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A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
64@Galaxie

Hello,
I recently moved from Methotrexate and Humira to Arava and Plaquenil. I had way too many bad side effects on Methtrex/Humira.

Right now Im fairly stable on Arava and Plaquenil, but I still wake up with stiff fingers that takes about an hour to get better. My RA Doctor says I need to add a biogic again due to this issue.

What are your thoughts out there ?
Has anyone else had this exact scenario and a biologic fixed the problem ?

Thank you,
Ryan

August 7, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members discussed whether morning finger stiffness on Arava and Plaquenil warrants adding a biologic, with mixed perspectives on whether... Read more

Members discussed whether morning finger stiffness on Arava and Plaquenil warrants adding a biologic, with mixed perspectives on whether biologics fully resolve this common symptom. Several members shared practical strategies that helped them manage morning stiffness, including soaking hands in hot water, wearing compression gloves at night, using CBD oil, taking prednisone in the evening, swimming to move joints, and drinking water first thing in the morning. A recurring theme was that some level of morning stiffness is common even with treatment, whether from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, and that finding the right medication balance is highly individual, with some members finding relief through specific biologics like Enbrel or Humira while others have tried many treatments without success.

A myRAteam Member

I started reading and ordering books about Max Gerson. A pioneer in curing incurable diseases in the early 1900s by diet along. Amazing and he was shunned by the medical field. The Gerson Therapy is worth the read and it is all true. We are what we eat and I'm trying so hard , like the rest of us. Also - my RA suggested if I need to take prednisone, to take it at night and I won't wake up with stiff fingers.

August 7, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I've taken Arava and Plaquenil for years, and it seems to do no good. I've tried Xelgans also, as well as Methotrexate, Prednisone, Remicade, Orencia, Embrel and some I probably don't remember. Just started simponi aria, and after one treatment absolutely no difference. I also had a severe reaction to an Actemra infusion.

I have both RA and Osteo and the fingers, hands, wrists and feet just keep getting worse. I just turned 70 and I am convinced that there is nothing out there to help most people with this disease. Only when they can map your personal DNA and fix the chromosomes that are defective will people get relief. Certainly not going to happen in my lifetime.

August 7, 2018
A myRAteam Member

You got it !! Stay as well as you can and good luck on the meds.

August 13, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I feel like that in the morning I go swimming to move all my joints and that seems to give me relief. ANd it helps the stress from RA

August 12, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I'm going to get that book. Prednisone is a big short-term help but you have to be careful of sugar levels and extended use can lead to osteoporosis!

August 7, 2018

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Tucson, AZ

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