Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Hi Ria,
No, you're not alone. I've been on several different biologics and am currently doing weekly Orencia shots. Some weeks are harder than others. It got easier for me once i found a combo that helped me feel better- it's such a relef to e in less pain, i'll gladly take that shot. I try not to think long-term about my illness or my meds. I know I need to take these drugs, and I can't predict the future, so it's no use getting worked up over it. Chances are good that we won't be stuck with needles forever,anyway, as several biologics in pill form are being developed. Fingers crossed for that.
Caren

i understand your fear . i think we all go through this. i am on humira ,
it really doesn't hurt that much . the best thing is to let it warm up for about 15 min. it hurts more right out of the fridge also the leg is much better than the stomach .

ria,
I felt the same way. I was depressed when I was first diagnosed in 2010. It's not easy. I have been on almost every medication. I'm not using Simponi injections. It doesn't hurt so that's the good news! I'm not getting better so they may have to put me on some other meds too. I'm sorry your having such a rough time. Hang in there!

I've been pretty solidly depressed since my diagnosis. Knowing that I'm probably going to be in pain constantly for the rest of my life is something I'm not OK with, and I'm not sure how to make myself be OK. Just like you, it's not the needle, it's the whole situation that sucks.

thank you guys for your support. It actually helps a lot knowing that I am not alone with this, and that others understand what i am going through. It all seems to have finally hit me. Not to mention, now I am realizing i cant do the same things that i was able to before all this. Maybe with dealing with others who have it, i will at least get my mindset back to its old self again. At this point I just dont have any ambition to do anything. I'm constantly tired or just feel like being alone at that time.

you are not alone :)

my best advise is keep yourself moving even if you don't feel like it
it will help ya feel much better and never give in to the illness

I've been dx about 15 months, taking mtx and plaquenil. It's a little hard sometimes, knowing it's likely forever. I'd always been a mostly drug-free person, except for the occasional antibiotic or nsaid. Now, I'm pretty used to the idea.

Like others say, try to keep active and don't give up your life. I went almost a year without being able thermostat knit, six months of fatigue and foot pain. Now I work outside at the ranch, walk, do dishes, and knit! True, I need to take rest breaks and get a little winded, bu:t I am not beaten!

God luck and keep positive thoughts.

Ria, You are not alone NOT ALONE; there are so so SO many of us sharing your "boat!" Not a fabulous cruise boat we're on, but we are still floating!
I was diagnosed over 20 years ago and been down many a path, including the current one of injections (humira) plus metho (always) plaquenil, etc etc. We all know the drill. Add in depression and yes sometimes it is very very difficult -- I have learned to try to be grateful for what I DO have and thank goodness that there are now drugs (nada 22 years ago) that actually do help w/ quality of life.
As for the injection, ugh, but it is over quickly and here's a way I do it sometimes when I just think, oh no not again: put a CD in and crank up the volume -- say Beatles, something upbeat, get into a song and do your injection and the "ten count" to the music. I promise it will help. ;-)
You are not alone; support is just a moment away - here on this forum and I am sure with friends and family too. I will be thinking of you. Mary

We are all here to support each other and so keep your chin up:)