Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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stacey92 08/20/2014

I have a rheumatologist appointment coming up and I'm faced with a decision.

I'm about to start my last semester of college which is 4 months of student teaching in a 2nd grade classroom.

I am currently on Enbrel and it's not doing it's job. My doctor has been trying to get me to start Actemra for almost a year but I never felt like I was in a good place to try something new because I didn't want to risk the medicine not working or have complicated side effects.

I've been in the most annoying pain lately and I'm getting really discouraged and concerned that my student teaching experience is going to be extremely difficult because of my constant flares in my wrists and knees.

So, I am torn between starting Actemra in the midst of student teaching or sticking it out until mid December to start a new med. Thinking about starting a new medicine makes me extremely anxious because I hate disappointing people and I'm so afraid it'll make me feel worse and I don't know if I want to risk it. On the other hand, what if it works wonders and puts me back in remission and I can do cartwheels into the 2nd grade?

UGH. What would ya'll do if you were me??

nonightshades 08/20/2014

tough choice. I'd not put off student teaching but i would let the instructor know up front the situation in case you had to stop because of the changes.

good luck to you (RA wise and 2nd graders also)!

deleted_user 08/20/2014

Stacey as a brand new RA diagnosis waits in the wings for me, and as a teacher I feel your dilemma. As teachers we have such responsibility and every day we are expected to be "on" and perform for an audience (students). It's hard to put on the face during tough times, but we do the best we can. You asked what would you do so here's my honest response... I would try the new med (i'll personally be doing this too in Oct.) and hope for the positive. I would mention to my advisor/ cooperating teacher something generic that you feel comfortable with if you see signs that you are not doing well. If things seem to be working out, you do not have to say anything and all is well. That is the exact strategy I am taking with my school principal... It's a plan and they say "failing to plan is planning to fail" - so I say go for it! Best of luck to you :)

jteach 08/20/2014

Wow! As a second grade teacher and RA warrior, I would try the new meds and hope for the best. It's a tough road, but as said previously, we have an immense responsibility to our kiddos, their families, our colleagues and our administration. You will do amazing, I just know it. Also, as said before, tell your cooperating teacher what you feel comfortable sharing. 2nd graders are amazing! Keep us posted!

racerunner 08/20/2014

I would try the new med and also inform your advisor. U r so close to completing your education arent you that it would be horrible also to not see the end to that. I wish u the best I know it is tough. Good luck hang in there...we r all fighters

2scicrazed 08/21/2014

I plugged through the second semester of my first year teaching suffering from a super flare where I needed help dressing for several weeks. Every joint but hips doubled in size. So it can be done through extreme pain if you set mind to it. But I was thankful for the Nashville flood and excessive snow days during that semester of physical hell.

The next two years I taught with moderate symptoms. Gimped along - and always compared it to that semester. So I felt lucky to only have 4-5 joints hurting each day.

Maybe wait until fall break to switch. Or add a pain med to your treatment. Student teaching is not half as stressful as your first year will be. And remember - it's mostly how you view things as to if you'll make it. More teachers than not quit by fifth year - and it's not because of health that most leave.

Good luck! (From a HS teacher)

stacey92 08/21/2014

Thanks so much for all your input! I think I'm leaning towards waiting it out until I graduate in December. Maybe I'll ask my rheumy if I can add something else to relieve the pain and swelling.

I've always been the kind of person to push through the pain and think of little flares as nothing so fingers crossed my body will only have minor pain for the next few months.

Thanks again! :)

deleted_user 08/21/2014

I would definitely try Actemra. If enbrel isn't working you could be in a steady decline which is not good. I was on Actemra for a while and The only side effewhat had was a big jump in my cholesterol, which you need to have monitored while taking Actemra. I have had bad side effects from every other drug. It made my blood work look great but it did not make me feel better. I have seen others post here that Actemra works great for them. If I were you I would switch.

annettearizona 08/22/2014

Not sure how long till you would notice reactions or if the meds were working-otherwise I would suggest to start taking it on a weekend..labor day weekend is even approaching ?

2scicrazed 08/23/2014

Celebrex and low dose prednisone are commonly prescribed pain and swelling meds. The prednisone does have some risks - though usually 5mg or less keeps them away. But do look it up.

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