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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.
October 6, 2025
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A myRAteam Member

I have been on HCQ since I got dx 3 years ago. Had some relief but bloodwork still high. Tried methotrexate but liver enzymes went up. Humira was the next step. During the time it took to get approved I got bit by a tick. I had Lyme back in 2011 so Dr gave me 30 days of Doxycycline. After a couple weeks my RA symptoms improved. Happen to have an appt with pcp who said I should do a 90 day course of it. By week 6 my muscles came back to life. I hadnt been able to get up off the floor or step up onto anything for 2 years. My grip strength came back as well. There was a Dr many years ago who treated auto immune with doxy. He has a book called the road back by Dr Brown. I still have RA but I am able to function and no longer have fatigue. Idk if my RA was trigger by underlying Lyme or what but I definitely improved and its been over a year. I still take HCQ twice daily and need the occasional prednisone but I was on prednisone for 18 months straight prior to doxy. When the Humira nurse called to interview me and I told her how well I was doing she told me to call my rheumatologist because she didnt think I was a good candidate for Humira. I forgot to mention that my RA came on 2 weeks after I had Covid. I had mild symptoms for a few years that would come and go so never thought it could be RA. Woke up 2 weeks after covid in extreme pain, couldn't use my hands or walk. It was crazy. I hope u find something that helps u. This disease is awful.

October 7, 2025
COVID-19 and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Essential Updates Read more >
myRAteam

Those CRP and ESR numbers indicate active inflammation, which helps explain why you're experiencing treatment challenges. CRP levels are one of several tools doctors use to monitor RA activity and medication effectiveness. While elevated levels can indicate a flare-up, they're just one piece of the puzzle in determining Show Full Answer

Those CRP and ESR numbers indicate active inflammation, which helps explain why you're experiencing treatment challenges. CRP levels are one of several tools doctors use to monitor RA activity and medication effectiveness. While elevated levels can indicate a flare-up, they're just one piece of the puzzle in determining treatment plans. When multiple medications haven't provided adequate relief, it's important to work closely with your rheumatologist to explore other treatment options. There are several other biologics and treatment combinations that may be more effective for you. Your doctor can evaluate your complete medical history and current disease activity to recommend the most appropriate next steps.

Remember that finding the right treatment can take time and may require trying different medications or combinations before finding what works best for you. Many myRAteam members have shared similar experiences with needing to switch medications multiple times before finding an effective treatment plan.

October 6, 2025

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