Adalimumab

[Granblue]

I have been on Hydroxychloroquine for 2 years and methotrexate for 6 months. Today I had to have bloods and chest x-ray as they want to start me on Adalimumab. Really hate the thought of another medication. I just wonder exactly what the medication is doing to my body. Already had a blip last month with high liver levels. Back to normal now. Any advice. X

[TheBoys]

hi

You’ve got my sympathy- I know how you feel.

What with my meds for RA and the beta blockers for blood pressure I slowed down and put on weight. Becoming pre diabetic.

But - at the start of my RA journey I was in pain and seizing up. Adalimumab completely changed things for me and put me into remission and my mobility is good now.

I m now on weight watchers and losing weight. My goal is to come off the beta blocker.

Maybe persevere for a while and see how you get on with adalimumab..? I did have break from my ra meds in 2022/3 for two months and it did seem to help ; a bit like a detox. I checked with my rheumatologist at the time and they were fine and underfoot my reasons ( I d had lots of infections and was very run down)

Paul

[virtualreality]

I totally understand this, every time a new medication is tried there is the apprehension of what this one will do, what side effects there might be and whether it will work. I feel the same, and I think it's natural especially in the early days of dealing with RA - I suppose over time you get used to it but like you I'm only a couple of years in so a lot is still new to me.

On the other hand.....there is also the chance the adalimumab might make all the difference to your quality of life. I started this medication recently and have had no problems whatsoever so far - very few side effects - and just waiting to see if it's going to have the desired effect on my RA symptoms. If the hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate aren't doing enough to treat your symptoms, it could be worth giving it a go - if it doesn't work you can always stop it or try something else.

One thing that's helped me at various stages of being diagnosed with RA and starting different medications is learning about other people's experiences with the same things. I find it reassuring somehow to know that other people are going through the same processes as me and coming out the other side!

This forum is brilliant for that of course, but I've also appreciated listening to people's experiences on YouTube where lots of people make videos talking about how they've found different aspects of their treatment. There are lots of videos about starting adalimumab if you think this could be helpful for you too: youtube.com/results?search_...

Wishing you all the best, whatever you decide.