm testing positive for is my Ana and my inflammation it's really frustrating.. I'm down the working 3 days a week if it was a normal job they would have kept me

[Hammit39 in reply to Bfileccia]

Prayers we both find the right regime of meds. I only test positive on ANA also. my doctors believe I am seronegative for RA.

[Wobbies]

So sorry that you have not found the right drug for you yet. You will though. Methotrexate did not work for me and gave me serious digestive problems, so I no longer take it. I have 6 weekly infusions of infliximab which works well for me after trying 2 other self injected biologics which only worked for a few months each. Ideally my rheumy said to take methotrexate as it makes other drugs work more effectively. However, he understands that the side effects were too great and is thinking of adding another drug.

My sister who also has RD has been on methotrexate for years and finds it very effective.

It is very disheartening when drugs don't work but one will and it is a question of finding it which unfortunately takes an unavoidable amount of time. So try and stay positive and take what is offered but don't be afraid to say when they don't work. I wish you well.

[Hammit39 in reply to Wobbies]

Thank you!