HI and Welcome... RA is tough. I have had RA for 20+ years. I had to train myself to "not to over do"... and some days it would seem impossible and then there have been days I have felt so well and would think I could go and go. I have been in remission for a few months at a time through the years now and then but RA would come back. It seems to have come back in full force for the last 2 years now. There are some good meds out there that do help lots of people and from reading on here I have learned that for most of us there is a combo of meds that will help... just have to take time to get it figured out which ones will work for each of us. So I too am trying to find that right combo again. Hoping you find the right combo soon. Good luck with the new combo of meds your dr has recommended for you...sure hope they work very soon.

Hi jteach,

Has your Rheum thought about trying a different biologic, instead of Enbrel?

I don't expect to feel normal again, my goal is to just feel better. You have a lot of things going on in your life. Our youngest 'child' was almost 30 when I was diagnosed. I am self-employed, so I have more flexibility for my hours. Hopefully, you will find some more relief soon

Welcome jteach - sorry you had to join us.

It took me ten years of suffering form moderate/severe RA before I found my magic bullet. Been in true remission for 19 months now. Some find the bullet through med combo - while others like myself find it in avoiding certain foods.

My point is to keep your mind open to all possibilities. If you happen to notice a connection between certain foods/drinks and an uptick of symptoms - look into it further. If certain meds work and others don't - research what each targets. It'll help you predict what will work next.

And no matter how long you've had RA or how advanced it is - you can still go into remission. My mother has advanced RA and twisted hands - yet she enjoyed almost two decades of pain free remission on the AP. Remission happens :)

Thanks so much for your replies! I'm open to any and all treatment options. I have tried gluten free, dairy free and I was a vegetarian for 12 years. I did not notice a change in my symptoms. I eat healthy and exercise ( walk and yoga) when I have time :) I think I have been in denial and now am realizing I have limitations. Thanks again for the support!

I want to welcome you.
Wow sounds like you have a busy life.
Enbrel twice a week?
I've heard of the twice a week from one other person, seems rare.
Or I just don't know as many RA patients.
Either way if this does not work & you've given it sufficient time perhaps asking to explore the next treatment option.
3 months seems to be the time frame doctors want with most of these meds.
I'll start inquiring after 8-10 wks.
It's best to have a back up plan to research.
Now a days it's learning what meds your insurance covers also.
Supplements seem to make a difference with me also.
I stay on my vit B, magnesium potassium , calcium, D & if my stomach allows a good multi.
If I skip that magnesium for to long I feel it. For what ever reason.

I was on Enbrel & it did help. Went through a short time frame where I felt almost "normal". Short lived but it sure was nice.
There are those that experience remission or great relief so I never give up hope. At the same time I have no expectations.
Exhaustion & brain fog are more common then I'd prefer. I'm happy on the days they are not real dominant.
Hoping you find the relief you deserve. Hang in there.
Sammy

Hello and welcome! There will be a lot of those not great days-but as we adjust (both physically and mentally) using tricks we find work better for us as an individual...then we will find how much "living" we can do!

For me, no, I never have felt "normal" again. I pretty much "feel" my RA. However, for having RA, I feel pretty good. The drugs have helped me a lot. I usually have a bit of swelling every day, and if not everyday, at least a couple of times a week. Sometimes I have periods of fatigue. I can still bowl, still go on long walks, still am physically active, etc. Also, I still work and am a caregiver to my husband.