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...
It's been awhile since I've posted...sorry about that. Just that I've had a rough summer and starting off with a rough winter. Major flares at least 3-4 days a week, a couple of surgeries thrown in and you can see why I haven't felt like posting.
I've gone through so many medicines and none have really knocked this pain and inflammation down. Enbrel, Humira, and now Orencia (not started as of today, still pondering about it. Humira cause major lymph node problems and had 6 removed from under my arm. Oncoligist suggested I don't do any of the Bio meds....but RA doctor wants me to try Orencia. I've heaard it takes months to kick in? I'm on Celebrex, Prednisone and pain pills for now and the Celebrex does OK but not long lasting and I'm usually in a flare in the morning until I can take that first pill and then it's a couple of hours before I feel relief.
I many have been missing for some time from the board but I have followed it at least three or four times a week. Hi to all the new people and good to see the regulars still here. Just thought I'd drop in and give you and update and let you know I'm still kicking, just not as high.
Take care and God Bless....
Gary
I've gone through so many medicines and none have really knocked this pain and inflammation down. Enbrel, Humira, and now Orencia (not started as of today, still pondering about it. Humira cause major lymph node problems and had 6 removed from under my arm. Oncoligist suggested I don't do any of the Bio meds....but RA doctor wants me to try Orencia. I've heaard it takes months to kick in? I'm on Celebrex, Prednisone and pain pills for now and the Celebrex does OK but not long lasting and I'm usually in a flare in the morning until I can take that first pill and then it's a couple of hours before I feel relief.
I many have been missing for some time from the board but I have followed it at least three or four times a week. Hi to all the new people and good to see the regulars still here. Just thought I'd drop in and give you and update and let you know I'm still kicking, just not as high.
Take care and God Bless....
Gary
I found Orencia took a long time to kick in and wasn't a great help. I am on my 4th biologic and am still waiting for that magic "cocktail of meds" that will work for me. RA is not for the faint-hearted.
I hope you will find some relief soon.
did you bake for the grandchildren this christmas? :)
glad to see you
this is truly a conundrum for you and your doctors.
orencia can take up to a full 6 months for effect.
did the doctor bring up rituxan as a possible treatment for you?
I am sorry you have had these additional medical and treatment challenges.
this is how i feel about my lungs and biologics. orencia may not work well for me but i have not had oxygen for my lungs since March, while on Orencia and I have not had a pneumonia. it is such a fine fine line between treatment options and co-challenges.
I am thinking of you.
don't be a stranger
depot
Orencia is slow to kick in, but it is a different type of drug than Enbrel and Humira. I have not had side effects from it, but did from the other two. It may be worth a try. Something's gotta give, right?
Wendy
Be well and stay warm
Bluedogs2
I'm so sorry you've had such a rough time.
It's miserable to flare like that.
Miserable to face the unknowing.
Just starting Orencia also. Suppose to have far less side effects even though it takes longer to kick in. According to my dr it has a pretty good success rate.
I Understand your concerns. Thats a big decision.
I truly hope it gets better. This has to be tough on you.
Prayers & hugs, Sammy