@A myRAteam Member I started with Methotrexate until bloodwork showed Fatty Liver. I had also been taking the max amount of Metformin for Type 2 diabetes. My regular Dr took me off Metformin and started me on Mounjaro for diabetes and he also put me on Celecoxib for inflammation. My Rheumatologist took me off Methotrexate and started me on the Biologic Enbrel. I feel-good most of the time. The only side effect I have had from Enbrel has been redness & itching at the injection site. It is a thicker solution and I have found setting it on the counter for 3 hours to take the chill off helps it not be so painful to inject. Sometimes it seems to have a "bite" to it, other times it is pain-free. But the quick bit of pain is outweighed by the benefits and protection for my joints. I'm sold! I can't speak for any Biologic except Enbrel cause it's the only one I have ever been on, but it took til month 4, I think, before I noticed I thought I felt better. So be patient! And Good Luck on your Journey! If I can do it, you can do it!

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A myRAtea...

I considered the option of biologic for RA however I discovered there are other options for preventatives to go through first before going the direction of using biologics. The preventatives will be explored first before they can no longer be used then the biologics will begin.

I went through this exact situation when starting Methotrexate which is a preventative by the way. I have discussed using biologics with my rheumatoid specialist and the response given has been he wants to avoid using them for my benefit as long as possible as they can be a game changer on multiple levels.

The levels stated to me about biologics were pricing as the insurance can be troublesome and lengthy with agreeing to pay. In many cases, insurance wants to see certain medications gone through before another level of medication considered to pay for due to the price level of that biologic medication.

My RA specialist is watching this issue very closely because I have needed to change a few times before being set where I am now. He is quite helpful with this situation as I do get concerned time to time with the joint activity acting out. We also have been watching other factors take place so everything can change in a moment's notice. I try to take it one step at a time but it isn't always a simple thing.

I continue to tell myself be patient, one step at a time, one day at a time and we can get through this.

Wow you sure have a lot going on medically but I have to tell you about my cousin, a life long type 2 diabetic . Two years ago was told she has fatty liver disease and said they called it stage four. It sounded like a bad prognosis and she was under Dr care for diabetes. She just told me that last month her Dr . Announced her normal blood sugar was now sustained and she no longer needs medication for diabetes!!! Even better her fatty liver has been reversed and shocked the doctors dealing with that . So how you ask; she consulted a nutrition expert and was diligent about her diet, followed by a specialist for diabetes and by a liver specialist , signed up for gym , for yoga and stretching classes and tai chi classes. She now does strength training, lost about 50 pounds was placed on of the Glp 1 injections, had been on one of the diabetic injections . Don’t want to say which one and get it wrong , but she had such incredible determination , struggled at some point with reactions , gastric problems, skeletal pain but went right into dr. To get it straightened out and she has succeeded. She lost both parents and her sister in close proximity of each other and really was dealing with a lot, but thank God she was so successful , now she spends 25 hours a week in the gym training, in yoga and stretch classes and physical therapy. Recently, dr told her she had to eat more normal diet because they didn’t want any more weight loss. I don’t know if she is the exception, but I do know she did an exceptional job finding and balancing the right doctors and therapists and combo of meds . I hope sharing this gives you encouragement because I know how unexpected diagnosis can hit you between the eyes. If there are any specific questions you have let me know and I will get the specific answers from my cousin.
Thank you for taking time to answer my question . Best wishes in your health journey!

Thank you for this share of info. I guess a day at a time is what we have. I will remember what you have said . Nervous because Ihave a new doc and he is very quick to switch this out. I begged him for a few months to see how the hydroxy works. My brother just got diagnosed and he is also on hydroxychloroquine.His doc says it may take 6 months to a year to show sign ificant effect. We are in our 70’s ! Best wishes for good health and a safe , improving journey.