Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A myRAteam Member asked a question πŸ’­
The Woodlands, TX

I've failed Enbrel, Remicade, and Xeljanz. Now I'm awaiting approval for Orencia. I'm hurting a lot. My right hip has hurt for 8 months and many of my larger joints hurt a lot. I'm supposed to take prednisone, which works, of course, but I cannot sleep on it and I hate the weight gain... Duh. Narcotics make me sick, so I don't want them, but I wonder if I should see a pain doctor. In a weird way, I feel like im betraying my rheumatologist if I do, though. Thoughts? Experiences? When is it time… read more

June 19, 2019
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone struggling with hip and joint pain after multiple biologics failed to provide relief, with the overwhelming... Read more

Members rallied around someone struggling with hip and joint pain after multiple biologics failed to provide relief, with the overwhelming consensus being that seeking a pain specialist is not a betrayal of their rheumatologist but rather a practical step toward better quality of life. Several members shared their own medication journeys, including success with Rituxan infusions after years of failed treatments, and emphasized that pain management often requires a multidisciplinary approach combining specialists, lifestyle changes like yoga and diet modifications, and alternative therapies such as CBD oil or infrared saunas. A recurring theme was empowerment through self-advocacy, with members encouraging each other to explore both conventional pain management options and holistic approaches without guilt, while acknowledging the real fear of joint damage that keeps many from abandoning disease-modifying treatments entirely.

A myRAteam Member

I tried Enbrel, Humira, and Xeljanz neither worked for me .... my rhemy put me on Cimzia bi-wkly (200mg) injections delivered to my home. I inject the medicine under the skin every two weeks ... it taken some time for me to do this myself .... hate needles ... had my 14 year old daughter inject me in the stomach. I don't have ALL that pain nor stiffness anymore. My insurance wouldn;t pay for it so I found a company in Texas that pays 100% for this (CIMZIA) medicine , no co- pays and they send the entire perscription (3 months) at one time. Here's the number (Phone number can only be seen by the question and answer creators) the name: Perscription Life Line or you can go online perscriptionlifeline.com ..... hope this helps you or whomever is reading. Take care

July 25, 2019
A myRAteam Member

Have you tried 𝐂𝐁𝐃 oil? It has made a huge difference in my pain level. I use it orally and topical as needed. Give it a try. I was hurting so bad in my hands and feet I was willing to try smoking pot. Lol

June 25, 2019
A myRAteam Member

I would highly recommend seeing a pain specialist. I have found that my RA treatments work to help remission of the disease but my pain doctor has been the one to help with the pain. I have knee injections, take lyrica and I can sleep with a sleep aid. I find that the RA doctors are less helpful with pain management.

June 24, 2019
A myRAteam Member

Humira. Enbrel, Cimzia, and Orencia were not the answer for me either. Started having tremors on Orencia, which did not subside after stopping the shots. Finally, after being on Oxycontin, and Dilaudid for pain control, which led to more stomach issues, I was started on Rituxan I.V. infusions. Been mostly pain-free since I started the Rituxan, last October. These infusions have been very helpful in controlling pain. Nothing seems to help with fatigue, tremors, etc. But my life is so much better. Yes, I still have aches, and the Rituxan does not slow the progression of the disease. But, before Rituxan, the pain was horrid. I still take 6 mg of Methylprednisolone, but tapering down slowly, with hopes to be off of steroids in a year. Don't give up. There is some med out there for you. It took me six years to find a med that actually really helps.

June 23, 2019
A myRAteam Member

I used to say "I failed on these meds," too, Now, I feel that since these neds didn't help, or weren't right for me, I can say, without sounding like I was at fault, that Humira, Enbrel, Cinzia, and Orencia didn't work for me.

June 23, 2019

Related Questions

View All
A myRAteam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Manchester, CA

A myRAteam Member asked a question πŸ’­
The Woodlands, TX