I was on humira it was the only thing that saved me at that time. Eased the pain and the fatigue. I used the prefilled syringes i didnt like the pen. Don't fear the side effects. In my mind i was more scared of the constant pain and how that might push me over the edge. Good luck

I have been on Humera. It did help a great deal. I hurt so much, I didn't care about the possible side effects. Hopefully you will find this to be your magic mix

most insurance companies require a trial of a dmard (disease modifying anti rheumatic drug) like methotrexate say or plaquenil or sulfasazaline. if you are going straight to a biologic, good for you!

are you on a dmard also I wonder?

then after, most rheumatologists start on either enbrel or humira when they start a biologic

humira was great.

the biologics kept me working full time when I started them. They also knocked back my limitations, restrictions, and whining. so go for it :)

like race runner, i liked the pre filled syringe over the mammoth auto injector. you have to specify what you desire with the writing doctor otherwise the default is the auto injector. the pre filled syringe hurts less. (You can ice, have no fear)

welcome

we are glad you are here

depot

I forgot to add a note about the Vectra test. Hopefully, your Dr goes by more than blood results. When I was first diagnosed with RA, my blood work came back as if nothing was wrong. The Rheum listened to me, looked at my feet and hands, diagosed me with seronegative RA, and started aggressive treatment. 18 months ago, I had a Vectra test. I was not feeling horrible. But, The number was high, altho not as high as yours. Treatment continued. A year later, I was feeling really terrible. I had waited to long to go in for my Rituxan infusion. As much as I had wanted never, ever, to take prednasone,I gave in, and went on a low level dose to tide me over until the Rituxan kicked in. A Vectra test was done again. I was sure the numbers would have been much higher than the first time around. Nope - Vectra score had dropped over 20 points. So, while tests are good, more things should be taken into consideration.

Hi Angela,

Welcome to the group. Great advice here. Good people.

Hope that the humira works for you.

Linda

Thank you everyone for the responses. I have been on many diffrent meds over the years first I was started on plaqunil didn't see much improvement then went on methotrexate made me very sick so went to injection and still not much improvement and am now on lueflominide. I had a a and e test a few years ago which showed multiple auto immune diseases. The vectra test he did I guess was supposed to tell him if the lueflominide was working or if I needed to add a biologic.
I guess before this I never really looked into what RA really is. Done a lot of research this last week and I'm honestly scared. I never realized what RA was, I always thought it was just like other arthritis. I'm only 42 and this is already destroying my life. Have not been able to sleep in a actual bed for over a year.
Just very overwhelming

Here's hoping you find relief with Humira. Best wishes for comfort.

Angela - the first Vectra I had high numbers. A year later, low numbers. In either case, my Rheum did not change my treatment, continue with mtx and biologic, at the same dose. Hopefully, your Rheum will not rely totally on the Vectra tests.

Glad to hear you are starting Hunira. It works well for a lot of people. If you do not see significant improvment in three or four months, make sure your Ruematolagist knows. You could try another biologic. Good luck and feel better!
Lynne