Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others

@lioness @becsbuddy you 2 don't have an open MRI option near you?

@boomerexpert No, I don’t. I asked the doctors and they feel they that an open MRI isn’t as clear and detailed. Since this is my brain that is getting scanned, I want the best. So Valium works well!

I did brain with open MRI and it came through clearly...fyi

@boomeerexpert No I don't the one I go to is suppose to be but not open enough for me . So far I haven't needed a scan of my head I will take valium lime @becsbuddy does then

The old supposedly "open" mri's cannot compare to the new ones. You sit and, just the back is closed on to your back and as you look forward there is nothing in your way. What a difference almost unbelieveable. Fantastic. If they have one here in Ocala, Florida they should be or can be anywhere. Good luck

@boomerexpert Vey interesting! I’m going to have to research some more. Especially since I have years of these to look forward to!

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?

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?

Hello my name is Naomi and I’m new to the Mayo Clinic RA chat, I joined because I was looking for natural remedies to help me with my on going Battle with pain, I have RA in my lower back ,the joints of my hands , and shoulders , however The RA in my back has caused severe nerve pain in my legs and feet. I’m currently on pain medications that does not work any longer, so I’m trying to help myself by looking for all natural remedies. I was hoping I would see maybe a post from someone who was having a better experience than I am currently.

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.