Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others

@tigger1968 Good morning and welcome to MayoClinicConnect. We all volunteer on Connect to get and give information so you’ve come to the right place. I’m so sorry to hear about your difficulties with increased pain following Covid. And finding a good doctor is so important in pain management. I included a link to the Arthritis Foundation in Birmingham below. You might want to contact them and ask for help and advice. Tell them that you need to find a doctor and a pain management specialist near you. Can you do that?
I really hope you feel better soon. Please stay in touch and let us know what you learn. Becky
https://www.nchpad.org/Directories/Organizations/2192/The~Arthritis~Foundation

@tigger1968 hang in there...you're fortunate that you can get to Mayo...I have much pain but without that option. You will get the help you need there. Glad you're getting MH support.

I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced cognitive impairment due to RA. I know it is rare, but my Neurologist is convinced it’s the cause of my memory loss, etc. I’m heading to Mayo next month, so hope to get some answers or at least a plan.

@nana75165 I'll believe when Mayo says it's so....

My first inclination was to reply - well, age plus pain plus fatigue (poor sleep) plus medications affect cognition in just about anyone. Then I did some reading, and this article seems to summarize what the few studies out there concluded. Pain, depression (common with pain), cardio-vascular disease (common with inflammation), medication and lack of exercise all contribute to "brain fog" or apparent cognition. But RA patients tested alongside their age-mates are about the same... https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/more-about/ra-effect-on-the-brain
Here is one thing I do know - steroids are a big problem for me - when I am on them for my breathing, my mind is worthless for as long as a month or more afterward - my asthmatic daughter says the same. And when my Mom was living, I knew within 48 hours if a new doc was trying a steroid med on her again. They are very common in treating RA flares too, so if you have been using them it could be part of the issue.
Sue

My current train of thought.....hence the reason we are moving mountains to travel to Rochester in March!

Hi, I have RA and have had it for 10 years. Been doing tons of research and going to medical lectures. There is a direct correlation between gut and mouth bacteria and autoimmune diseases .

I have had RA for 12 years diagnosed but longer undiagnosed. I agree on the gut, mouth bacteria and steroid views. It is frustrating to be brain fogged in flares. My hope is that stem cell research will find a way to control our issues in the future. I'm down to one or two biologics left having tried so many. Now that I am paying out thousands a month for them along with my thyroid,asthma and dry eye meds I am forced to do half dose every other day to make ends meet. Something in this picture is wrong. How can drug companies be allowed to charge so much to people on medicare with supplemental drug and medical insurances ?Having who worked all their lives , these patients now are simply making a few wealthy company owners wealthier on the back of our disease. Its mind boggling.ok I'm done ranting. I apologize. Once again I agree with the gut,mouth bacteria connection and the steroid brain fog. Stay well.

@doloridicorpo65 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support.

It looks like you've been a member for awhile but this is your first post.

It sounds like you are in a tough place. I agree, you should be able to have the medications you need. Have you ever considered contacting the company? I've heard of that working on occasion.

May I ask if this is the main discussion that you follow or do you follow others. I ask because I'm wondering if you'd like help connecting with other members and/or discussions?

You might consider asking your pharmacist or doctor about "price support" for your biologics. Many can guide you on how to apply for assistance so you can take the full doses.
Here is an excerpt from this article on line: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/coping-with-high-drug-prices-beyond-the-basics
"Rx Assist — This website lets you enter the name of a medicine or the name of a drug company to find programs that can help you get that medicine or medicines made by that company at a reduced cost. In many cases, the online applications for those programs are included. (Website: http://www.rxassist.org/patients )
Sue