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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others
Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: Apr 21 8:08am | Replies (799)Comment receiving replies
Hello! I have had RA for around 15-20 years. Tried to get by with just Celebrex and then Meloxicam. Finally, didn't work and went to a rheumatologist last year, Started me on Methotrexate, got elevated liver enzymes, next was Enbrel, allergic to it (hives). Tried Orencia infusions and seemed to go well until my leg swelled up. So, In August, switched to Actemra infusions and 2 months in, that quit working and now had my first injection of Cimzia a week ago. So far, so good. But I am still on a prednisone taper from the last big flare up. All these drugs have targeted the TNF inhibitors, IL6 and other inflammatory markers. Not sure what else is out there to try? Getting frustrated at not being able to be "normal". Am I the only one feeling this way?
Replies to "Hello! I have had RA for around 15-20 years. Tried to get by with just Celebrex..."
Biologics work for only 35-50% of those w/RA...I've tried 5, none worked; Methotrexate doesn't work for me; Plaquenil made me ill (oooh that rhymed!); get relied from only steroids or Naproxyn. The notion of becoming "normal" with these drugs is PR, not reality for many - and at a cost of some nasty side-effects. So, don't despair. Keep searching for what will work for you with the understanding that we have a serious, degenerative disease that can at best be mitigated with today's science, not eliminated.
Hello my name is Naomi and no you’re not the only one, I’ve had RA for two years and my enzymes in the beginning was 1500 and had to be placed on steroids taper for 3 weeks before being started on methotrexate and Plaquenil , I have been fighting to get my lift back for two years now. I’m currently looking for a all natural remedies that can help because taking the medicine with all the side affects is terrible.
what is your current sed rate (0-20) is normal? iahve and continue to battle RA for 30 years. i have had 19 operations in 19 years. all these operations were due to RA or opioids, except for one whic was a stomach fundoplication and it doesn't/ heasen't worked for me. you may wast to condider medical marijuana . i have read that a 30: 1 ration of CBD to THC works for RA patients to alleviate pain. however you can't drive with medical marijuana. physically you might feel ok but your response reflexes may not be as sharp. if stopped for a traffic or accident by police and you are tested it is an automatic DUI in the state of PA. ... good luck....kozlo52
Oh, my. You are not alone. 38 years with RA and I have been categorized as severe. I wish you would have seen a rheumatologist earlier. They have a treasure chest of medicines to try. You are doing the right thing by educating yourself. Remember you are in charge. Education is key!
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Hello @emt1954 and welcome to Mayo Connect.
I am sorry to hear that you have had such a difficult time adjusting to the meds for RA. Do you currently have a lot of disability due to your RA?