Hi, Thanks for the invite!
I've had RA since 1998. It developed suddenly after a battle with a ruptured bowel and a delayed surgery (two sections of small intestine were also ruptured when a drainage hose was inserted.) After about 3 months my hands began to swell and were very painful - shoulders were so sore I couldn't use a shoulder bag. Yes, I believe that the two are related - an immune system gone crazy!
My rheumy had me on the usual "starter" meds, none worked. After about 3 years I started Enbrel which , along with azathioprine, helped somewhat. In the time between, I was on prednisone almost constantly as it was the only thing that helped with the pain and chronic fatigue. Unfortunately, I also gained a lot of weight.
Over the years I have been on and off many of the biologics used for RA. Most did very little or the effect didn't last too long. In 2002 I had both of my knees replaced, both were bone on bone. The surgery went quite well
and I was able to move without a cane or wheelchair for several years. Pain is always a constant with this illness,
as is the fatigue; metformin has helped me with pain.
About 6 years ago I developed a stage one melanoma on my nose. After rounds with several dermatologists and
cancer specialists, it was determined that it was caused by the biologics - no idea which one, or was it a combo?
So my nose was restructured in a lengthy surgery and can't take the meds any more. I can take Rituxan infusions and am still on the azathioprine - seems to help somewhat.
Right now my right shoulder is bone on bone, but I will live with that as long as I can. My lower lumbar spine
has several spurs and other issues, probably an indirect results of the RA. So I now walk with a cane and sit down quite often. Losing weight would be a help but that would be very difficult since I've lost a lot of mobility.
Everyone has a different story with this illness and the paths can take many directions. My husband has been
a great help/support as he helps with the housework as much as he can. I love gardening and continue to do that
with the aid of lots of little stools and wagons!
Depression is a common "side effect" of this illness as well, don't let that win either!
Best wishes and blessings to all, this is about staying strong and learning to advocate for yourself. Good luck!