Rheumatoid Arthritis
Questions + Answers
Biologics
Biologics
I know we've all discussed this before, but I'm wondering how many of us have tried several biologics (for 3-4 months) without ANY luck.
I am having the hardest time explaining RA and my treatments to friends/family. Some don't understand that 20-40% of RA sufferers have a resistance to their treatments.
I had a friend tell me today that I have been misdiagnosed due to my treatments not working and my constant swollen joints/body.
It's so frustrating trying to explain it all! I do believe there may be… read more
Lord, I tried Methotrexate, Arava(same thing. Just a cleaner version of Methotrexate) Remicaid, Humira. I have been using Enbrel this past 4 yrs. &… read more
Does anyone else feel like a whimp when they have to admit that they are just not having a good RA day?
Does anyone else feel like a whimp when they have to admit that they are just not having a good RA day?
I just feel as if family/friends/significant others don't understand when you say you aren't feeling good. I don't want to even admit out loud that I am in pain because I feel like they think I'm trying to get out of something or making excuses. Does anyone else ever feel this way?
Loss of employment???
Loss of employment???
I've noticed some individuals have posted that they've lost their jobs and wondered how often this occurs. Anyone lose their job due to RA? Was it your decision, or your employer?
Does anyone find methotrexate to work really well?
Does anyone find methotrexate to work really well?
I keep hearing people talk about how intolerable @methotrexate is. I am curious to hear from people who find it to be helping. I started it 3 weeks ago and I can't believe how amazing I feel. Its like someone oiled my joints and told my muscles to behave! I wonder if it's something specific to my condition. I'm sero negative poly inflammatory arthritis. Essentially that just means I have Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms and RA. Virtually every joint is involved… read more
I've been on methotrexate for 15 years. Started on 10mg now on 25mg. Gradual increases. I take other meds along side this. Been great until recently, am… read more
Does anyone have wheezing either as a RX side effect or along with RA symptoms.
Does anyone have wheezing either as a RX side effect or along with RA symptoms.
I had asthma as a child and have had problems only when sick with bronchitis/pneumonia. But since my RA diagnosis (or starting Methotrexate) I wheeze frequently. I find I am extremely sensitive to allergens and will wheeze with very little stimuli. I go to the allergy/asthma specialist next week, but I feel like this is not Asthma. My instinct is that it related to the RA or a medication side effect.
Thanks in advance for your… read more
I took two shots of methotrexate and got instant pneumonia both times. I have been on biologics, Enbrel and now Humira , without methotrexate for 5… read more
Emotional Support Animals?
Emotional Support Animals?
I'd love to see a picture of your fur baby (ESA) if you have one. My precious girl Sweetie has been with me for 13 years now. If I go lay down she's right there with me. If I sit down she's right on my lap. When I take a shower she's on the mat waiting for me. She's my constant companion. She helped me get through TB, RA, my brain tumor and surgery, a hysterectomy and many more medical crisis. I don't know what I'd do without her. How does your pet help you?
Just curious do you suffer from insomnia more since being diagnosed with RA?
Just curious do you suffer from insomnia more since being diagnosed with RA?
Really have a hard time staying asleep.... I’m up and down all night. I find my I have to take Marijuan oil helps
Outside shoulder pain and trying to sleep when you sleep on your side.
Outside shoulder pain and trying to sleep when you sleep on your side.
Hi Family,
I have added a new pain area and it's driving me nuts. For the last week the outside of the bone on the top of my shoulders are painful. I don't sleep well anyway and this is not helping. I sleep on my side and I can't sleep on my back or stomach. Once I lay down the pressure on the bone in my arms starts pounding. I got about 2 hours of sleep last night and that was only in the recliner, but when I tried to move, my arm I way… read more
1at winter with RA. Eeeek! Any tips?
1at winter with RA. Eeeek! Any tips?
Hi RA fam! So this will be my 1st fall & winter having RA. I live in Chicago and our winters are BRUTAL. It's only end of summer & already we have fall whether (which is killing me by the way). In the summer if the AC was too high I would stiffen up. I am so scared, absolutely PETRIFIED thinking of how it's going to feel in the winter. Anything I should know that will help me prepare? Any tips or things I should or should not do? Anything you have bought to ease the… read more
How do you describe a flare to someone who doesn't have RA?
How do you describe a flare to someone who doesn't have RA?
My flares aren't always exactly the same but yesterday I flared badly. I can describe it to my daughter, sorry guys most women will get this, as the overwhelming body aches and exhaustion on PMS. My entire body feels swollen and it throbs and joints ache like a fever. For my hubby and son I can only describe it as throbbing and aching in my entire body. and exhausted like I've run a marathon and haven't slept for days. And even with all that, it doesn't… read more
